How To Clean a Clogged Carburetor on a 2 Cycle/2 Stroke Engine (Weed Eater, Chainsaw, Blower, etc.)

In this video I will walk you thru the step by step process of how to diagnose, disassemble, clean and reassemble a 2 cycle engine carburetor. This is the most common reason 2-stroke engines stop running. You would use this same process in rebuilding your carburetor... just replace the parts shown in this video that come in the kit for your carburetor. Many homeowners throw good equipment away because of a clogged carburetor when it is a simple fix.
Today's fuel quality is poor and if left in the carburetor over a period of time it will eventually clog the small ports in the 2 cycle carburetor.
Go with me through this step by step carburetor cleaning process and you will be on your way to using your weed trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, chainsaw and other equipment, in not time!
*If this video was a help to you give it a "thumbs up". If you have not already done so, please consider subscribing to this channel.
Disclaimer:
Although I have been following these procedures for many years; I assume no liability for any damage that may occur to any person or property as a result of the information provided in this video. I take necessary precautions (that I am aware of) when working on these projects but that in no way implies or creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind of particular result. Any injury, damage or loss of any kind to anyone or their property or anything related to information in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Helping U Online (this video).

[@AnnointedOneMusic]

This guy definitely one of the many best breaking it down and actually showing you what to do while warning you in all aspects , and most of all demonstrating his work work , he's a leader and teacher for sure .

[@gordonquickstad]

Wow, useful productions like this make a mockery of professional TV sitcom productions where nothing useful happens. YOU rock!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I love seeing how other people work on carbs, it's great to see someone be thorough and not take any shortcuts.

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@helpinguonline gotta appreciate someone taking time to do it right 🤣

[@treycicobb08]

😊

[@pacovccici]

I know you may not see this comment, but I want to thank you Sir, from the bottom of my heart, for your in depth walk-through. I almost gave up on my trimmer. Thank you, again.

[@helpinguonline]

You are welcome… Thank you for the visit

[@farside51]

I started simple. Unscrewed the two screws holding the primer bulb without disconnecting the gas lines. Lifted up and took a q-tip to absorb excess gas sitting on the filter screen which was quite dirty. That q-tip removed 99% of the dirt particles then took compressed air and blew the rest clean. Screwed it back on,cleaned the air filter and it runs like new. Gotta love KZbin

[@frankcarbo6622]

Yes, good tip as that screen was a trouble spot for my Craftsman

[@jlk6812]

Finally a clear and easy to understand video explaining step by step with good audio and visual! Thanks!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anitaworthy]

Wow you are hands-down the most thorough easily understood tutorial instructor I have ever witnessed I'm 58 years old and this is absolutely wonderful thank you

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful! and thanks for your feedback

[@dilbertgilbert]

Check your gas caps too. If you think you have a poor fuel flow, try loosening the gas caps halfway and see if that helps them run better before you dig into the carb. There can be a vacuum in the gas tank if the cap vent is clogged. Sometimes cleaning or replacing a gas cap can actually be the culprit on this stuff.

[@jamesellis9332]

That’s definitely one a lot might not think of good to know

[@2028end]

Can you clean the gas cap if it's clogged?

[@nicke.3782]

Wow! That worked! I had changed my fuel lines (they disintegrated) and filter. Then I blew air through the fuel line in to the carb, and air came out the return with no issues. The auger would run for a few seconds on starting fluid and then quit. I knew it had to be a fuel flow problem, but the fact that air went into one line and out the other so easily was confusing. I read your post and went out and loosened the cap (it was on tight) and a few pulls later.... off and running. Thank you so much for posting about the cap.

[@KK-gi3wt]

Thank you for making such a clean clear video on how to do this and not over talking you just talked about everything that needed to be done and you use such a nice voice to do it so appreciative as a single woman fixing her own tools I am very grateful

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks

[@barbedstar6480]

As a mechanical ol' gal, was rastling with neighbors MityLite 26 that would not start. Was about to send for a new carb. You may have solved its issues in this video. Well done! Keeping the vid in my small engine 'collection for future needs and will check out your other videos. Big thanks!!!

[@anastasios3006]

Great camera work, deserve an Oscar. Amazing detail, will try to fix mine tomorrow.

