String Trimmers made by MTD. Most common problems I see. Murray 2500 repair/vlog

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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 see 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!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.
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[@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

[@michaelmarquette3137]

You are the best you tube small engine mechanic out there always enjoy your videos

[@tedcarson2971]

Thanks for your "understandable" and very " helpful" videos. I tried hydrating my trimmer line and that little tip simply works wonders.

[@denniswilkinson1674]

That's some good info about soaking that line , I never would hav thought.

[@driftlesshunter9200]

Soaking your trimmer line in water makes a world of difference. It's worth doing no matter what age your trimmer line is. Speed Feed 400 trimmer head with hydrated line ranks right up there with sliced bread ( Chillicothe, MO takes credit for that one).

[@oldmanfred8676]

Same with fishing line Driftless, makes it not twist so quickly.

[@flair15]

Hello Ms Chickanic, excellent video and audio , nice to see a woman that wants to fix things as it gives me more time to watch hockey ;) merci ,gracias,thank you very much ,actually i like a challenge of trying to repair something that people think it is not worth saving and keeping them out of a garbage dump site, cheers from environmentally friendly winnipeg,manitoba ,canada keep those videos on youtube coming please

[@richardhillier442]

Go thru the neighborhood and find a like trimmer and if it's no good, you now have a "parts" unit. Works for me. Thx ma'am! Another great 👍 video.

[@FeloniousDream]

I’ve picked up 3 trimmers from the curb in the last 3 months.

[@Raphael_NYC]

At risk of repeating myself, you are an amazing, skilled, thoughtful and generous mechanic and this channel is fantastic. Your approach to problem solving is off the charts. Things that are simple are not necessarily easy. You are the best. Thank you. raphael nyc

[@basshunter428]

I like that clamping technique! Heck, makes me wanna bring you my (soon to be busted) trimmer! 🤣👍

[@martinlahaise5554]

I’m a fixit person so I love your explanations and descriptions. They are so helpful when I work on unknown equipment. Even in my old age I am still learning. Thank you.

[@phiksit]

Hey, me too 😁

[@tmet01]

Thanks for doing this. It's a pain going to buy a new trimmer if you can get the old one to work for a little longer.

[@Jonhobbs64]

Very few trimmers actually ever stopped working because of mechanical problems...

[@mike.4277]

My Echo weed Wacker is 16 years old. And it still runs like brand new!!! Great video 😎

[@kenbrown2808]

I finally gave up on the 40 year old Stihl I got from my dad two years ago. just too hard to get parts. he cannibalized it for the gear head for his next oldest one.

[@sandy7299]

I got handed one of those trimmers a couple of years ago, it was "brand new" in as much as the guy that bought it never actually got it started! He bought it 2 days before going on a long shift at work threw in his shed and forgot about 14 months later he had another go at starting it but there wasn't a kick out of it So it was "here, see if you can get that going, if not its going in the bin" So I pulled the plug and there was no spark,even with the switch set to ON 😁 Pulled a cover off to check the coil/wiring and a double plastic insulator block fell onto the bench?? Then I found the bullet connector between coil and stop switch had no insulation and was shorting out/grounding on the casing The insulation sleeve was there, it just hadn't been fitted to the wiring!?! How did, ahem ..quality control miss that before it left the factory?

[@bushna2007]

I personally don't have a gas trimmer but I enjoy watching you work on them.

[@SciaticaDrums]

I don't either. I have a Milwaukee M18. It's goes through tall grass, does everything I need it to. Got enough small engines around here as it is.

[@oldmanfred8676]

Owen, There was a trimmer?

[@wallysworkin823]

Good advice, we quit working on those many years ago. Almost anything with the starter in the middle has half a crank shaft, they were only designed to be 50 hour machines where an Echo is 300 hours.

[@JayMillz517]

Ok, sure bud.

[@driftlesshunter9200]

I've been fortunate, because I have only owned one gas trimmer. I purchased my McCulloch ProMac III Super for about $200 back in 1994. I've replaced the gas lines, gas filters, & put in a new carburetor kit last summer. It has never run better, & I use my trimmer (owning 72 acres & mowing a couple other properties for friends most years). I even use the brush blade at times. Grease the head unit & use a little extra 2-stroke oil added to non-ethanol gas keeps it going strong 28+ years later. I plan on buying an Echo gas trimmer some day, but my current trimmer just wont' die! I wouldn't junk a running trimmer, because it just needs a new head.

