Fix a Stihl trimmer that's been in long storage.

[@glintwing]

Just a tip. When adjusting the carburator, have the trimmer line/cord set to the length of its shield. Only that way will it run properly on the designated rpm's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a great point thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@matejcsokbalint7104]

I love your videos! Its so good to see not only i like to work on thees engines!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the comment I appreciate it

[@robstone5333]

Agreed. I love the old Stihl trimmers and saws. I just restored a Stihl FS51AV. (This channel gets a share of the credit) On the FS51AV, all of the parts are metal except the gas tank and the shield for the head. After the paint job, it’s a very nice piece of vintage machinery that runs like a bat out of hell. Haha

[@stevewelches1955]

Glad I found this vedio. I have a stihl trimmer in the top of the shed that has not been started in 5+ years i been thinking about getting out. This vedio gives me a good idea on the proper steps to see if I can get it going again. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@powersawguy3295]

Thats a score those 85s are the best trimmer stihl has ever made

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they are wonderful trimmers

[@tyroneclarke1666]

You’ve did a brilliant job with the video thank you. Nice close up filming too. Has heaps of compression and should easy last a couple of decades with care. I always like giving any machine a quick degrease clean and dry before a service. Just makes sense. Never leave it out in the sun, even a short time. I have the same machine and always put it away. Cheers from Perth W.A. 🦘🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you for the comment I appreciate it. Yes if I have time I will clean it but most of the time I am short on time.

[@mikespain8655]

Tyrone Clarke- He is too nice to say it so I will. Ideally you want to see 120 to 160 psi out of a strong running engine. 50-60 psi and you are lucky it starts and runs. A leak down test with a Mitt Vac will give you more information.

[@jameshedrick6839]

Great fix. For the price of certain parts it doesn't matter to me. I have an old Homelite super xl925 and a echo cs702vl chainsaw they sat for 30 years when i got them. All they needed was some new fuel lines and they fired right up after about 4 pulls

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@jimamerica7419]

Great video. A Stihl is always worth fixing. You rarely see Stihls in the garbage. That unit will still work for the average home owner.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You know you're absolutely right about that.

[@markgardiner1767]

Jim America I found one in the garbage.Looks near new. Ill have to do all these checks because it has spark but wont fire

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@markgardiner1767 check compression first.

[@markgardiner1767]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for reply

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@markgardiner1767 no problem

[@dwaynemadsen964]

Thank you for sharing! I recently tried to clean up a trimmer that had been sitting for years, when I brushed the cobwebs and dust off with a soft brush, the fuel lines brushed off too! I have replacement lines now, so some rainy weekend I will get after it! I doubt the brittle lines will be the end of the adventure, however this was a box store's store brand trimmer, so even a cheap aftermarket carburetor probably wouldn't be worth it! Stay safe!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Dwayne Madsen for the comment I appreciate it and I will.

[@janovsk1]

It would have been interesting to see if the compression may have gone up a bit after running it for a while.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Actually that's a great idea. I'll have to start doing that. Thanks.

[@danielbyrd1272]

Yeah the compression on mine goes from 45 to around 60 after it gets warm

[@nkosev]

@@HomeGaragechannel you still don't tho ... start doing it please :)

[@lewiemcneely9143]

As long as it's taken care of I think it'll surprise you just how long it WILL last! Thanks and Blessings

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you.

[@bpallen1228]

I just found your channel and you have a new subscriber! I enjoy your thought process working through these problems . I also love all the older stihl equipment you find to work on where do you find these?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@KLOLWAT]

Grabbed one of these with the bicycle grip in "not working" condition off my local buy and sell for $20 CAD today. Going to be my first small engine repair project. Wish me luck!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, good luck with it.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

For the price of a few parts, who cares. Great fix. They all gotta go sometime.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's a great view I appreciate it

[@watermanone7567]

If maintained properly, it will last for many years. I would use a 40/1 mix instead of a 50/1 if it is badly worn. May help it out to last awhile. I am still running a McCullough that is over 25 yrs old. One carb rebuild. Never use Ethanol gas. Thanks for great video's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Ah that's a great idea thanks.

[@mikespain8655]

That low of compression, the distinctive "bell" clanging sound, this trimmer is on the way out. Seriously doubt you will get 3 seasons out if it. It a damn goid model though, FS 85

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know, I might try to get it running this year.

