Craftsman or Troybilt trimmer won't start? How to easily diagnose and repair your 2 cycle trimmer.

Thanks for tuning back into Chickanic!
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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.
Check out some other great small engine repair channels and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE....
Mower Medic 1
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Micks Mowers
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Steve's Small Engine Saloon
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BaldEagle242
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donyboy73
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Bruce's Shop
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Eliminator Performance
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The Lawnmower Lady
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Ken's Small Engine Repair
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Henry Murawski
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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

[@biddlebabe]

Thank you so much for your clear instructions. Used my Craftmaster once. Neighbor used it alot over the years. It would idle when I tried to use it. Removed the 4 screws, clean out the screen's dust bunny and loose dirt with a cloth. Reinstalled 4 screws- works perfectly. You saved me a $89 repair fee. Thank you, I am 72 year old woman who wants to fix my own tools.

[@timothylloyd7583]

Thank you for an informative video, not long winded

[@johnlambert7998]

Hey hey! I followed everything she said. However, my carb was just trash! So, $15 on Amazon ( carb, fuel lines/filter and even a spark plug) and BAM! Troybilt runs great now! Thanks for the help! $15 every year now! 🤣

[@verinb9]

"Give this lady a beer!"(Stone Cold voice) 🍺

[@cb3racing753]

I went all last summer without a weedeater mad because my new one used once wouldn't start after the winter. Going out to try this now.

[@grumpyoldvet2304]

Great channel Have learned a lot from you. I like that smirk when you fix a piece of equipment. I cringe when I have to take off the fuel lines on those things as I can never remember which line goes where. You’d think I’d learnt by now. Great job. Really appreciate you.

[@gaternisbet4399]

take pictures as you take it apart. sometimes video.

[@FyrFytr998]

Thank you so much. I have a Troy Bilt TB22EC that would not run at idle. I followed this video and now it fires up and idles. I was all set to trash it and go completely battery powered. Now I need to find a way to get rid of this curved shaft for a straight one.

[@im2yys4u81]

*Note: I resolved all my small engine fuel problems by using ONLY ethanol free gas in my yard tools. No more gummed up carburetors, rotted fuel lines, and cracked/broken primer bulbs. Over the past four years I'm still using the same edger, string trimmer, backpack blower, and mower. I do enjoy your videos though. Thanks. *This comment has been edited to correct a misspelled word)

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Oh, the many times I spew fuel all over my work table cuz I forget to open the tank. Thanks for the reminder, again. 😬

[@waynestefinashen239]

Very good step by step instructions for your viewers on that repair. Especially liked the testing of the primer bulb showing how to diagnose the problem.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks again Wayne!

[@larrystockwell3253]

Yes but its brand new out of the box i did get it to start but after shutting it off now it wont start again.

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@larrystockwell3253 Depends on what brand you have it may need a slight carb adjustment, it pays to buy from a dealer like Chickanic rather than a big box store because they are no help and the dealership makes sure it runs properly. If not they will set up a no charge provided you have used the proper fuel mixture and not fiddled with anything.

[@RockymountainRobert]

Your the first and only person to say that craftsman is the. Same as troybuilt, that's good to know, thanks!

[@denisemccarson1163]

Great info. I’m new to your channel, and have learned several easy and time saving, along with cost saving tips. Plus, being a woman and pushing 70 yrs old, I work on my equipment. Thank you

[@Chickanic]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jefffloyd3480]

I bought a aftermarket Carburetor,spark plug,Filter line 14 bucks Ebay ..easy peasy 🤟🇺🇸🤟

[@souperdad1]

Best video. Working on mine now. I have a new craftsman mower and there are no videos on the new mower. Nut came out of my wheel and locked it up. Took awhile to figure that one out.

[@dieselgeek]

This is literally the best video on this topic on the entirety of KZbin. A+

[@indianachrisUDX1313]

I just picked up a Troybilt TB 22 EC, looks the same. Thanks Chick!

[@jlk6812]

Finally ! Someone explains every step clearly! Thank you! Took a good ole Arkansas Girl to get er done Lol

[@cannonballrepair7940]

I’ve had 4 of these machines come through this season so far with that screen problem. Neat trick using that other primer bulb to check the fuel lines and filter! 👍🏻

[@Chickanic]

Thanks!

