Customer's STIHL FS56 Weed Whacker Is SQUEALING Like Crazy! Can It Be fixed?

[@donyboy73]

➡Watch next; Best Way To Refill A Stihl AutoCut C 5-2 Trimmer Weed Whacker Head kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIfPn2SMrNSaY5o

[@philliphall5198]

They don’t put enough grease on the brging most of the time, same with chainsaw 😢

[@michaelspencer301]

That's the one thing I hate about weed eaters , you virtually have to completely disassemble the whole thing just to get to the problem. And a long enough work bence to work on it. Great video!

[@jas350]

Not with Ryobi or homelite or weed eater

[@SheikShak]

The makers made them that way……so that u have to take it to them for repairs……

[@RexFixx]

@@SheikShaki Just came to say its so easy, I worked on things you need to dissassamble days

[@martinkuliza]

I disagree... to completely replace the Carburettor is only 2 screws after you open the Air filter enclosure and pull out the air filter with your finger. it's not that hard But even pulling apart the whole thing... Really is not that big of a deal TRYING DOING WHAT I DO.... Repairing TV's and other Electronics EASILY....20 SCREWS BEFORE YOU GET TO THE PROBLEM this is like 5 or 6...........No problem at all

[@michaelspencer301]

Good to see some people like working on weed eaters. I hate them.

[@jme36053]

Yep. Strimmer clutches are a perennial problem regardless of make. It helps to clean the shaft and re-lube it as well while you’re at it.

[@Mike75575]

100% always.

[@joeTM51]

This design of clutch riding the clutch without a fan housing and bearing is unique . All that gunmetal bush needs is some lubricant that will remain inside . I mix graphite powder into silicone grease as a lubricant and the intervals between lubrications will be longer. Its not necessary to remove the engine block from its housing. A L shaped T27 can be used to loosen the central screw.

[@ninagamble9150]

Cleaning out the clutch drum solved it on several that I’ve worked on. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@jimbrewer2893]

Like you, most of us who work trimmers know how sticky build up can affect clutches. Very good video.

[@walterbeaver6365]

Great instructional and informational video. You should teach at a trade school or junior college. You possess the much needed skills required to teach. Love your videos. I always learn something everytime. Thankyou Sir.

[@chrissmith513]

When I used to work at the Golf Course I had plenty of different Machines doing this ! ⛳⛳⛳

[@darkdelta]

I have this same trimmer, haven't had this problem, yet. Thanks for the tear down instructions.

[@davidhume237]

Hi Dony. Great to see a new machine on the bench. Thanks for your videos over the years. It has helped me a heap. Keep it up. Dave from Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia.

[@justaviewerortwo2924]

My yard boss is doing this and it’s brand new

[@ramiroalvarez4699]

Just used my weed wacker for the first time and it started doing this Thanks for the video

[@robertyearian227]

Mine did sane thing I nought new clutch put on it did same thing then I found out about grease lol. Thanks dony

[@brian436]

Took apart a Stihl FS45C and the trigger mechanism came apart. Thanks for showing a detailed viewing of that area. I was going to replace clutch due to head spinning while idling, but cleaning and lubing did the trick. Thanks!

[@jameslovitt994]

Had the same issue with a FS45 I had, wasn't squealing though. Awesome little trimmer, I'm just too tall for a curved shaft. Sold and replaced it with a FS91R

[@bevis226]

They are similar to an old Briggs recoil when they start squealing. I usually take a bit of emery cloth to the shaft and lube the hub if the owner does not want to put any new parts into it, but after your lube dries out it will start to squeal again. Best to replace the hub and clutch when they start squealing like that. The squealing sound is the hub trying to gull fast to the shaft.

[@martinkimathi993]

Thanks for the expert information on how to repair these small engines, we use such engines on backpack agricultural sprayers in kenya. Kudos for the loads of useful tips don

[@ForrestGump1212]

dang that trimmer looks brand new!

