Small Engine Repair Shop Diagnosing, Fixing and Fails! Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna Blowers

[@leongrubbs8492]

Enjoy " hanging out" with you, Bre. At age 76 I am still learning how to work on my own equipment. Thank you.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@jackleachman407]

It never get old for me watching you diagnose and fixing failing machines!! 😊

[@doughy041]

Random lawn and garden associate at one of the big box home improvement centers. You make my life talking to customers so much easier, especially with the two stroke engine folks.

[@Chickanic]

Thank you! Glad to help.

[@Okinawa1914]

​@@Chickanic👋 Motul 710 2t oil ok for cheinsaw 4.5/1

[@mitchcole900]

I’ve been hoping for your opinion on VP racing 50/1 fuel. I buy it in the 5 gallon cans. Lasts me all year. 4 chainsaws,3 weed walkers and a blower. I have used only Bo fuel in all of them. Never had problems/rotted fuel lines. I tell everyone that brings me their broken equipment to use it and watch bre’s videos.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

@@Okinawa1914 100% synthetic lubricant based on Ester-Technology. Specially designed for 2-stroke bike engines with premix or injector lube systems operating at high revs ... It's their own blurb so yes chainsaw engines apply....

[@Okinawa1914]

@JohnSmith-pl2bk 👍

[@kashmurray1199]

Love learning more about small engine's from you. Thank you.

[@tradermonk9403]

I learn as much from the fails as much as the fixes!

[@johnduffy6546]

AMEN to that

[@sailnut55mc43]

Who knew, use only fuel with FD rating, it's those little details that get you every time! Thanks for the tip!

[@MelanieCotterell-h9d]

It will run fine on pump gas just don't store them with it in the tank long term.

[@mikeadam6776]

Your the kinda mechanic that people come to and never question your recommendations. If they do they have no idea about what and how you work. Keep it up as there are very few people that you can rely on. Your at the top of the list.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@mikecliff2367]

You are a natural teacher. Appreciate your candor.

[@johnduffy6546]

Amen...TWICE!

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Random Joe here... thank you for all you do and show us! Living my best La Vida Loca here in southeastern Arizona

[@brianrydzeski6108]

Thank you, Bre. All these tips for free really helps me.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Bre this is the Old Man at Eliminator Performance in Canada. Canadian Tire sells the VP Racing fuel and a while back when we started using Alkylate fuel for equipment storage we bought a can of VP to test. Now we know that fuel burns differently under compression but thought we would see how it burns in the atmosphere on a white saucer and to our surprise the VP burned with a lot more carbon residue than even regular pump fuel. At EP we originally started with Aspen which is likely the best on the market but now buy the Briggs and Stratton Kinetix Alkylate fuels. Testing of the Kinetix shows clean burning in atmospheric conditions and we have started equipment after 2.5 years of storage on the first pull with no issues. Our neighbour has been using the Kinetix for the last 6 years on his 2 stroke equipment and there have been no running or starting issues. Just wondering if the VP will create carbon build up issues over time? Maybe you could comment or do an atmospheric burn test for your viewers! Thanks love the channel you have done well.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@joeriver7994]

Always fun to watch you fix stuff.....what i hate is when someone else worked on something before they brought it to me to fix.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Always ask them EXACTLY what they did and what they fiddled with......?

[@johnduffy6546]

some mechanics don't know can't tell the difference between their sphincters and their spark plugs..Much less the proper torque to operate them

[@SteveMcQueen-bx4hu]

Thank you, Chicki! Have a great weekend!

[@janicebell3030]

I loved watching this! It's a great learning experience watching someone troubleshoot.

[@calescapee9642]

I just worked on those exact Models of Blowers and a Hedge trimmer recently for a Couple of local guys here. One guy had the idle needle all the way Closed and loose plugs on both machines. Had to Set the carb and explain about the crush washer on the plug. Easy fixes. Been doing this Stuff for 50 years. Great videos.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

PB 410 carburetor. Hard to find?

[@thomashyler6174]

I have been using a 80 volt Kobalt trimmer and a Kobalt 80 volt blower since about 2017. Both still going strong with original batteries. I live in New Orleans, so they both get used regularly for about 9 months of the year. I have gone through 3 heads on the trimmer. I also use a pole saw attachment with it, keeps the woods behind the house from encroaching. Still love watching you fix those engines.

[@Jim-Wade]

Living here in North Texas, I suspected the noise in that Husqvarna blower was a dirt dauber nest. I've had units completely jammed up with them. Have a great weekend!

[@larryjohns8823]

They built a nest in RV roof AC blower. When I turned on the unit, it vibrated so bad you could feel it inside the camper.