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks... Hope your project goes well

[@jhl22222]

Excellent job on this video! Very well done! No BS, on point. Much appreciate you sharing your knowledge in putting this video together! As another person posted... YOU ROCK!

[@helpinguonline]

I appreciate that!

[@elenarobert]

Thank you for the video, because of you I now have a great running Weed Eater, The needle valve and spring are tricky, but I held it just like you did, and it went in just fine.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear that!

[@Robert-tu9ec]

Thanks for being quick and to the point. You dont take five minutes to talk about, then finally remove a couple of screws on a plastic cover. Even though your trimmer is a different brand from mine, it's still good information for me. Thanks again.

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Thanks for tremendous camera shots and detailed comments about what you were doing along with things to be careful with. This is superb video for people like me who haven't a clue about how to go about fixing something like this. I will subscribe and look forward to any of your videos that are applicable to my situation. Jesus bless!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful! God Bless you!

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Yes save $$$ diy ( do it your self(

[@RS-dc7wy]

Excellent. Detailed, held my interest and simple to follow. Thanks from Ontario Canada.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottmerrill4382]

Very informative no wasted bs or loud music to interfere Thank you

[@beaugunn2632]

That was how all DIY videos should be produced, including the Strat. G'day and thanks from Australia.

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks

[@scottjenkins3657]

thisll help greatly during tomorrows c1u-m35a overhaul. mcculloch backpack blower stuck in half choke. appreciate the concise video!!

[@jacquelinechic3127]

I have every intent 2 drop mine off at Home Depot 4 repair.But-----U made this so detailed I'm trying 2 control myself from attempting it.

[@matthewcarter8404]

Just do it. Take photos before each piece you remove if you're new to working on it. It will show you how to put it back. Easy peasy

[@kevinbyrne4538]

That diagnosis was very neatly done. You know small engines thoroughly.

[@janisgore8393]

Great video!! Retired from J D after 15 years..Gold wrench from Stihl..,cheaper to buy a carb than clean in the retail world!! Time is valuable and a carb is cheap! Rebuilt and cleaned 100.s..maybe 70 % functioned after wasting 45 minutes rebuilding using an ultra sonic cleaner!! Hard as hell to get those passages clean..! Carry on my friend! There are still a few true craftsmen out there that can get it done..knot heads such as us will make it happen!!

[@tiggywinkle1000]

Very helpful - thank you for taking the time to make this video - best regards from England!

[@helpinguonline]

You're very welcome!

[@sergiomartinez6668]

Your videos are the best, you have helped me numerous times thank you

[@helpinguonline]

Happy to hear that!

[@blackboxcake789]

Amazing - never stripped a carburetor before. Followed the instructions, worked first time. Thanks for such a helpful video.

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go and glad I could help

[@scottzimmerman9619]

Word to the wise, if you're going to go thru all this, replace that diaphragm with a new one-just because it's not ripped, doesn't mean it's not stiff and non-operational from that 10% ethanol gas that we all make the mistake of running thru these machines! Find some no-booze gas and it will be pliable for a long time! Found this out the hard way! Rebuild Kits with that diaphragm are only 10-$15

[@dougboyatt2927]

Other than nasty fuel, 99% of the time that's what's wrong with small engines, the diaphragm

[@troydseymore-mullen2274]

Bro, you saved me! I followed your instructions and everything worked perfectly, it fired right up. When I adjusted the carburetor it ran like a champ! Thanks!👍

[@helpinguonline]

Great to hear!

[@IAMGWH1]

Thanks great easy to follow guide on the disassemble, trouble shooting & reassemble. I showed this to the guy I work for p/t because his weed trimmer broke with the same issues. But he went to a pawn shop and bought another one with the same issue of no continuous gas flow thru the carb, so back to the pawn shop it went for a refund & it looks like I’ll be doing the repair work.

[@thanduxolotumelo757]

thank you such comprehensive material, love from South Africa, in the city of Pietermaritzburg.

[@helpinguonline]

thanks for your visit!

[@josephpezza3062]

Thank you so much for this video recently bought a homelite weed eater on marketplace for 30$ and was running fine the other day and today it wasn’t want to start cleaned out the entire carb and fuel system including lines after a couple of primes and pulls she started right up thank u for your knowledge and god bless you 👍🙏

[@helpinguonline]

God bless you too!

