Fixing A Stihl FS81 Trimmer That Starts But Won't Stay Running.

[@apatterson8128]

I would try to save the original carb. After all, it IS a Stihl! Not many mention the stiffness of the flaps, just make sure they are flush. Thanks for the tip. That trimmer is in rough shape, but it will get the job done! Have a great day!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point!

[@donaldbower4097]

Hey, I'm just gonna pet you know that the stihl carburetor is made by Warlboro

[@mr1pearl]

I usually try to save the original . There is something about saving old equipment that is so satisfying. Of course I'd keep this one but that's me 🙂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Totally agree!

[@ronaldnorris2179]

Agree

[@badtothebonefanrock1250]

Ya same

[@ahmedfazzaa5573]

Me too

[@rjpropertymanagement5163]

I would keep it also

[@willhisle8054]

im a new subscriber and i just finally wanna say thank you for all of your helpful videos its made me want to get into small engine work and its been going great for something not very hard its a great profit flipping these small engines

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Welcome aboard and thank you

[@billylawerance3108]

Great video! So glad you used it I wanted to see it in action. I always try to keep everything original if I can.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, thank you Billy Lawerance.

[@999thenewman]

That right there is some old gold. Engine runs well. When you get another Stihl, you can replace the busted parts.

[@scottmiller2278]

what is the solution you soked the diaphram in ?????

[@999thenewman]

@@scottmiller2278 The old way was to soak rubber parts in brake fluid.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

brake fluid.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got it.

[@AIainMConnachie]

Best videos of this kind on KZbin Have a giveaway identical to that in good shape considering its age. Great for clearing brush and saplings.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I need to use mine more, it still sitting in the shed.

[@aegan8329]

The spark screens on these old ones are super fine mesh. About twice as fine as modern Stihl equipment. Very restrictive even when they’re not clogged. Better for the machine to remove it entirely. Retains less heat and offers a little more peak power. I have an fs86 which is the same family as your 81. Had to re do the piston rings and carb kit, now I’m waiting on a replacement gas tank. Not broken, but same as your gas cap, the O-ring is bad. Rather than replace that and have the tank crack soon since it’s very old I decided that replacement was the best option. If you plan to use yours for years to come, I’d reccomend getting a Stihl shoulder strap to save your arms while using it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you A Egan!

[@frankaferdhadley1603]

I was given a fs 88 an I really like it it's a older trimmer but works real well

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that generation of Stihl too.

[@RussellBooth1977]

I would rekit the carburetor & what solution do you use to rejuvenate the gaskets ? I have heard of people using brake fluid to rejuvenate them !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's brake fluid

[@butler386]

Because the unit is an expensive one and over all it seems to be in good condition I would try to keep the carb original. I would do that with any expensive model regardless of brand. Beyond that if it is going to be just used as a trimmer I would use an aftermarket carb. to get it up and running. This is one of those trimmers that should be like a collectors model. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a really good point.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Make sure to check out the brush blade for stress crack's that style of carb is the same as my br 400 sthil blower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah Yes, I'll do that, thank you Robert Mailhos.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel you are welcome young man 😎👍

[@haneyoakie14]

Excellent classic piece of equipment. Good save!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It sure is!

[@pto200]

You said you soak the gaskets in liquid. What kind of liquid? I may have missed it. Thanks, good presentation.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no I did not mention it, on purpose, but since you asked, it's brake fluid.

[@pto200]

Good to know. Do you still recommend doing this?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not really, I only use it as a last ditch effort.

[@hanlin116]

Really enjoy watching your video. Thx for all the information.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulburns3788]

Hello Home garage yesterday is my birthday I will fix everything that you said in your video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Happy birthday!

[@nickflopper]

Hey, just wondering, do you blow though the fuel filters before you re use them to make sure they are not clogged?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

only if they have 2 stroke oil, caked in it.

[@adinko7]

What is the rejuvinating solution for the diafrag.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

brake fluid.

[@adinko7]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks

[@johnclarke6647]

I put some tB 1184 on grommets to keep them from leaking. Clean tank area around the grommet and grommet with break cleaner, first. A thin coat is all that is needed. Allow to cure overnight before inserting the new fuel line. Anytime I replace a fuel line it gets a new fuel filter. If I take down a carb it gets a new oem rebuild kit - Walbro or Zama and not a cheap Chinese set.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for that information

[@electroddxful]

I will save the original cab. Awesome repair. 👍🙏👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too , and thank you RayFpv.

[@electroddxful]

@@HomeGaragechannelI just got one of there and will like to start the engine. How many turns in the H and L to get it running so I could tune it. Should I do one whole turn on both?

