I said I would report back. Well, after speaking with many people smarter than I, the consensus was that it was a fuel problem. So I decided to just take on the task of rebuilding the carburetor. I have never done that but what the heck. At this stage I am done except that I cannot figure out how to re-engage the spring on the mechanical choke. There is no little hole to put it in and I can't figure out where it goes. Such a small thing but important. I expect this is not something someone can explain with words so may just have to take the darn things to a mechanic. The carb is a Weber 34 DMSA. Any suggestions would be appreciated.