[@ybrik5937]

thanks for this vid! my 5-year 2-cycle yardworks trimmer has hard start even with fresh fuel. So I detailed clean its carburetor and it's back to golden!

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go!

[@tbaker729]

I was able to change out the carburetor on a Troy-bilt TB 21EC weed whacker, all because of your video. Thanks for the great information. It's appreciated! Now I'm going to have a go at pulling the old carb apart to clean it, so I have a back up.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear!

[@peterlivingrooms119]

Thanks to you and your video I just fixed my Redmax and is running like a champ 💪🏾💪🏾Keep doing the good job my man. Sheers and blessings from Puerto Rico 🙏🏽🇵🇷❤🙏🏽

[@helpinguonline]

Glad I could help... and good to hear from you in Puerto Rico

[@lucaslorentz4722]

This is a great video. I have been online for a bit and most people say "I just bought a new carb..." or they suggest taking it to a service shop after only checking the plug gap and drain the fuel rather than actually clean our the carb. Thank you for showing the entire process as well as mentioned to just replace the fuel line!!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!...and thanks for the feedback

[@matthewcarter8404]

This is a lost "art". Throw away culture says toss it. So many times I have been given free "trash" simply to spend 15 minutes fixing.

[@5galans]

THANKS!!!! You saved me from purchasing a new carb! It was only a year old and they wanted me to buy a new carberator.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad I could help

[@frankcarbo6622]

Just a hearty thanks - superb detail helped me clean up a 6 year old Craftsman Weedwacker carb and fuel system. I love that Weedwacker as the design is not made any more - quiet and delicate XO Extra Quiet design. Your detail allowed me to fully cover the carb and fuel system - the screen was an obvious issue as was the fuel inlet that you covered. Runs better than new now - a very happy ending...Much appreciated - Take Care

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it helped and way to go!

[@Max-ye9xg]

Helping people improve their tools was what KZbin was all about not these other videos where they annoy people to make a video

[@sillykicker0877]

Nice instructional video sir, I have my weed eater in my garage waiting for me to fix it. Thank you

[@bob2906]

Nice though carb clean I am going to try myself thanks

[@dirtyberniesgarage1194]

This is the best carb vid I’ve yet to see. Thanks so much. 😀

[@helpinguonline]

Good to hear and glad I could help!

[@alanmcrae8594]

Liked & subscribed! An excellent how to presentation on a common, frustrating problem with 2 cycle outdoor power equipment. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience.

[@helpinguonline]

Awesome, thank you!

[@airgunshootingandoutdoorch4260]

Excellent how to video. This vid gives me some good tips to tackle my leaf blower. I haven't used it in over a year and now it won't start. 👍👍

[@isaiahmeadows7092]

You tackle your lawn equipment? Weird flex

[@roadkingtouringnz9220]

Nice job there , I've always being cautious taking those carby's apart, this helps, thank you.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to help

[@emersoncampbell2661]

Thanks for that timely information, I will try to fix the issues I am having with my trimmer.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to help… And make sure the diaphragm that operates the needle valve is flexible and rubbery and not hard. If it is stiff it will have to be changed for the needle to open and close properly

[@zoyo968]

thanks for that!! watched the video once, cleaned the carburetor and and the motor started on first go!! saved me a good few euros :-)

[@helpinguonline]

way to go!

[@tom41639]

Just fixed my leaf blower thanks to you! Awesome video!

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go!...and Glad it helped!

[@armanyperez9184]

Love it thanks all the way from Dominican republic. Blessings

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks for the visit

[@stanbernal2789]

Great video. Well explained. Thanks I will working on mine as a covid19 project.

[@helpinguonline]

You can do it!

[@billypyles212]

Watch the eyes when using carb cleaner, it will shoot back at you through the ports, I learned the hard way cleaning my boat motor carbs

[@tomlitchfield8854]

yep it will shoot back at you

[@steadyeddie7453]

And dont spray carb cleaner into the carb's internal check valves. They will soon stop working due to deterioriation from the carb cleaner.

[@Raul28153]

I've used the cheap rebuild kits they work great and I've also replaced the carb with a cheap chinese knock off. That worked great too.

[@enpale]

Thank you very much. I had no idea how to clean the carburator properly and that you could check if it was clogged.

