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#1
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start.
Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank |
#2
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
frank1492 wrote:
This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank Pull the spark plug. Is it dry and 'normal' looking? Ground the end of the plug and pull the cord. with the switch in the "On" position. (or get a spark tester for a few bucks). Is there spark? There's only 3 relevant things most of the time (barring the engine being worn out). Fuel, spark and timing. If you prime the carb before checking the plug, you should see gas on it plug. Likewise, you can pour a small amount of fuel directly into the plug hole, screw plug in, and try to start. Spraying fuel into the air filter/intake does not guarantee it is getting into the cylinder. |
#3
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Thursday, May 31, 2012 11:03:39 PM UTC-5, frank1492 wrote:
This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank Something often over-looked on 2-cycles...blocked exhaust. |
#4
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
Bob_Villa wrote:
Something often over-looked on 2-cycles...blocked exhaust. Not likely on a new unit. He would have to have really overdone the oil mixture. |
#5
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 6/1/2012 12:03 AM, frank1492 wrote:
This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank I'd say, if under warranty and bought at big box store, take it back and get a new one. Getting repaired under warranty in my experience can be a PITA and the big stores will normally trade back with no question. |
#6
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:03:39 -0400, frank1492
wrote: This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank If it's still under the return policy, just return it. Otherwise maybe flooded??? I recall in the old days, to pull the plug and just pull the cord multiple times to unflood it. Check the plug to make sure it's still clean ... not full of oil at gapped end. Then put it back, prime as normal and try to start again. I know mine (different brand) is probably made by a female because it's tempermental at times. Other times, it starts fine. |
#7
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
frank1492 wrote in
: This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank perhaps the ethanol in the gas(E10) has swelled some rubber part,restricting the fuel feed? lots of people are experiencing problems in small engines with ethanol in the gas. -- Jim Yanik jyanik at localnet dot com |
#8
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a
sputter. I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. On Fri, 1 Jun 2012 01:49:39 -0400, "83LowRider" wrote: frank1492 wrote: This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank Pull the spark plug. Is it dry and 'normal' looking? Ground the end of the plug and pull the cord. with the switch in the "On" position. (or get a spark tester for a few bucks). Is there spark? There's only 3 relevant things most of the time (barring the engine being worn out). Fuel, spark and timing. If you prime the carb before checking the plug, you should see gas on it plug. Likewise, you can pour a small amount of fuel directly into the plug hole, screw plug in, and try to start. Spraying fuel into the air filter/intake does not guarantee it is getting into the cylinder. |
#9
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 1, 10:43*am, frank1492 wrote:
The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a sputter. * * I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. On Fri, 1 Jun 2012 01:49:39 -0400, "83LowRider" wrote: frank1492 wrote: This has been used only *a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried *spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. * *I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) * *I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. * *Thank you. * * * Frank Pull the spark plug. Is it dry and 'normal' looking? Ground the end of the plug and pull the cord. with the switch in the "On" position. (or get a spark tester for a few bucks). Is there spark? There's only 3 relevant things most of the time (barring the engine being worn out). Fuel, spark and timing. If you prime the carb before checking the plug, you should see gas on it plug. Likewise, you can pour a small amount of fuel directly into the plug hole, screw plug in, and try to start. Spraying fuel into the air filter/intake does not guarantee it is getting into the cylinder.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Is it under a warranty???? |
#10
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Friday, June 1, 2012 7:40:57 AM UTC-5, 83LowRider wrote:
Bob_Villa wrote: Something often over-looked on 2-cycles...blocked exhaust. Not likely on a new unit. He would have to have really overdone the oil mixture. I've seen one that had turf in it (laying in the grass to start-it)! |
#11
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:43:32 -0400, frank1492
wrote: The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a sputter. Check that the plug wire is snug on the plug (wire terminal). Ensure there are no cracks in the wire that can ground out on the engine. For giggles, does this trimmer have an on OFF/ON switch? Nothing sillier than starting an engine when the switch is "OFF"... I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. ....please let us know, for sure. |
#12
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Friday, June 1, 2012 11:26:25 AM UTC-4, Jim Yanik wrote:
perhaps the ethanol in the gas(E10) has swelled some rubber part,restricting the fuel feed? On a NEW unit, not likely. I suppose a "new" unit could be several months to over a year old, but usually new is new, a couple months at most. It takes more than a couple months for the ethanol gas to adversely effect rubber parts. Maybe some piece of crap left over from the manufacturing/assembly process got wedged in somewhere, but you would need to know something about these units to tear it down and find the obstruction. It would also require that the trimmer is past the box store's return policy, and the OP has no other option than to fix it himself or send it back to China for warranty repair. lots of people are experiencing problems in small engines with ethanol in the gas. I can say I haven't had a single issue I could attribute to ethanol in the gas, myself. I leave my string trimmer sit full of gas over the winter and it starts on the second pull every time every spring. I have a 35-year-old chainsaw that I leave mix sit in for months at a time. Always runs. |
#13
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
frank1492 wrote:
The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a sputter. I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. Well then, we know you're GETTING fuel to the carb. When you see/say the plug was wet - it shouldn't be - unless you had just very recently primed it. That doesn't say anything as to whether you're getting spark. Take the plug out, put the spark plug cap/boot on the plug. Ground the bottom of the plug against the engine. With switch turned 'on', pull the cord. You should see a spark. You'll often 'hear' it as well. |
#14
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 1, 1:49*am, "83LowRider" wrote:
If you prime the carb before checking the plug, you should see gas on it plug. The fuel from the primer bulb goes in the intake side of the crankcase. Fuel has to go thru crankcase first, before it reaches the plug on 2 strokes ( which I assume it is). He would have to push the primer bulb and the pull the starter rope for fuel to show up on the plug. Hank |
#15
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 1, 11:43*am, frank1492 wrote:
The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a sputter. * * I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. Take out the plug. Pull the cord several times and let it sit for a day ( gets gas out of crank case) Next day pull it a couple more times Get new plug and check for spark BEFORE you put it in If no spark, check to make sure kill switch is in the RUN position If you have spark, then install NEW plug You're welcome Hank |
#16
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
Hank wrote:
If you prime the carb before checking the plug, you should see gas on it plug. The fuel from the primer bulb goes in the intake side of the crankcase. Fuel has to go thru crankcase first, before it reaches the plug on 2 strokes ( which I assume it is). He would have to push the primer bulb and the pull the starter rope for fuel to show up on the plug. You are correct. I've assumed if he had been pushing the primer bulb, that he had been pulling the rope to start it. |
#17
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:43:32 -0400, frank1492
wrote: The plug was wettish. I replaced the fuel with fresh. Still not a sputter. I think that says no spark. When I check I'll report back but I think this may clinch it. From experience, I know exactly what the problem is. It says "Homelite" on the side of it. Tools that are marked "Homelite" last for only a few hours. Go back to the store and look for one that says Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda and it will start much easier and last much longer. |
#18
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
Ours stopped after a few uses also. After much messing about, I found
that the screws that held the priming bulb to the carb had worked loose and tightening them fixed the problem... Never had another problem until the priming bulb and fuel line disintegrated (from being left in the sun). |
#19
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
"frank1492" wrote in message ... This has been used only a few times. Today it wouldn't start. Followed the instructions carefully and even tried spraying quikstart into the carburetor. Never fired, not even once. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing, but this has me stumped. Any help you could give would be most appreciated. (Yes, the compression is fine.) I did notice that the priming bulb was full and that it didn't seem to depress well (too much resistance) as though it wasn't pumping the gas properly, but I may be off on that. Thank you. Frank Read all the advice. I had a similar "don't want to start problem (Ryko). Called customer service--got an experienced tech. Where the instructions said "prime the bulb 7 times" he said do it as many as 14 times. If it don't start then put it in the Run position, hold down the trigger and pull. That does it every time. One other thing--the way I hold the unit while trying to start also has a bearing--the inlet line in the tank can be out of the fuel at times--I make sure that it is submerged when starting. Just a thought--is it possible that the line in the fuel tank is blocked/crimped/leaky? MLD |
#20
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 06/01/2012 08:26 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
From experience, I know exactly what the problem is. It says "Homelite" on the side of it. Tools that are marked "Homelite" last for only a few hours. Go back to the store and look for one that says Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda and it will start much easier and last much longer. I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. I used it as-was to cut the stump up, resharpening the blade every time I hit dirt (which was frequent because this was a stump), and it worked fine. This year when I ran it to cut some trees (in the rain), after not much work it wouldn't start. I cleaned the (clogged) air filter and bought a new plug, and it's back to working like new. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon |
#21
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken
wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. |
#22
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 06/02/2012 07:31 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. Already got one, but thanks. One thing you have to realize is that they typical Homelite purchaser is not going to be an experienced two-cycle engine user. They will be less likely to properly mix the gas, they might keep it too long (ie, not use the mix within a month), they will be more likely to leave gas sitting in the tank, and they will be more likely to forego the routine maintenance (air filter and spark plug) that any two-cycle motor requires. Yes, they are cheaply built, but how much saw can you reasonably expect for $80? Despite that, I've had good luck with mine using it for intermittent household-duty work, paying attention to proper maintenance. Jon |
#23
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 6/2/2012 9:59 AM, Jon Danniken wrote:
If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. The problem I've had with cheap chinese big box store crap is that they don't start easily nor do they stay running. Set a cheap chinasaw down for 30 seconds to reposition a log and the saw will die. Then your doing the Jane Fonda Workout on the starter cord trying to get it running again. Do yourself a favor and toss that chinasaw out the car window on the way to your local Stihl dealer. |
#24
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 06/02/2012 08:34 AM, diy savant wrote:
On 6/2/2012 9:59 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. The problem I've had with cheap chinese big box store crap is that they don't start easily nor do they stay running. Set a cheap chinasaw down for 30 seconds to reposition a log and the saw will die. Then your doing the Jane Fonda Workout on the starter cord trying to get it running again. The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). Jon |
#25
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote:
The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great. |
#26
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote:
On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - On a related question, I have a 2 cycle weed whacker that would not start. I sprayed carb cleaner in it and now it starts just fine, will run with the choke off, but as soon as you give it about 50%+ throttle it starts to stall. And at that point even quickly backing off on the throttle, it will not recover, it just dies out. While cleaning and looking at it I noticed one thing that doesn's seem right. When I pump the bulb I see solid gas going into the carb, but some bubbles are there in the return line. Even pumping many times makes no difference. So, my current theory is that there is a leak at the carb that is allowing air to get sucked in? And that it isn't a problem at lower power but causes fuel starvation at higher power? Next thing I'm going to do is see what the return fuel line does when it running and the problem occurs. Any other thoughts? |
#27
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 08:32:55 -0700, Jon Danniken
wrote: On 06/02/2012 07:31 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. Already got one, but thanks. One thing you have to realize is that they typical Homelite purchaser is not going to be an experienced two-cycle engine user. They will be less likely to properly mix the gas, they might keep it too long (ie, not use the mix within a month), they will be more likely to leave gas sitting in the tank, and they will be more likely to forego the routine maintenance (air filter and spark plug) that any two-cycle motor requires. Use gas within a month? Who does that? ...particularly 2-cycle mix (I was lucky to use a gallon in a year, so bought a 4-cycle trimmer). Yes, they are cheaply built, but how much saw can you reasonably expect for $80? Despite that, I've had good luck with mine using it for intermittent household-duty work, paying attention to proper maintenance. Jon |
#28
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
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#29
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 6/2/2012 9:31 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. that guy that loves his probably doesn't have near 10 hours on it. LMAO! Try 12 or 14 a DAY 100 or so days a year.... think STIHL. -- Steve Barker remove the "not" from my address to email |
#32
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:36:50 -0500, Steve Barker
wrote: that guy that loves his probably doesn't have near 10 hours on it. LMAO! Try 12 or 14 a DAY 100 or so days a year.... think STIHL. You might do it differently if you run a landscape service. But I've been using my 90 buck Craftsman for about 8 years. Probably put no more than a couple hours run time on it each season. Maybe less than 2 hours. That's all I need. Never drained the tank. Never pulled the plug. Always started with a few yanks after sitting all winter, always with old gas in it. In fact, I bought the gas I that was in it at the start of this season about 4 years ago. Wouldn't start this year, so I drained the tank and turned it upside down for a couple days. Bought new gas for the mix, primed it and it started with a few yanks. Kind of disappointed me. Was looking to get a new one, with 2 strings. Anyway, it's always had touchy choking. If not fully choked and at half-throttle, it won't fire. You'd think it was purely dead. Then as soon as it fires, you have open the choke quickly, or it dies. And I mean quick. Like 2 seconds quick. Then it runs like a banshee. So tricky choking causes some engines to seem dead. I've seen the same on car/truck carbed engines, but on 2 strokes it shows up much more. Always check the choke first, then move to spark. -- Vic |
