When it comes to weed eater repair, we often think of it as a complicated process that involves a lot of steps. So, we choose the easy way instead: have the tool fixed by professionals.
The job is not as challenging as it seems. As long as you have the instructions at your fingertips, you can repair the weed whacker without any tools.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
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How to Clean a Carburetor in a Weed Eater?
Most of the time, the root cause behind a malfunctioning trimmer is only a dirty carburetor. What you need to do then is to clean the carburetor thoroughly.
The most important part is: how to clean the carburetor?
The answer is right below!
Prepare all the tools needed for easy access while working. You don’t want to stop in the middle to search for a nail, right?
In this case, you only need a flathead screwdriver. We are sure you already have one in your toolbox.
At this step, you have to remove the air filter cover and the air filter itself to get to the carburetor.
Some models have screws to keep the cover in place. All you have to do is to turn them counterclockwise using the screwdriver. Then, take off the air filter.
Now you can take the carburetor out of the weed eater.
You are supposed to disassemble the carburetor to inspect inner parts, including the diaphragm and the needle.
With the diaphragm, peel it off. If it is stiff and painful to move, you probably need a replacement.
Remove the screws and the pin around the needle. Then, take a close look at the tip of the needle. If you find a ring worn into the tip, then you probably need to replace the whole thing.
Afterward, dismantle the remaining parts, such as the plate, gasket, screws, etc.
It is time to get down to cleaning the carburetor. Before jumping right in, do not forget to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Spray parts of the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. Use a cloth and a soft brush to wipe off any residue. Afterward, soak all the pieces in the cleaner for at least one hour to remove all the dust and dirt.
You are good to go then!
When all the parts are completely dry, you can put the carburetor back together for use. Follow the opposite order as you do when dismantling the item.
Start with the spring and the metering lever. Then, the plate and the gasket will follow. Afterward, install the diaphragm. What comes next are the cover and the primer plate.
With every component installed, you have to tighten all the screws around using a flathead screwdriver. However, do not screw them too tightly.
Bear in mind that the reassembly should be done as carefully as possible.
Otherwise, the machine would fail to work properly.
How to Clean Fuel Filter on Weed Eater?
Is your gas weed eater showing any of the following signs?
If yes, it is probably due to a clogged fuel filter.
Follow us to see how to clean the fuel filter in your trimmer.
Make sure your gas tank is empty by draining the remaining fuel. If possible, run the trimmer to burn off any gas left.
Check the tank. Do you see any dirt or wood chips that might clog the fuel filter?
You need to disconnect the main fuel line from the elbow connector at this step. (The connector should be found on the carburetor)
Use needle-nose pliers to reach into the gas tank and take the fuel filter out.
Inspect the filter thoroughly for dirt, weeds, or debris. To remove them, pour fuel into the filter and scrub it hard. Then, when the filter is no longer clogged, use a rag to dry it.
If you cannot remove the stuck debris, there is no choice other than to replace the filter.
Repeat step 4 with the nozzle inside the fuel line.
Read more —
How To Use A Weed Eater (The Detailed Guide)
Troubleshooting Problems With Weed Eaters and How To Solve Them
1. Fuel Issues
Do not attempt to save some money by running the weed eater on old fuel, or you risk causing the weed whacker to stall.
A rule of thumb is to change the fuel every three months so the carburetor can work correctly. If you are about to leave the tool in the garage for long, do not forget to drain all the remaining fuel.
2. Power Problems
Whether you use a gas or a handheld weed eater, it is essential to check the power frequently.
With electric devices, you need to ensure that the battery is charged fully and nestled into the housing appropriately. Protect the cord against any damage so that the trimmer gets the power to do the job.
Meanwhile, gas-powered weed eater owners should check the correct ratio of 2-cycle oil before running the tool. The ratio is 1:3.2, one gallon of fuel corresponding to 3.2 ounces of oil.
3. Line Problems
How frustrating it is to find the line broken all the time!
We know this struggle, so here is some advice.
When dealing with thick weeds, slide the head of the weed eater slowly toward the intended areas. However, it is better if you use a blade to cut too thick weeds when trimming the lawn.
If your trimmer lines have already served for five years, it is time you bought a new one. Replace the current with a brand-new line at the beginning of the season if possible.
Weed Eaters Maintenance Tips
Apply these maintenance tips to keep your weed eater in good condition for a long time.
1. Clean After Use
Give your weed eater a quick clean after every use to remove any debris before storing it in the garage.
2. Degrease Your Weed Eater
This needs to be done at the end of the season.
Spray the dirty areas on the weed whacker using an aerosol degreaser. Give the whole thing a wipe after a few minutes. Then, rinse the machine and let it dry completely before storing it.
3. Let The Machine Sit Upright
Whatever your type of string trimmer is, make sure to store it upright in the garage. This is to prevent dust and debris from getting inside and damaging the components of the machine.
4. Clean The Spark Arrestor
The spark arrestor needs cleaning from time to time for decent performance. This is the case for every weed eater, especially 2-cycle models.
However, fiberglass spark arrestor cannot be cleaned, so you have to purchase a replacement.
How To Replace Weed Eater String?
Of course, we cannot skip the step-by-step instructions on how to replace the weed eater string.
It can look confusing, but when you get down the job, you will find it a whole lot easier.
Read the manual guide carefully to find out specific information related to the strings.
Which type of string is compatible with your model? How large should the strings be? The answers are all in your manual.
Next, release the spool slowly. You can do this by pushing in the tabs or unscrewing the spool. Then, take out the old string.
Note that some models might require you to remove the head of your weed eater first.
Cut a strip of about 15 to 25 feet from your string.
Now, let’s get down to stringing your weed whacker.
Push a half-inch of the string through the hole in the center of the spool. The hole should grab onto the string firmly.
Wind the string from side to side and begin overlapping when you have completed the first layer. This is to avoid tangling of the strings.
What is the direction of winding?
Well, you should find arrows crafted on the trimmers that show you the direction of winding the strings. If there is no arrow, we advise you to wind the string in the opposite direction to your cutting head.
When you finish the winding, clip the string into the notch at the edge of your spool. Put the spool back in the hub.
With the loose length of the string, feed it through the eyelets.
And now, you need to screw the ring back onto the trimmer head.
The Bottom Line
You see, weed eater repair is not as difficult as you think. As long as you follow the instructions, everything shall be fine.
Along with repairs and replacements, you should maintain the weed eater properly to keep it working for a long time.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask so we can help you. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on the topic!
Thank you for reading.
Why don’t you have pictures of the parts of the weedwacker being worked on? Honestly, if someone needs to clean their machine and is looking for guidance, the odds are they need machine parts diagrams.
Greetings,
Thank you for your support.
The weed Wacker is gas powered and relatively new, but it stopped spinning.
I had been using small blades instead of the wire, it was functioning just fine.
The motor will turn, rip n roar … No spinning at the base.
Thanks for advice.
You may need to check your manual to see how to add/replace gear lube. Mine is a simple one, just remove a nut just above the cutting head, squeeze a tube of manufacturer recommended weed eater gear lube into the hole, and replace the nut. That should fix it.
My weed eater starts and the strings are new but the string mechanism does not spin. I can see that it wants to but it is being stopped from spinning. How to fix it or troubleshoot it?
My Black & Decker GH3000 string trimmer will not feed the line out when it gets real short. How do I fix the feed problem?
Thanks for a written quick refernce, much easier than watching a video.
Thanks this has saved me a lot of money and even helped to fix others tools. My weed eater cranks. Great and runs great. But After 20 to 30 minutes dyes and want crank. Ron