[@MrCarl312]

15:49 You can sharpen that blade. However it is pretty worn out, you may want to buy a new grass blade (that is what it is called at Stihl). There are also Saw Blades for that machine, saw blades which cut up to about two inch saplings

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to look into, thank you MrCarl312.

[@Ethan_the_Railfan]

I like the blocky look to the engine housing. It looks classic

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I agree

[@border411]

What solution did you place the rubber in?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

brake fluid

[@halcampbell1384]

@@HomeGaragechannel I've tried using brake fluid, but it never seemed to do much restoring - even after months of submersion. Is there a particular type of brake fluid you use that I should try?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? that's strange. Nope it's just DOT 3 brake fluid for your car

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'd save the carb because we have a dealer about 1/2 mile away for kits but parts are outragos high. Another carb for the 440 is $145 plus and I still wouldn't be able to adjust the high speed like I'd like to so I just use what I have. I used the tri-cornered blade for grass and briers but a carbide saw blade for bigger stuff. And yes, it takes a while for those to get wound up but they sure do a fine job. I used a shoulder strap on mine because it gets really interesting trying to hold it up by the handlebars in a thicket. Thanks and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Lewie McNeely

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel U2!

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

I was looking over my dad mower today fired up after 3 pulls. I tried your method how many pulls does it take to start. I checked the wheels on the front they need to be cleaned and white grease. Mower runs good but i will check the choke operation this winter and grease the self propelled it works good just going to check it. The funny thing i read on the Briggs and Stratton mower my dad has its a 725 EXi series it said just check and add oil and in fine print very small it said you never have to change the oil. I was like wow every body bought this slogan. I was laughing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, but to be honest, depending on how much you mow each year, I've seen older Briggs engines last 7 or 8 years on the original oil before dying

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

@@HomeGaragechannel that really sad to hear that

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know

[@fourbyfourer]

I always save the original carb on everything I restore. I hate when people take the easy route and install a cheap chinese knock off and throw the OEM away. Great job on the repair. 👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Livin' The Dream!

[@profsteveitcc3140]

Nice machine! Worth the time put into it!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It sure is!

[@BlueHaze7024]

I purchased this model without the handle bars (standard string trimmer version) in non-running condition. I followed some of your procedures by adding a little gas in the spark plug hole, then draining the old fuel and adding fresh. I got lucky as it started and runs well. No unpleasant surprises as is sometimes the case when buying non-running machines. This is a somewhat heavy but a solid capable machine. I can see why many like Stihl.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@estuardojalal4136]

What solution did you use to rejuvenate the parts? Also link for the metering diaphragm, takes you to a different item.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it was brake fluid, and I've contacted Amazon about it, The picture are wrong but the description is correct for the metering diaphragm. I changed the link to a different one thought

[@kid5819]

The original carb is fine, you needed to adjust the high end fuel. Since the engine idles, but dies out under throttle, the air-fuel mixture is incorrect.

[@rodneybrand8521]

You saved the carb..most of the ones i work on need a carb. Guess you got lucky..looks like it's not rated for the brus to cutting blade..I've seen that a few times..the customer want's a brush cutter but his machine is not rated..they don't want to hear that..what can i say....yours was a pretty easy fix for not running that i was suprised..what did you soak it in ? Good to see you again..see you on the next one Cheers 🍺🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rodney Brand, it was brake fluid

[@rodneybrand8521]

@@HomeGaragechannel i should've known..I've tried armor all..silicone...tire shine... dawn dish detergent ..i just gave up..ill try brake fluid ..thank you for replying back..i like your videos such great detail thanks again..Cheers 🍺🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@HomeGaragechannel]

any time Rodney Brand.

[@sluger3647]

have the same one and love everything about it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@nahumdriedger7263]

Hey I have a question, what is that silution your using? Is it some kind of oil or what?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's either a citrus based cleaner from LA, or just soapy water.

[@nahumdriedger7263]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok thanks so much.. and I really enjoy your videos you actually know what your doing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate your time as well.

[@watermanone7567]

Nice fix. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem 👍

[@360plussynthetics]

You've mentioned it before about dropping the diaphragms in a solution to try and rejuvenate it a little. I agree with just replacing if you have the part on hand, but some aren't as readily stocked. So what is your "solution" you drop them in?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure thing, I use Brake fluid because it's silicone based and works well to soften the rubber on the diaphragm

[@360plussynthetics]

@HomeGaragechannel thank you. I knew it wasn't atf, from color, but wasn't sure if it was regular oil or penetrating oil, or something special.