[@richardsedenquist3222]

Those mud dauber's cause a lot of problem's...they like to plug up crank case....transfer case....and Differential Vent's here in the upper peninsula of Michigan

[@dmcjr1375]

VP is really good fuel and have had great luck with it!

[@quartermoa]

I also have been using VP fuels in all my Stihl equipment. I am very happy and it runs clean. I won't use anything else now.

[@georgew.5639]

Trufuel vs VP! No contest!!! We use the VP brand at the truck body shop. No problems. At my golf course job we mix echo oil with our own gasoline. No problems there either. 😊

[@robertgrapes3070]

No word of a lie. I found the exact same issue with that exact model of Husqvarna blower just an hour ago before watching this. Great channel. Long time fan!

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Did you throw out the fuel that the owner had in there (into a container to give to the owner) and replace it with "good" fuel for testing and tuning purposes?

[@eldoradoboy]

my favorite kind of videos.. i love watching things get diagnosed and fixed!! while i dont diagnose and fix engines for a living.. I do diagnose and fix things (computer networks and VoIP systems) (old school busses for fun are the engines I diagnose). so seeing others with troubleshooting skills lights up my interest... love this!!

[@robstone5333]

I love TruFuel. Been using it to burn stumps. Works great.

[@MelanieCotterell-h9d]

I love free fuel, cheap fuel is good too. Neighbor gave me 5 gall of old pre-mix, it all went in my F150 before he has turned to walk away thinking "why didn't I think of that".

[@wesbishop3790]

I really enjoy these! Thank you so much for making them!!

[@pain_inthe_bass]

I love the VP 2-cycle oil ... Amazon it's very pricey but at the tractor supply you can get it for cheep

[@patrickbonner4841]

Am addicted to all these repair channels

[@WayneSewell]

I have used the fuel for many years in all my Husqvarna engines without any issues

[@rickbush3320]

Well I just changed out my crispy diaphragm on my bogging husky and now runs like a charm! Thanks, it saved time, money and frustration…go figure ❤

[@dab1068]

Nice smorgasbord of stuff to work on. Fun video. Thanks for sharing.

[@patrickbink4617]

Even though I rarely have the opportunity or need to fix small engines I find your channel to be one of my favorite go-to channels. Always learning something seeing what you do. I will say I was confused when you said the customer probably used HEAT. I was thinking thermal heat for a while and couldn't understand how they used that. Then I remembered seeing a can of HEAT someplace. Then it clicked and made sense.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I have 25 Year old Husky saws that have never had the Carburetor apart. I have always used E-10 since it has been the main fuel source in Michigan .. I use 93 Octane E-10 ...Finally used up all of my Little Bottles of Sthil and Husky synthetic 2 stoke oil . Now I fill the little bottles from a 1 gallon container of Klotz Synthetic two stroke oil. My secrets are 1 I leave the gas tanks nearly empty so I can fill it up with fresh gas before I start it. My main secret is they are stored in the oil room of my insulated shop. That room never gets below freezing or above 90-F . I have a couple of saws that were owned by others that I need to try and get running. One very low hour saw will start and run for a few seconds. My Father is meticulous about keeping his fuel clean.. so I know the filter is not clogged. The rest I will have to figure out as I go as I have never worked on saws other than changing points and a throttle linkage ect on my Grandfathers Mac-10 when I have a firewood business as a teenager. That saw still runs too .

[@seanrich1367]

Your the best Chickanic. Thanks for sharing and saving us all Time/Money and Frustration.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@wyliecoyote1]

Very good mechanic, minimal time spent to diagnose and repair. Also, I was thinking bad gas effect on carb, old gas a few years. Tried new gas before drop off to shop.

[@johnduffy6546]

I love your problem solving skills. "Experience is the best teacher." It is obvious that you have great experience! Your facial expressions crack me up. You are so genuine...Keep up the great work!

[@teddybeardiy3538]

Although I am on the other side of the world from you with different weather, what I have found with any two-stroke engine is to let the machine cool off after use and then pour out the fuel plus pressing the primer bulb a few times to clear the line. This helps a lot with starting up again easily even after being stored for months.

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

I go a step further for extended period storage. I pour in some straight 2-cycle oil in the fuel tank and purge “prime” the oil into the carb. Engage the choke and give engine a few good pulls. This effectively “pickles” a machine for long duration storage.

[@davidanderson2598]

I have an old Stihl SH85 leaf blower in the UK, you saved me loads of time money and frustration when i realised I had a clogged spark arrestor. Having removed the spark arrestor I burned off the carbon and now it runs on full throttle.