[@teddahrable]

I've NEVER had such a miserable time finding, and getting, parts for other machines like the McCulloch equipment. I got two saws for free when I was learning they had been treated awful, never cleaned, one must've been hydro-locked somehow because it wouldn't pull over and both plastic starter pawls were broken. Yes, they helped me learn all right. Both running and sold for the cost of parts. Will never work on them again. Bought a Troybilt trimmer 9 years ago when we moved to an acreage. Every spring, I'd be at the shop getting it to run. One day, I had literally just brought it home and it wouldn't start and run. Have you seen those videos of the guy trying to start a a trimmer and winds up beating it to death? That was me. Instead of doing that, I went out and bought a Husqvarna. Brought it home, ran a tank of fuel through it, wouldn't start!!! Took it right back to the shop and they couldn't start it (not a small engine shop but a car parts shop) so they sent it to their sister shop and it came back running perfect. I asked what was wrong with it and was told that California adjustments don't work in northern Canada. About this time I had started watching videos on small engine repair so I took the Troybilt's carburetor apart. The Welsh screen was clogged. I didn't have another, so I burned it off and put it back in. Engine still wouldn't run well. Sorry, Chicanic, didn't know your site then. One video from Taryl showed the spark arrestor screen gets plugged up, so I burned that out. Worked for a week just fantastic. Then wouldn't start again. Took the carb apart again, Welsh screen was plugged. THAT'S when I discovered that the fuel lines they use dissolve. Replaced with good lines ran it for years as a backup. I used the Husky, my kids used the Troybilt. Last season, my stepson did just that on my Troybilt trimmer. Got it bogged up with grass and melted the shaft right THROUGH the line head. Tried two universal heads, neither would fit. Backer plate is $60 when shipping and exchange rate to Canada. $85 would get me a replacement trimmer. Replaced it with another Husqvarna trimmer. Both universal heads would fit on these, so, I'm good. Thanks to all of you who put your knowledge out there to help others.

[@glennlurman3514]

needed a touch of low opening to clear that slight brief bog on throttle up. My rule at the shop is any front mounted starter machine isnt worth replacing the starter with the time it takes to strip the crap off to access the starter. And the headbolt if really stuck cut of with cut off disk which the bolt stud 95 % of the time can just be uncrewed with ya fingers.

[@TruthOverLies]

Always enjoy your vids. Helps us DIYers do it ourselves. Thanks!

[@richnorman5017]

Great video!! Good to see someone else not work on these either. We weed them out at the front counter… people just don’t understand how cheap they are and how expensive parts are to fix them. Love your “Rehydration” tip for trimmer line….Works GREAT!!!!!👍🏻👍🏻

[@spud13x13]

LOL...yep, I finally fixed my two Troy-Bilt trimmers a few years back by replacing them with Stihl. Cry when you buy, not every time you try to run. I feed 'em good clean fuel, keep the gearboxes lubed, and burn the carbon off the spark screens every year. Plus have used a couple of plugs and filters. That's it after hundreds of hours of run time. I'm sure I would be just as happy had I gone with Echo. Love your channel, I've learned quite a lot!

[@GregEScott]

I bought one of these labeled as craftsman from lowes. It did not even last 3 months and the piston rings were gone, even when using Stihl HP two stroke oil at 50:1. I got a Stihl after this and two years later it still runs like a champ.

[@allenwilson9656]

I've had a murry 25cc trimmer for about 5 years now got to where it wouldn't crank . I bought a troy built and a hyper tough in the mean time. I got the old murry out a few weeks ago and noticed that the fuel lines were kicked , replaced them and it runs like a scalded dog 🐕 I didn't even know I was a ma'kanik . 🤣

[@cu0ngpitt]

the first and only video ive found that actually shows you how to diagnose a problem. not just "these are the top 5 issues you can have" video.

[@SuperGlacierGirl]

Bought a "cheap" Homelite trimmer in 1994, abused it terribly, even used a circular saw blade on it to cut down brush and small trees. It finally gave up this year Some times you get lucky and the stars align when your trimmer is built. Bought a big name brand curved shaft to replace it. Hated it as it ran backwards vs the old one, being left handed it would toss the cut grass back at me. Sold it and bought another "cheap"Homelite and it's like an old friend again

[@jdean6590]

I just found your channel and I must compliment you. Although I am very knowledgeable about small engine repair, I have learned a great deal from you and for that, I thank you. If I can provide your viewers one tip , I would definitely recommend not using any ethanol blended gasoline. I personally use avgas and have not had any problems with my small engines for the past 10 years.

