Trimmer Trouble
- Thread starter motorguy222
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Those small 2-stroke engines get their spark plugs oil fouled very quickly. I've had some where I've cleaned the plug well, and it still doesn't work. Replace the plug and see what happens.
Also, make sure your oil/fuel mixture isn't too high.
This small engine has a pretty small "opportunity window", where all the conditions needed to run properly exist. That "window" gets smaller when you have excess oil in the fuel, the cylinder compression gets low (worn rings/cylinder), improper fuel mixture, etc.
Another thing to check: I've had a Poulan chain saw that the choke knob became detached from the choke. If your choke isn't choking, you'll never get that engine to start.
Also, make sure your oil/fuel mixture isn't too high.
This small engine has a pretty small "opportunity window", where all the conditions needed to run properly exist. That "window" gets smaller when you have excess oil in the fuel, the cylinder compression gets low (worn rings/cylinder), improper fuel mixture, etc.
Another thing to check: I've had a Poulan chain saw that the choke knob became detached from the choke. If your choke isn't choking, you'll never get that engine to start.
Always remember that an engine needs four things to run: Spark, fuel, compression, and timing.
The first two are easiest to check.
Replace the plug - they're cheap. Check that there is a spark by removing the plug, holding on to it, and pulling the starter cord briskly. Or, if you don't like the feeling of being electrocuted, ground the plug against the cylinder, pull the cord, and observe for a bright blue spark. If you have a new plug, there could be a problem with the electronic ignition module.
Check the NEW fuel line to make sure it is on snug, not pinched, or damaged during install. Pull the cord with a DRY plug installed, remove the plug, and look for signs of gas (wetness). If dry, it might be a carb problem or fuel line problem.
The compression and timing will be covered in the next class.
I have also seen many people run 2 cycles too long at less than full throttle and carbon up the muffler screen enough to keep the engine from running. Remove the muffler and clean the internal screen and ports.
Good luck!
The first two are easiest to check.
Replace the plug - they're cheap. Check that there is a spark by removing the plug, holding on to it, and pulling the starter cord briskly. Or, if you don't like the feeling of being electrocuted, ground the plug against the cylinder, pull the cord, and observe for a bright blue spark. If you have a new plug, there could be a problem with the electronic ignition module.
Check the NEW fuel line to make sure it is on snug, not pinched, or damaged during install. Pull the cord with a DRY plug installed, remove the plug, and look for signs of gas (wetness). If dry, it might be a carb problem or fuel line problem.
The compression and timing will be covered in the next class.
I have also seen many people run 2 cycles too long at less than full throttle and carbon up the muffler screen enough to keep the engine from running. Remove the muffler and clean the internal screen and ports.
Good luck!
Make sure that there isn't a crack in the little primer bulb. These things deteriorate with age and can cause a major air leak in the fuel system.
The carburetor doesn't have a float bowl but it does use a little rubber diaphragm to control fuel flow. Take off the cover that is held on with 4 screws and make sure that the diaphragm isn't cracked.
Sometimes these little buggers can give you fits.
The carburetor doesn't have a float bowl but it does use a little rubber diaphragm to control fuel flow. Take off the cover that is held on with 4 screws and make sure that the diaphragm isn't cracked.
Sometimes these little buggers can give you fits.
Thanks for the help guys.I will try and check the carb and get a new plug.It hasnt been used very much and has been taken good care of.It ran really good until the fuel line problem,now it runs for only at most a minute or two and then quits.
Try loosening the gas cap mommentarily when it quits and then see if it runs another minute or 2. If it does, it sounds like a tank venting problem, although I'd expect it to run for more than a couple minutes.
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