How to Repair Weed Eaters

Weed Eater is a generic term applied to a wide range of string trimmers used to cut grass and weeds in a landscape. Weed Eater is also a brand of string trimmer many homeowners use. Repairing a Weed Eater can involve the inspection of all operating aspects to determine where the trouble lies. This process is known as troubleshooting and can help pinpoint and repair various problems.

Things You'll Need

• Gasoline
• 40:1 ratio, 2-cycle engine oil
• Fuel container
• Spark plug wrench
• Replacement spark plug
• Stiff bristle brush
• Water
• Liquid dish detergent
• Rag
• Trimmer line (.080 diameter)
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Mix new fuel for the Weed Eater in a fuel container. Add 3.2 ounces of 40:1 ratio, 2-cycle engine oil to the container. Pour in about 1 cup of gasoline and swirl the liquids to mix thoroughly. Fill the container with 1 gallon total of gasoline.

2. Remove the cap from the fuel tank, fill the tank and replace the cap on the tank securely.

3. Remove the spark plug wire from the tip of the spark plug. Place a spark plug wrench over the plug and turn. Pull the spark plug from the Weed Eater engine and clean any dirt, debris or carbon deposits with a stiff bristle brush. Replace a worn or damaged plug with a suitable replacement.

4. Place the new or cleaned spark plug back in the Weed Eater engine and tighten securely in place. Attach the spark plug wire back to the tip of the plug.

5. Remove the air filter retaining cover from the Weed Eater. Pull the filter from the housing and place in a solution of warm water and liquid dish detergent. Wipe down the inside of the air filter housing with a rag.

6. Remove the air filter from the soapy solution, rinse under running water and squeeze excess water from the filter. Allow the filter to dry thoroughly and then place back in to the air filter housing.

7. Pull the trimmer line spool from the trimmer head by pulling the tap button straight out. Remove the spool from the trimmer head, pull old line off and dispose of properly.

8. Cut two 12-1/2 foot lengths of .080 trimmer line with a pair of scissors. Insert the end of one 12-1/2 foot length into the small hole on the side of the trimmer spool. Wind the line around the spool and clip the end of the line in place into the notch on the side of the spool. Leave 6 to 8 inches of line extending beyond the notch on the spool.

9. Repeat the process for the second 12-1/2 foot length of line by inserting it into the second hole on the side of the spool. Wrap the line around the spool so that 6 to 8 inches of line remains and clip to the opposite side of the spool.

10. Turn the spool so it can insert into the trimmer head and feed both extending lines through the line holes in the trimmer head. Snap the spool in place into the head and pull on both lines to release from the notches on the side of the spool.

References

• Lawn and Garden Manuals Online: Weed Eater Trimmer