[@user-ui1mq3fi2h]

Thank you SO MUCH Mrs Bre Iam so glad i found you on the tube you are my fravorite teacher you explain things SO GOOD may the Lord bless you for being a blessing😊

[@jayjackson597]

you are a delight! I stupidly took a chance on one of those 10 years ago and it didn't last one season, I turned around and got an Echo and it hasn't missed a beat until last season when that little grid in the muffler got caked up, I just took it out and tossed it. really didn't notice any difference in loudness either. still has original diaphragm and only replaced spark plug last season. I started working on lawn equipment in '67 at my granddad's shop but I still learn something from your vids every time I watch one, keep up the good work!

[@UtahDarkHorse]

Thanks so much for this video. I have a bolens 160 straight shaft and didn't know the name of that washer. I know they're cheap but I just replaced this (the bolens) exact trimmer except that it was the curved shaft after almost 10 years of use. So, I guess if you take care of them, they're ok, at least for the level of work I do with them. Thanks for the tip about canned gas. I've always used it with no issues so far. ethanol free gas isn't available here and even mixing up 1 gallon would go bad before I could finish it. I can buy canned gas by the quart, and one can typically lasts a season. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@MDAdams72668]

I almost forgot to thank you for that trimmer line trick I now keep mine in ziplock with H2O and it has been working/lasting 1000% better

[@Starman2440]

I just did this on my Murray M-2500. Best to use a large Phillips head screwdriver to hold the shaft. Took two men to do it--one to hold the screwdriver the other to turn the square nut using a 1/2" drive socket--it took a lot of torque to break/unlock the nut. I give you credit Chickanic that you did it by yourself. The reason the square nut spins the shaft is that the plastic head is stripped out. You can get a replacement head--bump knob, inner & outer head, retainer, & spring for $12 on E-bay...come from China and may take a month to get.

[@dalekundtz760]

Thank you for your honest answers on the repairs or non-repairs. It is great hearing from an honest mechanic.

[@tee-steel.0158]

I watched the water for the line video. Man you ended a lot of frustration in life. Thank you so much 🎉

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

I have replaced the entire shaft on several of those. The engine is actually pretty decent. You can "Modify" another shaft to fit them. The main problem I have seen is the start assembly sometimes just gives up and won't retract. You can rotate the cutter head backwards and rewind it manually but it really is a pain in the butt.

[@jrhendershot1936]

Thanks for sharing this info on the trimmers especially the part about the string drying out helpful info

[@mitchcoop1]

I bought a cheap Homelite straight shaft (Big box Store) Still going using many tips from your videos. Gladd I did not go MTD Cheap. Thanks !

[@bobcarry4820]

An ECHO GT-225 21.2cc Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmer is $199.00 in Canada so your advice is valuable. A Homelite is $168 so you information on how to repair is valuable. Thank you.

[@nickikarr2613]

Watch one of your other videos and ordered me the toolkit for adjusting carburetors because I had a Husqvarna and I greatly appreciate it because my Husqvarna is up and running now

[@davidabernathy4553]

Well now this was an interesting video and a very informative way to get that head off the shaft, I don't know if I would have thought about blocking that with a screwdriver or not, but maybe after trying everything else. It looks like with all of those parts and junk weed wackers you have around there you might have one you could Rob a head off of. I had a real nice gas powered line trimmer and I just gave it to my son and bought a nice battery powered line trimmer. As far as I am concerned that is the only way to go.

