How Can I Check for Spark on My Weed Eater?

You may need to replace a spark plug if yours is not firing well.

A Weed Eater is a brand of lawn trimmer or "weed whacker" commonly used to cut taller grass and weeds around hard-to-mow areas. Those that are powered by gas or a gas mixture have a standard small engine requiring a spark plug. If you are having trouble starting your Weed Eater, check the spark plug to make sure it is giving your ignition enough fire to get going. If it isn't, you must replace it. If the spark plug is firing, you have a problem elsewhere in the ignition system or fuel line.

Things You'll Need

• Spark plug socket and wrench set
• Assistant (optional)

Instructions

1. Find the rubber boot that covers the spark plug in your Weed Eater engine. It is a rounded piece of black rubber, most likely sticking up out of the engine to the side, depending on your Weed Eater model. It should be very obvious. If, for some reason you can't locate it, check your owner's manual.

2. Remove the spark plug from the engine with a spark plug socket and wrench.

3. Make sure the Weed Eater is on before checking for spark. As with any device, it can be dangerous to work with the Weed Eater when it's on. Turning it on, though, is the only way to check for a spark. If you are very concerned about this, disengage the trimmer wheel from the Weed Eater before proceeding.

4. Ground the spark plug by placing the hexagonal part of the plug on a bare metal part of the engine. Make sure there is no spilled fuel near it anywhere.

5. Pull the rope of the Weed Eater to check for spark. A blue spark will jump across the gap between the plug and the ignition.Do not pull the trigger at the same time, this can engage the motor, which you do not want while you are holding the spark plug. You may want to have a friend help you if you are having trouble holding the plug on the metal and pulling the cord at the same time.

6. Replace the plug if it shows a weak or yellow spark or if there is no spark at all.

Tips & Warnings

• If you no longer have your owner's manual, you can download one from the Internet.

References

• M&D Mower and Appliance: Small Engine Repair
• Weed Eater: Operator's Manual