How-To Fix A WeedWacker That Bogs Down

How-To Fix A WeedWacker That Bogs Down
Is your weedwacker or grass trimmer running poorly? I may have the solution to your problem in this video!
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #smallengine #weedwacker

[@brianpage7569]

I have this same weed eater, it's 6 months old and i've already had to do this fix on it. I have the warranty and they said they would have to send mine off for repair and will take 6 to 7 weeks to get back and i use it every day with my lawn care. Shouldn't be already having to do this after only 6 months.

[@donyboy73]

Use Stihl oil

[@brianpage7569]

@@donyboy73 Thank you!

[@kennethlowe6337]

Need to take carburetor off and take out the epa plug and adj. It's running to rich.

[@brianpage7569]

@@kennethlowe6337 After i replace the spark arrestor, it's been fine for another year, I bought another one and it does the same thing, after 6 months replace the spark arrestor and it's golden

[@rudyruiz9521]

High idle times will cause it too. Make sure to run it wide open the vast majority of the time.

[@lawnman3638]

I run these trimmers for my lawn company. We get rid of the screen. Bogging down with the 225 is usually a clogged exhaust port that needs to be cleaned.

[@garrettstevensen2467]

Since we run at 40:1, our company has never been to a mechanic in decades. Shhhhhhh. It’s a secret.

[@greener121]

Garrett Stevensen j

[@bbesthoney]

Manihote Esculenta of

[@alext8828]

@@bacilluscereus1299 How does the fuel get to the air filter?

[@giorgiweibolt7877]

Also use 40:1

[@benschreiber9472]

For real?

[@barrybebenek8691]

Amazing how much of an affect that dirty little screen has on performance. Thanks for the tips once more. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@johnjerrehian4642]

I take those screens out from the beginning and eliminate this issue.

[@RussellBooth1977]

That's the first thing I check on the 2 stroke lawn equipment - the spark arrestor !

[@harriglnola7655]

Thanks so much!!! This is advice that I can definitely use. You are super helpful.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

What tool is used to pull out the " plug" that's hiding the adjusting screw to carburetor?

[@donyboy73]

Using high quality 2 cycle oil will help prevent this!

[@viewer54322]

Don, your video work, flow and editing are looking great.

[@zx8401ztv]

And i thought it was the carb mixture setup again lol. i had forgotten that they had a mesh.

[@rightmeow58]

Watching this just saved my 24 y/o string trimmer. Many thanks!

[@nathanweiler1626]

@donyboy73 do you even need the screen I took mine off and there wasn't one???

[@jkbrown5496]

I had a blower that would fire up great then die and not start again. Hadn't worked on such in 30 years. Changed the spark plug, etc. over a long period as I found channels like this one. Finally applied scientific method which forced me to consider the exhaust. Mud wasps had mudded over the spark arrester. Cleared it out and the thing ran like new.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I started to NOT watch this, GLAD I did, I would of NEVER figured that such a small issue as this would cause that problem

[@icsp2]

I would have done the entire muffler as that will be full of carbon too.

[@victorrippe5845]

To much work I just take them out

[@ahorseman4ever1]

I've literally been binge watching your channel, I have a stihl ms211c chainsaw that wouldn't run that I fixed following your channel. Thank you! Seems like a clogged spark arrestor screen is a common problem.

[@hrdman2luv]

I have the same SRM225, New plug, new carb, clean spark arrestor. It cranks and idles good. But when I go full throttle, the RPM's are only about 3/4's. The throttle opens all the way (to the stop). I found the only adjustment it has (the hidden one) and adjusted that to both lean and rich, then back. But still only get about 3/4 throttle out of it. Donyboy73, have you ever ran into this? If so, how did you fix it. My compression tester, read the same on this engine, as it did on the customers other identical engine. I even put the other engines carb on this one, and it didn't change anything.

[@Volusiaev]

Very good advice! Spark plugs too. Been loving your channel for years! Thanks brother!

[@gsalex2]

Thanks so much donyboy you saved my butt. I had the same problem and need my machine early tomorrow morning so I was scraping around for a solution. Now she is spinning like a top once again. Great post!

