How to Fix a Stihl FS55, FS46, FS45 FS38 Trimmer With Throttle Issues. Everything You NEED To Know

Today we completely tear down a Stihl Trimmer to diagnose and figure out why the throttle trigger is not working. Watch to see everything that could possibly be wrong with yours and how to fix it all by yourself to save you Time, Money and Frustration in the Future!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We saw over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@stevesreviews9179]

Thanks 😊 I do appreciate your videos...

[@movaughn20]

I used a my welding helmet when the last one passed over Oregon. Glasses work fine though. "You can't just go poking and screwing, you got to hit the hole, guys" -Chickanic 2024 quote of the year!

[@Chickanic]

Bwahahaha! 🤣

[@johnbereza7782]

There's a shaft joke or two in there two. You just have to make sure you know what you're doing.

[@willdog8023]

​@@Chickaniclol

[@truus5653]

🤣

[@jimbrewer2893]

Put some hair around it!

[@gary4738]

Chickanic, from a 32 year veteran teacher, you have the gift of education and sharing. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TomSchmidt-vu2vi]

The fact that it was put together wrong is why I watch your videos. You have some of the best views that allow us to see exactly what you are doing.

[@IsaiahBrownwood]

Yeah, I agree with you

[@donaldbrightwell5221]

This was interesting video. I am always learning something. Great stuff.

[@ramonsutton]

It's good to see someone who explains it so clearly thanks

[@frankb.2479]

I greatly appreciate all your posts. At 72 and retired, it really helps me to be able to repair and maintain my equipment because of your videos. Great job. Please never stop posting.

[@DinoWebster-to4zm]

I watch you every evening! I ALWAYS learn something from your videos! I own Tri County Small Engine Repair,

[@microedin8162]

First ever KZbin comment! My best friend is currently working out of state and at the moment circumstances prevent him from using a lawn care service back home. Knowing it doesn't take long in Southeast Texas for mother nature to reclaim her 2+ acres slightly wooded rural property. Not owning a mower of my own, I offered to see what I could do. Mind you, I knew nothing about small engines, yet abandoned at his house was a beat up 20 plus year old Toro 22-inch Kohler self-propelled push mower that hasn't ran or moved in almost 2 years. Primarily just from your channel I was able to rebuild the carburetor, modify the non-functioning heat activated automatic choke into a manual choke, remove the completely frozen kill switch system and create my own, and also remove all the dead weight from locked up self-propelled system and turn it into a much lighter push mower. A quick sharpening of the dull mulching blade and it runs great. I was able to save a lot of money while helping out a good friend.

[@mikecress7080]

You just keep getting better and better

[@rogerallen3206]

Subtle humour is one of the many reasons I watch your vids. I learned something new again today. You're always teaching this old dog new tricks.

[@robertfernandez2118]

I am a retired aircraft mechanic and do small engine repairs for extra income to my neighbors and church friends. You have been my go to source for all my troublesome repairs. Been a subscriber for a couple of years but fail to hit the like button as much as I should, ( get to involved learning “ how to” and forget to like). Enjoy your new shop, God bless.

[@bhgardeners]

I really HATE having to dismantle throttles on any machine, what you have demonstrated is brilliant,imagine however someone coming to this problem with no fore knowledge AAgh it would be a nightmare. this is why you are so valuable,you provide detailed knowledge which helps amateurs like me or even professionals to work on machines about which they know nothing, yes saving TIME and Money.

[@PlanetaryThoughts9861]

I left all that safety junk off of my craftsman since I only have 2 hands that don't work that well any more! POWWWER!

[@AMrcHobbies]

i watched these types of vids and just opened up my 24 yr old Shindaiwa m230 trimmer. fuel line and fuel bulb later it purrs again and its always easy to start. All the old small engine reapir shops closed around Abq,Nm recently...I gotta learn these repair tricks causue as a homeowner my Shindaiwa gear just isnt wearing out sitting in the shed mostly.

[@JohnChandler-n7g]

I have to give you credit I have learned so much from you. Thank you and may the Lord bless you

[@TommyJH54]

I’m not a mechanic, but it seems as though my closest and well known garden center are not mechanics either! I started doing my own repairs on my equipment. Thanks to your videos I can actually say I’ve saved time, money, and frustration! Thank you so much!