[@bld9000]

Exactly the video I needed! Thanks so much!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Walter-ri1li]

I enjoy watching your lessons thank you very much

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear that

[@alexanderjimenez5496]

Amazing clear explanation, thank you Sir. Love your shoes by the way 😅

[@shilohpage659]

this video helped alot, im finally getting fuel to the carb

[@garydesantis6755]

Excellent excellent vid. Your camera shots and angles were extremely well done. I admire your thorough workmanship and skill in educating us on how to “do the job right!” Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@helpinguonline]

Thank you very much!

[@LocHuynh-rk9xc]

Thank you. This worked for me. The needle in my carburettor was full of gunk.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it helped

[@johnbergren2160]

Great video! I followed your direction and fixed my leaf blower. Thanks

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go

[@peterswatton7400]

Usefull info on the needle valve, thanks.

[@seldom_seen8713]

Great job buddy...you just taught me alot..much appreciated.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to help

[@chrisstokley7687]

old timer mechanic in a bottle = marvelous mystery oil.. 1/2 cap full per gal. mix .. like ky and smex.. mmm mmm keeps it lubed up and smooooth running!

[@israelvelez6818]

Truly a great, and helpfull video!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marleyboy7732]

I was just about to give up working on mine (Not mechanically inclined). But really appreciate you posting this. This helped alot. Thanks for the video.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear that!

[@papawsgaming8762]

Great tutorial! im confident i could fix mine now. (your hands shake like mine, DONT try disabling bombs)

[@chrpchr1christodoulou476]

Congratulations. Probably the best video on the subject. Before succeeding to repair finally my ALPINA 34 grass trimmer yesterday, and after buying the spare parts required I watched more than 10 videos on the subject and this is the most informative. I will now watch the video for the adjustment of the MIN and MAX. Thank you.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad I could help you... and thanks for the feedback

[@jtmp126]

Great video and explanation! Well done!

[@helpinguonline]

Thank you kindly!

[@ValhallaIronworks]

This is a super thorough and well made video. Super helpful! Thank you!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback

[@ernestorada593]

Great explanation and step by step procedure. Thanks, just what I needed.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it helped

[@Pterocarpous]

Very good instructional video. Thank you.

[@jonathangerwitz1429]

The diaphragm doesnt usually tear. You need to pull it off of the bottom plate and see if it sounds crispy. If it is then it needs to be replaced.

[@moslater3172]

Excellent to the point,detailed video, thank you for sharing, massive help

[@dnrsmallenginerepair]

awesome job my friend keep up the good work

[@gvjester]

Awesome video! Great camera work!!!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidpearson626]

Thanks for this video dude :) Helped me get my Makita RBC2110 line trimmer running again :)

[@helpinguonline]

Great to hear!

[@redeye-turb4039]

Thank you for the detailed video - I was having a similar problem I replaced the gas line but after 30 min - it shut down. I took apart the carburetor - I did find debris in the filter after cleaning it and now it starts right up!

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go!

[@tomfallon4991]

Very good in total.

[@adambased7928]

Great explaination easy to understand

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@checkfortunnels]

I closed my eyes when the carb cleaner came out. Train like you fight.

[@fasteddie9475]

Really enjoyed the video, keep up the great work.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@magicone9327]

With the primer/pump diaphram removed there is no connection between the incoming line and the needle seat inlet. You should be able to see daylight when looking through the needle inlet from either side when needle is out.

[@steadyeddie7453]

Agree. Once the pump diaphram was removed and he felt a restriction still when blowing through the fuel line (at 4:19) either the in-line check valve was stuck/clogged or there was a clog at the brass fuel line port or just after it. He didn't have to go to the other side and remove the metering diaphram, except to do a quick check while apart. And after the carb re-assembly I like to put a long fuel line from the fuel inlet to a bottle of gas and then pump the primer bulb to make sure it works, and that it isn't dumping fuel into the venturi (bad carb check valve).

[@daleshewchuk3523]

This is great stuff. I echo the other comments and would like to add that your voice sounds like Bruce Springsteen. Maybe you could sing a few bars of "My Hometown " on your next video.

[@DDGraphicArtandSign]

Excellent video!

[@rogercalanchi2055]

Going to try that tomorrow THANK YOU!!

