How to Troubleshoot a Weed Eater

Check your Weed Eater for problems each time you use it.

Having a Weed Eater weed trimmer around your home can make trimming hedges and long grass a lot easier, but only if it is working properly. You might encounter trouble starting the Weed Eater --- or have another issue --- and when you do experience a problem it is best to use a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and resolving it. Troubleshooting and resolving these issues on your own can trim your repair bills while the Weed Eater trims your lawn.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Spark plug

Instructions

1. Check the switches and ensure that they are all at the "On" position. All the switches on the Weed Eater must be in the "On" position when you are doing a cold start.

2. Turn the idle screw until it cannot go any further, then unscrew the idle screw one complete turn. Turn the high and low screws all the way, then turn the low screw back one full turn and the high one one and a half turns.

3. Tighten the high screw if the engine stalls when you try to start it. Tighten the low screw if the engine stalls when it is idling.

4. Remove the spark plug and check its condition if the Weed Eater engine still will not start. Replace the spark plug if it appears worn or corroded.

5. Check the fuel tank if the Weed Eater will not start. If the fuel tank is very low the Weed Eater may not sense any fuel at all. Top off the fuel and try to start the Weed Eater again. If the Weed Eater still does not start, drain the existing fuel and replace it with fresh fuel.

6. Remove the air filter from the Weed Eater and check its condition if the unit idles rough or smokes. Replace the dirty air filter with a new one.

7. Rewind the spool on the Weed Eater if the line does not advance when you use it. Replace the spool if rewinding does not fix the problem.

References

• Weed Eater: User Manual