This Stihl Trimmer Doesn't Have The Power It Used To

[@docpalazola491]

Many KZbinrs need to follow your style: Get to the point, demonstrate with proper dialogue and make the audience part of your work. So well done, thank you.

[@adamthelawnguy228]

They especially must not skip how to both disassemble and reassemble, cuz ive seen some of the channels just explaining what to do then edited, boom! Next... wth

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really appreciate that Doc Palazola.

[@7eis]

Your narration is absolutely on point. Good pace, very clear speech. You let the audience see and hear the symptoms without any music or shaky camera. Good video as always, very consistent format!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you 7eis, I appreciate it.

[@mariov3786]

The “Bob Ross” of small motor reviving art. Love it!

[@Rzn8B58]

The way you diagnose and find the problem is strangely satisfying.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that .

[@extrarockersworld8271]

Stihl as long as you put the right fuel in it and clean it they will last for years¡

[@garyharper2943]

As my trimmer aged I changed from .095 to .080 line,helped an old engine immensely.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's great advice

[@ShirleyDupre-qz2ok]

.080 is recommended on fs38 no bigger but I run titanium x pro .095 heavy line an my fs38 pulls it fine I switch from pump gas to vp 40:1 an it has a tad more power an i took out my spark arrestor

[@asator777]

An absolute genius! The moment I cleaned the exhaust and trust me it was well jammed, my trimmer started to work with no issues!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped!

[@williamcarl4200]

You narrate a complicated subject well sir. I fixed Lawnboy bricktops in 1985 to keep them running in the field. What is checkers to some is chess to others. Thank you. You put on a great show.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I appreciate that

[@patrickpoulard24]

Great detective work. For sure, I thought the problem with this trimmer was that the carburetor was out of adjustment. I'm sure dad is proud. 😊👍🏿

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you know I thought was going to be, but he didn't seem that concerned with it working better.

[@paulanderson2464]

@@HomeGaragechannel With lower power, your dad won't get stones thrown into his legs...but won't get done trimming before lunch...its a tradeoff lol

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

That was an interesting diagnosis. I can’t believe that little build up would effect the engine that much.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know, I was quite surprised myself, thank you Growing Little Country Homestead.

[@jaimecardona7458]

Dude, you should do this for a living! Best instructional video Ive seen, short but to the point, detailed, no chit chat.. great job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really do appreciate that

[@pcast1115]

Impressive video because I may need to look at my exhaust a bit closer next year during our growing season. I only found your videos this year and your channel has quickly become one of my favorite small engine repair channels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Paul Castillo.

[@garyalensr]

Awesome patience, I've never seen something like that, that is definitely strange. To answer your question, I'd keep the spark arrestor. I really like to keep my equipment the way its supposed to be. Great video 👍👍 can't wait to see what else you have in store for us..

[@soundsforsleep674]

lmao . dont listen to this guy

[@HomeGaragechannel]

My thoughts exactly Thank you Gary Allen

[@garyalensr]

@@soundsforsleep674 don't listen to what guy??

[@garyalensr]

@@soundsforsleep674 I've learned so much from Home Garage, and because of him have been able to fix my own equipment

[@lucasbergfors9446]

Same here :]

[@ConnectedCRanch]

Thank you for this video. It was clear and easy to understand. Because you only filmed the machine and not your face, it made for a much easier way to comprehend your instructions. I am subscribing to all of your videos. Thanks again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the sub! Glad the video was helpful

[@oyerkproto]

I havent really seen any stihl trimmers out in the wild, but ive seen them so frequently on your channel, i didnt even know stihl existed until i started watching your videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I didn't know about them until about 7 or 8 years ago, I really wasn't paying the much attention to lawn stuff either. thank you That One Fox.

[@kentuckycornbread8502]

This exact kind of video is what teaches people the most. Multiple causes diagnosed and even a 2nd look can find the overlooked problem. Good job 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Kentucky Cornbread.

[@loutsont2985]

Clearest fault-find so far!

