Diaphragm carburetor with air purge system

A diaphragm carburetor-based fuel supply system (46) is equipped with an air purge system (48) that vents trapped air from the fuel supply system (46). The air purge system (48) preferably includes a vent tube (90) having an outlet opening (94) into the upper portion of the system's fuel tank (50) and an inlet (92) located as close as practical to the diaphragm chamber of the carburetor (52), preferably within an internal passage of the carburetor (52) or at least in a fitting or fuel supply tube portion located closely adjacent the fuel inlet of the carburetor (52). The resulting system requires only a few pull strokes to start a freshly fueled engine, as opposed to about 15 strokes in a system lacking such an air purge system. It also permits the use of a choke that is incapable of fully closing, thereby negating the need for a "false hit" during cold engine start.