[@petefroud5308]

All depends on how much work it does . I fixed a Echo for a lawn service fella , four years ago the piston was well scored but it ran ok, . It died this year .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Good answer. It wouldn't be used that much so a couple of years is a good investment.

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I would say three seasons with proper maintenance would be a good estimate, probably end of the third season it would be more trouble than it was worth at that point

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That seems to be the consensus

[@bigmesstest230]

I always run my Remington RSM280 for about 5minutes for worm up

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a great idea.

[@augdog25]

I agree I've had my lil fs45 for 12 years and mm55c tiller like 10 years and my Honda mower for 9 years just keep rebuilding the carbs every 2 years due to the rubber drying up in my erea

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That seems to be the best way of doing it

[@danielbyrd1272]

I have a Stihl FS80 that only has 45 psi and it still runs. I found it at a yard sale three years ago. It only had 50 psi when I first got it so who knows how long it will last. Great vid btw

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Daniel Byrd for the comment I appreciate it

[@phongnguyenthanh7215]

Thank you very much, teacher

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@MrJoeakd]

I run all my equipment with 32:1 and I have never blown up a motor. Just patting myself a bit on the back. Throw a ring on that trimmer and its brand new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for sharing your experience I appreciate it

[@lukeWiz44]

Excellent video. Thanks for uploading.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Luke Harrison for the comment I appreciate it

[@nyckoluz]

Wow, same history as my old Craftsman lawn mower. It's been sitting in my shed for years and it now doesn't work. I got a new Ryobi one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

whatever gets the job done.

[@drgriffin1972]

put some marvels mystery oil into the cyliner through the spark plug hole and let it soak overnight. If your rings are stuck this stuff will break them loose. It is some good stuff.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

i think you're absolutely right about that. thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@frankaferdhadley1603]

I love your videos I look for word to watchen every video I know you mention the primer bulb an it's function I have a Stihl FS 88 Wich is my favorite trimmer but it has no primer bulb an starts 2 pulls I was wondering why that is. Keep up the videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Frankaferd Hadley .

[@alanlake5220]

I would have had a look at the piston when you had the carburettor off, 2 get yourself a small squeasy bottle to squirt fuel into the engine, and i would have turned the idle screw out a bit, also the low screw out 1/4 turn .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I should have done that

[@butler386]

How long it lasts depends on how much it is used and how tall the grass etc. is. If it is used commercially I would say a year. If used in residential situation then maybe 3 years. The question I have is how much compression a new one has and is it worth rebuilding? Cost of rings, piston and or short block. Thanks for sharing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

its worth rebuilding definitely as for the cost I'm not sure

[@elevatorman427]

I had just discovered your videos one day last week. I love them you do great with getting some of this old stuff running again. My question is where on earth do you find all these old trimmers at such as these older model stihls? Do you just stumble upon them occasionally at garage/yard sales and what not?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not all are from garage sales. most are from coworkers

[@elevatorman427]

@@HomeGaragechannel ah ok I was just wandering.

[@JJ-mg1yx]

I would run it on 25:1 mix and see if the compression goes up, nice job

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thats a good idea

[@JJ-mg1yx]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have a leaf blower that ran on 40:1 for years then it had hard start so I went to 25:1 and it was Ok

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@JJ-mg1yx I appreciate the information. I think I'll try it today and I'll let you know.

[@js_1995x]

My FS85 has a new carb, the only repair made. It is high on compression. Alot of power, I don't even have to rev it wide open to cut grass

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's a lot of power.

[@js_1995x]

It didn't run as good with the old carb. I couldnt tune it. I bought a $10 carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@js_1995x smart move

[@samfeldman1508]

2 questions. 1. Will you adjust the carburetor once the machine is warmed up and choke off? 2. Why is loading string such a difficult task? Is there an easy way? Thanks, love your videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I was planning on adjusting doing that, I just didn't do that in the video. Unfortunately restringing is always tough, no matter what. They do make those easy load trimmer heads, but most don't like them.

[@LukasM297]

I'd love to see a video on a lawn tractor or a full engine rebuild. I've been thinking about buying a lawn tractor and repairing it to do lower quality heavy duty (about 1300m² at 10+cm ) work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the idea!

[@johnwaddell4107]

It will last as long as you keep fresh fuel and keep it serviced. Stihl is fine machine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are right about that. Thanks for the comment.