#33
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 2, 1:01*pm, "
wrote: On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote: On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - On a related question, I have a 2 cycle weed whacker that would not start. *I sprayed carb cleaner in it and now it starts just fine, will run with the choke off, but as soon as you give it about 50%+ throttle it starts to stall. *And at that point even quickly backing off on the throttle, it will not recover, it just dies out. While cleaning and looking at it I noticed one thing that doesn's seem right. *When I pump the bulb I see solid gas going into the carb, but some bubbles are there in the return line. *Even pumping many times makes no difference. So, my current theory is that there is a leak at the carb that is allowing air to get sucked in? *And that it isn't a problem at lower power but causes fuel starvation at higher power? * Next thing I'm going to do is see what the return fuel line does when it running and the problem occurs. *Any other thoughts? Bulb could have a small crack that you can't see and it don't leak because you have your finger over the crack, or fuel line has crack, or you need to put gas in it. I woud replace the fuel line. This is the most common problem. Then replace the primer bulb ( less than $5). One or the other should solve your problem. Hank |
#34
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On 6/2/2012 6:32 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote:
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:37:46 -0500, Steve wrote: On 6/2/2012 1:34 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 08:32:55 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: On 06/02/2012 07:31 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. Already got one, but thanks. One thing you have to realize is that they typical Homelite purchaser is not going to be an experienced two-cycle engine user. They will be less likely to properly mix the gas, they might keep it too long (ie, not use the mix within a month), they will be more likely to leave gas sitting in the tank, and they will be more likely to forego the routine maintenance (air filter and spark plug) that any two-cycle motor requires. Use gas within a month? Who does that? ...particularly 2-cycle mix (I was lucky to use a gallon in a year, so bought a 4-cycle trimmer). Yes, they are cheaply built, but how much saw can you reasonably expect for $80? Despite that, I've had good luck with mine using it for intermittent household-duty work, paying attention to proper maintenance. Jon Hello? the four cycle trimmers (at least the STIHLS) which is the only brand i would consider. Still use mix fuel. Hello? Not everyone is a Stihl shill. Mine doesn't use mix, rather has an oil pan. You really gotta get out more. are we talking string trimmer? With a crank case full of oil? What brand is that? It must be heavy. How's it work upside down? I really don't need to get out more. I have stihl products, no need to go out anymore at all. -- Steve Barker remove the "not" from my address to email |
#35
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 23:00:16 -0500, Steve Barker
wrote: On 6/2/2012 6:32 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:37:46 -0500, Steve wrote: On 6/2/2012 1:34 PM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 08:32:55 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: On 06/02/2012 07:31 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:59:33 -0700, Jon Danniken wrote: I bought a USED Homelite chainsaw (a cheap, Chinese-made, underpowered big-box version) last year to cut up a stump. It was used by the previous owner to the point where the paint was worn off of the bar. If you are a professional and need professional-grade gear, then yeah, you need to step up, but my cheap, used cheap-Chinese Homelite product is working just fine for my homeowner needs. Jon Want to buy my Homelite? It had less than ten hours and was worn out. You certainly got lucky, but that is a rare exception. Ask at any small engine service shop. Already got one, but thanks. One thing you have to realize is that they typical Homelite purchaser is not going to be an experienced two-cycle engine user. They will be less likely to properly mix the gas, they might keep it too long (ie, not use the mix within a month), they will be more likely to leave gas sitting in the tank, and they will be more likely to forego the routine maintenance (air filter and spark plug) that any two-cycle motor requires. Use gas within a month? Who does that? ...particularly 2-cycle mix (I was lucky to use a gallon in a year, so bought a 4-cycle trimmer). Yes, they are cheaply built, but how much saw can you reasonably expect for $80? Despite that, I've had good luck with mine using it for intermittent household-duty work, paying attention to proper maintenance. Jon Hello? the four cycle trimmers (at least the STIHLS) which is the only brand i would consider. Still use mix fuel. Hello? Not everyone is a Stihl shill. Mine doesn't use mix, rather has an oil pan. You really gotta get out more. are we talking string trimmer? At least some of us are, though it's hard sometimes to know exactly what you're talking about, other than shilling for Stihl. With a crank case full of oil? Certainly. What brand is that? Mine is a Troy Bilt, but there are others. It must be heavy. Wrong. How's it work upside down? Quite well. Well, it's right side up, for the trimmer. I really don't need to get out more. Wrong, obviously. I have stihl products, no need to go out anymore at all. No doubt about it, you're just a Stihl shill. Fool. |