[@off-gridhillbillystyle3735]

That what I was thinking. Could he have used a old clutch drum for video purposes ? 🤔

[@beplh5242]

It must have been a worn bushing on the centre spindle. I guess the clutch wasnt engaged, but the bushing vibrates enough that it grips the output shaft?

[@dennisatkins9837]

I have that exact machine and it is starting to exhibit that same problem. That was a very well done video. I could easily see exactly what you were doing. Thanks a bunch!

[@johnclarke6647]

Two, maybe three, normal things that make it squeal - the drive shaft, the power head and the starter pulley. The first two is because they have not been lubricated. The last is the starter pulley, but it could be the sprocket bearing too. All of these are easily repaired or replaced. On a the sprocket bearing is built into the sprocket. Just like on chainsaws, you have to periodically lubricate the sprocket bearing. I use white lithium grease, like Don. I use Stihl gear grade on the drive shaft and in the power head.

[@markkaplan1949]

got that model last year. I didn't realize you can't even lubricate the gear in the spool head. But so far it's been a good unit. Great video sir. Thanks.

[@philliphall5198]

Drill it yourself and grease it

[@philliphall5198]

Plus I work on them and other brands, echo will be my next one if I ever buy one

[@jerrys576]

YES you can. Steves small engine saloon has a video of how to do it. I lube mine 2x a yr.

[@markkaplan1949]

@@jerrys576 I'll check it out...thanks

[@philliphall5198]

I that’s a good time to grease the shaft also

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

I've seen a couple of units with similar problems. But usually they are the cheaper ones. Last year I had one in that the owner has a habit of running low throttle and he had actually glazed the rim of the clutch drum. I warned him about low throttle burning up his engine. I sanded the clutch and gave it back. That one is now in the back of my shop with a seized motor. Low rpm is not good for a 2 stroke engine. ( my opinion ) Great video.

[@kenbrown2808]

I have a neighbor who does that running-at-idle, and barely bumping the throttle every few seconds, thing. it sets my teeth on edge.

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

@@kenbrown2808 Well the only oil the engine gets is from the fuel so low rpm= barely any oil. He probably won't have the unit long unless he mixes 50/50 . That crap does just do something to your nerves doesn't it ?

[@kenbrown2808]

@@c.blakerockhart1128 it also clogs the spark arrester. and yeah, just hit the throttle and go. if you want to do things one spot at a time, get an electric.

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

@@kenbrown2808 I always tell people that a 2 cycle is designed to be ran WIDE OPEN. But people don't like the sound so they feather the throttle. And YEP at least 15 units per year are because the spark arrester is completely clogged. Sometimes I take the entire muffler off and hang it on a wire, and set up a torch under it. You can tell when it is clean because it stops smoking and flaming. Sometimes people will give them away because they don't believe it when you tell them that will fix it.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@c.blakerockhart1128 2 strokes and power strokes. If it's not screaming, it's not happy.

[@pauliekruger7639]

Have you ever replaced the crank seals?

[@chriswablington7118]

Thanks for the thorough explanation and great camera work! I just bought a new fs56 and actually returned it for explanation of excessive vibration under throttle. I was told this is normal due to shaft configuration. I kept it and, aside from vibration, it performs great. Based on your feedback, I’m thinking preventative maintenance will go a long way on this machine. Thanks again

[@Nukemann64]

initially, when i heard it, I thought it was the recoil doing that. I remember older Briggs flathead engines were famous for doing that squealing nonsense, but, when you diagnosed the clutch it all made sense. I've never seen this issue before, but I'm glad I saw it now! Thank you, Dony for the awesome video! Take care. : )

[@Mechanicturfgear]

The older Stihl stuff where easier to access areas you wanted to work on . The newer ones pretty much come all apart for doing repairs .it was annoying at first but get use to it after a while . Also lets you see anything else that needs replacing or a good cleaning.

[@michaelspencer301]

I've also had chainsaws come in with an annoying ping ping an rattling originating from the clutch area. Sometimes during assembly they forget to lubricate the bearing,, that causes the noise. Like the old saying, ( The Squeaky wheel gets the grease ) . A little grease does wonders.

