If this is the 'carb on the tank' model, you need to replace the diaphragm between the carb and tank. It will either be holed, or work-hardened. Either way, it will be letting in excess fuel, causing the hunting. This explains the high fuel consumption, and why it started to work just before running out (no excess fuel!).
phil_saunders@bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
May 2008