[@donaldbower4097]

I would have ordered a complete rebuild kit and just rebuilt it, because some of the aftermarket carburetors are kind of hit and miss. Some work, and some don't.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point

[@danpinnell7502]

Hey. I have the same trimmer and have carb issues. I tore it apart and cleaned all orifices with carb cleaner and a wire. When i pulled the needle when i pulled the diaphram and think i got the tenson on the screw wrong that holds the needle down. Any tips on how it should operate? I have it loose to where it moves freely. Like a quarter turn from snug.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Something is wrong, that screw should be snug, and still be able to move.

[@danpinnell7502]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok i that explains the flooding.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you been able to find a replacement carb for sale? that would be my next plan for it.

[@waylonlegend4603]

What years was this model made? I can’t find any info on it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to get it out to look

[@dionsummers1731]

Save the original. Interested in the solution mix you use. What’s in it. Have a little project coming up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Dion Summers.

[@powertoolexpert6999]

*Good morning again*

[@LeoMAUW]

It’s evening here

[@haneyoakie14]

@@LeoMAUW someone chanted evening

[@carlcarnes2426]

What is the solution you use to soften a diaphragm?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

automotive brake fluid DOT3 or 4.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I would try and save the original carb whenever possible, nice work!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point, thank you WildeFox

[@damonburroughs5283]

Originally to assist starting, the switch had a Start Position which held throttle open a tad, just like their chainsaws . Mine starts within 2 pulls utilizing that

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice thanks for the information

[@damonburroughs5283]

@@HomeGaragechannel oh and great video , my outer filter was missing and presumed it may have been foam, so visited here to confirm 😊 Seems mine has disintegrated too

[@JohnEnduro]

What electric screwdriver are you using? Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I didn't see which one I was using but it was more than likely my milwaukee

[@malikrameez703]

Which lotion r use to 24hr meatring diafram dip

[@HomeGaragechannel]

brake fluid.

[@malikrameez703]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks sir

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@schlosserprofi8647]

And it is best practice to change the grease in the head and grease the upper bearing after the clutch. Grease tends to turn into resin after a few years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate the tip, It's definitely something I need to do before I use it.

[@Thelawnmower278]

What kind of solution do you dip the diaphragms in?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use brake fluid but I've heard other people use other solutions.

[@Thelawnmower278]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you ill try it when i need to. 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm sure it'll work for you

[@darrinswanson]

I would use a stepper drill to hog out metal around the perimeter of the blade for weight reduction

[@MrRmh3481]

Save the old Walbro. Good video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes very good advice, thank you MrRmh3481

[@badtothebonefanrock1250]

Hey i have this exact trimmer model and i put a turbo on it I have two of them

[@johnclarke6647]

You can put some Tb1184 on the grommet and it will seal it if you cannot get a new grommet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you John Clarke.

[@lindaosborne1107]

What brand after market carb do you use?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't have a specific brand that I choose

[@bradenhenderson4994]

Do you plan on replacing the handles?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no not unless I need to. I might modify them, so they don't scratch me when I handle it.

[@aidenalfano9022]

what is that solution you soak the diaphragm in?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's brake fluid

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

It looks like a strong and heavy piece of equipment bro

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very much too, thank you Ramadin Sookhoo.

[@karl9246]

my grandfather has the same scythe and it still runs well for its age 

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's pretty cool, thank you Karl for the comment.

[@Turningwrenches85]

If the parts are there to rebuild the original carb I would also. Especially when u see a sthil stamp on it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right about that.

[@extrarockersworld8271]

If you oder a new carby then check the nipple of the fuel line to see if it’s cracked the simptomes of it is that it won’t stay running and no matter what you do to the adjuster screws it still runs bad and you will notice that you see bubbles coming near where the fuel line attaches to the carb

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the tip

[@anthonypatt179]

This is the exact same thing that happened to me with my New total trimmer I tried to adjust the carb but it still didn't stay normal then we took it to a mechanic and Sayed the carb was not good so he changed it to a new one and until now it's working how it's supposed to work

[@mrmerhtin3625]

I have new cheap carbs ready for use, but I want to try to grab the gaskets out of them to restore the original carbs...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

absolutely

[@FZ52023]

that was hilarious, you squeezed the trigger and it died quicker then i thought it would :D

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it happens sometimes.

[@cfbflash5691]

Bro you should sell equipment that you fix I would totally buy because I know the person that worked on it knows what he’s doing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Actually -- I do, I just don't always mention, that I'm selling them.

[@cfbflash5691]

@@HomeGaragechannel where do you sell them?