[@thepaterfamilias5853]

I LOVE watching you operate !!!

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@Bill-A-DFW]

You're advice /experience is just 'AWESOME' Thank You!!!

[@SCOTTYD2031]

That fan problem is the exact same thing that happened to my Maytag gas clothes dryer.

[@ILOVEMACHINES225]

ty so much chickanic on my bg 55 i was adjusting the carb and everything and nothing worked but i watched your video and now i know i wont have adjust anything just change the fuel and ive seen that vp stuff at tractor supply thank u alot

[@kennyto226]

My Husqvarna would only run a short while and stop. Went through all the usual things. Did the same. Ends up fuel cap has a brass filter. Drilled small hole next to it, runs perfect. Need a new gas cap

[@LAP1050]

This was a 👍 right from the beginning and it was for sure 👍 to the end. Thanks Chickanic 🇺🇸

[@michaelwoods6771]

I started using the VP fuel after you hammered on Tru fuel. But now my 5 year old cub cadet weedeater won't rev. But the weedeating time is over so will tackle that in February ish... thanks for the videos

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your input

[@staceygandy2009]

You know it! Good fuel and oil mix makes a difference. Especially two cycle.

[@michaelrockwell9691]

Glad to hear about the VP fuel. I have customers that ask me in my small engine shop and I never had a good response til now!

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@rquest3059]

I always enjoy your diagnosis of issues, saying never use certain products. Then my brain says.... oh, that's why.

[@davidhuffine5084]

Good fix on the husky blower . Did not knoe Heet would ruin gaskets . Thanks for the info , Bri SEEYA

[@adamtorgrimson2151]

Been running vp for a few yrs now and it's top notch. Also run their oil as well as echo red armor. And it's right there with red armor

[@lloydames8752]

I have been using vp racing fuel for years. Look at the can it is also 94 octane. I tell everyone mix your own gas all summer and switch to vp mix for last two tanks and put it away full for the winter it will start up two pulls in spring and run perfect. Piston stays perfectly clean.

[@Wags44]

I swear by VP fuel! I've used their 40:1 50:1 mix for years and have never had any issues! Great stuff.

[@Wishbone799]

Just an observation I made over the years the coarse screws are for bolting into plastic, if you come out with fine thread ones they generally thread into the metal casing. Sometimes theres plastic moulding on top to confuse everybody.

[@KPrimeau1]

Glad to see you back. Thank you.

[@truracer20]

I've used VP 40:1 in my toro trimmer. runs fine but pricey. It's easier to get a gallon or 2 of non ethanol and mix some up. Usually 1 or 2 gallon lasts the whole season for me, depending on how much brush cutting I do.

[@ryanvalleyirrigation]

I bought trufuel when I bought my chain saw and bought truefuel for my chain saw also I use in My leaf blower it starts much easier when use it I don't have a problem with it at all

[@stellarproductions8888]

Hello Bri! I just want to say that I can confirm your findings. I was running some year old but stabilized pre-mixed 50:1 in my Husqvarna 570-BTS blower, and I started noticing that the RPM's were not getting all the way to full anymore. I started buying the 40:1 VP fuel, because I felt it better to have a tiny bit more oil in the fuel, as a safety precaution in my expensive commercial backpack blower. Suddenly the RPM's went to full again, and I have had 0-problems with VP racing fuel!

[@peskypeet]

Nice, sounds like the VP smoothed it out and picked the rpm a bit too. I've been using Amsoil Saber, seems to work really nice & the exhaust doesn't stink.

[@steveprice5664]

I don't have a Stihl blower, but my other Stihl tools take a 40:1 fuel mixture. I noticed that the VP fuel was 50:1.

[@billh-gl2lf]

Another excellent video,Brie…this topic about premixed fuels has been on my mind for a while. I confess that I have actually bought some of the Trufuel,for use in my Husqvarna 128LD weedeater.I’ve had it for close to 10 years and it hasn’t run right in a long while. I don’t use it very much and I actually use a Ryobi cordless trimmer for most of my work and it’s actually been pretty good.Anyway based on this video I’m going to give the VP fuel a try and see how it performs..thanks again for all you do,Bill H(64 y/o semi retired amateur shade tree mechanic)

[@treeguyable]

Got the exact same blower, a truckload of chainsaws , and 2 pole saws. All are run on ethanol fuel, and walmart marine 2 stroke oil. Never had a problem..Engines are peculiar.

