Fixing a Free Weedeater Blower that won't start

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Tygon Fuel Line. amzn.to/3aCGntm
Carb Adjustment tools. amzn.to/3k7cgxe
Primer Bulb. amzn.to/3k8w3fL
Fuel Filter. amzn.to/2ZC0T7i
Metering Diaphragm. amzn.to/2NIo5hw
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
Thanks for watching. This blower was given to me by a friend and it hasn't been used in a long time. Long storage is not a 2 cycle engine's friend. Fortunately it has spark and compressions so the carburetor needs to be looked at.

[@watermanone7567]

Absolutely yes. Many people throw away good equipment because they don't know how to fix them. Another great video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Waterman one

[@suzannebellar7739]

Hey 👋

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@suzannebellar7739 hello

[@apatterson8128]

I would definitely say yes. You can't break broken, so if I couldn't fix it, I'm pretty sure I would learn something. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem A Patterson

[@buddyreed2623]

I bought the spline driver, 2 years ago, and cranked my weedeater blower up to max. It uses a bit more fuel but does a better job. The first time I learned about the non ethanol fuel was with my chainsaw. It ate the fuel lines. Now, all I use is non ethanol gas for everything that uses gas. Different gas cans for those that need oil mix and those that do not, lawn mower. I had a can, plastic, that I had for two years. All I did was shake it up and everything started. I did not add fuel stabilizer as most folks say to do. Last cost for non ethanol gas was summer of 2020 @ $2.799 at Liberty gas station. There is only one in Columbus, GA that carries it. I like the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate it.

[@drexmz9703]

I came back to see you after a year good to see your still doing well

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate your time. Yes I'm still doing quite well.

[@999thenewman]

1:23 oohhhh a new compression tester. Hallelujah! :D Congrats on a good blower. Now all you need is a bulk piece of foam or poly felt for an air filter.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks man. Yes some foam and its pretty much done.

[@bobw.991]

Thanks! This is how I’ve fixed so many small engines, watching KZbin.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You're welcome Bob W.

[@alanlake5220]

I got a weedeater hedge trimmer in a bulk load of 2 cycle garden equiptment , and it started up after a few pulls, happy days .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

extremely happy days. Are you going to sell it?

[@alanlake5220]

@@HomeGaragechannel Yes i sold it today thanks

[@massimoterenzi5056]

A free blower? Of course I'd take it...even a weedeater. Repairs are cheap....usually. Love the vids!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too absolutely. Free is free

[@benrobles752]

Free is free. I would take it,diagnose with the skills I have learned on this channel and attempt to fix it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Very well said. Thank you Ben Robles

[@butler386]

Absolutely YES I would take it. At the worst it is a good learning situation and who knows I just might get it to run. If it does not run well I can always give it to someone I don't like just to frustrate them. Hahaha. Thanks for the great video. Explaining the sizes of the lines is of great help as well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem D Butler

[@shanesmaineshop]

I recently made some similar repairs to my chain saw. great video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll take a look.

[@Patrick4959]

I would say yes and tackle the repair and stay safe mate

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Patrick Stapleton

[@jaluna06]

Heck yeah. Awesome vid. Glad you got it running. Keep up the awesome work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rebel3s Garage

[@trentwilliamson4509]

I hope to see YOU in your next video. Love the content man!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Trent Williamson

[@jameswturley]

I’d say yes even if it wasn’t a weed eater brand. I’d be confident enough to fix any brand After watching your videos. Great job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I appreciate it

[@hammerheadhaydenoutdoorsan8879]

Awesome video I love your channel I'm always excited to see what you fix in the next videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I appreciate that.

[@EngDrewman]

Could you do another video with this blower where you go after the sticky starter? I have the same blower and the starter sticks so badly that it makes it hard to start. I have torn into it and lubricated the starter, and it still sticks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I was already planning on it. Thank you for comment, I should be posted soon.

[@hunter7476]

How was I not subscribed to you almost a year I thought I was well you got a sub today even though I have been watching your videos all the time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that Hunter 747

[@MrSHAUNE55]

You can get packs of the gaskets on ebay. Just check them because I've noticed some carbs there is a slight difference and won't work, but the most common gasket is available in packs of at least ten.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you MrSHAUNE55 for the information I'm sure I'll need to pick some up for this next season

[@Crappie_Hunter_Seeker]

Good job as usual !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Mendelivium

[@tonym6920]

Nice fix 👍👍.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Tony M

[@alexandercosta1777]

Would you ever consider trying to fix a electric piece of equipment, like a electric leaf blower, mower even. I know you specialize in gas but i think the future is fast coming and it would be good to start training the next generation on how to fix these newer tools that run on other thing besides fossil fuel. I hope you and anyone who reads this sees where I come from, oh and the snowblower i asked you about a couple weeks ago, well its toast, the engine blew up, so Mr shovel will be getting a workout the next couple of storms

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've been telling myself the same thing but heres there kicker,.. I haven't gotten one piece of electric equipment to repair yet. That means the future isn't showing up as fast as I was hoping either. The problem is cost and habit. I would say give it more time.

