Small Engine Repair Saga (Latest news)

[n2ize]

Here's the latest news on the gas string trimmer that I have been repairing. Just to bring you up to date the problem is that it doesn't take fuel properly. When I press the primer bulb it won't suck gas. If I choke the engine and pill the started enough times I can sometimes get enough gas into it to get it to run for a couple minutes before it eventually conks out. Sometimes if I am running it and I tilt it one way the mixture will run to lean, if I tilt it the other way it runs rich.

It uses a Walbro carbuerator. Just yesterday I rebuilt the carburator, I replaced the screens, welch plugs, regulator needle, diaphragm, gaskets, etc. I also replaced the fuel lines and filter. The result ?? The primer still won;t suck gas and it still runs like a piece-o-shit.

The only part I didn't replace was the check valve that sits directly under the primer bulb. As far as I can see that is the only remaining part that can be causing the problem. Everything else is either new or just like new. Only problem is that I need to figure out if I can just replace the rubber check valve or, if I have to replace the whole cover + check valve. That is about the only part left that can be causing issues with fuel intake. Now, finding a dealer that has these particular parts. Tthey seem to be sort of scarce.

In any event , that is the latest episode of the quest to get the trimmer working again,

[NQ6U]

I just traded my gasoline-powered lawnmower for an electric. $99, couldn't pass it up.

[w2amr]

Here's the latest news on the gas string trimmer that I have been repairing. Just to bring you up to date the problem is that it doesn't take fuel properly. When I press the primer bulb it won't suck gas. If I choke the engine and pill the started enough times I can sometimes get enough gas into it to get it to run for a couple minutes before it eventually conks out. Sometimes if I am running it and I tilt it one way the mixture will run to lean, if I tilt it the other way it runs rich.

It uses a Walbro carbuerator. Just yesterday I rebuilt the carburator, I replaced the screens, welch plugs, regulator needle, diaphragm, gaskets, etc. I also replaced the fuel lines and filter. The result ?? The primer still won;t suck gas and it still runs like a piece-o-shit.

The only part I didn't replace was the check valve that sits directly under the primer bulb. As far as I can see that is the only remaining part that can be causing the problem. Everything else is either new or just like new. Only problem is that I need to figure out if I can just replace the rubber check valve or, if I have to replace the whole cover + check valve. That is about the only part left that can be causing issues with fuel intake. Now, finding a dealer that has these particular parts. Tthey seem to be sort of scarce.

In any event , that is the latest episode of the quest to get the trimmer working again,

Position the string close to the Weeds, then keep pulling the recoil really fast.

[n2ize]

Position the string close to the Weeds, then keep pulling the recoil really fast.

Hah !! I was joking about that with my brother a couple weeks ago. We were trying to get it running and I said "just keep pulling the recoil".

[N2RJ]

I have a troy-bilt 4 cycle trimmer. Lasted approximately 5 years. It died this year. I used to drain the carb at the end of the season and fill back with fresh gas but after a while it refused to start. Tried adjusting the valve clearance, no difference. It's getting fuel and an ignition spark but no go. Don't know why.

In the end I bought a new hitachi 2 cycle with a 7 year warranty. I do have to mix gas and oil now but this new unit is MUCH better than the troy-bilt. I had good experience with the brand since I had bought a $79 (A/R) handheld leaf blower.

[KG4CGC]

A 4 cycle motor has a proper carburetor. Usually in the case of lawn equipment, they are simple enough to take apart and clean and reassemble without fear. Jets need a simple soak and then shot through with spray carb cleaner and then compressed air from a can. It will always be the carburetor. If it can't mist fuel and mix air properly, it simply will not run.

[N2RJ]

A 4 cycle motor has a proper carburetor. Usually in the case of lawn equipment, they are simple enough to take apart and clean and reassemble without fear. Jets need a simple soak and then shot through with spray carb cleaner and then compressed air from a can. It will always be the carburetor. If it can't mist fuel and mix air properly, it simply will not run.

While that is true, you need new gaskets when putting it back together. I don't think I can find for this particular trimmer.

One day I'll take it apart and bathe the whole thing in carb cleaner.

[W5GA]

Don't know if this applies to your trimmer or not, Ryan, but I just found out that older Briggs motors have points/condenser in addition to the magneto. Gotta pull the flywheel to get at them.

[KG4CGC]

One important thing, keep the gaskets away from carb cleaner. Keep all the rubber parts away. A little mineral oil (baby oil) and Vaseline™ will rejuvenate old gaskets as long as they're not broken or cracked. Simply remove all residue when reinstalling.

[w2amr]

Don't know if this applies to your trimmer or not, Ryan, but I just found out that older Briggs motors have points/condenser in addition to the magneto. Gotta pull the flywheel to get at them.

When I rebuilt my dad's mower I replaced them with a solid state unit, works great.