will not start

[Vince]

I've tried everything to get this trimmer to start but can't get it going. New plug, new gas, fuel is flowing good. one out of every 7 pulls it starts and runs for about 5 seconds. Please help.

[UtahAV]

Hi Vince,

It sounds to me like your trimmer is going to need some carburetor work. The carburetor can become clogged with dirt, grass, or any other small debris. If gas is left sitting in the trimmer for more than a couple of months it begins to breakdown and will varnish the insides of the carburetor.

To make the repair you will need to either rebuild or replace the carburetor. It is always a good idea to replace the air filter and the fuel filter at the same time. This will help to prevent debris getting into your new carburetor. Also take a close look at the fuel lines for any damage. Small pieces of a deteriorating fuel line can clog a carburetor.

You didn't mention the brand and model number of your trimmer. If you would like to post that information I would be glad to try and help you find the correct parts to make the repair.

I hope this helps you with your repair!

-UtahAV
-Mark

[UtahAV]

Sorry Vince, I just noticed you put the model number in the thread title. Here are a few part numbers to help you out. There is no carb kit offered for this model so I will post the number of the new carb. The fuel lines and fuel filter are sold as an assembly with the fuel tank.

Carburetor - #308054013
Tank assembly with fuel lines - 308181005
Air Filter - 98760

Good luck with your repair!

-UtahAV
-Mark

[jimmj43]

I'm drawing on my own experiences with a Mac10 chainsaw and a Homelite string trimmer - both of which would begin to run, but then stall.

On the Homelite string trimmer I began by replacing the deteriorating fuel lines. And I did a heckuva job. Except... I reversed the fuel and vent lines at the carb. With a full tank, the trimmer would start & run, but as soon as I started swinging it around it'd falter & die. The vent hose has no weighted screen pickup inside the tank. And it only penetrated the tank maybe an inch. When the gas sloshed as I swung the machine, the vent line (acting as the fuel line) would suck air. Correcting the mistaken switch (and installing new fuel lines) fixed the problem.

The Mac 10 chainsaw would start and run until I put a load on it, at which time it would die. But it would run fine with the carb cover & filter removed. The foam air filter material was sodden. Turned out that the 'fast' mixture screw was set way too rich. Revved up and under load, excess fuel would spray back out of the carb throat - saturating the filter material which inhibited air flow. I leaned out the mixture, cleaned & squeezed out the filter material, put it back together and got back to cutting firewood.