[@tonymayhew191]

I have a few things to add that just might help. I will first start by telling you that I am a 2-cycle fan! I eat, Breathe, and sleep 2-strokes! Everyone in my neighborhood brings me their equipment due to the absurd amount of money that the lawnmower shops are charging these days! And the reality of the matter is, Weedwackers are a great tool when properly maintained. But when it is abused until it stops working they usually have more than one issue to deal with. And by the time you address all the things wrong with them the time you have invested in them is worth more than it would cost to just purchase a new one! I tell people they are a dollar waiting on a dime scenario. You said in your video that the screen gets plugged up with something! That something your referring to is periffin wax! It is extracted out of the ground with crude oil. You can hardly see the stuff when you look at the inlet screen, But it coats the screen with an almost invisible coat of wax! Now one of the first things that you need to do with a 2-stroke engine after you get it to start is get it to idle and make the chain on a chainsaw, Or the trimmer head to stop turning or spinning! Once you do that, snapp the throttle and see if it has good throttle response! If it bogs when you pinn the throttle it is a lean condition and you need to open the low speed jet until you get a nice crisp throttle response. And something i see people doing wrong when putting new line on a trimmer is to cross the line over top of itself! It has to be wound in rows like you would do if you were putting the cable back on the spool of a winch! I don't think I need to tell you what a frustrating mess it is when done incorrectly! Centrifugal force spinning at a high rate of speed will literally cut the line and that's where the bad language comes in to play!😉

[@liza.andkeithsimpson5081]

I am glad you are working on these weedwrackers

[@jerryrfields]

You hit the nail on the head. This is the best video I have ever seen.

[@jimmyowen3977]

I threw away the old head and bought a head that holds 4 14 inch long trimmer lines. After they brake off I just change them out and start again. Works for me well. Also I have a husky. Had nothing but troubles with the NTW junk and didn't like dragging a electric cord around having to bang it on the ground

[@mikeross8486]

Love the info about hydrating the trimmer line. Saw that video..... For years I had lots of issues with the line melting especially in the hot Texas 🔥 heat. Was using a electric trimmer at that time. Wish I had your expertise on that issue back then!!!😅 Thank You😊.

[@kbjerke]

And THANK you about the tip for soaking trimmer line!! MEGA kudos to you!

[@gtequest5058]

Thank you for the video. I have a weed whip that has run like crap almost from day one. I ordered the carb adjustment kit and turned it following your video and it works the best it ever has. Thank you again.

[@mc2whls]

Thank you, Bre! The information you presented has helped me repair a Troy-Bilt String Trimmer. Added more fuel on the High Speed Screw.

[@markorlando4817]

Great video. I’ve got a Husqvarna 120 chainsaw that isn’t very old but has been sitting for a long time with fuel in it. It’s doing the exact same thing when you try to rev it up.

[@etarheel1]

I love your tool and part links. Thank you! Good reminder on hydrating your line.

[@user-nj3re2ny2q]

The stalling was exactly the same issue I was having with my trimmer. Maybe that's the same problem my chainsaw was giving me... I'll check that out! Thank you so much for your video(s)!

[@MDAdams72668]

A Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel will turn those "tamper proof" screws into slotted ones in under 5 minutes And will work on almost any 2stroke small engine

[@timmcneil906]

Yup, I have one of these things badged with Craftsman logos… I bought the adjustment tools and got maybe three more years out of it. I bought a set of those serrated plastic blades for it, but before I could try them out, the unit crashed to the concrete garage floor… (they don’t balance well no matter what you lean it against.) now it doesn’t start at all, but I do get a nice rattle when I shake it. If I had two of them, I’d have a nice set of maracas. Love your vids kiddo!

[@glenwestphal7510]

