The stator winding that powers the bystarter is also needed to charge the battery. So that is critical. You'd have more than one problem if that fails.

I have never had a bystarter fail other than vibrating loose and leaking in air (I tightened it back up), but I've read many posts from others who have switched to a manual choke, or removed their bystarter and replaced it with a screw that they adjust manually (it requires leaning over and twisting yourself in a knot to do this).

My advice is if it works leave it alone. It it fails then look at all the options available.

 

Its working, and quite well at this point. Thanks all so much for the help, I wish it didnt come down to clean the carb 5x, but you guys were right.

I will not be letting gas sit again, too much of a pain. Most of my problems were inherited I think.

I assume I should either run them every few weeks, or just drain the carb when they are going to sit. Is that correct?

 

Draining the carb is a good idea IMO.