#36
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 2, 10:28*pm, Hank wrote:
On Jun 2, 1:01*pm, " wrote: On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote: On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one).. A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - On a related question, I have a 2 cycle weed whacker that would not start. *I sprayed carb cleaner in it and now it starts just fine, will run with the choke off, but as soon as you give it about 50%+ throttle it starts to stall. *And at that point even quickly backing off on the throttle, it will not recover, it just dies out. While cleaning and looking at it I noticed one thing that doesn's seem right. *When I pump the bulb I see solid gas going into the carb, but some bubbles are there in the return line. *Even pumping many times makes no difference. So, my current theory is that there is a leak at the carb that is allowing air to get sucked in? *And that it isn't a problem at lower power but causes fuel starvation at higher power? * Next thing I'm going to do is see what the return fuel line does when it running and the problem occurs. *Any other thoughts? Bulb could have a small crack that you can't see and it don't leak because you have your finger over the crack, or fuel line has crack, or you need to put gas in it. If it were the bulb, there would be air in the sending line as well as the return line. Also, I've never seen a bulb with an air leak where fuel was not leaking out when it's pressed. I woud replace the fuel line. This is the most common problem. Then replace the primer bulb ( less than $5). One or the other should solve your problem. Hank- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - It might be a leak right where the return line joins the carb. But that's where it would have to be because the bubbles are showing up right where it leaves the carb. Again, no bubbles going in the carb, only bubbles coming out. |
#37
Posted to alt.home.repair
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 3, 8:21*am, "
wrote: On Jun 2, 10:28*pm, Hank wrote: On Jun 2, 1:01*pm, " wrote: On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote: On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. |
#38
Posted to alt.home.repair
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
On Jun 3, 10:53*am, Hank wrote:
On Jun 3, 8:21*am, " wrote: On Jun 2, 10:28*pm, Hank wrote: On Jun 2, 1:01*pm, " wrote: On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote: On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - On a related question, I have a 2 cycle weed whacker that would not start. *I sprayed carb cleaner in it and now it starts just fine, will run with the choke off, but as soon as you give it about 50%+ throttle it starts to stall. *And at that point even quickly backing off on the throttle, it will not recover, it just dies out. While cleaning and looking at it I noticed one thing that doesn's seem right. *When I pump the bulb I see solid gas going into the carb, but some bubbles are there in the return line. *Even pumping many times makes no difference. So, my current theory is that there is a leak at the carb that is allowing air to get sucked in? *And that it isn't a problem at lower power but causes fuel starvation at higher power? * Next thing I'm going to do is see what the return fuel line does when it running and the problem occurs. *Any other thoughts? Bulb could have a small crack that you can't see and it don't leak because you have your finger over the crack, or fuel line has crack, or you need to put gas in it. If it were the bulb, there would be air in the sending line as well as the return line. *Also, I've never seen a bulb with an air leak where fuel was not leaking out when it's pressed. I woud replace the fuel line. This is the most common problem. Then replace the primer bulb ( less than $5). One or the other should solve your problem. Hank- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - It might be a leak right where the return line joins the carb. *But that's where it would have to be because the bubbles are showing up right where it leaves the carb. *Again, no bubbles going in the carb, only bubbles coming out. Obviously your experiences are different than mine. If I were to repair his trimmer, the first thing I would do, with the symptoms he gave, is to replace all fuel lines and primer bulb and spark plug. I was not telling him what to do. I was asking about what to do with MY problem, which is different. This takes care of 90% of the problems. If he is too cheap to fork out the $5-$10 to replace these parts, he is just wasting his time trying to find out which one it is. I have repaired unknown numbers of trimmers and 2 stroke equipment for 30+ years in a shop. Hank- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Then I would think that you would agree that air bubbles in the return line from the carb, with no air bubbles in the supply line from the tank and priming bulb can't be due to a leaking bulb, or a leak in the fuel line from the tank to the bulb, right? If there is a leak, it would seem to me that it would have to be right where the supply fuel line connects to the carb or else in the carb itself. And if it's leaking at the connection to the carb, wouldn't there typically be some fuel leaking visibly when the priming bulb is pushed? It's forcing fuel into the carb, so if there was a leak, wouldn't some fuel come out under pressure? One basic question is should there ever be air bubbles in the fuel return line after priming it say 10 times? |
#39
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
Don't think so. This is almost brand new.
