How to Repair a Gas Weed Wacker

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Gas and oil

  • Spark plug wrench

  • Carburetor cleaner

  • Screw driver

  • Grease lubricant

Image Credit: Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images

Gas weed whackers, also referred to as trimmers, are used for trimming weeds and grass along walkways, fence lines and other area that a mower cannot reach. A small gas engine is attached to an aluminum tube which houses a drive line which powers the string head of the trimmer. There are several companies which produce trimmers trimmers in a variety of horse power models. Due to normal use it may become necessary to repair a weed whacker which involves the use of basic tools.

Advertisement

Step 1

Empty any old or existing fuel mixture from the gas tank. Make a new mixture of gas and oil and pour into the tank. Starting and rough idle problems with a weed whacker may be due to old mixture or the wrong ratio of gas to oil, see reference.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Pull straight out from the plug to remove the wire and cap. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug be turning to the left or counter clock wise. Inspect the plug for black fouling. Wipe the plug clean or replace if burned.

Advertisement

Step 3

Remove the air cleaner cover. Locate the air cleaner on the side of the trimmer which will typically be a small round or square unit mounted over the carburetor. Use a screw driver or press the release tabs and remove the cover. Remove the foam filter and, wash with soapy water and rinse clean.

Advertisement

Step 4

Spray carburetor cleaner into the carburetor and the linkage located just below. Make sure to direct the stream of cleaner so that any visible deposits of grease and dirt are removed. Reassemble the filter and cover.

Step 5

Apply grease lubricant to drive line and trimmer head. The drive line and trimmer head may have accessible points which allow for adding grease. Apply a small amount as too much grease can clog or interfere with the normal operation of the trimmer.

Tip

Make sure the trimmer head is loaded with the correct amount and diameter of trimmer line.

Warning

Use caution when working with small engines, make sure the engine is completely cool before beginning work. Keep open flame and heat sources away from gas and oil.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...