[@DS-kn4bs]

Now if I can onll remeber this in spring. 🤔

[@DougHinVA]

A spark arrestor screen is easy to clean off and can be looked at easily by removing a 2-3 screw plate on the exhaust side of the engine. Easy to do and we have to let out exhaust gases so an engine can run normally.

[@rustybumperclassics6342]

This is my exact problem. Doing this tomorrow, thanks

[@srachko86]

You just earned a new subscriber :) I got out of sticky wicked situations thanks to your channel quite a lot of times.

[@aleblanc3547]

Thanks Don...great tips on using a good 2 cycle oil as well as the proper amount.

[@stevefisher2121]

I’ve got one for ya - my echo will shut off when I tilt it downwards but if I tilt it upwards it will stay running? Carb need cleaned????

[@arethajohnson7021]

You know what? I'm a woman who loves yard work, and my weed Eater was bogging.. guess what? I just repaired it because of this video.... thank you❤

[@cortezneal]

Can't thank you enough for thuis video!!! You just saved me possibly $1000, both my weed raters and edger bogged down in the same day

[@samuelvelez1643]

The spark arrestor screen was way clogged,thanx for the tip

[@koryzap7339]

I WISH THIS WAS MY PROBLEM. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH MY TRIMMER?! it starts up fine but when the trigger is fully engaged the head STOPS spinning. I have to pull and release the trigger so fast to keep it spinning....

[@OscarMartinez-lj6io]

Awesome video!! mine doing the same thing

[@juanbrito-nina2877]

Thanks for this! Was exactly what was wrong with my trimmer...

[@kenberscheit948]

small engines like trimmers and chainsaws were designed to be run at full throttle ,even though it sounds like they will self destruct,it is the way to keep this from happening, the higher octane gas you use ,the better also, small engines thrive on high octane.i find when i dont run my ms271 chainsaw at full throttle when limbing it gets real sluggish , I know its time to run full throttle to fix it

[@evbbjones7]

annnnnd that was exactly my problem and now my Echo weed eater runs like I bought it yesterday. Great video, you've saved me probably a butt load of money sir. :D

[@semco72057]

That was a nice fix for that problem and I have to remember it so the next time one of my weed trimmers have that problem I will know what to look for.

[@metalmalitia23]

This video came at literally the perfect time, My buddy brought his Echo 266 over this morning because it wasn’t running and borrowed my 225 to finish a few jobs and when he came back we went and got the tune up kit at Home Depot with the air and fuel filter and spark plug but even after those it was still running shitty so now I’m gonna try this method to fix it

[@ОлегБ-л8м]

Great video!!! In a good way, it`s necessary to start with this (after the air filter of course). Without this, idle speed can to be "float". It is necessary to check in my blower and on the trimmers. Thank you very much. Best wishes.

[@jameshamlin823]

Are spark arrestor cheap enough to buy a new one instead of cleaning it? It may not be worth it depending on the price.

[@chadohn-khin5831]

Did you not clean out your exhaust port? Gives you another 10 % POWER!

[@timd5597]

Echo srm 230 hard starting cold, a few pumps, put on choke, pull a couple times no start but if I squeeze the trigger it will start any suggestions?

[@robertholsopple9451]

My Stiel does this however, I have a new spark arrester, I rebuilt the carb but it runs the same as it did before I rebuilt it. I have new premixed fuel, and I have good spark and my fuel filter is good. I even tried to run it without the filter to check it. The air filter is brand new. I'm at a loss for ideas. I'm about to throw it away. Any one have any ideas what could be causing this? Would low compression do this? The cylinder walls don't look bad.

[@midnightpassion43]

Hi, I have a craftsman ws4200, it maybe a yr old, not sure, but it boggs. I can't seem to get my screws out to clean mine. I can't remember why,. I want to put a drill on it, but I'm scared the screw might break. I got one screw out but the other is a bugger. What should I do?

