Trying To Fix A Hitachi Trimmer But The Owner Won't Talk

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Tygon Fuel Line. amzn.to/3aCGntm
Carb Adjustment tools. amzn.to/3k7cgxe
Primer Bulb. amzn.to/3dC0WYK
Fuel Filter. amzn.to/2ZC0T7i
DEGREASER www.harborfreight.com/1-gallo...
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Thanks for watching. I was trying to fix this trimmer but the owner wasn't wanting to help out so I did nothing to it, and returned it.

[@JCT442]

As I've gotten older, I realized surprises weren't usually good news...

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you and me both

[@butler386]

You definitely made the correct decision especially because you never had the opportunity to talk to the owner. Great video and thanks for the videos.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@tjclarke4604]

I have units come into the shop quite often where I really don't do anything to them, maybe change the fuel, or something small, and I don't charge the customer. Nine times out of ten though, the customer insists on giving me at least something for my time, so I chalk it up to a tip, and that customer is quick to come back with any other machine they might have trouble with. Believe it or not, I even had one lady who was so appreciative that she gave me a roast chicken that she got while she was grocery shopping, she stopped in to pick up machine while coming back from the store. You did a great job, perfect on all counts, and it speaks volumes about your character as a person. Thanks for yet another great video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you I appreciate you sharing your experience too.

[@phillyfathead]

You definitely made the right call, people are way to funny and not in a good way!!!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@brianandrews7099]

I have one of those trimmers. It seems to generally be a nice quality machine. Mine has had the same issue with the exhaust heat shield falling off but, other than having to change the fuel lines after about 5 years, it’s been a nice, powerful, dependable machine. No carb issues as of yet!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice!

[@bobanddebbiec6929]

You did a great job as always

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thank you!

[@joshuavanhoozer1518]

I’ve had this exact model ran fantastic I loved it very powerful for such a small 21.1 cc

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

agreed, when testing it, It certainly seemed to get the job done without any issues at all

[@christophermarshall5765]

You made the right call. It runs fine. I put to operator use.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@electroddxful]

Great video and repair 👍🙏👍🙏

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FZ52023]

that engines sounds mighty, was definitely worth saving, with these pieces of machinery, the product just has to go into the right hands in order for it too last. 'look after it, it'll look after you :D

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

With the lack of communication I think you did just fine. If someone is working on something of mine I always try and keep communication open and usually if they need something, just go ahead and GET it but that's understood from the get/go. Thanks and Blessings

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I wish they would have been a bit more receptive but then again, it still started and ran, and I just wanted to tell them their options

[@j.d.l.]

9:46 nice pulling

[@kencurtis228]

Made a Good Call

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks

[@joewhatsup]

thank you sir, great video

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You are welcome

[@Turningwrenches85]

I agree also if no communication kinda hard to fix something if you dont know where to begin on it

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@AnthemBassMan]

I’ve also had the Hitachi RB24EAP leaf blower for about 5-6 years now. It’s run flawlessly over that time, but just the other day it started to bog down a bit while running it full throttle. I know the spark arrestor screen isn’t plugged, so it looks like it’s time to drill out that brass piece and get the carb adjusted. But so far all this time, I can start it up with one or two pulls.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice , good luck with the adjustments then.

[@jamess.putman1779]

You done just right

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@j.d.l.]

9:50 perfect good job

[@scottg7353]

I think you made the right call. I was wondering what type of spray cleaner you on this stuff, whatever it is seems to work really well. Love your videos, very helpful and educational.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks and yes the cleaner works great it's the only degreaser harbor freight sells.

[@mikespain8655]

I use Super Clean, 4 parts water to 1 part Super Clean. Does a great job on dirt, grease, and debru.

[@65csx83]

Yes, definitely do not replace parts or incur any large expenses without specific approval. Re: concept of 'fixing'. I've often had situations where I never actually found the problem but it was remediated when I finished. It's annoying not knowing precisely what was the problem, but those are the vagaries of machinery. This is especially true of induction and ignition problems.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well said!