[@danthomas9077]

Looks like the only thing you did here was clean out that inline fuel filter, first thing you should of done was take that filter off the line and try blowing through that filter, did you replace it or reuse it? When you blew air, I think something came out of the line/filter, your hand was in the way of the filter, but that was probably what was wrong. I've got basically the same carb on my weed eater, I've taken it apart several times and you never find any "clog" as you call it, in it. There's a very fine mesh screen in the carb that feeds fuel to the needle and jets( you mentioned it in comments), so these carbs don't get "clogged" but the inline filters do. I figured out my problem was the filter in the tank, mine doesn't have an inline but an in the tank filter, the primer bulb wouldn't work, I thought the carb was "clogged", nothing wrong with it, it was the filter, and the filter didn't look dirty or "clogged" but it was. I've read a comment in another video on these carb issues, and that viewer said the filters and that fine screen inside the carb can get some kind of a film coating on them, it's almost like a clear plastic coating(varnish) that you can't see and doesn't dissolve in gas but carb cleaners will, you might of cleaned that internal screen and the filter without even knowing it.

[@steadyeddie7453]

Good observation. The black thing in the fuel line is a check valve. And at 4:19 he tried to blow through the line and no go. But he had the pump diaphram off so there had to be a clog somewhere in the brass fuel inlet passage. Or... the in-line check valve was clogged or stuck. Messing with the metering diaphram and inlet needle wasn't necessary, other than for doing a quick visual check. I also bench test the primer bulb function before putting the carb back on the engine. Cheers.

[@osaze61]

Winner....Great video

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks 👍

[@johnmarshall2439]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@helpinguonline]

My pleasure!

[@lostinmyspace4910]

The diaphrama all look good. But it's not how they look but rather if they're brittle, or stiff, they cannot do what they're supposed to do, and that is be so flexible, soft, supple, that it vibrates consistently towards, and on top of the needle valve.

[@ocrun6765]

Excellent. Thanks for posting this video.

[@helpinguonline]

My pleasure! Glad I could help you

[@williamgutwald9953]

Cool vidja! Good info, definitely helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@DavidOrtiz-fq5zy]

Just trying to clear things up you couldn't get air through the inlet of the carburetor because you still had the bottom piece with two bolts which is a float and a needle still in the carburetor should've taken it all apart first before trying to blow on it

[@estabanc546]

I love how people on youtube make reassembling the needle valve look so easy. Its a pain in the ass, its so small and spring loaded... took me like 10 tries to get it seated

[@johndeeter9522]

I put a bit of Vaseline on the carburetor end of the spring which will hold it to the carb and I only have to worry about lining it up with the dimple on the lever. Another benefit is that if it does fly out it usually sticks to something

[@morrisfoster5106]

Thank you for your rid bit of information . God Bless you

[@helpinguonline]

My pleasure and God Bless you also! Thank you

[@shaunkeeling7576]

Thankyou Sir I will be contacting Titan in the morning for a service tool :) Keep safe and well.

[@helpinguonline]

Best of luck!

[@linhearts]

Background music and volume is nice.

[@ogbobbye]

do you ever just take off the fuel line and run carb cleaner though them without so much as taking the air filter off to see if you can clean them? not saying it's the right way but an old small engine guy told me spend 5 minutes getting carb cleaner through them and 9 out of 10 it will clear them out and up and running without turning a single screw. once they are running add a little carb cleaner treatment to the tank of fresh fuel to finish the job. I have done it and know it will work on both 2 and 4 cycle engines.

[@TungPham-my9gv]

Good video. I will try to fix my ice auger. Thank alot.

[@bad2728]

Thank you This video was very helpful to me

[@bad2728]

Was a clog at needle valve

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it helped

[@keithtate3298]

WOW! Awesome DIY video and just what I needed to get my stubborn weedeater running again. If this doesn't work can you drop by my house on Saturday and lend a hand? Thanks!!!

[@helpinguonline]

You can do it! ... and if the diaphragms are hard and dry you may need to get a rebuild kit or replace the carburetor.

[@stephenstiles4387]

Great video .... I learned a lot.

[@helpinguonline]

glad to hear and thanks for your feedback

[@tradingtanamera]

Thank you for this video...definitely going to give it a try....much appreciate it.

[@helpinguonline]

You can do it!

[@robreiling6048]

great camera work. good vid.

[@debraplowe6607]

Brand new carb, plug, air filter etc. for $17 on Amazon. No fuss, no muss.