[@edclaytor1873]

Thanks for the VP Racing Fuels Premixed recommendation. While I have no real problem with true fuel, I have noticed the power up and down drop in my weed eater so I'll give it a try plus it is a bit cheaper thru amazon, no local stores carry it "yet". But with plus free shipping so still less expensive than true fuel at ye old local box store.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@cynthiasomervill1812]

Thanks Bre. I always enjoy watching your videos, and have learned TONS from you.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Really like the in-depth diagnostics you provide. It has helped me in the past to get my chain saws and weed wacker all running like they are supposed to. I still have a Craftsman weed eater with the quick attachment set up that I can't seem to find the correct carb kit for. Mine has a fuel pump gasket with two tiny holes at the center and the kits I find all have one larger hole in the center. Those don't seem to work??? The kits say they fit my carb but apparently that's not the case. I finally gave up, for now, and bought a new Craftsman, the same style, so my pole saw attachment will work on the new power unit.

[@truracer20]

Straight gas @1:14. It happens. I had Cub Cadet a string trimmer that I loved. It was cheap and fired up within 4 pulls year after year after year. I noticed that my sharpie '2 cycle only' was fading away on the gas can so I didn't think anything of it when I noticed it was gone entirely because we only had one 1 gallon gas can. well I filled up the trimmer and it was running a little bad, figured it needed some work, ran that tank out and filled it up again, this time it ran horrendously, so I ordered a new carb. In the meantime I discovered my 2 cycle only gas can conveniently hidden in the shed. it turns out my wifes friend gave her an identical can and my can just got stuck under stuff in the shed.

[@gamingwithfrodo]

You are the best, Chickanic.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey I have been using OPTI-2 two cycle mix for years. I have used VP fuel. Dislike true fuel. I can use one of those scopes. Excellent tutorial

[@michaelsnell4034]

When I bought my newest Troybilt trimmer, the original oil they provided made pink fuel too.

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@johnfarrell3171]

Greetings to all. Happy to find you just yesterday while tracking down reliable intel on an Intek. Enjoying this vid although my three rarely used blowers are electric LOL. After watching the Intek vid however, I'll probable keep and refurb it myself after I swap it for a Kohler that's already done. Too many projects going and running short of forgiving weather here 😄. . .

[@_Archie98]

Just repairing a BG85 throttle cable somehow became kinked so needs replacing and won't turn off but a load of carb cleaner on the switch sorted it out 👍👍

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@no-hndle]

love your content, both amusing & helpful ! Our 42" riding mower just set an idler pulley on 'fire' & shot it out from under ...

[@fartsackjack7081]

WOW LOOK AT THOSE BIG BEAUTIFUL PLANTS ....I LOVE PLANTS

[@richardwernst]

Always amazed the designing engineers spec different sized screws when at least in this case it sure seems like there is no need to.

[@NightStalkers-hx3dq]

My KTM300 loves the pre-mix from the Husqvarna store, all but the insane price...

[@bay9876]

Love it when you go to the graveyard of old dead machines and do a Frankenstein and give life to a broken machine

[@Chickanic_On_TeIegram]

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[@philliphall5198]

VP has been great in my opinion and red armor is mainly what we use in shop 😊

[@jstpsgthru]

Chicanic, you are the only one that can help. I have a HUGE problem with canned fuel not being sealed. I have gotten both TruFuel and Echo RedArmor fuel. Neither shows a manufacture date. Neither has a method of detecting whether it has been opened. I called Echo and the representative almost laughed at me for suggesting a seal. They should at least make the cap with a tear-away strip (like milk,) if consumers are going to rely on 5 yr storage. It is too easy for people to open the can, not to mention contaminate the fuel. Please, Chicanic, straighten Echo out. Thanks

[@waynestefinashen239]

Excellent point you have made makes you wonder eh? The Kinetix Alkylate fuel we purchase at Eliminator Performance in Canada has the seal you speak of and each can has the manufacturing date on it. Interesting when we contacted B&S about them selling us 2021 manufactured fuel in 2024 they commented that if we do not open it the fuel will be perfect even beyond the 5 years they suggest basically saying it will stay good forever? We have cans stored to test this out in 6 years and beyond hope they are right.

[@Joseph_fab_shop]

I used the same vp racing gas and it works great

[@rednissan96]

That's so weird that you worked on the 125B . I have one and just replaced the fuel lines last week but I think the lines I used are a bit too thin because it starves for fuel unless I bring it back to half choke. Now I'm saving your video of that repair. I should have done a search for it on your channel .

[@danrutz3176]

I love your channel, and I am kind of a "do it yourself" guy. I so respect you. I tried a gas and oil treatment called sea foam. It seemed to improve performance. I would appreciate your opinion on that. I also use stabil. I would like your thoughts.