[@philliphall5198]

Slick

[@wayneward5921]

I have that exact same weed eater. Bought it new over a year ago and left it in my carport still in the box. Opened it today and took forever to get it started. Ran great once started. But when you turn it off, it won't restart. Touch the plug wire cap and the rubber is very hot. The spark plug is even hotter even though it only ran a few minutes. Take the plug out and you can't touch it. Too hot. Replace the spark plug with a new cold one and it starts back up. Let it run a few minutes, same problem. Won't restart until you remove the scorching hot plug and put a cold one in it. Thoughts?

[@lawrencecorbo6586]

You have a lot Enthusiasm to fix things

[@jameslomenzo1139]

I start my Troy-Bilt weedeater in the fall and run all the two cycle gas out till it's empty, I've noticed through the years condensation will build up in the fuel lines over the winter. Come spring, starts up great, same with my 25 year old push mower.

[@lodwill4007]

Hi hey chick magnet here. Lol just started watching your podcast . It’s spring. And you know what that means. Nothing will stay running.. I’m smart enough to start it. But hit throttle. And it bogs out. I have no adjusting tools. I pump the throttle. Keep running then quits. On all the trimmers. Lol lol lol most are going to battery. But I have these nice trimmers Lol I bought a pallot of rejects for 30 bucks from Costco. ? And all attachments.

[@thomasharper5989]

Thanks a ton. I cleaned the filter and it runs fine now. 60 year old grandpa says “thank you mam!”

[@jonlambshead6593]

Another Great Tutorial , Hi From Australia

[@mojavegreen2923]

Best videos ever! The only ones that I have ever come across that doesn't leave those crucial little details out, and inevitably having to watch countless other videos before it's all said and done. And I'm a fairly intelligent guy with a degree in Electrical Engineering that's worked on my own cars all my life, and as a head maintenance man for an Ice cream distributor, so I'm no slouch. I'm tell'n ya, girl is badazz!

[@oldfart269]

I have a Troy-Bilt trimmer that quits every time I hit something with the trim head. I have a few yards that I do for people, and I got tired of having to wait sometimes up to 30 minutes for it to settle down and start. I have not adjusted it. I bought a Stihl. I did use the TB primer bulb on my Remington blower (same size, bolted right on!). I bought the TB new and I have never been more disappointed in anything in my life. I had nothing but problems in the two weeks I tried to use it since purchase. I will never buy anything Troy-Bilt again! In the 12 years I have been doing yards, this has been the most bothersome (and least useful) trimmer that I have ever owned.

[@mrbibstoo]

Many years ago, I took apart one of my small engine carburetors (actually, I think it was on a Craftsman riding lawn mower) and it looked like there was nothing wrong, however, it still wouldn't fire off. Going back in, I found that the main jet was plugged. It turned out that there was a transparent film, that had hardened in the jet. It appeared to be okay and light could be seen through the jet. A small wire poked through the jet cleaned it out and it worked fine after being reassembled. Not sure what caused the problem, but I've always laid the blame on our availability to extremely poor fuel, that must have the ability to clog small orifices, such as the screen you replaced in this video. Keep up the GREAT work! Always enjoy your videos and the knowledge you share.

[@ronaldmcmunn4019]

Thank you! You have a new fan here!

[@TomIowa1]

i'm 68 years old and have NEVER been mechanically inclined at all. I can take stuff apart but never get it back together. This video is giving me hope that I can take these steps and get my trimmer running again. THANK YOU !!!

[@adamgordon3686]

As much as I hate to admit it LOL your tutorial worked for me instead of replacing the filter screen inside of the carburetor I hit it with some carburetor cleaner and put it back together ran like a champ ty chicomatickanic

[@chrishoover2681]

Thank you Miss I feel KZbin certified enough to do this thanks to you 😊

[@thomaslay8144]

Girl, you made my day! I got a trimmer with several attachments from my friend who said it quit working and he didn't want to mess with it. I had it for a few months and couldn't get anything to work. Checked everything or at least I thought I had. I watched your video and realized there was a screen in the carb. I went straight to it and sure enough it was dirty! Cleaned it and wallah! Took a few tries and it ran. I adjusted carb and I'm ready to go. Thanks

[@ezmirza]

Wow that was much easier then I thought. It my second craftsman weed trimmer reason I pick same I don’t need to deal with mixing oil with gas on 2 cylinder engine. But man I really about to give up on my tool and bought a battery power Mikita but again it not that much power. My problem the string get stuck in halfway no matter how hard to pull it goes few inches back and nothing just want to trash that only used once last year 2023.