OMG !! THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! Your the 1st one to actually show and explain this head issue of age or size when there is nothing wrong with the head attachment i have except there was NO trimmer spool on it! Ans the attachment has no model number and im NOT sure it is the actual attachment that came with my gas 4 cycle trimmer . So evem looking at 100's of trimmer spools and even attachments thete are several that fit my Troybilt 4 cycle trimmer , like My Ryobi roto tiller attachment fits my Troybilt and the " Trimmer Plus " curved attachment or the straight shaft attachment i believe came with my Troybilt 4 cycle gas timmer model # TB6040XP ! Says during a search for the manual online, that Troybilt dont even recognize at all on their own sight ! I found out during a search for a rebuild kit, carborator, plug , gas lines and filter both in tank and air that this a a professional/commercial series and finding the correct OEM parts for it has been very difficult to say the least , yet , I have found cross parts with different part numbers but all made by MTD and or it's many sister Co. But also not sure even thought they look the same will work on mine because I can't see it actually in hand and im a disabled wheelchair bound person and really cant shop at my local stores foe this stuff abd deal mostly with online and dont have the MONEY , mostly that is it so I have to buy used everything on Market place and fix it if i need it and i need what i can try to buy because i live out in the country 45 min is the closest city and i dont have young strappen lads around ro pay $ 10 bucks to mow and trim , or $20 especially post Covid-19 now prices to do it anyways ! So I habe to count on doing it this way and watching HOW to videos like Yours in order to get things done and or fixed and I'm finding out that the small details that are very important to me isnt so important to most of the video make4s out there do NOT do like you just did , even though yoy dont fix them anymore , i get why, cheaper to jut buy it new , however, i do NOT have that privalage to do that , so i have to do this amd $850 a month doea not leave me very much to work with each month so I'm very limited at times to jist a few dollars to spend and rhen i have to wait a month to do anyrhing else so im dinding i have ro watch many , many videos to find out that it does NOT pertain to my model or my situation , and this trimmer head you just showed i had seen for sale and the attachment you just showed i have that exact style , however , the styles the srores are showing or rhe videos fail to explain how rhese parts fit certain styles arw not being showed, the videos think everyone has one ans knows how ro use it and change any part on these items and the stores selling these parts show 1 photo and you have to go by model # or ypur screwed and have to iether buy multiple styles or physically match your needed part or .... to make sure , I just don't have that option! So to yoy i say , yes it matters thst you do the videos the way you are ONLY doing so that way a guy like me and I'm sure I'm not the only one that needed thst much NEEDED INFORMATION , so , THANK YOU for showing that because yoy answered several questions i had about the attachment i have and what part i actually need and that will fit mine and that thw part is available ! Glen Westphal, Dover , WI.

[@debbiebailey5950]

Had one! Lasted about a summer and a half! Went out and bought a STIHL.

[@eugeneneill7767]

That's why I fix my own. Lawnmower shops only touch high brands

[@ronniebarker79]

I got the same conclusion today chickanic spent 2 days trying to get a recoil spring back in got it back in now have to take off to thred the pull cord threw the joys of 2 stroke lol thanks for the tips chickanic

[@davewagner5408]

I work on cars and trucks and almost anything you can get into my shop. Small engines are not my specialty ,for sure,but you're smart and fun to watch. Maybe I need to learn another skill set.

[@Ash1965..]

With so many being the same I’d use another shaft off a blown motor . I do this, some people can’t afford to get a $200 plus trimmer

[@dfields9511]

Gr8 tips and vid , I have a Murray M2510 going strong. 5 season. Only issue : last year the throttle cable broke. And bump knobs that wear from use. I am on my 3rd one. Starts every time. I am strict only non-ethanol fuel with full synthetic 2 cycle oil. Drain and run out gas at end of season. This year I have fixed 2 of my neighbors MTD trimmers (carb adjust) and 1 ryobi (carb clean) They do make aftermarket trimmer heads that work for it They can be found on eBay and Amazon. I used 2 of them for a few trimmers I had in the past

[@ricktalbott9611]

I have a Bolens and I had to do the same thing too, This is also identical to my Bolens.

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Great vid thanks. From an environmental perspective it bothers me that many things end up in the trash because its to costly to fix, quality...etc. or it's more profitable to make it a disposable tool so you need to bug a new one. Appricate the vids to help everyone out with what they already have, thats huge. Fir me my time to go to a shop, get parts or get it fixed can suck up a whole day... cost the same in time plus $s as a replacement. Where if I can fix at home big win. Tried to save a few ryobies reciently for my dad vs buying new stuff. One the spark plug was stripped out, and the clunk was in the wrong spot, result runs great with a carb tune and clunk adjustment, but the some threads are better than no threads kills it there. On the second ryobi, plug was loose, carb needed a tune and it should be good for more. Win some loose some. I do some volunteering in the community to help folks 1 day every quarter, often can save 5 to 6 appliances house hold items from going in the trash.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

Thank You so much for the trimmer line hydration info. I have had that problem, plus the carb problem you explained.

[@samtate1260]

I have that same trimmer I found in the trash it had straight gas in it I put strong two stroke oil in 24 to 1 my old Outbord motor gas and now it works fine I have used it all year so far great videos 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@hermanchow1405]

I have the same trimmer for roughly 10 years , and the gas / oil mixture is 40 to 1 (25ml to 1 litre gas ) because you found the treasure in the dumpster and certainly the hand book aren’t with it !

[@butler386]

Great bunch of tips. Never heard of that before. Makes me wonder if I was to soak my head in water I would be smarter. Thanks for the videos.