[@johnconklin5180]

I saw the spring as soon as you showed the assembly. Said to myself ah-ha!. I would have brought it to you too except I live in NJ. Girl you know your stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@Tonedog88]

We have a lot of truly great small engine repair channels, but Chicanic remains my goto source for anything small engine related.

[@mildew_999]

I always enjoy watching your videos to learn how to maintain and repair my power equipment.

[@williambrady7135]

I have a 20 year old fs85 that is still going because of the helpful info that you put together for us.

[@rraymond2007]

Thank you so much for creating one of the best channels on KZbin!!

[@a.c.king-dk5yl1ep2m]

This video exemplifies a lesson I learned many years ago as a kid when I was working on things like this. If the parts don't line up easily, and you have to force them back together, you probably don't have it put together right. It sounds simple and basic, but it's amazing how many people do get it, including the guy who owned this trimmer..

[@waynespears5664]

That weedeater was a mess so much to learn just putting it back together good job Bre.............................................................Fort Worth,Tx

[@kingwood4357]

I seem to always learn something new when watching your videos which isn’t easy after my 80 years being around. Do most of my own service and repair on everything and really enjoy your channel.

[@williambeckman6900]

Congrats on helping 400,000 people. Keep up the good videos.

[@blane-cox]

This repair reminds me of assembling a puzzle where you have to hold down the pieces or they fly apart. It makes my head itch thinking about it. Congratulations on getting it reassembled correctly.

[@Mikerockinon1]

Thanks

[@PKBees]

It says 396K. You are getting close. Thanks for your videos. I've played around with carburetors thanks to you.

[@richhaseltine7102]

My dad used to work on small power equipment. Watching him he made it look easy. Thank you for your videos

[@drcyt515]

I like the way you make things so much easier to work and fix. Thank you very much.

[@raymondlivingston4217]

I own a lawncare business and you have saved me alot of money, I'm not afraid to tackle repairs because of your indepth channel I just want to say THANK YOU❤

[@jaimepadilla9548]

You always go above and beyond to help us. Thank you

[@LarryHelvick]

Your channel is great with so many actual cases of small engine repairs. Besides needing four hands to hold everything together to fix the trigger return on this Stihl showing which screw to tighten the throttle cable was invaluable. Another great video we all can appreciate.😊

[@billsprinkle9146]

Love your channel. Keep on helping us DIY’ers.

[@zacheryramey5963]

Love watching your repair ,exspeally when you zoom everything in, very talented lady thanks for your videos.

[@spetersonmusic]

Absolute favorite small engine repair expert channel. Congrats on getting near 400K. Will be soon!

[@robertsturkie8387]

Love how you explain things. Makes understanding the process much easier. Thanks

[@bryanhickman7663]

Always enjoy your thorough instruction!

[@StratOvation]

Really appreciate that you take time to point out ALL the little things that could be a big problem if you didn't know about them! Another great video!

[@ShelbyBunton]

I do small engine repair for folks and I love your videos because I always seem to learn sumptin.

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Again, we are so fortunate that you so willingly share all of your secrets with us! I, for one, am grateful! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona

[@dansalinas2322]

Super information on the Stihl Trimmer throttle issues. Love the info on the adjustable throttle cable. Tried it, and worked so much better! Time, money and frustration...Need a t-shirt with that saying! Your always teaching and providing so much information. Can't wait to see you reach that 1 million subscribers.

[@mattc6044]

I watch your videos 2-3 days a week while I eat lunch in my truck at work. Appreciate the detailed explanations. You have definitely saved me a lot of time, money and frustration! Keep it up.

[@melkc345]

What can I say that hasn't already been said. Great job, Bre! Jim

[@daleholbrook5857]

It's great watching you fix what people mess up when they try to fix it themselves.

[@ginuiowa]

You do an AWESOME job helping so many people with their small engine issues. I have enjoyed working on small engines for quite awhile and you have shared a few insights that I wasn’t aware of; Thank You!! 😉

[@Kartbuilder1]

I’ve seen a few weed trimmers that have been taken apart and just put in a box. Most are easy fixes but when parts are missing then it’s a real problem. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@mitchz7819]

Thank you for being so open to help with educational videos and keeping it simple.

[@markrobertson9558]

Every time I have an issue with any equipment I search for a video you have done on it and for the most part following your tips all my stuff is in top running shape ! Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing your knowledge! Congrats on all your success! 400k wow!