[@hdvictoryford5329]

She makes me look smart. Work at a hdwar store. I watch her video and take the knowledge to work. Genius. Thx Chick.

[@desoman72]

Excellent tutorial. It made fixing my Troy-bilt trimmer easy to fix. Instead of taking out the screen, I sprayed the screen and pipes with 3M high pressure brake cleaner. The bulb came back to normal. Thank you Chickanic. ^_^

[@jameslfowler9988]

thats a great idea! Im gonna trey that. - thanks

[@markbrown1609]

You are my new Martha Stewart. Thanx for vid, got it started.l

[@divyakfm1]

Ditto on the excellent presentation; great camera work, logical hacks/test and clear/understandable terms. THANK YOU, your quality and competence are refreshing; appreciate it!

[@brianconnors2227]

THANK YOU!!! it was that stupid little screen! 😊

[@bryancurtis304]

Thanks I have these problems today moment too late for me to look at now, but I’ll look into it tomorrow. Thank you again.

[@rickharvey6079]

You just made my life a lot easier lol thank you

[@iceman22m]

It's been 2 days I took that carb off 6 times! I was poking bread ties in all the holes, there might have been some sucking and blowing in said holes... And well you know what it was! I had no idea that the screen was so fine... pulled it out hot water soap and a scrub! Bingo! Thanks a lot. Now I can get back to work! GREAT!!

[@johnhuya2277]

New to channel. Just wanted to give you a big thank you. Was gonna go out and buy a new weedeater to replace my craftsman. Then i saw this video. Followed what you said but ultimately bought a new carburetor on Amazon. $18 came with carb, fuel line,spark plug, fuel filter, and air filter. Replaced everything on mine. Ps my fuel line was brindle. And now it runs great again. Thank you very much. You saved me a couple hundred dollars.

[@rickylal1074]

Where can I buy a new screen?

[@detour7790]

Thank you. I’m going to attempt fixing my MTD weed trimmer.

[@jpol3808]

Chickanic.....I don't know your prior experience on 2 and 4 stroke equipment before you opened your shop but you either learned those tricks ( like using fuel line and a primer bulb for testing ) from an experienced tech or you.... Should have become a CHICKMECHANIC and opened a full blown auto repair shop. You are showing tricks that after being a mechanic myself for 40 years I usually forget about until I'm almost done testing. You my lady.... And a say that with full due respect.... Are one Heck of a great troubleshooting tech! And trust me when I say that's definitely a compliment... Because it's Coming from me! I haven't said that to often in my career. So now...... I know you can't answer everyone and only like to respond to the "EARLY COMMENTERS" but im pretty sure not every later blooming commenter is just throwing in chopped liver either. Hey thanks for another super awesome video.... You rock! J Pol.

[@gonehome6245]

Wow, you nailed it in 5 min. Exactly the same problem as my Craftsman trimmer. Thank you.

[@akuilan]

Thanks, followed your video on a non-idling 1 year old Craftsman WC2200, it was the screen, but was just able to replace the whole carburetor for $18 bucks. Either way I win. Thank you!

[@Witch_way07]

Thanks for your videos, I’ve learned so much from your videos that has saved me $$. I’m a stay at home mom and we live out in the country. My youngest kid was talking to his friends about how his mom is better cause I can fix things and build things lol😂

[@blackhawkbryan]

Mad Respect! I have built just about everything known to man and was about to throw my weed eater in the garbage and go buy another one because I got to that age 🙂 I cleaned that TINY little filter out and it runs better than ever after fine tuning which I have the tools for. You don't know what you don't know! Took maybe 20 minutes. You rock!

