Leonard Bartlett
This is a familiar situation for every gardener. We all store away our trimmers at the end of the growing season and then in the early spring before our first fresh cut, the machine for some reason doesn't want to start. It's very frustrating not only when it comes to trimmers but all working tools that rest over the winter. The even worse thing is when your weed eater works normally, and then just won't start. Before you go to the repairman, try some tricks and hints that may work for you and save you time and money. Most trimmers are simple enough so even you as a layman could fix it.
Fuel issues
First of all, check your gas tank, it sounds silly but an empty gas tank is not uncommon. Also, make sure that you mixed fuel with the correct ratio of oil. Keep in mind that the fuel should be less than 3 months old so it can move nicely through the carburetor to the particle plug. If everything is set, remember to shake your mixture from time to time because oil and gasoline tend to separate over time. If you try to start your trimmer too many times or it has been turned on one side for some time, it could result in a flooded engine. If that's the case with your weed eater, turn the choke lever and burn off the excess fuel. Wait for about 15 minutes and then start your machine again.
Air filter blockade
If you have problems with the engine that starts and then quickly stops, the problem could be in the air filters. Just like any other thing with the engine if there is no oxygen that moves easily through the system, you will have problems with starting and keeping your trimmer running. That's why we have an air filter and because of his role, he can easily end up blocked. Cleaning or replacing is very simple.
Spark plug malfunctions
Even if you badly mixed your fuel and your air filters are dirty, you should get some response from your weed eater. If that's not the case, the problem could be in the spark plug. Dirty spark plugs are a common occurrence but luckily you can deal with them pretty easily. All you need to do is to clean spark plugs wire brush and a little bit of gas, and it'll do the job. Sparks are important because they fire up the engine. Also, when you remove the spark plug, make sure to check for any cracks or gaps. If you find any gaps, you must get a new spark plug. Spark plugs are pretty cheap and if you did everything we mentioned earlier, even replace it and still have problems, you should ask the repairman for some help.
Carburetors
The carburetor is practically the heart of the engine system and if you have problems with it, it will be very hard to start your weed eater. The Primmer button could be a great help in this case because it sprays fuel and helps spark plug to start the engine. Also, cleaning the carburetor requires a lot of time to take off all the dirt and dust. In some cases, you will be forced to replace it. This is a very sensitive part. Carburetor replacements are pretty cheap and easily available so probably it's a better solution than going for a new trimmer.
Problems with electric and battery weed eater?
If we talk about electric trimmers then the most obvious problem with starting is the power source. So check all the electric cables and the electrical outlet itself. Do the same thing with the trimmer on batteries and make sure that the charger works properly. Check all fuses as well just to make sure there are no problems with the power source. Extension cords also could spoil over time.
Final thoughts
To sum up, any problem you have with your weed eater is probably easily solvable even by yourself. Replacement parts are not expensive and are readily available. So, before any hasty decision, look over your problems, it could save you a lot of money and time!