[@brucekivi]

Thanks for the video. The in depth look at this problem is enlightening. I’ve had similar issues with various types of equipment, the clutch making racket. I usually just grab some WD40 and spray the clutch and the area around it. I know it may cause slippage for a while, but generally it stops the problem without disassembling the unit. I might try your approach next time. It’s a more careful and seemingly more effective fix. I like how you keep your tools easily accessible and ready for use. I’m usually just grabbing a manual driver without using a drill or impact. Of course, just being a homeowner taking care of my own stuff doesn’t require the efficiency you employ. The biggest issue with gas weed whackers of course is carburetors getting gummed up over the winter. For my purposes around the house I use a Ryobi 18 volt unit and it does fine in my yard. At the cabin I have a Troy Built gas unit which I go to great lengths to keep in good shape. If you have a video of cleaning the carburetor on small weed whackers I’d like to see it. That’s such a common issue. Any suggestions for people to keep them from getting gummed up in the first place? Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@kevinbode6483]

Well heck, I went and ordered a new clutch today. I think I'll save it back and reinstall the old one.

[@daveroche689]

The cheapest solvent for this job is White spirit. Unlike mineral turpentine it has not heavier oil fractions.

[@phild5454]

13:53 where this screw attaches the hole gets bigger the shaft spins and wears a hole in the blue and black cable 12:06 and the copper inside makes contact with the metal shaft and you get a shock - a rapid one that makes you shout. Wrap some insulation around the blue or black wire and rest assured. No swearing in front of customers. Buy a second hand shaft - if it looks ok.

[@badtothebone346]

I just purchased one of these almost brand new for $45, I noticed that the trimmer head makes the same noise as in this video. It's kind of a clatters a bit. It's unusual to hear as my Echo srm210 doesn't do this. I thought there was something wrong with it, but I see it's normal. Thanks for the video.

[@hickorystx]

Great video again!!! Love the narration along with the dismantle and remantle!! So many parts to remember!!! Experience really does help!!!

[@BHoltz-j1f]

I had a similar problem on the MM56 tiller. The square drive shaft that fits into the square opening on the clutch drum was no longer square on the clutch drum. The drive shaft would slip on the clutch drum shaft. The clutch drum was easily removed, with half of the plastic housing removed. It did not require the removal of the engine. Use a Torx 20 to remove the clutch drum and replace it with a new clutch drum. A non-OEM replacement is available on the web for PN 41401602005 clutch drum kit.

[@MARKHOAR-ly1uq]

fantastic advice saw another video that gave wrong advice if you live in the UK this one is spot on

[@anthonynagle]

Brilliant video, helped me out so much. My sincere gratitude to you

[@ralphwatten2426]

It's the death squeal. Race cars coming down the back chute make that noise sometimes.

[@michaelmcalister1646]

My Stihl had done this from the day I purchased it.

[@nikolavincek2347]

i just add little grease where cable shaft get in clutch drum and it gets where neeed to, its common problem when maschine is washed with water

[@xstreamoneya]

Hey Donny I’ve been watching your videos for a while. I just seen one from five years ago where you changed the seal on a push mower. I need to replace the seal on a8 hp Briggs & Stratton i\c Engine on a Toro 8-25 rear engine rider. Model number 195787. You said in that video if I lived in Canada you could get the seal for me. I have not been able to find it. Can you help me out? I am hoping I can replace it without removing the motor. Just like you did. Let me know please. Cheers.

[@1funcar]

Adjust clutch engagement? My first thought when I saw the head spinning at idle.

[@uropecx]

Fantastic video, excellent information and great camera work.

[@eddiewilson4291]

Mine is doing the same thing. Has since it was about brand new, Now I know what to fix, Big Thanks!

