How to Start a Weed Eater Gas Trimmer With a Warm Engine

Weed Eater brand gas trimmers have become a staple for home lawn and garden maintenance. Gas trimmers are lightweight, inexpensive and versatile. They can be used for a variety of tasks including trimming, mowing, scalping, sweeping and edging your lawn and flowerbeds. But before you can trim your lawn with it you have to be able to start it. Starting a warm engine requires a slightly different procedure than starting the engine when it is cold.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety glasses
• Properly mixed 2-cycle engine fuel
• Rag or paper towels

1. Put on a pair of safety glasses or goggles. Place the Weed Eater gas trimmer on its side on the ground with the fuel cap facing up. Remove the fuel cap by twisting it counter-clockwise until it is free of its threads. Set the fuel cap aside.

2. Fill the fuel reservoir with the properly mixed fuel. Wipe up any spills with a rag or paper towels. Replace the fuel cap by twisting it clockwise until it is fully seated and tight. Dispose of the rag in an approved container.

3. Move the gas trimmer at least 10 feet away from the fueling site. Set the engine on the ground with the trimmer shield resting on the ground away from obstructions. Extend the trimmer line approximately 4 inches from the trimmer head to provide a proper load on the engine. Insure the trimmer head is off the ground and that the line has adequate room to rotate.

4. Move the ignition switch, located on the opposite side of the fuel cap behind the starter rope, to the “On” position. Move the choke, located to the rear of the ignition switch to its “Half” position.

5. Grasp the throttle grip firmly. Squeeze the throttle trigger, located beneath the throttle grip. Maintain pressure throughout the starting procedure.

6. Grasp the starter rope with your free hand. Pull the starter rope sharply until the engine runs, but not more than 5 times. Keep throttle trigger fully engaged until the engine runs smoothly. If the engine does not start after 5 pulls proceed to Step 7.

7. Move the ignition switch to the “Off” position. Move the Choke to the “Off” position. Allow the gas trimmer to rest for 5 minutes. Move the ignition switch back to the “On” position. Repeat Steps 5 and 6.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep hands and feet away from the trimmer head. The trimmer head will rotate rapidly while starting.
• The muffler can get extremely hot after the Weed Eater gas trimmer has operated for only a short time and can cause serious burns. Do not allow the muffler to come in contact with your body.