I just found this thread. Glad you got it running. An earlier poster suggested going to half choke, pull a couple times, then go to full choke. That is backwards according to the manuals for every small engine I've ever read. It's full choke till it tries to start, then half. Be listening for that "tries to start" - it will be a brief firing of the engine and you HAVE to stop there and go to half choke so you don't flood it. Another poster mentioned being careful with the choke so as not to flood it. I would agree 100% with that. If you pull it on full choke several times (my limit is about 5) and it does not try to start, STOP and go to half choke for a couple pulls - it may be already flooded with fuel and needs more air. These things can flood easily and no amount of pulling will clear it, only fresh air. If I suspect I've flooded one I go to full open on the choke (ie RUN mode) and pull a couple times. If it doesn't start I go get some ice tea and leave it for a few minutes. Once the engine is warm you may need no choke to restart it, or only half choke. Don't go to full choke on a warm engine unless it won't start without it, or you can flood it. And don't suck up bad crap. :-D

jencjudd: Your builder's response from the central vac installer clearly indicates improper installation techniques. It sounds like the installers either are not using gradual sweeps in the tubing, or the power unit is undersized. I can't even imagine how in the world a hose gets "hung up" with proper installation. LOL! Are they using an oversized pipe diameter?! There are no sharp turns (not supposed to be anyway) in the piping. Here is the proper translation to their response: "The HAH takes extra time and effort to install and I actually have to use my brain to figure out the configuration for a main trunk line and still have enough piping for hose housing that doesn't interfere with the trunk line. I have a much larger profit margin on Beam CVs.". I'm sure at some point they will also throw in my favorite phrase....."I've been doing this for 30 years....". Can your builder use a different installer? This one wouldn't make me feel very confident. : /

There are 2 different (gas pump style) handle types (at least) with 2 different mechanisms for adjusting air flow/leakage at the handle. Why I have 2 different ones I don't know. If you want maximum suction, there should be no leakage at the handle. There is a plastic piece to turn to change the leakage. I don't have the remote shut off. It was a little pricey and I figure I could add it later if I wanted. Wife hasn't requested it and I don't mind not having it. The only time I think about it is with the turbo cat since that is loud when it isn't on carpet so going from room to room (hardwood in between), it is a bit annoying. Otherwise, our motor is pretty isolated that just leaving it on is no problem.

she's noticed that the kids notice the presence or absence of goody bags, and is trying to be a good mom and hostess. FWIW. If goody bags are "expected" in your area, she should try to do something. It depends on the type of kids in the area Niece is crazy over the Jonas Brothers (heaven help us), and will be getting a JB pinata, and the kids can carry home whatever candy they collect in little bags. We're also going to look for the aforementioned pinwheels, or something equally inexpensive and relatively entertaining for the kiddos to take home when the party ends. I love the idea of crafts - in fact, on niece's last birthday, the kids decorated crowns and took them home (it was a princess theme), but there probably won't be enough time. The party will be scheduled for only a little over an hour, though, during which time cake and ice cream will be served and the pinata will be the primary entertainment. Don't the JB's wear 80's style sunglasses? I think they wear vests too. Maybe adding those to the party, take digital pics of everyone in their JB shades & get one vest that everyone uses for their shot, print them out and give on in a pre-decorated JB frame? Too bad the party isnt longer, she should be able to find cardboard type frames.. they can paint their names on them or something JB.. maybe glue JB pics to the frame? I have seen parties where one of the activites was their take away gift - like painted t shirts, decorated wooden frames (take pic of whole group to include), wooded vehicle sets you put together (Michael's has a bunch for $1). I love this idea For her, it isn't just a party bag -- it's a thank you gift to the friend for attending her party. If you ask her opinion, she probably think it's totally uncool not to have party bags. That's how I've always looked at goody bags as a thank you for coming Wow...never would have crossed my mind to give out goodie bags. My kids didn't, and I honestly can't remember them getting them. But then, my kids quit having kiddy parties over 10 years ago! haha. I can tell you that its a different world these days. My son is 24, gift bags weren't a big deal but these days it's all about the gift bag. I think we have Hollywood to partially blame for this.. Think Paris Hilton, star parties where they get gift bags with the latest phone or video game system. Lots of celebrity mags talk about gift bags, win the gift bag from such & such party, it's like a status symbol to get the best gift bag.