[@raymondcampbell2346]

I've been watching your videos for awhile. Where do you get or order the diaphragms that you use on the rebuilds?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Raymond Campbell for the comment. I order them from Amazon

[@joezaia7776]

If that was my trimmer I would replace the piston rings and get it going properly

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice choice.

[@mikespain8655]

New rings, new piston, new needle bearing, new circular clips, and lightly hone the nickisil cylinder.

[@posttopstreetlight1055]

It did the 2 stroke ring ding ding

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I like that sound too.

[@Bill-sp8kb]

If it were mine, I'd do a top-end rebuild and replace the crank seals.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good idea.

[@keithmiller3120]

I got a question for you maybe you can help me with... at work they store their weed eaters on the wall with the gas tank up in the air and the spinning end down at the floor... but they don’t take the gas out of them either... is this ok to do this or not...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

technically there isn't a problem doing that and in fact its better than if it was tank down and head up. you just run the risk of a fuel leak.

[@aidanasmr5099]

If my opinion your very helpful!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@AidanRyan458]

I’d say she would last 2 years 2 and a half season pitty the engine is a bit worn out there a beast when going good

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I believe you might be right.

[@AidanRyan458]

Home Garage ye a sure there a good yoke anyways

[@dujeamizic3588]

Ah that trimmer!Our family had problem with that trimmer and our was handle verison.We change evrything and it does not working at all

[@999thenewman]

Awesome video, Home Garage. Hope you enjoyed my little upload, too.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Was it the reocil one?

[@jeffcox2446]

Your probably close enjoy your videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@Romizo6063]

Awesome Video 😀

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@robstone5333]

How long will it last? I’d say 50 hours easy. Very likely many more.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

i think thats a safe bet

[@nashguy207]

If its for home owner use i think it will last 2 or 3 years i would also check the fuel tank cap vent it looked to me like it was leaking in the center of the cap

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Ah yes good call. Thanks

[@chucksrepairsandrestoration]

You might get longer out of it. Compression may have come back alittle after running. Sometimes when engines sit the rings will get stuck until oil,fuel and heat clean it up and they get moving in the grove again. Is it still running? Seen this video was a few years old

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you've dealt with these before, yes you're absolutely right

[@RussellBooth1977]

If you have replaced your compression gauge & that's the actual compression reading then it might last another season !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Possibly

[@oldroscoe2590]

How long will it last? Maybe a long time, lots of variables. If a person lets their neighbor borrow it, not very long.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said

[@williammoore4800]

As long as you keep the right mixture it don't to me I got a Husqvarna that has scores all up and down the cylinders the rings are scored everything it was run lean on gas when I bought it at a garage sale for five bucks and I put a new carburetor on it new spark plug and I use it everyday to mow my lawn it's a 128 LD Husqvarna and it does the job it it it gets the job done it's all a matter of how you take care of it if if the cylinders are scored the way I always do is I mix the gas just a little bit over 50 to one where it's a little richer it builds a compression up it just a little bit I mean yeah I like this video but it seems like most of the common things that you work on is steals skills are all steel and echo they're always the main common ones I see you working on that has issues with the carburetor very selling do I ever see a Husqvarna why I haven't never seen a Husqvarna on your channel but this is a this is a good deal yes if you're reselling a steel weed eater keep the steel brand carburetor and try to get it been that way you can sell it as a steel instead of a steel with a knockoff carburetor but them knock off carburetors are great I put a lot of them knock off aftermarket carburetors on customers weed eaters and chainsaws and push mowers and riders and they were superb and they've been using them for years

[@hunter1953]

If it were mine knowing the compression was low every time i used it i would put 10 dollars in an envelope and if it lasted a year or more i would have enough cash to rebuild it with OEM parts

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@williammoore4800]