[@jct300m]

I was surprised when you took the arrester out the 1st time & did not start without the arrestor for a test. I've seen you test the motor that way before in other videos & do it myself now..Keep up the great videos!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

actually I was being kind to my next door neighbors.

[@59BigWalt]

Had a Remmington did the same thing. The first unit was under warranty, just replaced it. In a year same problem. Adjusted the carburetor with little affect. Viewed your video on a Stihl, found the screen, burnt off the carbon ran great. Realized that the operator is also responsible with his choice of machine and purchased a straight shafted Stihl and my oversized lot became manageable. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem 59BigWalt.

[@peterchang7646]

I have the smallest Stihl Kombi head (#56) and I enlarged my spark arrestor screen one size. I use it with the straight shaft trimmer, bristle brush (when we had a backyard rink) and the leaf blower.... Still runs good. Nowadays, I use less than 2 gallons of fuel per year in it, so it only sees light use. Enlarging the hole definitely adds some throttle responsiveness and power, but not as loud as without the spark arrestor.

[@alantinogarcia7661]

Thanks, same trimmer was having issues like that, and I did that now my trimmer has the power like it’s brand new

[@adriandavis6906]

Your video solved my problem, I found the air filter soaked in oil, cleaned and tried with no filter, no change. Then checked spark arrester oiled up and blocked. Burning off the oil and wire brushing fixed it, now running well. Thanks, just a new air filter, first issue in 10 years

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work and thank you

[@thomasgronek6469]

the area of the old hole, unclogged is about 300 thousandths, with the new hole it's about 450 thousandths of an inch, an increase of about 50%. the radius is squared, making a HUGE difference, that little clog was a big problem. thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for your time Thomas Gronek.

[@LordHelpUs7-7-7]

I know its nowhere near the best but its the best quality trimmer ive ever had, old one was a ryobi 2 cycle and she lasted a good 8 years. Hoping this gal pulls through the same, will make me very happy if she does because she slices through the grass in comparison. Good job tho my friend! People like you help the average joe with understanding how to repair small engines.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for vouching for it

[@LordHelpUs7-7-7]

@@HomeGaragechannel absolutely! I love almost anything Stihl, besides the electric stuff I'm skeptical.

[@SammyEddie]

I’ve had my stihl chainsaw for 25 years and my stihl blower for 29 years. I do all the work myself. Key is fresh gas and stihl brand oil and chain bar oil. These things lasts forever if you maintain them

[@oldschool9622]

Great video especially addressing carb settings. I've had similar issues will all my Stihl products. So every season I clean spark screen, change or clean spark plug, change or clean fuel filter (compressed air), change or clean air filter (compressed air). Checking the primmer pump bulb as well. The gasoline processed today has a higher alcohol content which has a tendency to dry out gaskets and rubber parts faster ..than in the past.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you OldSchool.

[@gdrivedemoacc7917]

The same exhaust port issue was identified on my fs38, thanks to your vid. Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem 👍

[@leofromthefire]

Awesome! Straight forward. I even found the solution i was looking for. I would keep the screen and maintain regularly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@Sir_Uncle_Ned]

Yeah, I never would have clocked that. It's such a small reduction in outlet size, but it made so much of a difference. Great video as always!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped! thank you Uncle Ned.

[@zagatozele]

Reminds me when I painted my muffler and I forgot some paper towel in the exhaust hole. I wondered why it was so quiet

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're quicker than me, to realize it, thank you 1975 zagato zele.

[@aaronpowell4885]

Good catch👍 I noticed it right away, when you first pulled the screen. Definitely odd! While I know the primary purpose of the spark arrester screen is to prevent fires, I like them to keep bugs out of the muffler and to keep them from making their way into the cylinder!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Aaron Powell

[@cravenmoorehead5636]

Lol

[@558vulcanxh]

Excelent work, I probably wouldnt have noticed the carbon build up there . Gas flow in 2 strokes is complex as this video shows , remember the 1970s /80s 2 stroke Grand prix bikes ? with their chambers etc , and heres a demonstration of that here . Top Marks Sir 👍👍👍👍, and no, I would keep the screen after a clean myself .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and good choice!