On Sat, 2 Jun 2012 19:28:08 -0700 (PDT), Hank wrote: On Jun 2, 1:01*pm, " wrote: On Jun 2, 12:50*pm, Greg wrote: On 6/2/2012 11:52 AM, Jon Danniken wrote: The idle adjustment screw is easily accessible and quickly fixes that problem; if you had read the fine manual you would discovered this for yourself. They are purposely set too low to keep the EPA happy, as well as to make DAMN SURE that there is ZERO CHANCE of the clutch engaging when someone sets the saw down next to the baby when they go in the house for another crackhit (you can thank the lawyers for that one). A harder adjustment is increasing the mixture screws to be richer, because they have a limiter on each screw which allows them to only be turned leaner (again, thanks to the EPA for that one). This can cause a problem if the saw is running too lean at WOT, and will burn it up in short order. As in most limiter screws, it is easily bypassed if you are somewhat handy (I removed the limiters on mine). I have to agree with the other posters, Stihl is the best! You can make excuses and blame lawyers and EPA all you want but I've never had to do any of those things to get my Stihl 2-strokes to run. FWIW, I do use Stihl MotoMix exclusively so that I don't have to worry about ethanol fuel decay and resultant damage. I just keep everything fueled up with MotoMix and ready to go. They always start easily and run great.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - On a related question, I have a 2 cycle weed whacker that would not start. *I sprayed carb cleaner in it and now it starts just fine, will run with the choke off, but as soon as you give it about 50%+ throttle it starts to stall. *And at that point even quickly backing off on the throttle, it will not recover, it just dies out. While cleaning and looking at it I noticed one thing that doesn's seem right. *When I pump the bulb I see solid gas going into the carb, but some bubbles are there in the return line. *Even pumping many times makes no difference. So, my current theory is that there is a leak at the carb that is allowing air to get sucked in? *And that it isn't a problem at lower power but causes fuel starvation at higher power? * Next thing I'm going to do is see what the return fuel line does when it running and the problem occurs. *Any other thoughts? Bulb could have a small crack that you can't see and it don't leak because you have your finger over the crack, or fuel line has crack, or you need to put gas in it. I woud replace the fuel line. This is the most common problem. Then replace the primer bulb ( less than $5). One or the other should solve your problem. Hank |
#40
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New Homelite Trimmer Won't Start
Thank you all for your kind advice. Sorry to take so long in getting
back. I had filled the tank with fresh fuel and left this project alone for several days. Today I bought a spark tester (easier than attempting to ground the plug while pulling the start cord.) Recall I had guessed a bad spark earlier. The spark was perfect! Without choking, I depressed the throttle and the engine started immediately. So it appears Hank and some others were right. The engine must have been severely flooded. Initially in desperation I must have choked the engine more than I thought. I feel very stupid about this and am sorry if I may have misled you. I simply could not understand with the use of starting fluid why I couldn't even get a sputter. The cautionary tale here is this: Always follow starting instructions exactly and be patient. Just a word or two in defense of Homelite. For about 20 years I had a string trimmer that started and ran flawlessly, only giving trouble very recently. It had years of stale gas (I'm more careful now) and never complained. I liked it because it had no centrifugal clutch and didn't require being run at light speed. Also simply speeding the engine momentarily to full throttle advanced the line- no need to bump or insert line stubs manually. So I have no problems with Homelite. And it turns out this problem wasn't theirs! Once again thank you all. I intend to do penance by running the trimmer against my bare leg for one-half hour. Frank |
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