[@davidfrank2824]

A couple Summers back I bought the two cycle carburetor adjustment tools. You would not believe how much unnecessary packaging they did. Every single tool was in its own separate baggy plus the bag that the whole thing came in. I laid everything out and took a picture to show a couple friends on how much unnecessary plastic that was used. I enjoy your videos look forward to watching the next one.

[@philliphall5198]

Yep it’s like I nearly filled my trash can

[@marcymackay2435]

I love the way you talk and dont “ um” and “er” like the guys do. Instructions are clear and you keep it moving along….

[@balimaxbike9487]

Hii.. from Bali.. God Bless..

[@AB-C1]

Great video again.. Happy Easter and cheers from London England 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@filippor.7502]

Just wanted to say thank you. You helped me fixed my one year old Craftsman weed eater in just a few minutes. I blew out the screen with my air compressor and it started right up. If it happens again I will just buy a new carburetor. Thanks again keep up the good work.

[@seanallsbrook4864]

Thank you it actually worked this dang thing wasn’t starting for nothing but using your method worked I just took it apart like you said and checked the filter I didn’t change it out I just reseated it then put everything back together then my golly it worked

[@karencrowell6805]

Thank you for this video. I fixed my weedeater I took it apart like the video and took a can of spray air and sprayed the screen it was full of filth. I put it all back together and it works. I spent all afternoon on it until I went to you tube and saw your video....I fixed it in less than 10 minutes....I am 62 years old and was able to fix it ....thank u thank u

[@johnnyray34]

I had the same problems with my brand new craftsman wc2200. Your video helped me to troubleshoot it thank you.

[@gregmitchell4581]

Thank you so much for making this video! It was so well executed that he gave me the confidence to tackle the problem I was having with my Craftsman 2200. I've never taken one of these engines apart, so it was a daunting task that I didn't think I could do. But, your video changed all that. I was able to break it all the way down and find that the small little mesh in the carburetor was clogged up. Cleaned it up, put new gas in it, ran like a champ. Thanks again keep on doing what you're doing!

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Mike, Fun comparison, Take Care 🚜👍🏼🇺🇸

[@johnegan4826]

Good morning brie love your videos

[@Chickanic]

Thanks again John!

[@johnegan4826]

@@Chickanic you are welcome

[@DBo183]

This worked for me. My screen was dirty. Thank you.

[@glennhutchinson9049]

I've recently discovered your channel and so far I'm really impressed! I don't know but one other guy who shows your attention to detail in his video's, that's project farm! Thank you for the abundant information!

[@danielchrisronan2281]

You just provided 5x the information that any dude has provided on this exact same subject.... Great job!!

[@donmiller8588]

I Think I'm in Luv...A Gal that can Fix a trimmer!! I was given one of these, a Murry, same problem. Now I can't wait for it to get Light so I can work your Fix!! Thanks for all the Tips / Solutions...Your Savin' my Texas Bacon! I'll be watching your shows from now on.....

[@juanmanuelhernandez3713]

Thank you so much, for your tutorial, I fallow your instructions and I was able to fix it

[@graeme1744]

Best channel ever

[@knnthbable]

I think I may be in love!!!! Thanks for the tips.

[@marknelson530]

great video. you impress me with your trouble shooting talent.

[@jimmiecoffey8549]

Great video! This was exactly my problem. Thank you so much!

[@jenshmoe247]

Mine also! Bought a new screen and voila! Great tutorial.

[@floyd2054]

Excellent and thank you! I never knew about the screen in the carb. I've always been intimidated by the small carburetor, but you make it look easy. I took mine apart and cleaned the screen, and it cranked right up.

[@bentwedgestanleybrand5818]

Good morning from Piqua Ohio.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching Stanley!

[@gosselinsergegs]

Thank you I got that problem that I couldn’t resolve

[@tracyneighbors7059]

Alway's Educational, Thank You, Have a Good Day!

[@fed2839]

Love the corvette and Cougar

[@jerryrupe7391]

Murray at Walmart $79 usually good machines after you adjust to stop bugging.

[@jacobg.341]

Incredible, after watching your video I was able to start my Troy bilt

[@RobB-sg9wc]

Best primer bulb and fuel line assembly thus far. Thanks!!!!!! I feel it I should apply for an internship or summer camp.. you are a great teacher!