[@paulanderson2464]

Like the modification you made! I had a flat screen clogged on my echo earlier in the year. I cleaned it up and put a small hole in the screen just to keep it from losing power when I'm out on the job, but I'm thinking now that the better plan is to set aside a day to tear down and inspect/correct half way through the season. Well done on the vid...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Paul Anderson.

[@rickthelian2215]

Great pick up on the Spark Arrester I’m sure hat last point of blockage and drilling out a little would help will help many persons.....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rick Thelian.

[@8538pmam]

Great video as usual. I had exactly the same issue with a 12 month old Stihl blower. Unfortunately the mechanic never asked if I want the screen left on (cleaned) or thrown away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@philliphall5198]

Really we have to put the screen back by the laws

[@StevenEverett7]

I live were there's lots of trees therefore high chance of forest fire. I always clean the spark arrestor. I would never think of throwing it away!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Steve Everett.

[@ericparry7032]

First, thank you! I have learned so much watching your videos. Since I purchased it, new my Fs 38 never run with the choke off. This year, it didn't speed up at all. I changed the carb, spark plug, air filter, cleaned the spark arrestor.m, it now runs better.... But here's the thing... Since I got it, I operated the choke in reverse. I saw this in this video... Yep, I feel stupid. That might explains why the flame arrestor was caked in carbon.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for watching and comment, you deserve the credit for figure out what the issue was.

[@brucecoleman7412]

3 of my favorite channels are yours, Taryl fixes all, and Chicanic. She did a video on this (she is a tech for a shop that is a Stihl dealer.) What they found is that a vast majority of the time the owners were using Stihl oil. For some reason, unless you are running full throttle most of the time, the exhaust screen clogs. They almost never see it occur with other oil brands. Go figure. If your Dad is using Stihl oil, tell him to use something else and it won’t hurt a thing. She also said to never run a curved shaft trimmer without a guard. The shafts are not really made to handle the extra load. I hope this helps you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bruce Coleman, I appreciate you watching and I'll let him know.

[@lemonadegrave]

A long time ago I was taught that trimmers and hedgers ought to be run at full throttle. Was this bad advice?

[@apatterson8128]

Ugh! I wish I would have seen this two weeks ago when I was working on the fs55. I did make sure the arrestor was clear. I did NOT check the diameter of the opening. It did not have a guard like your father’s and I realized that he was running the machine with the line that waaaay too long and it was overheating the engine. I adjusted the carb with the correct length line and he said it was working without bogging down. Lastly, your father’s machine is so clean, I thought, “I bet he cleans it with a toothbrush!” Lol. Thanks for doing these videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

lol... he does have a toothbrush in a jar in the garage, and now I know why!

[@apatterson8128]

@@HomeGaragechannel The apple didn't fall far from the tree... Have a good night. lol

[@sceneraider5455]

mine was running like your but when holding the trigger it would start dying quickly unless i rapid hit the trigger. had it for 3 years and only really started to run bad now. bought brand new never brought it in. i reduced the fuel mixture like you said on the h screw by about 1 turn and a half and now its working way better then it ever has even when i got it from the stihl dealer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice work

[@christophermarshall5765]

I guessed it correctly. I've seen in on my nephew's trimmer. He bought a new exhaust box & spark arrester.

[@wllingtonsingh5080]

Thanks for sharing i do have a FS38 and i felt like throwing it in the garbage.it’s always trouble getting it started and when it does it always on high speed with alot of noise.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem , and yes these do have their issues

[@TheRedneckFireman]

Just did a full service on my fs55 and cut the arrester off weren’t needed back in the day I never had issues till they started installing them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

those pesky spark arrestors.

