Finally got the weed eater running!!!

[VaTom]

I like to fix things myself. Being retired I have the time. My Stihl FS45 weed eater was giving me fits for several weeks. Hard to start. After watching numerous you tube videos I finally found the culprit after replacing a couple of small items and.
1. Replaced the primer bulb
2. New spark plug
3. Fuel lines and filter OK. Air filter ok.
4. Took off carburetor and sprayed it with cleaner and blew out with air.
5. Cleaned spark arrestor on muffler.
Still would not start. Seemed to be flooding out. Plug wet, primer bulb working. Finally a video this am solved the problem. The fuel metering diaphragm gets hard over time. Sits under the primer bulb. Will cause the machine to stay flooded. Easily replaced. The video guy gave another fix that works sometimes. Oil the diaphragm to soften it up. Rubbed some REM Oil on it, wiped it off, reinstalled and started right up. Will order a new diaphragm from Amazon for $3.

 

[Bozz10mm]

Isn't that a great feeling to fix something yourself? Way to go.

 

[Rubone]

My lawn mower was getting impossible to start, figured out it was a carb problem. no luck cleaning but found a new carb complete with air filter, and spark plug for $16. Took about 15 minutes to R&R the old one, runs like a champ..

 

[Model52guy]

I fixed mine with a 60V dewalt string trimmer.

 

[bamashooter]

My little Kawi 4-wheeler was running crappy (needed to be on full choke) and leaking gas into the oil. It had a bad seat which was pressed in. Could have drilled it out, etc. This was 2 years ago. I purchased a 19.00 carb online which came with fuel lines, gaskets, clips, air cleaner. Had both idle and a/f mix screws. Has been fine ever since.

 

[Rudi]

I have a lot of weeds, if you want to test it out.

 

[1sailor]

As a longtime homeowner I fought with my gas-powered yard equipment for years. I finally got tired of all the fighting. A few years ago I went all electric and it's the best decision in power equipment I've made. When I'm done with my chores I just put the tool away. When I need it again, I just plug it in, and it works immediately. No more running to the gas station to fill a can, no more asking where in the heck my two-stroke oil went. No more standing out in the hot sun pulling a starting cord that doesn't start anything. Electric yard tools have improved immensely over the last decade or so. I realize that with proper care and diligence gas powered equipment works great and can last for years but I guess I just was never careful enough.

 

[Rustyt1953]

My oldest SIL is a senior millwright. My youngest SIL is a certified ice, diesel and EV mechanic. My oldest grandson is becoming an accomplished mechanic and welder.

I no longer know where my tools are.

 

[VaTom]

I did buy a battery Stihl weed eater about a year ago and really like it. I only use the gas one on my ditch line when the grass gets too high. I became obsessed with getting the gas one fixed w/o taking it to a small engine person. Carbs are easy to replace and inexpensive on Amazon (about 15-20 $). That was going to be my next option.

 

[Spurdann]

With these small engines 93 octane is your friend.

 

[pharmer]

With these small engines 93 octane is your friend.

Ethanol free is most important in small engines. Joe

 

[Bugkiller99]

My oldest SIL is a senior millwright. My youngest SIL is a certified ice, diesel and EV mechanic. My oldest grandson is becoming an accomplished mechanic and welder.

I no longer know where my tools are.

IDK, sounds like you have it narrowed down to 3 possibilities.

 

[oldbrownhat]

As a longtime homeowner I fought with my gas-powered yard equipment for years. I finally got tired of all the fighting. A few years ago I went all electric and it's the best decision in power equipment I've made...

My gf is an obsessive gardener and went "all Stihl electric" a few years ago and hasn't looked back. I inherited her Stihl gas weedeater (w. two interchangeable heads- string and blade) when my old Echo one died and it's still going strong. I'd probably go electric now but the gas one was free and I still have two Stihl gas chainsaws.

As to ethanol-free gas, we can't get it here now. Best is Chevron 94 octane.

BTW I had a problem with the clutch on the Stihl after not using it for a while and went online for help. Found an excellent YT channel from a gal in Arkansas who goes under the name "Chickanic". Clear and informative.