Trimmer won't start

[NW Redneck]

I have a Homelite gas trimmer that won't start. It's been getting harder to start for a while and now won't start at all. I've got spark and gas, but no vroom-vroom. Pulled the plug (<1yr old) and it's clean and in good shape. Plug was good and wet so it's getting gas. (I think I flooded it the first time, so I pulled the plug and let it dry out but didn't help) It seems to spark ok when it's out and held against the block. What should the gap be? It's at .024 right now. Gas is fresh. Foam filter is clean. Any Ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trimmer won't start

Hey Redneck..... You seem to be doing everything the right way. The quickest solution is fresh gas and a new plug.... even a worn plug will spark but those small 2 stokes are very picky.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Trimmer won't start

Thanks Bob. I'll go get a new plug and try it. Any Idea what the gap should be?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trimmer won't start

I would be willing to bet .020 will work fine.

When you have the plug out pull it a few times to clear it out too.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Trimmer won't start

OK, it's definitely a fuel issue. It's getting WAYYYYY too much gas. To the point where it's dripping out the exhaust after several pulls. I took the carb apart and everything looked ok. The 'float needle' tip looked ok (red rubber) and didn't see anything in the seat area that would keep it from sealing. Gusess I'll have to look and see if a carb kit is available. Thanks for the tips Bob!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Trimmer won't start

Chances are the carb needs to be rebuilt. Gas today does not have a long shelf life and gas mixed with two stroke oil tends to sit around longer then regular gas. Drain all the old gas from the tank and continue to push on the primer bulb till all gas is out then try mixing fresh gas and oil then try again. My guess though is the carb needs to be taken apart and cleaned and possibly rebuilt. Go to an amsoil web site and check out amsoil sabre. I switched to this about 3 years ago and have not had any problems with any of my two stroke motors. It is mixed 100 to 1 and I use it for everything including ice auger, chainsaw, weed whacker, leaf blower. I am sure I will take a thrashing on how lean this stuff is mixed but it sure makes my two stroke stuff run great and every thing has one mix so the gas goes faster and does not sit around.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Trimmer won't start

Pull the muffler off and remove the spark arresting screen. It should run fine then. With use the screen will build up (plug up} with carbon and unburnt fuel. This will prevent the unit from exhausting correctly. And the engine won't run. It will appear as the engine is flooding or getting to much gas.