[@watermanone7567]

I never take out the spark arrestor, Mostly I burn them like you did or replace them. If the customer wants to remove it, ok. I don't want the liability. Thanks for the video. Check the clutch for vibration, maybe a spring broke.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Waterman one

[@RussellBooth1977]

A leaking crankshaft Seal can cause similar symptoms as well & no,I wouldn't remove the spark arrestor since I live in a rural residential area over here in Australia & someone go jailed simply for using an angle grinder a few years ago when it was summer time & we were in a drought period, that caused a huge fire 🔥 because the sparks flew off the grinding wheel & caused a fire !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct

[@SoldotnaUMChurch]

great advice, and the spark arrestor was my problem. back to working normal again. Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped

[@MrPotato-di4dr]

same peoplem with my fs40 just drilled the muffler and worked like new

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice.

[@adamthelawnguy228]

Thought it was just the type of the trimmer, never ever thought of the build up around the exhaust, another learned!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, I had no idea either

[@harryfinch4986]

Great vid. Don't get them spark screens much hare in the UK. Only super high brands have them. Most don't tho 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Harry Finch[:

[@cipinassssss]

ty man after years of struggleing with this machine and changed new carburator + setting of carb it works as should be because i was on edge of trowing away this or chop it with axe nerve wrecking machine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and you did a great Job fixing it

[@bigwangmark]

Amazing how much a change in exhaust diameter affected it. All great learning material and I have fixed a few issues on stuff since starting to watch your videos. Thanks.

[@blueshadow3794]

Wow, i have an fs 56 and it also shakes. Now i know what to do, thank you!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad I could help!

[@BlownF150]

Had this issue on my Stihl KM55R. In my case I heated the screen with a torch as hot as it would go then pulled the screen off the attaching nut. Not something you could advertise doing, but an option for those of us without liability concerns.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that works well too, thank you BlownF150

[@stevendavis2244]

I would have totally looked past the spark arrester tip being clogged rather then the screen part. I've got the same trimmer and ultimately made the decision to remove the arrester entirely. That dose make it louder then with it but no more clogging.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely understand your reasoning. thank you Steven Davis.

[@mice6390]

I have a husqvarna 525rs and Kawasaki kbc27a and I’ve never ever once in almost 10 years, had any issues with starting or anything else. I always run them out of fuel if they sit for too long tho. Cool vids thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for sharing

[@independentthinker8930]

My first thought is check the muffler and exhaust port for blockage of carbon. A lot run them at slower speeds, they are designed to run at w.o.t., this can cause the carbon buildup to happen faster

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes very usual suspects on this engine. wasn't expecting the tailpipe blockage though.

[@kiwiingenuity1677]

Since it's your dad's, the string guard Is gone, see if he still has it as it also is used to regulates/trims the line length, and if not on makes it work too hard. I would replace it if it is lost.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to ask him, thank you kiwi ingenuity

[@twosnjuk]

There is the throttle cable adjuster as well. (Hex bolt) ... just to make sure that we have the full open Throttle

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@delatroy]

I have the FS70 and it sounds a lot like yours did before your fixed it but will not idle. Replaced carb, air filter, fuel, fuel filter and spark plug but still same issue. The spark arrestor on the FS70 is not a screw but a rectangular sheet which I removed but still the same issue. What else could I try?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, have you done a compression test? If the engine has low compression it might cause this issue.

[@delatroy]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you. I’ll get a kit. After replacing the spark plug and pulling it out again after a week it’s quite black. I guess it shouldn’t be that bad? Should I take the engine apart and clean it? Only other thing I can think of is the fuel line but the bulb seems to fill up okay 🤔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

from all the details it would seem the carb needs to be adjusted to deliver less fuel. The engine is running too rich

[@delatroy]

@@HomeGaragechannel the piston looks awful. As I crank it slowly the petrol with black oil bubbles down the sides and the piston have vertical black lines so I think wrong fuel damage?

[@derrylsloan]

This exact issue happened with a friend's weed eater it was an old fs 120, I was messing around and got to found out that the exhaust was clogged with just like the video you make, so I did a simple clean I and try putting it on, and it was working as new, sad issue is that he recently spent couple hundred of dollars for it to be maintained but they didn't resolve the issue, it was just a simple exhaust clean up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

was it taken to the shop for work then? That was an expensive trip.