[@jonathanpratt56]

I would like to purchase a carb adjustment tool kit. I will continue to look. Thank you for the education.

[@Anto-kz5hk]

I am fixing a poulan pro old chainsaw and has this same problem. Tomorrow will try exactly what you did to this carb. Thanks

[@kimberlygoins3341]

Best channel on you tube. I'm so glad a found it. You make everything easier to understand. Thanks slot.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks so much!

[@1903bretep]

A great video, thanks. I find it's a good idea to always empty fuel out of the machine then purge the carb of fuel using the primer bulb and tip that bit out too then run the machine until it stops. Have never had any problems doing that season after season.

[@user-el2kz4gr1l]

4show

[@walterbrown8907]

I put on a new carburetor still won't crank tell me what to do next please😂

[@NM-eb5ej]

I'm a guy and every video I WATCH makes me a little smarter. THANKS BRE! CHICKMAGIC!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks!

[@joshuahonel7321]

Great video! I have a 12 year old craftsman that’s the same, and it refuses to die. Did a compression check just now, still has 150psi. Got a new carb ordered. I look forward to the carb tuning video

[@03redrubi]

Yes, x2!

[@scottjacks5354]

OMG, aren't you the lady that owns the saw shop in H.S. Ar.?

[@MrPabco]

Great content as always. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@Mistickman47]

This video help a lot of headaches put in a new carb and it would run then shut off turns out I had the fuel lines backwards

[@ronmorris6563]

I just fixed mine started by replacing the carburetor but that was not it. For those reading the comments, check the .070 x 1.864 o-ring located on the crankshaft endcap. If it is broke there is no vacuum to pull in the fuel. Less luck!

[@jamesoestrike2517]

A good, clear, and concise video! You did good! Nothing like experience to make it look easy!

[@robertbreau1003]

You explain your video s very well

[@TapiocaSteam]

This video helped me so much. Got my Troy Built trimmer running again after sitting for 3-5 years. Thank you so much!!!

[@samrachaliii4244]

Your video was more helpful than the other one I tried to used. Geminis Rule!

[@bossmack509]

Thank you for helping me fix my weed wacker

[@jag376]

Awesome job. I’ve taken heat in the past for the following, but I don’t care, it’s so great to see women turning wrenches and so much knowledge in the male dominated wrenching world. I have a daughter and ever since she was 2 years old she loved being underneath a car playing and getting full of grease. I miss my little girl.

[@conner5611]

I have a free tb22ec i got the other day this video came at the perfect time mine is being a bit hard to start

[@independentthinker8930]

I had a Troy built 4 stroke trimmer, I'll never own another 4 stroke, hated that thing

[@Chickanic]

Hate those!

[@butler386]

Great job repairing this trimmer. I try to use nonethanol gas in my small engines to help as well. Thanks for the video

[@ronaldcoone8006]

Thanks for the primer bulb trick for checking lines. Can't fathom how much time I've lost over the years. ; -)

[@pjkraus]

Excellent, thank you. I have the trimmer/weedeater/brushcutter, but the eleven-year-old version, so I know how finicky they can get. You nailed your carb repair video -- without the b.s. we've become accustomed to. So, I'm glad I found you.

[@kanyeeastlolz]

This craftsman is a piece of trash

[@joshuatoms968]

I have a craftsman weed eater so I really enjoyed the video I have not started it this year but if it does not run I now some things to check now thanks for sharing 👍

[@holymolyguzman]

The one video to fix them all. Thank you for sharing this. I got my craftsman going after cleaning out the internal filter you poked a hole through. I sprayed it with some carb cleaner and put it all back together. It’s running like new. Thanks!

[@andybecker2693]

I had a grey Echo trimmer that I used for 25 years. It finally wore out. I was being cheap and bought one of these for the farm. It was on the second season when one of the two head bolts broke and caused a massive air leak. Bought an Echo SRM 2620T 3 years ago. Couldn’t be happier. No matter what your brand is, buy from a dealer.

[@ripperace]

Most of the discount house trimmers, and chain saws are garbage. You definitely get what you pay for.