[@vinitgounder7128]

Replacement carburetor new with prime bulb on,easy to start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@alexandercosta1777]

This is the first time I’ve ever seen a boot for the spark plug completely missing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, it's quite a shocking experience.

[@brucecoleman7412]

I would save it. I would also purchase a push button momentary switch to the cover to ground the coil for a kill switch. I would keep it and invest in a new blade.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea, however, I would like to put it back to stock too.

[@bigmesstest230]

You should get a bore scope so when you get stuff like this you can look in side

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea

[@bradenhenderson4994]

When are you going to fix your Stihl super chainsaw?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I haven't decided when yet, It depends on the cost for he parts.

[@Patrick4959]

well from my view i would try saving and rebuilding the original carburetor part with new hardware to match and if no good after doing it properly well then that,s when i would consider replacing it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

make sense, thank you Patrick Stapleton .

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel my pleasure mate stay safe.

[@LestatTravesty]

seeing just how little the warp can be on the diofram thing in the carb, tells me that ive been over looking that to be a common issue when i get one of my 2cycles acting up on me. currently my blower is running for about 30 seconds and shutting back off on me. if i give it throttle, it shuts it off faster...wander now, that it too just needs that diofrm thing replaced or fixt if it can be. i just got another carb in for it though...so im kinda not feeling like messing with that diofram in the original carb. but i know i did just run the hell out of this blower for 7 years straight...so lets see how long this after market junk will last. i give it 2 years max. hoping for at least one year though lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes the diaphragm needs to be extremely flexible with no wrinkles. And yes it was hard lesson for me as well. For years, I didn't know why I was having carb issues until I started replacing the diaphragm.

[@andreworli4117]

Save the carb, it's a quality built machine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Andrew Orli

[@buddyreed2623]

Knowing how I do things, I would have bought a kit or new carb. I do not want to have to go back and fix it again. Have good days!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, you too!

[@frios011]

I would drill a few holes in the blade to lessen the weight. Don’t go nuts just a few here and there, not enough to weaken the metal just enough to lessen weight of it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting idea.

[@steveelford97]

That's just a Walboro carb, can't you just easily get a rebuild kit for that? A K10-WAT will likely have what you need, easy to find on Amazon for less than $20 CDN.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

probably

[@rickthelian2215]

In this case rejuvenate The carburettor 😀🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

absolutely

[@Carboneye7]

I agree save the Origional unless it’s a ms200T chainsaw they and a few others have internal acceleration pumps that once they go bad hang it up. They are garbage.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for that information

[@joeortiz3455]

Try to keep it o.e.m. as much as possible.! It looks like if has earned it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Joe Ortiz.

[@williamsnow1531]

I would of tried to save the old carb. If that didn’t work then I would of replaced it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would too.

[@imim4136]

Can you please Share how you made the solution?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, the solution is just automotive brake fluid.

[@imim4136]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you bud! I have a husqvarna super strong and heavy trimmer… the carb floods any ideas what to look for?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is it flooding when trying to start it? If so, can you tell me exactly the step you use to start it? I just want to make sure you're not pulling the rope more than 2 or 3 times, when fully choked.

[@kalebbrown93]

It was the original Walbro carb! Save it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, thank you Kaleb Brown.

[@pyrokamileon]

I have heard that amazon carburetors are cheap quality and that is a shame, i am not sure that is worth it even for the price..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

probably

[@DashDrones]

That blade is scary 😳

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is.

[@warrensoutdoors5964]

that trimmer looks old, I have a sthil chainsaw, and it was sitting in my grandma's garage for 10 years with no gas in at, so I threw some gas in it and it fired on the third pull. I did nothing to it other than putting Gass in it, and it's been running great and I still haven't done anything to it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a quality machine there, thank you Warrens Outdoors

[@kenadams3951]

I have the Same one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@cfbflash5691]

Definitely need a new blade

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, this blade is pretty much gone

[@SHOINOFF]

That blade needs to be either sharpened or replaced. Its pretty dull.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes it's terribly dull.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Rough shape

[@HomeGaragechannel]

eh , it's not too bad, definitely not pristine

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

Mine would shut off becuase the head always spins

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's interesting, is it like the one in the video?

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

@@HomeGaragechannel it doesn’t have a clutch lol

[@aidanasmr5099]

Bro the engine sounds like a Chinese weed eater...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? or does the Chinese weed eater sound like a stihl?

[@aidanasmr5099]

When all the Chinese weed eater on full speed it's has a kind of a screaming noise so that I could know it's sounds like a Chinese wacker :)

[@jack11224]

Get rid of that cutting blade and fit a genuine stihl line trimmer head. I don't think that blade is original anyways.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You make a good point.