[@jaydenedmand3514]

Wow wouldnt think that small amount of build up on the exhaust would cause such a drama great video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, it didn't seem that big of a deal but I guess I was wrong

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? I was amazed to see how something as small and looked so insignificant would turn out to be such a big headache.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right , first time for me too.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@HomeGaragechannel your dad took good care of his trimmer bro. I've never seen carbon build up on the spark arresta screen so little bit yet caused some serious problems especially with the low power.

[@Chicken-x6q6d]

I used to have one like this that I got second hand, an FS model, 47 I think. It worked beautifully at first except I hated it because it did my back in, it's too short. Then it started eating through trimmer heads from the top down for no apparent reason.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that would be enough reason for anyone to not like it

[@Chicken-x6q6d]

@@HomeGaragechannel Somehow the shaft became wobbly which was causing the heads to spin in an unbalanced way like some sort of hunting oscillation, the friction would wreck them. I’ve never seen that with a strimmer before. I’m wondering if that curved shaft might have had something to do with it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I believe it have a part to play

[@floydrturbo1]

I wish I could delete videos that were poor quality but you don't have to worry about yours. Well done - looks like you've done training or productions before. Keep up the good work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you, floydrturbo1 I will

[@robcole332]

Great find. Never give up

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@lauriemcdougall8415]

great video! I really like how you diagnose these machines. As for the spark arrestor, I would absolutely repair/replace it, I would not go without. There is too much danger of fire! It's there for a very good reason.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely correct, the risk of a fire is a very scary one.

[@badbob]

Enjoyed the video. I know its a year old but this is my first time seeing it. I dont know how you could have taken the spark arrestor out and not seen it was dirty. We live and learn. I would have cleaned it even if I thought it was clean.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea.

[@jezman9]

Hey, great vid’! I’m having the same issue with my Stihl blower. Will definitely check the exhaust. Cheers! One thing I noticed….you pulled apart the carbi’ but didn’t check the needle and spring under the diaphragm. They get a ware line on their rubber seat. Might not be enough excess fuel to show on the plug but enough to carbonise the exhaust port. Just a thought. Thanks again. 🍺👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you jezman9 I was very certain the carb, was not the issue, otherwise I would have remove the needle for an inspection

[@lewiemcneely9143]

The screen on my 85 is still clear so no problem BUT I have an MS440 Magnum saw that always slobbered and just had one 1/2 inch hole for the exhaust. No blockages and the muffler has no baffles. I drilled another 1/2 inch hole beside the original and it seems to run better. Screen is clear here too and no buildup from the piston on out. The 'H' jet is bottomed out so that's not the problem. I got the saw because of having straight gas run in it but a factory certified Stihl teck put another Stihl top end on it so it's right as far as no knockoff parts. I think it runs better but not as good as it could but I can live with it. Just something to think about. Another Stihl carb is $145 and that ain't happening. More of the same. Thanks, happy weekend and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

more exhaust flow, never hurt an engine.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Years ago the golf carts had Kohlers on them with a muffler the size of a big can like green beans were packed in commercially with a small outlet hole, like an expansion chamber. They ran and were quiet. I wonder if Stihl was trying that principal on that saw but it can't breathe in if it can't breathe out. Just my take on it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's a good possibility

[@jameshedrick605]

I always clean the spark arrestor screen even it isn't plugged. I do it like that just so i know that it doesn't cause any issues later. On any trimmer I buy i stick with the original size that comes with it

[@363javelin]

As someone who has owned, and used many stihl saws, trimmers, and mini cultivators , always clean the screen first. 99 times out of a 100 that will be the problem if you 100% gas in your mix. Then the plug, Keep the screen, the motor needs a little back pressure if you mix with alcohol gas then you will likely have carb. Problems.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm going to have to take your advice, thank you 363javelin.