[@allenwiltrout6816]

thanks for pointing out the cable ajustment screw

[@tlsalem]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping us repair our lawn equipment. ❤

[@EricEskew]

You are taking away some of my fears of these mix fuel machines. Thanks.

[@gman6192]

No matter how much I think I know about small engine repair I always learn something new from your videos. Sorry I missed you at last year's expo in Loisville,ky. The line at your booth was probably all the way to the end of the expo center. Thanks for all the useful info !

[@robert.brokaw3829]

400K Subs - you should be proud of what you have accomplished. Stay safe Bre.

[@dennishill8318]

Brilliant! I find all your videos informing and often entertaining...

[@rodgercameron6546]

Congrats on the 400K subscribers. I have learned a lot of useful information by watching your videos. I do all my own maintenance and repair work as well as help out friends and neighbors with their small engines that won't start after they sit all winter. It is satisfying to hear an engine roar to life after it wouldn't do anything.

[@ryanperry6422]

Excellent job showing us the mysteries of our equipment!

[@daveblake3382]

Love all the repairs put into normal terms

[@RussellBarkerJr]

Perfect time to check your site. I have the exact model with the exact problem, now I can check it out and see if I can get it running. Thanks a million, great to see a woman with her shit together and obviously knowable about fixing things that I couldn’t figure out on my own.

[@sujitdas111]

Very informative. Like that you have not spoken anything about the person who had done all that wrong fittings

[@robertcox815]

It's great watching you fix what people mess ups

[@mrobi5797]

You make it so simple to repair. Continu the good work you do.

[@pappydan1955]

Great information. Something I try to always do is to take pictures of something I’m taking apart so I can look back at how it should go back together. Thanks for all you show us.

[@59BigWalt]

Congrats on 400K subscribers. Have to give you a WOOP WOOP! 🙌🏾 Got a neighbor & his old Poulan weedeater. Always purchases ready made fuel and never, ever empty his tank over the winter. Emptied the old & replaced the fuel. Starts but ran ugly. I handed my Stihl along with the gas can. I remember your storage idea, emptied the tank and poured a fresh bottle of 2 cycle oil & pumped for the weekend. After the eclipse, drained & pumped the oil, fresh fuel and a ton of smoke. The membrane on the carb loosened up! I know it was not your method of freeing the carb, but it worked.

[@edwardkirkland686]

Great information! I wish I had a local mechanic like you! Thanks for the information!

[@randymeeks8684]

I so appreciate your showing how to repair these things. I have one of these trimmers and it’s not working anymore but I now can get it back up and running. I haven’t tried to because I don’t know what I’d be getting into and have too many other things that are more pressing. Now I have your excellent video to fall back on. I got my 441 saw back online through one of your excellent podcasts. It would flood out,so once I learned how to approach this it fired once so I added new fuel and it’s back up and running again. Oh and I’ve looked at several other repair sites but yours was the best explained and showed how using pointers that would help us see the exact point you were talking about!!! Thanks!!!

[@chrisreed8772]

Sooo many innuendos that could be made from this one... Excellent knowledge once again!

[@nickjarman2783]

Waiting on my universal trimmer head that you recommended, always enjoy your videos. Clear, straightforward explanations and descriptions can only mechanical harmony !! Keep the videos coming

[@billjohnson5079]

glad you do the videos, the nearest repair shop is 30 miles away. saves a trip for the simple stuff

[@NormanChristensen-p5g]

find your videos very informative they have helped me keep my lawn equipment running and starting easy

[@RickEley]

Great job explaining how to fix this machine. It’s amazing how people take things apart and put them back together wrong. That’s where your videos are so good. I live in Toledo Ohio so the eclipse is going to be total. Can’t wait to see it. Looking forward to your give away. Rick

[@tomdenniston5933]

Love watching your work. So many of the common sense approaches to maintenance work seem to apply, doesn't matter if it is trimmers, chainsaws, blowers - or even sewing machines like I work on!

[@cynthiastandley5742]

I love your channel. My throttle on my Stihl RS 91 F just quit working today and here you are!

[@rickeldridge959]

A lot of humor in the video and comments but seriously you are a great teacher. (Time, money, and frustration!)

[@jacquejecker4435]

Another very informative video. Those tips come in very handy, even if you are working on a different device. It is a reminder to pay close attention to details and remember, you have a camera right there in your pocket. Use it. Take "before" pictures so you can be sure to get everything back where it should be.