[@je1279]

The tiny carbs on sting trimmers when used with ethanol gas is a problem waiting to happen. Either use the premixed fuel from a reputable brand or ethanol free fuel along with a good 2 cycle oil and fuel stabilizer.

[@marshmower]

Same on the tiny 4 strokes as well. They just drink through a very small "straw" or path. They use diaphragm carbs that look identical to the 2 strokes. Newer lightweight 3 wheel edgers and the newer Mantis tiller. I just stuff a lot of paper towel in the air intake to adjust the fuel vacuum.

[@panchopistola8298]

Yep . 99% of the issues she addresses in her videos could be taken care of if people used Ethanol free gas .

[@jmabs5096]

It's not e gas, it's people who get 5 gallons one time a year, store that in a hot humid garage where water is, think it stays good for the whole year aaaand it's ruins everything! Buy what you can use in 1 months, anything left over dump it into your car. This solves any fuel quality issues

[@je1279]

@@jmabs5096 You are not wrong. Before I switched to premixed canned fuel, I used a 1 gallon container and mixed it with both two cycle oil and fuel stabilizer. Problem was it would take me months to go through that between my string trimmer and chainsaw at our prior property and eventually the carburetor would get gunked up. Fortunately, at our new property, that is not an issue as I will run out of gas before completing the yard and it needs to be done at least bi-weekly.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Agreed. I'm using Amsoil Saber and Quickshot.

[@davidduvall4655]

Got a Troybilt had bad head, I opted for a Gator speed feed head for 18.99. Yeah you have to buy their preloaded line but how much I trim the convince out weighs the cost. Great videos that's for teaching us. Have a good year.

[@robertmailhos8159]

That curve shaft Murray weed eater sings the bog down blues 💙

[@johnaldrich2074]

Let's make that the phrase of the decade, bog down blues lmao

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@johnaldrich2074 yeah buddy 😂

[@kbjerke]

I *LOVE* your videos!! And that Murray looked brand new. We just never know! Thanks for the video! Maybe you can catch me on an episode of Guild Garage sometime!

[@pennyan2057]

Forgot to mention Troy-Bilt, man have I fixed a lot of those because customers too cheap to buy a good one, like you say Echo or I like Shindaiwa, have had many customers bring in their MTD machine saying they were cutting tall grass and the grass choked the cutterhead to a point where it wouldn't spin and they kept on, literally melting the head to the shaft, like one comment said , I have so many of those trimmers for parts, I actually had to throw some away , Love your channel, and subscribed!

[@eugeneneill7767]

Not everybody is made of money $300 to $400

[@rogerbamatutz1927]

Thanks for your honesty based on experience.

[@jrpritchard1622]

thanks bunches on the tip on adjusting the fuel keep the video rolling

[@1rosalee]

Good video! Just got reminded about the line rejuvenation! Thanks!!

[@EricA-py4gv]

Dear Chicanic. You are awesome! Love the Daisy Dukes and watching you pull start stuff. What guns and shoulders you have! If small block Chevys had pull starters I’ll bet you could pull start them. And I'll bet you would beat most men at arm wrestling. Love your show!

[@betomendez4304]

Just asked about back pack blower then watched this video very helpful thank you

[@robstone5333]

Great info and vid as always. Amazing growth in the number of your subs. I subbed around 7K and it doesn’t seem that long ago. Hey, one thing thoses MTD trimmers are good for: I took three of the shaft sections and doubled the length of my pole saw!! Lol

[@bertgrau3934]

You can also use a cut off wheel to cut a slot in the screw, so you can use a flat screw driver to adjust. I have done that many times, oh no the EPA will come after me now, oh well. By the way, the housing is aluminum and the screws are steel. It doesn't hurt the housing.

[@wendellpatterson3823]

This is why I quit using big box store power equipment 20 years ago. Though money was scarce, I decided to buy good quality tools. I still have, and used yesterday the my brush hog on. Stick, the MS 250 I bought then.

[@mjohns161]

Another great video from you, thanks. I also found that you can take the straw from a carb cleaner can or wd40 spray and it fits perfectly on the adjustment screws to turn them (at least it does with my Craftsman trimmer) I also have the 4stroke no mix Craftsman trimmer that I’m having issues with starting and would appreciate any tips with that.