[@philliphall5198]

It’s so common to have dry brging on them and chainsaws also Need to lubricant once a year or more 😢😢

[@tomfillmore9710]

Good fix buddy and saved the customer from buying parts they didn't need and I am sure you would get that services every shop thanks for sharing the video take care have a great week

[@danielrobert7181]

As usual, a video that is thorough, complete, and VERY useful ! Merci Donald !

[@CivilDefenceCanada]

Thanks Don! I have the same trimmer that's starting to spin on startup, but not squealing. It needs some carb service so I'll ask the shop to take a look and do a cleanup on the clutch while it's apart. Love your videos!

[@Mk-oy9ns]

Why not repair it yourself..?why watch the videos otherwise.....? The mind boggles.......😂

[@CivilDefenceCanada]

@@Mk-oy9ns Because I lack the space, time, patience and this type of thing does not interest me. The mind boggles.

[@astroboy5137]

My Stihl service center won’t service the carb, they just replace them. They don’t have the time to mess with them. $125.00 for the carb.

[@Mk-oy9ns]

Yet you watch videos of someone repairing them......😂

[@donyboy73]

@@astroboy5137 unfortunately if you don't replace it for a customer they will probably be back

[@snaponjohn100]

Great job Dohny. Your close ups are superb! It was easy to tell what you were doing. Thank you for that. That makes it easy to duplicate what you did. Be blessed my friend. John.

[@glevideo]

You are my friend. Thank you. Thank you! I went through all this last night, got the clutch off, smoothed it off with some 600 grit (all I had) then washed it off with some Brake Cleaner and put a little lithium grease on the clutch shaft. Put it all back together this morning (what a chore). This is a Troy Bilt trimmer and it has about 18 screws with many of them different sizes and threads. It takes three different tools to take this apart and put it back together and then I had to try to remember where each screw went. But...Walla...it works, no more squealing and it's all good. Thanks again.

[@LanrexAdera]

Thank u brother, have one making noise when accelerated,starting is good though. Thank u again

[@stigmartinrnning6751]

As usual a great one. I learn a lot from your videos. Now i try to fix my equipment my self instead of taking it to a shop.👍👍

[@danielviola7534]

I love this video. I've now subscribed. I've had issues in the past with line trimmers and haven't a clue on how to fix the issues. I like that you are very thorough and make a point of showing the finer details so that people such as myself can use your videos as a reference. I'm about to purchase a FS 70 R Pro, so hopefully any issues that arise from that in the future, I will be able to manage thanks to you 🙂

[@jimmyamos6259]

Mine did the exact same thing. Technician done the same repair. Worked great for a few uses and then started to squeal again. Someone told me the clutch is sticking.

[@snoopfurlow1275]

Grease the clutch drum,,shaft

[@tteariki330]

Great video. thank you for showing what to look out for as I am a beginner at it all.

[@donyboy73]

No problem 👍

[@MateuszBPM]

hi , what a professional hand , is a professional hand . The brushcutter still looks new, but there was clearly not enough grease in the clutch drum. stihl recommends doing such lubrication every year, good job 👍👍👊 greetings .

[@jas350]

Lol another problem with this product... Nothing like a Ryobi or homelite product. Never any issues. People pay big bucks for styhl and so many problems. Glad you make so many videos of the many problems with styhl products.

[@johnlazarte994]

I watched alot of videos and only you answer my question. Thank you sir ...

[@jimeley3304]

Nailed it! Good job. Now I know how to fix my FS56C.

[@deanmoore420]

Hi, I have the same weedeater and I ran into that issue before basically what I did is the same thing as you just did but I put a brand new clutch on it and I haven’t had any problems with it at all. I probably could’ve cleaned up the clutch like you did, or put another used one on but I chose to put a brand new clutch and great video. Enjoyed watching.👍

[@rooster3019]

I think Stihl compromised the function and serviceability in favor of getting thet "spiffy Art-Deco" look. I will keep my 20+ uear-old Red Max.