[@themowerman]

A good how to video mate.. runs good after a tune

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It's not bad. Thank you Mick.

[@RussellBooth1977]

When I was repairing Ryobi lawn equipment & power tools the labour rate per hour was $50 AUD so to pay me to repair it some people would think that's a no. But if I fixed it up for myself then it's a yes. 135 PSI is good compression for a leaf blower motor because a Stihl hedge trimmer which I did up had 120 PSI of compression once the new rings broke in,my 5.7 litre Chevrolet LS1 V8 engine has a nominal compression pressure of 150 PSI which is good for that engine for example,if it was down to about 100 PSI I would think it's time for a rebuild !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Absolutely a great point on the compression.

[@nashguy207]

In my case no since i don't fix things and resale them If I did i would try to fix it and sell it like you did!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you nashguy207.

[@mjr1965]

You should run the maximum speed mixture slightly rich instead of slightly lean for cooling purposes. The extra fuel aids in cooling.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah, I see your pic, which plane(s) do you fly. Yes I had a few conversations with pilots and we've talked extensively about fuel trims. Yes you are absolutely right.

[@mjr1965]

@@HomeGaragechannel C172s and C182s. Just privately.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@mjr1965 what a coincidence, I used to make parts for both planes. Both doors and cargo door, the leading edges and the skins for the wings

[@williamsnow1531]

You know my views on Weedeater brands. I wouldn’t waist my time on one and if I did fix it I would sell it right away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes and its quite understandable. They are definitely built to a cost and most people can see that too.

[@jwayne777]

Welll...honestly since you asked. The pro is definitely the weight. I brought one back from the dead that was dead at least 4years old. The con is the adjustment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Saul Souza.

[@hunter7476]

Just because weed eater wasn’t the greatest quality I still think with proper care anything will last. but I have an old weed eater leaf blower that looks like a box and is heavy but I cleaned the carb and got her going again I use it out in my shed to blow off my lawn mowers when I’m done mowing it works well one always starts it’s very reliable I think it might even be better than some new stuff

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you on that.

[@sweetlou5902]

Free is always worth a kick at the can! 🤣😎

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Absolutely. Thank you Sweet Lou

[@nkosev]

I am getting it , even if i screw it completely and just disassemble it - i will learn a ton ! and the next one will be luckier :P

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well said!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'd say 'SURE, why not'! Thanks and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Lewie McNeely

[@lewiemcneely9143]

U 2!

[@cbauer72]

I have that exact blower. It was free. And it has the exact same issue. It dies when going from half choke to no choke. Looks like I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck Clif B. Have you considered just adjusting the carb do deliver a tad Bit more fuel instead?

[@cbauer72]

@@HomeGaragechannel Yeah, but I've mostly only worked on 4 cycle lawnmower type engines. I'm just getting into smaller 2 cycle engines. It needs the fuel lines replaced. It's more on an experimental piece.

[@mr1pearl]

Is compression higher for two - stroke ? Great video as always !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Than for 4 stroke? I don't think so. If the compression is too high, the engine will ping like a car.

[@suzannebellar7739]

Good 😌

[@ericbond1144]

Definitely, yes. Does weed eater still make gas leaf blowers? I used to have one and liked how it was very light weight. I wouldn't mind having another one. Nice video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

As far as I can tell yes they still makes these

[@colesteffens5402]

I would take it, but I wouldn’t expect to get much money out of it. I’m from Wisconsin and could probably sell it for $50

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's is a very realistic point. Don't expect too much money from these

[@mikespain8655]

$50 bucks is top of the mark on this blower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@mikespain8655 definitely. How much do you think its worth?

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Nice job! Did you REALLY run that thing with no air filter and an old plug?!😳

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yep. I'll get a new plug and filter for it before I do any real work with it.

[@drmusky5437]

Should always spray starter fluid into the spark plug hole first to see if it is getting fuel instead of starting by taking the carb off and apart. If it doesnt start that way...it means its not the carb and is electrical. Saves alot of time and tells you were to go.

[@brucecoleman7412]

I’ll take it!

[@farmbossmikey1350]

thats what i would do my super xl was have a problm too it bogs and dies and i am getting a new card and new reeds for it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Excellent let me know how it turns out.

[@bigstinkybeans]

30k soon?? Come on guys

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for rooting for me I appreciate it.

[@rickpaul4383]

Hey, HG, do you think, mix gas can settled after some time sitting? ,well I heard this can cause engine worn out, shake the engine before you start can work,,,

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't know. My gas is usually in a red container so I can't see it. But it's still great advice though. Thanks for sharing.

[@specialt9744]

How did you fix the sticky pull handle? I have a similar blower (same design but different brand) I'm getting ready to fix and it has the same problem. Any help would be appreciated. Keep up the great videos!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I put a single little washer at each of plastic stand off between the engine and the cover that has the recoil.

[@specialt9744]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thank you!!