[@999thenewman]

Great job, Home Garage. This trimmer benefited from a good cleaning.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think so, it really wasn't that dirty to begin with.

[@carljdipietro]

Great video brother, if I had a dime everytime I was about to give up, then fixed It, I could retire. Always seems like that's when the answer comes

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you John 6:44

[@douglask6870]

I have repaired stihl products for years and I always check for carbon buildup before I check anything else

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Douglas K, I'm going to have to do the same.

[@philliphall5198]

Yep it’s a first thing 😊

[@gmachine8478]

Personally I'd keep the spark arrestor screen unless there is a problem with it more than once

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@gmachine8478]

@@HomeGaragechannel however I'd just cut off the screen I would keep the other part so it isint so loud

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense, thank you G Machine

[@danieljones6805]

I would never remove the spark arrestor. It was put on the engine for a reason, and imagine how you would feel if you started a wildfire because of a bit of hot carbon set fire to dry grass.

[@gmachine8478]

@@danieljones6805 that's how I feel too

[@treydanielsgarage2062]

When are you going to work on a old leaf blower and good video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

do you have a particular one in mind and I wasn't going to focus on them until about September.

[@treydanielsgarage2062]

Any leaf blower

[@butler386]

I probably would replace the spark arrestor with a new one then clean and keep the old one. However this taught me a good lesson to look beyond the obvious. Great find and repair. Thanks for the videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it taught me the same lesson.

[@moozuke5001]

wow that really surprised me. as soon as i saw what the trimmer was doing i instantly thought spark arrestor. wow was i wrong. also i love the action shots to see how the trimmer cuts after the fix. my question is have you ever given up on a machine and why

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good question, i gave up on a ryobi 4 stroke, and the reason was that the repair wasn't feasible because it was a design flaw. a new block would have been needed.

[@douglasengle2704]

Thank you for the video. It looks like you turned the High jet screw a lot (reduced fuel) to get the engine to rev.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you're right, the screw was too far out

[@cravenmoorehead5636]

That was the actual issue.

[@wikeddf]

That was very interesting lol. Never seen that happen before. I have an fs55r from 2011 and it has never had that problem. Still starts right up and works great! The only problem is the recoil starters. They just go out after several months of use so it’s best to replace the entire recoil assembly. I had to replace 3 of them.😔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Brother's Lawn Equipment for the information

[@chdhyt1985]

Great video, run a deflector keeps line at a minimum length letting Rpm’s build cutting down on spark arrestor build up

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Chad Hyatt.

[@ghibliinu6616]

Great work!! Wouldn't eliminate it, opening hole was well done!!

[@johnclarke6647]

The F.s 38 is the smallest residential trimmer that .Stihl makes. My new FS-56 has plenty of power but I do not run garbage gas and two cycle oil in it. It gets fed the same gas as my chainsaws, which I baby. An Army runs on its stomach and a two cycle engine runs on what it is fed. I break in new equipment with Stihl Moto Mix and then my standard 50:1 Stihl Ultra mix, actually 45:1 (84ml/GL) with premium non-ethanol gas plus fuel stabilizer. That little trimmer does not have enough displacement to run big cutting line. It probably use .060 line. Dirty spark arrestors can also cause a loss of power. Tell your daddy to stay on the throttle and not to baby it or let it idle for long periods. I set the WFO on my trimmers to less than 9,000 RPMs where it four strokes.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like this comment!

[@tedbryer2512]

Same old problem - Put your guard back on - the rpms will increase and the engine will run a lot better. Too much line out causes the increase load on the engine and RPMs will drop.Never run at half throttle when cutting - Just let it sing away. It will work ten times better. - From an old Stihl mechanic for over 50 years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I measured the line, and from tip to tip is 15" just like the guard allows.

[@tedbryer2512]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have seen this problem for years. good to see the line not too long. I laugh when I see people not reving up the engine. Spark arrester screen is doing its job. Loved your analysis with the carb - great job! Another crazy thing Ive seen is mud wasps making a nest in your muffler.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Ted Bryer, I appreciate it.

