I have a 23 year old Homelite St160-A. In my experience, the number one thing I must say about that question being asked in April is - fresh gas.
also 2 cycle engines hate fuel being stored in them over winter. The unit may run poorly for 1 tank of fuel... to clean the carb. Always drain all fuel before storage.
Lastly. Look for a perforated fuel line. If the old rubber looking line, they rot cracks into them you cant see til you flex the line. This makes the carb suck air. Most often they will crack at the carb. You may be able to snip off the bad inch or so and reconnect it.
"Burdman", May 2007