[@brianandrews7099]

My Father In-law had this same Weedeater brand blower model. No, it is not worth spending any time or money to repair, even if its a freebee! I have no prejudges again Weedeater brand products (I don’t think they give more or less mechanical issues than other brands) but this model is the weakest blower I have ever used and struggled to blow dry leaves and grass clipping off a concrete driveway. I would completely believe that someone would give one away, even in decent running condition because, unless you require minimal air force, this blower struggles to get the job done.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right, this blower is lacking performance

[@Hagfan789]

I have the same blower...been trying to get if started forever. New carb, new lines, clean tank. I think it’s a spark issue now. Very weak spark if any. One stubborn sob.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you considered replacing the coil?

[@farmbossmikey1350]

can you do a top handle homelite chainsaw about suck gasket and fuel leaking

[@HomeGaragechannel]

try my other video on this homelite. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGetnZyIjrllfNk

[@jonathankuhn7837]

yes i would

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Jonathan Kuhn

[@stevenchandler4218]

Yes.I would take it and have a play as you have nothing much to lose..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nicely put.

[@drgriffin1972]

I would take it but like you did you must get your parts in bulk or it really is not worth it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct about that . Buying single parts isn't worth it

[@snoopysrc]

yes

[@HomeGaragechannel]

than you snoopy's RC

[@Cinder2008]

I find the engine durability period to be only 50 hours interesting. My Toro snowblower is 250 hours. Weedeater isn’t known to be a high end machine. Still, the average homeowner would find the blower would probably last 10+ years if maintained. I enjoyed the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you David Sams

[@Rats_r_cool]

I have this blower and the recoil does the same but when I go to shut hot it idles very low and when it shuts off a lot of smoke comes out if the front by the spark plug and it over heats very quickly at idle or any throttle I think they are junk but some people may not think that

[@HomeGaragechannel]

just use it till it's dead.

[@Rats_r_cool]

@@HomeGaragechannel As long as it works for 2 more jobs I'm good

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@Rats_r_cool gotcha

[@cdos9186]

Why did you start the engine at half speed when it was cold? Isn't that like cold starting your car with your foot half on the gas pedal?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Habbit mostly.

[@cdos9186]

@@HomeGaragechannel I wouldn't recommend doing that....I try to let my blower idle for at least 2 minutes before I actually start to use it.

[@SwayNotZay]

Would changing the carb skip all of he tune process?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no, there's always a chance that when you get a new carb, you'll still have to adjust it to deal with any issues your engine might have developed over time.

[@farmbossmikey1350]

i put new fuel lines and new carb ket it die when ajuting

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Unfortunately sometimes that happens. I would suggest buying a replacement carb which is what I do when it has problems after the first cleaning.

[@brianking1138]

I take pretty much any free equipment. You told me there are 3 different metering diaphragms. Could you give me part numbers. I know walbro and zama make most of the carbs. It would be great to spend $3 instead of $20 for a new carb and lines.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

this item on Amazon is exactly what you need. amzn.to/3uk7gKj

[@brianking1138]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@brianking1138 no problem

[@smallengines1018]

Haven't you had that blower on this channel before?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Not this one. I have had many weedeater brand blowers though. Worst part is that I was given 3 of these recently.

[@smallengines1018]

@@HomeGaragechannel oh dang

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

I have one with the carb adapter that is cracked it wont start. If you dump gas down the carb it starts for a second and then stops. I don't have a compression tester :( I ordered a carb adapter to see if that fixes it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hopefully it starts after you replace the adapter. Thank you JPtheDelawareBeeMan.

[@jpthedelawarebeeman7887]

@@HomeGaragechannel I figured out what the issue is I believe. I tore down the engine and found the cylinder head loose and the 0-ring between the head and crankcase wasn't sitting correctly. Also the ring on the piston wasn't moving due to carbon buildup so I will clean that up, the cylinder and piston look good. Maybe a little Loctite on the head bolts wont hurt when it goes back together. I hope to have the carb adapter and gasket kit within a week or so. I thought I cooked it :) glad that wasn't the case. I almost tossed it in the trash a few times but kept it figuring I'd take it apart one of these days to figure what happened to it well years later I finally know now. LOL Thanks !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thanks for the update.

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

@@HomeGaragechannel Its alive again ! The cylinder head bolts must have loosened due to vibration and caused a vacuum leak. I also cleaned the ring that was gunked with carbon. I installed the new plastic adapter under the carb and adjusted it as well.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I don’t really like this design because you have to use a lever instead of a throttle trigger. It is also going to be banging against you because of the wide size

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You make a good point.

[@joshuaschannel1335]

Check out my update video and comment of what should I do to the carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

which video did you want me to watch. the last one for the filter one?

[@joshuaschannel1335]

Update

[@suzannebellar7739]

V

[@IvanOchoa461]

How much does the fuel line cost

[@HomeGaragechannel]

About $2 a foot

[@unisol2287]

You need to be a mechanic inclined to do all that work, you know what you’re doing but the majority of us not

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct about that.

[@joshuaschannel1335]

I like to fix motors when people throw them away and make money

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too. That's how I got my first piece of equipment ever. I still have it but it needs to be rebuilt.

[@CSHayes]

Weedeater brand products are junk. Use them for 2-3 seasons and then they fall apart. If people would learn to pay a little more money they would get a brand that would last 10 years or more.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right. the more expensive equipment can take all sort of poor maintenance better than the cheaper stuff