[@artsoto5459]

Would anyone know why when I turn my weed eater sideways to edge, it dies, it only happens when the tank has less than half gas on it, it never dies when I am weed eating straight normally, just when I tilt, any ideas? it's an Echo PAS 225, less than 2 years old. I also see black Gue around the fuel tank, I'm guessing it's leaking, but it never dies on me when tank is almost full, even with the leak

[@smokingtwoguns5467]

Great job dude, before i got to you video, i just used paint remover to clean everything off, and it worked wonders. However i do not know how that may effect my screen later. For now its back to brand new.

[@BrezzEasyy]

wht if that isnt your problem, all that is cleaned , right oils, etc, and keep getting bogged down....? whats next?

[@dariuss7923]

Ok but what to do if trimmer or brush cutter dont have spark arrestor in general? And it lose power when i cutting grass, and it takes about 5-6 time to start, sometimes more when its cold, even if i change carburetor its same. The brushcutter is MTD bc43

[@elektrrartesano3050]

Thank you i have the exact same trimmer and same problem just that mine cut off faster I've been cleaning the carburator and added seafoam to it and the problem persist, I can wait to get home and torch it down, also I have only own it less that a year

[@REDMAN298]

I wish I could get my muffler off. Screws won`t turn out from muffler. My last resort would be to turn them and break them off to check the screen. Theb I have a throw away?

[@classic287]

I think you showed this before, because I did that when my Husqvarna weed wacker wouldn’t start. Started and runs great after doing this...

[@paulblackburn931]

I'm so far behind because I've just got out of the hospital with a year tring to recover. I'm going to get back.

[@roberthamilton9123]

Donyboy 73 it’s sounds like it’s got a clogged spark screen sir😀😀

[@moose64]

Do all 2 stroke equipment have a screen spark arrestor? I have two leaf blowers..one a 2 stroke and the other a cheap electric. The electric is way better. Now I'm wondering if the 2 stroke blower has this issue. Must look this weekend.

[@donyboy73]

yes all 2 strokes have a screen on muffler

[@moose64]

@@donyboy73 Thanks Dony. I will investigate and update.

[@nickmartinez5644]

Great instructions.. my only complaint or comment is Just hand tighten them using your screw driver lol hand tight or driver tight

[@clonewolffe4937]

I soak my muffler in degreaser then rinse in brake cleaner to evaporate the degreaser then torch the muffler too. Once a year. Every few weeks I run it upside down at full throttle to get rid of accumulated oil in the crank case

[@ip2networkz81]

This was my problem with a Stihl thanks for the video

[@carlodonnell146]

bogging down can be caused by either too rich or too lean, but the the sound it makes rich is different from lean, so I have been learning, but I can't tell the difference at this point.

[@JustFin07]

It actually sounds like diesel

[@albertgomez1366]

I’ve had mine for a week and already going to have to do this, come on echo🤦🏽‍♂️

[@rogeliopadilla1432]

Thank's for the tips. God bless you..!! 🙏

[@3rdcoastpescador42]

Mines recently started bogging when i accelerate. It also stsrted spinning the head on its own with out me getting on the trigger. The screen is clean i checked it. Looks like it might be the oil seal since i saw oil in the exhaust .. but not sure

[@melonjoy2905]

I was eager to see you demonstrate your weed eater before and after you fixed it. Thanks.

[@HiloBoiz808]

I kove KZbin.Thank you for this video.

[@robertyearian227]

Shouldnt you remove muffler and look at port since that was so built up

[@butler386]

Great fix. Perfect demo of how to cure this problem.

[@boricua2538]

If the spark arrestor was cleaned and trimmer continue bog down what other problem can be.

[@giovannicalicchio8277]

My screen is very clean after a year. But it Boggs down under full throttle..

[@andrewdoiron16]

well something new i learned and i can do. make sure i make a vid (other channel, link on my yt under this name)

[@johnchomet6967]

How do we know the year model our SRM 225 is because mine has 5 screws to remove

[@wshawn45136]

Im going to do that to mine do all echo trimmers have this I’ve changed the filter in the gas and the spark plug recently

[@djoserlealskyview]

Thank you so much for this video. I was about to throw mine away and run to HD to get me a new one. You saved me a good chunk of money 🙏

[@daniellang6112]

Run Amsoil Sabre 2 stroke oil. No problem there.