[@Garden-Time]

I knew i should not have sell it for only 100$ 😮‍💨 very enlightning video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@dwaynemadsen964]

Where I live the folks aren't quite as litigious as the worst parts of the country, but I still wouldn't want to do something that a jury could easily be convinced was negligent. So, my spark arrestor screens stay in place. Thank you for sharing and stay safe.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Dwayne Madsen

[@wayneessar7489]

I am in forest fire country and near a national park so it is spark arrestor in for me also. Our last fire was from a cars catalytic convertor lighting up tall grass then the wind carrying it. We are in drought right now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Wayne Essar for the information .

[@XatriXSK]

Great video. I have FS55 which I bought brand new 2 years ago and it also completely lost power... I'm trying to figure out what might be the problem. Mine does not seem to have any spark arrestor/spark screen at all.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would do a compression check just to make sure the engine is not worn out

[@tonyklothos7093]

Clean, and modify. Good catch!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@gregp3646]

I love using Sea Foam in all my small engines .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, might have to give it a try

[@daig1984]

Great video as always she’s running sweet now 💪💪 looks like the one man gonna be happy 😃

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Hope so!

[@shawndubay4050]

Would clean and do the exhaust mod. I would also take the muffler off, take a mapp gas torch to the inside until the whole muffler glows orange, let cool and blow it out with compressed air. The intense heat burns out any oil and carbon to dust. Install the muffler and I guarantee it will absolutely rip through anything green and growing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Not a bad idea

[@blueheelerfriend8450]

It's obviously Idled too low and starving for fuel .. replace fuel lines they are probably dry and cracked not making good connections I've had many two cycles with the same exact thing happen and that fixes them almost every time... the exhaust mod helped it run better but I don't think that was the real problem just my opinion

[@cravenmoorehead5636]

Agreed

[@electroddxful]

Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed this video as always 👍🙏👍🙏. I will just clean it just like you did.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I always appreciate your time RayFpv thank you.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, that is very strange that the exhaust outlet port got restricted instead of the spark screen, I would keep the spark arrestor in my equipment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, I've been trying to explain that one too.

[@drmikeyb1]

Ok I definitely learned something in this video. Thank you for a great tutorial.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ringsidejudge4302]

Good video , clearly taken and a good description of methods used . I have a leaf blower sh86 which stopped suddenly . Checked spark , which is good , replaced plug , checked off/on switch which is also good . I removed and checked carb everything looks ok but when I attempt to start it , it only fires once , and will not run . Any thoughts would be excellent . Thanks in advance .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, from the "single Fire" situation, I would check the compression I have a feeling it might be low.

[@KL4life]

Both of your screws are leaking air into it. You can clearly see the L one fuel coming out with every turn. Replace them! Anytime the engine bogs down during acceleration, it's most likely an Air Fuel ratio problem meaning you are sucking in air somewhere getting too much air which means one of your gaskets are leaking air or your seals are. Check the fuel pump diaphragm as well and make sure your metering valve is working properly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

What! really! No way? I'll have to fix this right away.

[@8xlaxx]

I go right to the spark arrestor first when the motor isn't running as it should. I mix Stihl Ultra synthetic in ALL of my equipment. You ever try Amsoil?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately no, have you tried it or know someone who used Amsoil?

[@tonyd1149]

Wow. Excellent work on that nice trimmer. Beautiful max speed & throttle response. Also, even better that you're helping your dad. (He's blessed to have you). Thank you for making & posting this video. God [Bible] Bless you and your dad. 🙂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@mattwaters6987]

Great channel. Great videos. Definitely subbed! Many thanks! 😊 Answering your question, I'd keep the arrester screen and just clean it if necessary.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Matt Waters

[@1903bretep]

I would hang onto the screen as it's part of the original design and serves a useful purpose just make periodic removal and cleaning part of the routine maintenance of the machine.

[@robcole332]

Way to not give up on it. I would leave it on since it’s not mine. Mine might be different

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I almost did