[@aubreychaparral32]

That’s funny, I had two of those in two days last summer come in doing that. I believe both of them were bought maybe a week or two before that so brand new. Talked to the head of service for Intermountain Stihl and he was just as surprised. Swapped the clutch drums and they were just fine. Apparently it is a little more common than I had thought.

[@stevenebesni2432]

Thanks for this video! I have the same exact model, 6 years old. It makes this noise like once a year, just thought it was the plastic vibrating since it goes away with as soon I hit the throttle. Going to check mine out now.

[@robertmailhos8159]

The engagement clutch is not happy with some thing but it is at the right place to get fixed 😊

[@Francisco-sx7th]

Great video and clear as usual. I don't have that noise on my trimmer but the head turns when idling so I'm going to clean the clutch as you did and a bit of grease will not harm it neither. Thanks from Belgium.

[@chopperjohn9851]

On my Stihl edger the screw that holds the shaft in place has wallowed out the hole. Should I use a larger self tapping screw?

[@iowawrench]

My Stihl KM-55 R I noticed has started to not let the string trimmer attachment stop spinning. Great timing on this video, when I have some time I'll do this clutch cleaning / lube. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@batman8589]

Nice video but Molykote 33 is low temp grease for metal to metal but high to low speeds. Should be fine though.

[@snaponjohn100]

I have that same model. The head does not stop spinning unless you touch it on the ground.

[@snoopfurlow1275]

Adjust the hi speed screw,

[@ataulfolopezlopez8736]

Un vídeo interesante como todos los que haces. Yo creo que Sthil no tiene la calidad que tenía hace algunos años atrás, sobre todo en equipos a nivel residencial. Un saludo desde España.

[@donyboy73]

Si es verdad!

[@Eric-Goodstuff]

Perfect timing! i just put on and echo speed feed 400 head on my dad's fs56rc. I tightened it up to much as the plastic spacer was to large and bound up the head. The engine could barely turn it. So i took it apart and figured out the problem but i got that same screeching sound. Must have glazed the clutch? will do what you show. Thanks!

[@wilfredomyself539]

Thanks, it did the trick for mine.

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Do you have any tricks to get a half stripped out torx head screw out of that drum ? Someone worked on it before me !!!

[@rolandlewis2356]

The FS56 isn't sold with a straight shaft. Is the curved shaft easier for the engine and clutch assembly to operate than a straight shaft ? FS56 is nice and light. I wish it was sold with a longer straight shaft. Thanks for the video.

[@stevemoore8599]

I got a long T-20 bit so I don’t have to tear the whole machine apart.

[@jimmurphy5739]

Noticed this unit has the H, L and idle screw adjustments. Folks who are seeing their string heads spin at idle might do a few minutes of YouTubing to figure out how to tune the carb. Bringing the idle speed back down to normal (if it's too high) should stop that. Also, the benefits of tuning the carb are worth the investment in time and effort: snappy response, better handling in different positions, etc. And when you get the knack, it applies to chainsaws and a lot of other small 2-stroke engines too. Good vid! Seemed a bit slow to rev up a bit at the end, but maybe a bit of tuning might have pepped it up before it went back to the customer...?

[@swvafarmer]

Great video but dang what a hassle to fix it, ive had a squealer weedeater for 2 years, i can live with it until it craps out for good. Probably next week

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Interesting. Take pictures of unit. As you take a part. A

[@jonlambshead5115]

Hi Don Once Again Another Well Presented ,Informative Video, Well Done. I Fix Whipper Snippers , mowers , Small Motorbikes And Other Small Engines As Well. Watching From Australia. Even Though I do This As A Job As Well, It Is Good To Watch You In Action. You Do An Amazing JOB

[@doncook3584]

Have similar machine now know what to listen for as 3 yo machine gets older

[@randi740]

Great job Dony, you always do a great job!

[@tonym6920]

Great vid as always Dony, have a good weekend! ⚠️⚠️

[@donyboy73]

you too!

[@alainleblanc4031]

Excellent video Donyboy, merci! This Stihl looks brand new still and it is already not working properly. Goes to show you that paying a lot more does not mean you are getting something good.