[@chrisattrill9502]

Enjoyed this one. Good to know I’m not the only duffer who puts things back together wrong.

[@jimbauer5560]

Thank you for showing us the fix for the trigger issue. You have a great channel! I thoroughly enjoy it!

[@alanshaw6161]

fantastic job Bre! You fixed ham hands trimmer.

[@Mike-i7f5i]

Looked at several vedios, by far the best.clear pics,and very methodical on how to take apart and put back together!

[@larryhunt1853]

Spring has sprung.

[@fletchb]

Please keep doing detailed repairs like this-very helpful!

[@paulmo4076]

I have over a dozen pieces of outdoor equipment - all gas. Your tips have helped me a lot. Thank you. Much of the basic maintenance applies to all tools.

[@rogeroldland9345]

The video of you fixing carburetor on a Stihl chainsaw really helped me out very much thank you for that

[@richardhoffman6029]

Thanks for showing how you fix the stuck throttle!

[@randydavis5912]

Thank you! This really helps in repairing many things by paying attention to little details and all.

[@willythemailman3911]

Oh my gosh! I just replaced the clutch on my KM55r and had a horrible time getting it all back together I still haven't gotten it done You're a life saver ❤😊

[@TonyWireman]

I like watching you teach a lot of tricks I have been working on mower s and weed eater keeps me mowing thank u very much

[@sstrongful]

Appreciate the Amazon store for quick viewing and selection.

[@lenbandala5882]

You Rock, Bri. You save me time, money and frustration! Keep the tips flowing.

[@Shoeman111a]

Your videos are a great instruction on repairs. I try not to miss an episode.

[@DallasBolick]

Thank you for this video. You saved me a trip to the repair shop.

[@rlzegers]

Thanks for the great videos that homeowners like me can understand.

[@kjay5056]

Once I saw there wasn't an issue with the throttle cable by the carb, I knew it was the spring by the throttle lever before you took it apart. It was good to get a refresher on taking the shaft cover off also. Always well explained...thanks.

[@rhballoons]

I’m 62 and have been studying small engines. I have a home study course. I enjoy your vids… thanks for sharing..

[@jweaver7170]

Great side job

[@davidwoolery1477]

I took a small engine course several years ago to open my own shop but life happened and just put the idea of it to the back of my mind. Now that I found your channel I want to give it another go.

[@davidwilcox9110]

Thank you for all the detail you show. Even though I don’t have many of the problems you show just understanding how my various power tools work makes me feel better when operating them. And I wish I lived next door to you as I am sure you will have garden overproduction of some vegetables and would be generous with your neighbors. I have some skills I can trade with you too (retired medico after 44 years). My neighbors often get a free medical consult over the fence line. Ha!

[@roger5638]

You are one heck of a handy girl to know. I always learn from your videos and you make it look so so easy.... Thanks !

[@stevepelino5986]

Great video. If I had to do this chances are a LOT of colorful words would have been flying… You make it look so easy. Thank you for sharing this video. Much appreciated!!!

[@brian2261]

Awesome! Happy to hear you're getting the notoriety you deserve!!! Love your channel! I've learned so much over the past couple years from watching you and your husband! You seem like a great team as well! Good Luck, I hope you make a million soon!!!

[@ltg72260]

Glad to see you cover Stihl as that is what I have. Your videos have saved me a lot of headache and frustration. As far as the eclipse a welding lens will work as well as the eclipse glasses, which is what I had for the last one. just don't use sunglasses. They won't protect your eyes. One thing to be prepared for, When the sun gets dark the evening bugs, aka. mosquitos and other critters, get confused and come out. I was in Akin, SC and got eat up with mosquitos in the middle of the day until the sun came back out and bugs went and hid again.

[@billysmith2243]

Your videos have definitely saved me time, money and frustration! Thanks for all you do!

[@felipebenites8629]

Thanks! First time watching. My coworker gave me an fs38 that belonged to his dad. My other coworker put a new carburetor. It worked good for three times I used it. Yesterday it started leaking fuel from on top of tank from grommet. Thanks for showing how to take it apart. I’m living in Sherwood Arkansas Thanks for listening parts. God bless you.

[@4637bigred]

The best part of watching you is patience. I'm an old "the screws will hold it" kind of guy. I'm working on my finesse skills. Thanks