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You go out to start your brush cutter, weed whacker, or string trimmer and it won't start. If you've tried a few times and it still won't start, and you smell gasoline, you've probably flooded it. Wait about 10 minutes before you try again to give the gas time to evaporate.
If it still doesn't start, I'd like to tell you the procedure we use here on our farm when this happens and how we solve the problem with our Stihl brush cutter. Although we have a Stihl, most brush cutters and string trimmers will be similar to work with, use these steps as guidelines in conjunction with your manual.
The first thing my husband does is swear. This step is completely optional, but it seems to help him.
The problem may be:
Let's look at each of these steps, to pinpoint the problem and find the solution to get you back to work.
Remove the spark plug and if there's gas on it, that's good as it means the gas is getting through.
The spark plug may be getting coked up if your engine isn't running at its best. Also if your air filter is dirty, this will affect your spark plug.
If your spark plug is dirty use a fine emery paper to remove any deposits around the electrodes. If you have a gapping tool that measures the distance, in a spark plug, it should be 0.02 inches (0.5mm). If the gap is too large use a pair of pliers to minimize the space.
The spark plug should be good for roughly 100 hours of use so if yours is getting close to those hours; this is an easy and inexpensive fix.
The next step should be to check your air filter. It's easy to think that cutting grass and weeds shouldn't clog it, but if you've been working in a dry and dusty environment, it could be the problem. Tap out the dust and if yours is a type which is felt you can wash it. Leave it to dry completely before returning it to the machine.
This is something which you'll want to check frequently if your cutting is kicking up a lot of dust. By cleaning the air filter, this will stop that coughing and sputtering noise you may be experiencing with your machine. By periodically checking the air filter, you'll be helping your machine work to its best.
We live near sand dunes and have strong winds, so dust particles are a common problem for us.
One of the last things to check will be the carburetor; this could likely be the cause if your brush cutter has been left standing for some time as gasoline may have clogged it up. As the gasoline begins to evaporate, what is left behind is a sticky residue.
Here on our farm, the carburetor is our main problem as the gasoline where we live is combined with alcohol and is full of grit. Although we use a funnel with a fine filter, small debris gets through and can clog up the jets in the carburetor.
The quality of fuel you use is important, and a higher octane (89 or above) is suggested by most manufacturers of brush cutters. When the octane is lower, you'll get a pinging, and your machine will run less efficiently.
If you don't know the recommended octane level for your brush cutter, check your manual which came with your string trimmer. If you don't have it any longer, most manufacturers offer this online, and you can download it. In there they will tell you not only the recommended octane of gasoline to use but also the correct gas to oil mixture. Your manual will also show you where the high and low-speed adjustments are (if any), some less expensive models don't have this adjustment. These adjustments will allow you to alter the amount of fuel/air going in so your machine will be working at its best. Instructions are also shown in the video below.
If your carburetor is dirty, wipe it over but don't use a carburetor cleaner, as the circuits may be damaged by this spray. You are best to use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Note: I have included a video below where the man is using a carburetor cleaner, however, I have spoken with a Stihl repair center, and they discourage using aerosol cleaners on the carburetor.
If your brush cutter won't start and you have had it for about two years, then in our experience the problem is likely to be your carburetor. Learn from our experience here; my husband has tried cleaning it and adjusting it as a way of saving money. This may work in the short-term and get it going for a while but your time is valuable. This problem is going to reoccur, and so now, when my husband knows the carburetor is on its way out, he gets a new one. For us, our nearest parts center is 40 miles away and when we know there is a problem, the time spent trying to repair the part just isn't worth it. Your time is too valuable, and the grass and the weeds aren't going to stop growing because you have a problem with your brush cutter.
Buy the part and replace it yourself. Once you can do this simple repair job, you will become more confident and will begin to realize that you can, in fact, repair virtually everything on your brush cutter. Not only does this save you money, but it also allows you to solve the problem quickly and keep your homestead or farm maintained and minimizes any downtime.
Recently we had to change the solenoid on our brush cutter. You may be wondering how my husband knew it was the problem and not something else. To understand this, you need to know what a solenoid does. It simply changes an electrical current into mechanical energy. If you have changed your spark plug and you still aren't getting a spark, it's the solenoid that needs replacing. We bought the part; my husband replaced it following the instruction regarding the size of the gap needed and a few minutes later the machine was working.
Not only was it running again, but it was also almost like he had a new machine. Although we have had the brush cutter for eight years, this was the first time he had to change the solenoid.
Now that you have got your machine working again, you'll need to wind your string on. If you're serious about your cutting and maintaining your machines, rewinding your string is something you'll need to learn.
Here on our farm, we don't mess about with those small packs seen hanging in the garden center or nursery; we buy a large roll as it works out so much cheaper.