[@donyboy73]

quality is not what it used to be!

[@robertasleson5856]

Quality and customer service have been suffering for a while at companies!

[@khayamahmadi5498]

my fs38 has exactly same problem shold i reples the calatch or just same you did

[@luuk-out-below9804]

Good diagnosis and fix. Kinda sad to see that on what appears to be a newish machine.

[@RickyHolder-yk6fh]

Nice have that same problem with my 56!

[@tmurray1972]

Good repair video! Mine sounds like the shaft is making a lot of noise, does it need to be greased as well? Have a good weekend.👍🏻

[@philliphall5198]

Yes

[@ChrisR]

I had an MM55 come in with this exact same failure and a new clutch drum fixed it right up. I have wondered if that brass bush that is retained down inside the bore is an oillite that perhaps just dries out eventually? The new parts seemed to have the same amount of play on the crankshaft as the original parts but the noise was gone.......

[@danielpadgett2831]

I have the same trimmer if it ever makes this noise I know what it is thank you dony

[@garyalensr]

That's the weird thing, a good buddy of mine just yesterday gave me a weed eater because it was doing the exact same thing. He bought himself a new one and I took the one he gave me apart and cleaned the clutch assembly with brake cleaner. I didn't sand it. But I put it back together and it stopped making that awful sound. After I fixed it, my buddy says... Hey dude maybe I can return my new trimmer and I can have this back? I said ummm no. That's so strange I was having the same noise and you posta video the next day. Great video Donyboy.

[@donyboy73]

I knew you were having the problem so I made a video!

[@garyalensr]

@@donyboy73See that's why your the best on KZbin. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge, tips, and tricks. Your the man

[@richardybanez9052]

More Awesome Info.And At 2am. Simply A Master.....Donyboy. Thank You.Richard.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Don, very satisfying, to see the issue and deal with it, with just some elbow grease, that is the cheapest joke I have ever made, Cheers.

[@liljoeii6091]

Awesome job fixing it like that Does all weed wackers have that hex tip in the middle My pull cord rip right off it's good weed Wacker. And thank you for the video

[@HobbyMotorDK]

Top quality DB73 video - thanks for sharing this issue

[@mrparlanejxtra]

My guess at the outset before seeing the video is it is the starter recoil

[@kenbrown2808]

I have a cheap chipper that the starter recoil howls like that for a bout a minute every time I start it. I did a teardown and cleaning last year, and it fixed it for one use. maybe if I used it more than once every few months.

[@Bill-sp8kb]

Sounds like a dry bearing(s), maybe in the clutch.

[@randgraham1]

Thank you!

[@josephrich6014]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@georgedavall9449]

Man is amazingggggg! They say, “when someone makes it look easy, when it is not, they know their stuff!” Or something like that? 🤔🙄😀 Great video.

[@walterbeaver6365]

Great informational video. Thankyou Sir.

[@rigobertodimas8014]

Yes Donnie I ran into that problem before instead of putting grease in the Bering I just haveopp to put a new clutch drum at the custermer request he didn't wount to cum back for the same thing oh by the way I love ur videos and taryl fixes all ya 2 are a inspiration to us all who work on this equipment but I do not work on family equipment at all cuz of my brother he Bern me on his mower that was involved in a flood not to long ago I fix his mower I sed ur bill is$150 cash he sed all I got is $60 so I sed the mower stays hear till its pade off I went to the bathroom came back out the mower was gone so was he but left me the $60 the jolk was on him the day b4 I removed the coil from the engine cuz I knew he wood try something like this dum dum got home 3 hrs away call me sed the mower will not start I sed tough shit I thrugh his coil in the trash can and that's the reason I don't work on family equipment sincerely RIGO SMALL ENGINE REPAIR hit me back please

[@brucedale4465]

Tautly would probably get more likes if he didn’t wear those stupid teeth and hat, at least I hope they aren’t his real teeth. If they are I apologize!

[@ryszard999]

Great video - thank you