[@danrutz3176]

I also change plug new oil every spring and air filter.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Fun times with Bre to fix up all of those small engine stuff 😂

[@1RCPILOT]

VP Fuel for the win!!!! 👍 You just validated what I was hoping for. How good VP fuel really is. I use VP in all my 2 cycle engines. Never had a problem!!! 😎

[@richardcranium5839]

glad to see you are back. that 125b is a great blower with one design flaw. the inlet is too flat and if you are a leftie its easy for it to be plugged off up against your leg. (notice the stihl is wider with slats in the sides?) that will destroy the fan and also cause it to over rev. actually thats how i set the top end. up against your leg it should 4 stroke. i knew as soon as you pulled it over the first time the fan was gone!!! when they run good they are great. can be real cantankorous when not.

[@BearE9090]

Nice find about the fan, Great video.

[@seriksson9721]

Thanks.

[@tee-steel.0158]

That’s great news and will help me in the future ❤

[@nancysmith2874]

Love your channel

[@shangrilaladeda]

I use leaf/seed/snow blowers all year round

[@MorganOtt-ne1qj]

I use E free fuel and Stihl Silver mixing oil. After my 029 got unreliable, I bought a MS361, and have a KM134. Both are 2 pull starts now since I started with the E Free 89 octane. I'm wondering if the 029 isn't worth putting a new carb in? I would take it to you, but am in VA.😯🙄 Great video!

[@romo5268]

Good blog. Learn something new every day.👍

[@richardwernst]

Wow, interesting on that first blower with other fuel/oil mix. Even in the video, it sounded like it was running better/faster once the old fuel was gone, than even at best with the old fuel.

[@ccroson7935]

This is what I’ve been preaching to you guys VP fuel is probably one of the best fuels I’ve ever used plus VP 110 racing fuel three year shelflife mix it with Torco GP7 two cycle mix put it in all my string, trimmers backpack blowers anything with a small engine even by John Deere 300 garden tractor never ever have start problems

[@ccroson7935]

@ how do I do that? I have no clue how to reply privately on anything or reply to a nice message. I’d like to talk to people and explain my ex experiences. I’m not sure how to do it.

[@tonygawel9]

good info on the additives

[@barrygrant2907]

I use non-ethanol fuel for my Murray lawn tractor, my backup generator, and all small engines. Because I store fuel for hurricane season, I add the recommended amount of Stabil and add a bit of Marvel Mystery oil. The fuel is dumped into my vehicles after hurricane season. I've never had any fuel-related issues with either machine, both being from 2004-05 timeframe. The generator has only been used a few times for short periods but is test run each spring and then run dry. Any recommendation pro/con with my fuel storage as to engine effect?

[@haljordan9160]

I run non-ethanol, stabil, & Marvel also! My 2-stroke mix I use Marvel/stabil/ & red armor echo oil. All my equipment is 15+ yrs old, some are well over 20. I flood my carbs w/ Marvel if I'm putting the machine away for several months (like my pressure washer or some of my saws). I run my generator under a load at least once a month. I keep 50 gallons on hand starting around July, then use it up in our trucks around December. Hurricane Milton put another 230 hrs on my 23 yr old generator.

[@LoganHester-1489]

Ive got. A saw its been sitting for a year with red amor fuel it still runs fine

[@throttlebottle5906]

the blower around 9:03 and earlier, dirty/over oiled air filter. leaky carb, does it every time and the lean tuned junk runs about right that way on ethanol laden fuel. they know nobody maintains the junk and set it tp to run decent that way. that is until it gets low percentage alcohol water from sitting, or the in tank fuel lines turn to shreds. ethanol and other detergent additives(oxidizers). same for engine oils, yep, it all stays cleaner, but the wear is there.

[@LtKernelPanic]

I'll have to look into that VP fuel. Maybe because unlike your pro customers my Craftsman blower only gets used for a few minutes each week but I've never had an issue with TruFuel's 40:1 mix. It runs smooth both at idle and full speed. It's overpriced as hell (like all premixed fuel) but i like the fact that it has a long shelf life unlike home mixed stuff. Yeah I could add my own stabilizer but the bottle would probably go bad before I'd use a quarter if it.

[@TroyMeats]

Good information .Tkank you.

[@garychaiken808]

Great job. Thank you 😊

[@peterplague]

I love this format of trouble shooting videos.

[@treerobo6864]

Bre I have learned so much from you, you’re amazing

[@fegolem]

My neighbor has a 125B and it is starting to make that noise. It will squawk at random times. I know what to look at, now. Thanks!