A gentleman last week bug me as steel fs91 and told me that it was running great and he was using it during the summer and it just died on him and wouldn't start back but what it was is he had mixed his fuel improperly and it was getting too hot and it was shutting it off it's scored the cylinders so bad it was pathetic I mean you can snag your fingernail on it I pulled it down and he didn't want to put a lot of money in it so I just cleaned the cylinder up real good honed it up or yeah I hung it up and got it all put back together new gaskets and stuff put a new carburetor or Kennedy to carburetor and put gas in it and started it up in the man's still using it when I pull compression on it it done compression check it was 42 LB of compression and this weed eater now is still running with the right mixture of gas and you know sometimes yes the compression on some weed eaters like a pollen Troy-Bilt hyper torque bowling or something like that you know which is basically all the same will it weed eater or Husqvarna or something like that it might affected having low compression but something like a commercial weed eater the compression really don't it matters but not as much as people think I have a Husqvarna commercial weed eater a 232 l Husqvarna and they don't even make this weed eater no more in this weed eater I bought it over 25 years ago used and it's still going strong now today and it out does every steel that I've ever put in my hands

[@buttercoveredcat1957]

The carburetor I have on a backpack leaf blower would constantly just blow bubbles back into the line. The primer bulb will fill up the tiniest bit, but would never fill completely. Does anyone know what possibly could be wrong?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

replace the carb and it will be back to normal.

[@adammosher5818]

Can I use a carb that has a choke when the original one didn't have one just don't want to mess anything up it's on a push mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've never done it but I imagine it could work.

[@vineshnarayan5490]

I have a question why does sthil have that iconic timing sound what is rattling that makes that sound

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's the clutch that's making that iconic sound.

[@jonathankuhn7837]

5 seasons

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope you're right. Thanks for the comment

[@mrnathnlan6291]

What are bout the stihl chainsaw you did last video??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Still waiting on a decision on what to do with it

[@SillyoldPrince]

👏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you for the comment I appreciate it

[@kasefoulk4664]

Do you think stil is better or Troy Bilt???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Stihl is better than Troy bilt.

[@kasefoulk4664]

That’s what I thought

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@kasefoulk4664 are you considering buying one?

[@kasefoulk4664]

Not yet

[@robstone5333]

Many years ago, Troy Bilt put out a fine product. Nowadays? They suck.

[@Marty1959]

I would just rebuild it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Martin LeBlanc

[@Jim-ie6uf]

I have a Stihl FS 35 trimmer, any idea what the carb kit number is? Carb is a C1Q369, can’t find it on any parts lookup. Thanks, Jim

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

Type in c1q369 in the search bar on Amazon. The kits are $8 and the Carbs start around $12. You need the kit for C1Q series carburetors.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks Dave for the information

[@Jim-ie6uf]

ulitepilot aka Zombie Dave thanks Dave I ordered GND 28 on EBay. That outta do it. I’ve been running a chineseum carb, but it’s not all that good. This trimmer has been a pile of shit since it was brand new. I bought it from a buddy of mine for $100 when it was two mo this old. I’ll take an old Echo any day. I have one and it’s great.

[@CrazyCroatianhacker]

Still using the same compression gauge?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

This video was recorded over a month ago so yes its the same one.

[@CrazyCroatianhacker]

Oh Im so stupid sorry, I forgot that you might have a bunch of videos filmed, cant eait to see when you test the gauge on a new machine though and maybe get a better gauge :)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@CrazyCroatianhacker yes I have probably 8 or 10 video already reordered so it will take some time before you see the new gage. Thank you for inquiring though.

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 85

[@atothez1931]

Its a stihl... it has 20 more seasons to go.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very possibly thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@leoramirez7583]

You can replace the Piston rings and get more life out of it. If you are knowledgeable in doing so. It takes about 1hr with all the right tools

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the information I appreciate it

[@jslawncare5627]

U can make it last your life time if taken care of

[@HomeGaragechannel]

There's definitely potential.

[@24space310]

if that trimmer gets a regular treatment it will last for 5 to 6 seasons. worst case would be one or 2.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense

[@jaluna06]

If good mixed gas is continued it should last 3 seasons.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've never tested it but that's a good idea as a video. Thanks.

[@aidanasmr5099]

Is this weed eater is the best stihl one?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no it's not, this a an old one.

[@aidanasmr5099]

Awww

[@aidanasmr5099]

I need one for my uncle is not heavy and is it powerful and it is a stihl

[@aidanasmr5099]

Which one you would recommend?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would choose the cheapest straight shaft from them, the FS 56

[@michellehosein1099]

Can you give me the stihl fs 85

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry I don't have this one anymore.

[@michellehosein1099]

Can I have the Stihl FS 85

[@HomeGaragechannel]

its gone

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 85

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 85 I am a fan of your video