[@brianandrews7099]

I have the “orange” version of this same machine. They really are very nice machines. I have had mine for at least 5 years (probably much longer but, the older I get, the faster time goes by!), and other than fuel line replacements once, it has given not mechanical issues … except … yep, the exhaust guard fell off!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, seems like it's still holding up well for you

[@martindesmarais7158]

Did you know that these really tough brush cutters came with 3 warranties: *One residential using (5 or 7 years!) *one for commercial use (3 or 2 years) * and even one for LOCATION/RENTAL (1 year wow !) Only 1 model number has these warranties but I think it was the most sold and the one you show here SO if customer doesn't answer you, try to get it for yourself and do all necessary repairs to keep it ! It's really good to put a blade on too, cutting small trees !!! Can't find this quality fabrication today, Note that the Tanaka (orange one) is almost same model no AND EXACTLY the same parts (If you want the 2 model numbers, just ask, I have one of each..)

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you for sharing that .

[@j.d.l.]

9:47 almost there

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? This was an interesting video as I've already been through the same issue with the booth wire was too short to reach the spark plug in a very old work trimmer.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it kind of surprised me at first when it came off but luckily you and I know how to fix them!

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ofcourse bro.

[@deebee3901]

You did quite a bit. You cleaned it. You did some analysis. You put in some missing screws. I would be very happy to find a repair tech as honest as you. The only thing different I would have done is put an aftermarket carb on it with agreement from the owner. That trimmer will run many more years.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you correct, I wish I could have gotten the go ahead to do that

[@rickthelian2215]

Agree you did the right thing, but I would of given a very small charge at minimum, , a nice gesture including cleaning which you like to give back equipment clean hoping they keep it clean.Bad communication isn’t the easiest to deal with.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Great point!

[@billiewright7532]

What cleaner do use. It seems to work well.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks I'm using the only degreaser harbor freight sells.

[@wayneessar7489]

Do you think smoothing the end of the adjustment screw with a file might have been a low cost fix?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

probably smoothing both, the screw end and the edge of the lever.

[@robertmailhos8159]

That is a one off style of weed eater with the name of the same company that makes the electric tools / battery powered tools as well

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you are correct

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I just looked up the Hitachi tool company and found it has changed name's now they are owed by a different company

[@MUUKOW3]

It is not a one off style, it is actually a Tanaka trimmer a company that been selling them since the 70's we sold them from the 80's till the 2020's. Tanaka was part of Komatsu then was absorbed By Hitachi, then Metabo that effed the whole thing up.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@MUUKOW3 thanks for the info on this matter of the Hitachi weed eater

[@joelmollenkopf3767]

Interesting

[@grumpysgarage4790]

What is the solution you use to clean the lawn machines you repair ? Sure does work well. Dawn and water ?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no I'm using the only degreaser harbor Freight sells.

[@haneyoakie14]

You can lead a customer to water, but you can’t make them think.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@brianking1138]

That's a tough situation to be in but I would have put a new carb on it . They sent it to you to be repaired .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes I've been told that but communication cannot be one way .

[@gearhead366]

I would tried the plastic cap on the idle screw idea. They DID send it to for repair. They can’t expect that to be free.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a good point but communication should not be one sided.

[@gearhead366]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I agree with that, too. They really have no room to complain either way.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I would walk in a second in that case. I don't take anything without good communication

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

me too!

[@noname-es4cy]

Would filing the tip of the adjustment screw not do the trick? It would make it easier for that arm to not get hung up on the screw on the way down

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you don't even need to do that, you just just push the tip up a bit with a screwdriver. done it plenty of times.

[@tubaman66]

I'm not sure there is an issue with the carb as the lever should always drop back into position before it hits the idle screw.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct but it's the idea that the lever has the opportunity to even get stuck that I wanted to talk to them about.

[@j.d.l.]

9:45 ok pump it up let it rip

[@Mrcrowley1967]

I would waited for them to reply they need to contact you if they want it back anyways . I make sure I give as much info as I can after troubleshooting give them as close to a estimate as I can and get permission .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a good point, but my fear was that they were never going to make contact and I can't keep their machine forever .

