I'm guessing you have crud built up inside the carb if it wasn't run dry when you parked it 8 yrs ago. A lot of folks swear by stabil and other products but I've had good luck when I park my summer eqpt for the winter to siphon the gas tank empty and start it up and let it run at full throttle until it dies. I also do this w/ all my 2 strokes. Same goes for my snowblower in the spring.
Mike

Take a look in the carb if you did not run it âÂÂBone Dryâ or if you used an additive that long. It will be a good experience and possibly a time saver. You possibly will find some needs running fresh fuel and carb cleaner w/n solve. Mainly since you have symptoms that there is a problem that would be good to identify.

I have 2 chainsaws I need to start with fresh treated fuel. I try not to let any small equipment sit over 6 mo w/o running with fresh Stabil treated fuel. This need is causing me to move some of my extra equipment vs the work or neglect. Stabil has worked good but I have not gone over a year mainly in a boatâÂÂs Eng. Good Luck!