[@kenthammarstrom8255]

I think I will stay with my old Husqvarna, it is abit heavy but it runs. like your films.🤩

[@jbknowles1812]

I have to tell you I did like what you were doing, but here's the story. I'll start the list of the equipment I run which is a Husqvarna 48 in mower, a Stihl FS 70 r string trimmer, and echo PB 550 H, & an MS 200T chainsaw. Ok my neighbor has me look at troy built weedeater. Compression test result 90 PSI. You said anything under 100 PSI don't bother with it. I put some vegetable oil in the spark plug hole. Started in three pulls. Although I did not retest compression seem to be back up popping as well as a Troy-Bilt will. And just as a question/info everybody sit down on gas you got me stuff up and I know it will after years and years, but I have a Murray straight shaft when I bought my steel it was sitting in the back corner of the garage. It has been sitting there for two and a half years. I ran that trimmer for 7 years fairly hardcore. And I can't remember for sure three or four pulls and it was running and idling. Guess that's all I have to say.

[@dirtytsfarm2141]

I own 4 different Stihls and have them all setup for different tasks based on engine size/weight. That said, I have a small collection of these trimmers as they usually come to me at the right price, free-fifty. I've tinkered and played with them. Even ported a couple. If you put them to hard use they show their weaknesses pretty fast. I think one of the major problems with these are the mufflers. If you take one apart they're one of two things, plugged up for noise cancellation, or they have a catalytic screen in them. Both just trap all kinds of heat and the longer they are run (tank after tank) they start to go lean and... Bad combination. The 25cc engines are on borrowed time from day 1, but I do like the 32cc design better because it's case fed through a reed and And unburnt fuel in the case will gravity fall to the "top" of the cylinder and keep the piston well lubed for the next cold start. Plus they're case fed reeds and that's just cool. The timing of these engines is also "off". If you take the cylinder head off there's always a heavy varnish in the transfer ports indicative of reversion (exhaust going down the transfers before the transfer pressure overcomes the exhaust pressure). See above about the muffkins... That varnish could also be the ethgas/cheap oil combo most homeowners use. Either way I see it in all of em. What you said about the parts being overpriced is spot on. At some point they become cost prohibitive to fix. One of my Stihls I bought in 2004 and am still using to this day. The old adage "ya get what ya pay for" comes to mind. Enjoyed your vid, keep em comin.

[@capohd28]

Agree what you say about Stihls. After fighting with cheap ones for years, I got a Stihl straight shaft. It does require maintenance at times, but has hundreds of hours, Still going strong, no major repairs. Always use premium fuel, and Stihl oil. No plans to replace it.

[@TJzzl86]

Most of these small engines die over winter. Just run them once or twice a month in the off seasons and you're good.

[@flashesofblack4128]

I had a small 1400 watt generator that I needed for my snow blower. It just would not start despite me wearing out my arm pulling on the start cord. I pulled the sparkplug to check for spark. It generated a spark but I noticed it was dry so I turned my attention to fuel delivery. I checked the hoses going to the carb and all was Ok. I checked for fuel in the float bowl and it had fuel in it. Finally I removed the carb and removed the run jet. It was plugged from bad gas. I cleaned it, put the whole thing back together and PRESTO, it started on the first pull! Ahh, the sweet smell of success!!

[@Jonhobbs64]

Hello I just discovered your channel and I think you are great! I love "frankensteining" things out of two stroke engines like pawn shop weed eaters that just need a screen blow out to adding a 35cc Craftsman weed whacker engine to a feather lite weed eater to just edge grass at idle speed lol! Anyway thanks for all your videos you are great!

[@chrisbraid2907]

Those little two stroke motors run best if you fill them fresh each time with well stored and pre shaken fuel oil mix. Your petrol can evaporate if left in the on motor tank. It should be stored in an airtight container. If it evaporates you will likely foul the spark plug when it does start up. The exception is if you are using the machine tomorrow or the next day, I empty mine routinely and it always starts easy and runs well …

[@barts1286]

After emptying fuel I also start engine and run out fuel from carby so that won't cause a problem.

[@mikeries8549]

Define: fuel Be very specific

[@jamesrice4347]

Enjoy and learn from your videos.(fixed my Husqvarna chainsaw )."ethanol-gas sclerosis "has shortened the life of some of my yard maintenance tools (and my 92 Goldwing ).I've now gone almost all cordless electric .Ryobi 18 and 40 volt. I know this is blasphemous ,but, necessity is a Mother. Quiet and lighter weight. Check the battery is charged and away I go!