[@MrDenbear33]

What did you use to clean that trimmer with?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'm using the only degreaser harbor freight sells. It's the best bang for the buck I've ever used

[@T1clpz]

Hello what is the website you use called?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I use Craigslist and FB marketplace

[@flipper2473]

Hello, on my Hitachi, after changing fuel filter, I can only start it with red lever up. sometimes very hard to start. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@flipper2473]

I forgot to mention, I changed primer bulb also

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

did you happen to replace any other fuel lines when changing the fuel filter?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh that's not good. You might have gotten some debris in the carb when change the bulb

[@flipper2473]

Gee, I would think merely unhooking the lines and inserting back on bulb with small pliers,( no removal of anything else), would be safe .

[@word1901]

a little known fact about those hitachi/tanaka purefire engines where it says on the emissions compliance TWC that stands for Three Way Catalyst so the thing you are referring to as the spark arrester screen is actually the catalytic converter substrate and is welded in as removing it violates federal law also they heat up to almost 900 degrees centigrade and never carbon up

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no the catalyst would be much closer to the exhaust port, what you can see is the screen.

[@word1901]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE it's not a cat can also get over temperature thats like putting the cat in a car in the exhaust manifold they would melt very quickly look at the vk56vd in the nissan armada they destroy cats because they are too close to the engine and when they break ceramic particles are sucked back into the engine destroying it and my makita chainsaw has the cat right where the exhaust exits the muffler not to mention they want it as far away as possible so it doesn't disrupt scavenging or heat up the cylinder sorry for the long winded reply

[@haneyoakie14]

Small engine Hippocratic Oath, primum non nocere.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well said

[@watermanone7567]

They gave it to you to fix, I would have fixed it. Thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it didn't need any fixing

[@watermanone7567]

You did something to it to make it run, that is fixing it in my book. They are abusing your time and more importantly you knowledge as to what was wrong.@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE

[@liljoeii6091]

At the time you're fixing it And you need to know How much money to spend on it You gotta make a decision Because you can't get a Is hold of the personThank you for the video

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you as always!

[@999thenewman]

4:13 i would give you a whole tray full of fasteners had I known you didn't have any trimmer hardware, amigo.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

not a big deal and I appreciate the offer.

[@donaldales7739]

You didn't say weather you had spark before you reattached the end of the wire...... Is it possible that is why it didn't start and you reattached wire creating spark to the plug?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no the reason it didn't start the other time was related to the carb issue.

[@tempusveritas8901]

Tough situation. Maybe start a $20.00 minimum.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

possible but the easiest thing is to not do service for them anymore.

[@T1clpz]

To get your free stuff

[@Patrick4959]

Well in this case a good choice but as far as the carburator aka carby function fix goes as long as the barrel returns back down your laughing really.

[@aidanasmr5099]

Never seen these but interesting... looks like a Chinese weed eater though

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Japanese

[@martindesmarais7158]

Made in China BUT with the genuine JAPANESE design. Today Hitachi/Tanaka/koki is Full Chinese corp and new Chinese crap design to go with as it was sold

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

I think your decision was ill-advised. The minute I realized the owner didn’t care enough about their equipment or respect me enough to at least communicate minimally I would have stopped and put their equipment out of the way to work on other things. If/when the customer finally contacted me I would have resumed working on it. If they were dissatisfied with that strategy then it was on them, not me.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

ah you make a good point

[@CarterEvans.14]

Honestly ive never seen a hitachi brand trimmer 🤨

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

they are rare in my area too.

[@user-jo3ug9ov1v]

Omg I been looking that ugly fucking screw in the face for days now what bullshit.... Mine idles high after warming up doesn't need a choke at all to fire starts first pull Everytime too as long as you press the primer 5-7 times can't bog it down for nothing either lol but seems like it's a little rich on the top end for sure plug tells me it's a little rich too so now I can fix it 100%

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I hope you can get it where you want it.

[@morc258]

You made a big deal out of nothing! That throttle will never get stuck up like that under normal operation, and if it did, just a blip of the throttle lever sets it back right. Really a stretch to even portray this as an issue. As a matter of fact, I have a Hitachi in the garage, do you want to bet if the carb does the same thing if I pry the throttle up with a screwdriver?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

hey thanks for

[@j.d.l.]

9:46 and 9:50 dont delete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!