Maxpower 333695 Residential Grade Round .095-Inch Trimmer Line 855-Foot LengthBecause we can't afford any downtime here on our farm, we buy a large roll. For us, we don't tend to buy the brand names because they are expensive. However, cheap lines can break more easily. The Maxpower is a good compromise for us. We use ours on grasses and small weeds including some dense clumps of grasses. If we have shrubs with a thick woody stalk and there are loads of them in one section, my husband would forego the line and put the blade on instead. For 98% of the cutting on our farm, we use this line.
Although they are basically the same type of cutters, they are known by different names. The brush cutter is a more robust version of a string trimmer. On some models, it will come with a blade, chainsaw or flailing chain attachment to use on scrubland or small coppices. The motor capacity will also be greater as will the weight of the machine.
Some models will also have different styles of support systems. For example, ours has a crossbody strap, others have a backpack and some, which are lighter weight, have no support.
Some of the names you may have heard are:
If your brush cutter or string trimmer won't start you need to act quickly. Here on our farm, our Stihl brush cutter is a crucial piece of equipment, and we can't afford to have it not working. Therefore, my husband has learned to troubleshoot quickly.
We know that whether we're clearing a large piece of land or simply cleaning up an area around the lawn, being without the right equipment at the right time can make the job more difficult.
It isn't a case of putting it down and hoping it will work the next time it's picked up; the problem needs sorting immediately so we can carry on with the work on our farm.
If it has been some time since you started your machine the first thing to check is that the fuel lines aren't blocked. Where we live, our gasoline is rather poor quality, and many times, although we use a filter in our gasoline funnel, small bits of debris find their way into our gasoline tank. This doesn't only cause problems with the hoses, but also the tubes.
Before we leave the subject of gasoline, if you have finished using it for the season, make sure you leave the tank empty, gas can bung up, and you don't want to have to solve the problem come spring when you need to use it again. This is an easy way to prevent future problems.
If you can get your brush cutter going, but it keeps cutting out and stalling, you might be wondering why this is occurring. This too can be caused by problems with your carburetor. Follow the guidelines above in the video and in your manual to find the perfect balance of air/gas for your machine.
When using the brush cutter, try and ensure you vary between low and high revs as using it only on low is likely to cause carbon problems and get coked up. You don't have to run it with the throttle wide open; they are made to be working with a load.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
I have GMC GL25 Model line trimmer, and it's hard to get parts for it. Now I think I need to change the carburetor. How do I find a suitable replacement?
It can be frustrating when that happens. If you have a service center, they may be able to advise you if parts are available. Sometimes other models will fit, and a service center should be able to give you that information. If you've checked online on sites such as eBay and Amazon, and still can't find the required part, then it may be time to replace the machine for one which has parts readily available.
It is poor customer service when that happens, and it makes people less likely to buy from that brand again.
I hope you find a resolution to your problem.
When I tried to start my two stroke brush cutter, it has no sparks and fuel started coming out of the exhaust pipe. What do I do?
The first thing is to check your spark plug. In the article I mention things to look for. Clean it, and check the gap is correct. Or buy a new spark plug. Changing the spark plug is an easy fix. The gas coming out is because it isn't being burned.
If you change the spark plug and it doesn't rectify the problem, it's likely your solenoid.
I used a 2-stroke line trimmer without oil now the machine won't start. What's the problem and how do I start it again?
I am sorry to be the one to give you the bad news but it's very likely you've seized up the engine. My advice is to go and buy another machine.
My Stihl fs160 keeps dropping power in the process of running. What could be the problem?
Here are a few things to check:
It could be the exhaust outlet is blocked with carbon deposits.
Remove exhaust and check and scrape away carbon if necessary.
It may also be dirt in the carburetor. Remove the carburetor and clean. Clean or change gaskets and diaphragm if necessary.
Check your fuel lines are clear and clean.
Check your fuel tank filter is clean.
Does too much oil cause my brushcutter not to start fs160
I have a Ryobi 4300A brush cutter that has run well for two years. We use it about 25 hours per month in the summer months. We stopped using it recently when it started making a rough noise at high rpm, but this goes away at idle. Could this be a big end bearing and is this an easy repair.
my rayban brushcutter not supplying fuel to the oil cup
I usually use my brushcutter to cut sometimes it gets are little wet from the rain I don't know if its because it gets wet but it won't start can you help.
Great input, it will definitely help me. I will try & let you know if any problem.
I got a chuckle out of the first step of troubleshooting: swearing.
Great step-by-step instructions, Mary!
Great advice here, Mary.
Regards,
Suhail and my dog K2
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but we call them weed whackers here, and I love using one. Now, would I disassemble one and try to fix it? Maybe, if I didn't care about the outcome. LOL Thanks for the tips and instruction, and have a great Thursday.