AMT626 with low power

[bhoward]

Recently acquired an old AMT 626 that was running well, but a few minor maintenance needs. After a short bit of use (and a general pressure washing to rinse off all the farm dust), it's been struggling to get up our fairly modest hill. It has a replacement Kawasaki motor that seemed fine when we brought it home. I've changed the spark plug, fuel filter, and drive belt. It seemed to have been topped with fresh/clean oil, so no change. Just got a new air filter, which is the next item to swap out. Haven't put any new fuel in it (yet) but draining it and putting in some non-alcohol fuel will be a next step.
Does anyone have any thoughts on why power seems to have dropped off? Could I have caused some harm with the pressure washer?

 

[Alan]

That pressure wash can get into places it shouldn't. Water in the fuel tank is the first thing I'd check if the carb was running clean before you hosed it down. Drain the tank completely and see what comes out. Also what's the fuel looking like in there now. Old gas mixed with water will cause exactly this kind of power loss.

 

[bhoward]

Thanks, Alan -- I'll definitely swap out the fuel next. The fuel cap is old, with a built-in float and dial gage that has lost its labeled cover, so it's probably leaky and maybe took on some water.