[@USCG.Brennan]

My fuel line was cracked and the engine was sucking alot of air, rather than gas.

[@BrezzEasyy]

what if it wont idle , what if it shuts off in idle mode... but runs when u ram it?

[@bubbajay4044]

I found a working weed Wacker I wanna turn into a boat motor but it bogs under water it's been done by others I just wanna know how to get it to work for me any tips

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Don

[@manuelgallardo2621]

What else can be the problem if you already do the process and the weedeater still have no power?

[@GripFreak]

The number one cause of a clogged spark arrestor in Echo weed trimmers is improper fuel mix ratio (too rich) or running high idle for long periods of time. Use Echo oil or optimally use Echo premix. Echo Repair Specialist...

[@rbollard21]

I have the same issue but my spark arestor screen is already removed.

[@999thenewman]

I clean every spark arrestor I can and run a rich fuel mixture. ^_^ In the "olden days" the "spark arrestor" was nothing more than a wad of chunky woolen steel stuffed into the "muffler."

[@josuelifestylevlogs2326]

I just did clean the screen but didn’t work

[@chrish6555]

I’ve done all that. Checked fuel filter, spark plug and cleaned the screen and still Boggs. Any advice. Using 50:1 fuel

[@donyboy73]

Try this, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfRiHmgZqZnoNU

[@holdenguy75]

Gday from down under donnyboy73. Your my go to guy when I need help, hope u can help this time......I have a Mitsubishi bg33, (same as a pope machine) 33cc straight shaft trimmer and need to know the coil armature air gap. Have tried the business card trick but its still not happy, this is a replacement coil after the original died. Thanks mate

[@holdenguy75]

Oh and it's a 2 stroke. 25:1

[@alext8828]

Wait! What's all that tar looking stuff where the screen came off?

[@animalcorvair]

i just fixed one like it ..bad carb it was to bad to rebuild ..put a new one on it new filter an vent ..the screen was clear...sitting to long did the carb in as it had water in the gas ,,

[@philliphall5198]

It helps to keep extra screens and few tools if you’re on a job site

[@qlovox]

If k can’t burn it , what’s another solution ?

[@MrFarmeruk]

Hi does most trimmers have the screen on them I have a Garden care trimmer?

[@MonetTash]

Um I don’t have a torch is there another way to clean the carbon?

[@atdower]

Take that screen out. You don’t really need it.

[@DIYDad1]

Good video I have the exact same trimmer these things are amazing!

[@juangee8855]

My screen looks to be clean! I dam near have to run my weed eater in between full choke and half choke!!! What yall think my problem is???

[@donyboy73]

That is a carburetor problem, for some people it is easier to replace the carb.

[@rlrollinsllc520]

My neighbor gave me an Echo SRM225 trimmer when he moved away. He thought that the carburetor was bad and he didn't want to mess with it any longer. After seeing your video, I cleaned the spark arrestor screen and now the trimmer runs great! I also noticed that the spark plug and air filter looked fairly new, so I think my friend had already replaced them but the problem still existed. Thanks for the great vid!! I learned something new today.

[@billnotice9957]

Wow. Mine is bogging down already after 6 months. I think I just saved a 150-dollar bill to the repair shop.

[@mikegalvin4655]

Why u don't buy a 4 cycle no such problem

[@jogmas12]

Sir I have a Poulan pro weed eater and when press the throttle it wants to die out. Could I have the same problem?

[@donyboy73]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqjGnpZuaN5qf5Y

[@bm3823]

Perfect fix for my trimmer! Thanks for taking the time to help us out 👍

[@kr4t0sg.28]

This is exactly what mine is doing!

[@CordelFrancis]

Hi, what if after you clean the muffler it still Boggs down? What do you think could be the problem ? 🤔

[@donyboy73]

you might nee a new carb kit or new carburetor

[@avenged06x]

I threw my echo in the burn barrel and bought a Stihl.

[@tonyrome068]

Will CARBURETOR CLEANER TAKE THAT OFF?