[@brewster3987]

1:34 "I'm pretty good at (telling people how to fix it)." Okay, you win the "Understatement of the Month" prize. Sign for your front lawn in the mail. 🤣

[@THEBASIL1946]

You are so good love to watch you keep ❤ up the good work

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

That face you make, like your kidding me right. The picture of you on the video cover is the best ever.

[@bobgreen3116]

Love your videos. You make everything look so easy.. What kind of fuel do you use and what oil, I would guess Echo oil. 😊

[@ericwinton2431]

I am not familiar with "canned fuel?" Be that as it may I still enjoy watching and learning from your videos!!! I appreciate the down home explanations which makes it easier to understand what you are doing without the techno speak. Simple to understand simple to follow... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FOR US AMATURES!!!!!!

[@B4TS1]

Canned fuel is Ethanol-Free Fuel that comes in a can such as Tru Fuel etc,

[@ericwinton2431]

@@B4TS1 On the west coast I can not say I have ever bought or seen "Canned Fuel". Probably not offered in California (being polite on the offered). I think the biggest take away from this is the hydration of the trimmer string!!! I never realized the importance of keeping the string hydrated hence I was that guy that smashed the devil out of the trimmer seeking more line only to have to shut my trimmers down to manually adjust the line and causing further damage to my trimmers. Again I very appreciative in watching Chickanic videos as she has really saved a great deal of headache with my small pesky engine problems, and my wallet is grateful!!!!

[@kbjerke]

"Canned fuel" is available (at least here in Canada) at Lowe's, Home Depot, Home Hardware, etc... it's basically a pre-mixed fuel (oil + gasoline) that lazy people can put into their designer "gas powered" tools. IMHO, if you can't mix fuel, you shouldn't own a "two stroke." Nor should they attempt to operate one. BEST wishes to you!

[@ericwinton2431]

@@kbjerke I agree!!! I am not trying to be mean...I think some folks should operate a hand held blender.. I have never heard of canned fuel and I thank you so much for explaining what it is. Trust that it has never been on my shopping list and has few chances of being something I will ever purchase!!!! Best wishes and Peace to you my Friend!!!

[@kbjerke]

@@ericwinton2431 One can always be open to learning... safely. BEST wishes to you!

[@nelsonthekkath4830]

I used to get the same issue with Valex trimmer always. That special tool is not with me, but I used to manage with a small hard pipe. Now it's coming with normal screw type.

[@jamiecrisp5084]

i have worked on these trimmers as well and seen some interesting issues in them from the crank pin sawing a hole through the back of the engine to the crank balance come apart what i call grenade engine the crank balance is laminated sheet steel pressed together even MTD's 4 cycle trimmers are like this. I personally have 2 Craftsman limited edition 4 cycle trimmers a 26.5cc and a 31cc these are not made by MTD they are made by YAT who also makes Senix i love these trimmers a 4 cycle that weighs the same as a 2 cycle,full crank,easy to service and built to commercial like spec i really wish stores stuck with these and not the MTD ones.

[@drodriguez291]

Thank you so much. Another year with 80$ Walmart murry 👍

[@dtman66]

Great sense of humor!

[@Gearoid35]

Excellent video thanks, it's goes back to the old saying, you get what you pay for

[@daver681]

Hey Chick baby, that is the first time I have ever heard of soaking trimmer line in water, that is a new one on me.

[@STho205]

I guess I cut my own pacman tool from a sprinkler head adjustment (screwdriver). Looks like yours and I use it to adjust the Murray MTD high end....because mine did exactly the same thing. Quick start.... No power on full throttle. If you don't abuse it these things are fine for light home use. My wife sells Echo and Stil all day long....have thought about going to work in their repair and parts shop now I'm retired, but I bet the fun would dissipate after a few weeks of fixing abused tools.

[@scottyellis3442]

I have found from personal experience after 2 cheap weed trimmers it's best to spend a little more money & buy a good name, for me it was the Echo SRM 265. It's really cheaper in the long run to buy 1 good trimmer versus buying a cheap one every couple of years.

[@iraq03to04]

I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use kzbin.infoUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

Go to Horror Fright, get yourself the right socket size for that hex head, and melt it into the plastic like a reinforced bushing that will never round out. 🤷‍♂️