Weedeater starts, but won't stay running.

[@mistajef]

Just bought the exact model for $20, the owner wanted $50 because he said he didn't want to mix the gas. I asked if it ran and he said yes but it might need some new fuel. When I went to check it out, he pulled it a few times and after that the starter pulley would not engage so I offered him $20 for it. Took it home, pulled it apart and found out the cogs that were supposed to engage the pulley were not springing back to their original position. Easy fix, dry graphite powder on the shafts so they spring back the way they're supposed to. After I got it started running on half choke it still didn't run properly on choke wide open. I realized it wasn't getting fuel as it needed. I then did a suck and blow test on the fuel cap - fail in both directions. I realized I had to pop out the sintered? valve in the fuel cap itself (looks like a tiny little pellet) by punching it out from the top. I spray the valve liberally with carb cleaner and replaced it. After that started it up and ran fairly normally until I worked out the old fuel/oil mixture in the system. It seems like that tiny little pellet of a thing was the cause of this brand new weedeater's downfall. Somehow it got clogged and just needed to be cleared. Replacing the cap would have been easy too, but I'm cheaper than that. Boom

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work Jeff Wheeldon.

[@thebeans804]

I love this. I have an old Poulan that won't start. I have discovered that I like working on small machines in my older years. Thank you for your help 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That is awesome!

[@AIainMConnachie]

Heartening

[@watermanone7567]

That was a really good video. I always seat the H and L adjustment screws lightly because it also helps to remove any varnish that may be on the screw or seat. Also like you said it gives you a starting indication for final adjustment if no one has messed around with them. Thanks and I like a machine that runs great and hopefully starts good also.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Waterman one, I appreciate that.

[@butler386]

I concur with easy to start otherwise I just get frustrated. Great repair on this little machine. Thanks for the videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

same with me D Butler, Patience is not a virtue I have a lot of .

[@amc31b]

I find carbs that are adjusted so they rev up quickly and run properly at full throttle are also very easy to start. I have found that very few people know to grease the gear head of a trimmer. Just remove the bolt that is located on the right side of the cast part of the gear head and fill the cavity with wheel bearing grease. Also, if the shaft of your trimmer comes apart into an upper and lower half, grease the drive shaft where the two ends meet inside the shaft.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@WilliamRainey-jv2dc]

It was the inlet screen!!! Thank you, your video helped me so I didn’t have to buy a new weed eater or pay for someone else to do it! Seems to be working better than ever!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're welcome and thank you for watching

[@christophermarshall5765]

Nice freebie. It really surprises me at the number of these that are discarded because of such simple problems. Shows that some people have more money than brains!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would like to think they know how cheap these are, and they'd rather just buy another then Deal with a problem.

[@catchacow1927]

You make every fix look easy! Great video 👍🏻

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that Catcha Cow.

[@dyer2cycle]

..BTW, while I wouldn't waste my time on a trimmer like that, your easy-to-understand instructions to beginner DIY'ers are commendable..simple and easy to understand :) ..and, if you keep looking, you might find a cheap or free Stihl, Husqvarna, or Echo trimmer..yard sales, the local landfill, scrap yard..I've found them many places..often they just need fuel lines, fuel filter, and a $15.00 aftermarket carburetor to get them going again..minimal cost, AND, they ARE worth your time...use them yourself, or sell them for a profit.. :) it costs just as much to fix one of those cheap ones, and you'll never get your money back out of those...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you dyer2cycle, I appreciate it.

[@Turningwrenches85]

I go with easy start myself also . A very nice find there my friend.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@BULLETENVY]

I knew this was the carb before I even watched this video. I've fixed 2 of these and honestly other than being underpowered ya can't beat them. I absolutely love these weed eaters. Gonna use the engine for a mini scooter. Also. Such a nice visually pleasing and thorough video as always. Big thumbs up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bullet Envy .

[@michaelkidd1399]

Really appreciate your video's on fixing the issues with carburettors brilliant help to fixing some off my issues with my trimmers saved me money thanks mate 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad to help

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Good vid! I have one of these. Haven't used it in a couple years. Gonna be fun!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you David Coudriet.

[@buddyreed2623]

I would rather have a machine easy to start. Then I would set it down to warm up. Have good days!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Buddy Reed.

[@mr1pearl]

premiere Sounds good for a Weedeater ! Have a good one sir 🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bill Clement.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video and nice work on that trimmer!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@maxnovo625]

Thank you very much for the Video!! 🎉. I'm going to give it a shot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you Max Novo

[@warrensoutdoors5964]

I love watching your videos, every time I see a notification from your channel I instantly click on it and watch it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Warrens Outdoors.

[@warrensoutdoors5964]

@@HomeGaragechannel your welcome

[@tomlewis3658]

My vote is also "Easy to Start". Good video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Tom Lewis.

[@suziesturgill2462]

Great video, hoping this video helps me get mine running smoothly, thanks so much

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and good luck Susie Sturgill.

[@suziesturgill2462]

@@HomeGaragechannel mine is the small gas line, I'm going to attempt to replace it!👍

[@GerentG]

Excellent disassembly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@tonyd1149]

Great video. Now I know a little more about these engines, and, hopefully, what is wrong should I encounter this situation. Your explanations are excellent. Thank you for making and posting this video. (I have a string trimmer & chain saw and it's awful when they won't start). Thank you again. tonyd\.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate the kind words Tony D.

[@mlxx4612]

I agree with you and once again great job 👏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you mix x.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

The son-in-law got 2 exactly like this one but when I got both of them running years ago I couldn't get an adjusting tool kit so I ground off the carb housings with a burr in a Dremel so I could adjust them with needle nose pliers. I since got a kit and it went with both of those trimmers and the Echo convertible. And I guess you could say I hate a hard starting rig and that's why we both have battery jobs. Thanks and they ARE fine trimmers but there comes a time..................at least it did here. BLESSINGS!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nothing wrong with that technique.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Part of the poverty and desperation deal.

[@nathanialjohn3990]

Thanks for the video! i had mine apart just today and found some gunk all over in the carb cleaned it with some carb cleaner, did not get any new gaskets or diaphragms yet, so it starts real nice but bogs and dies with any throttle input, so im aiming to replace the metering diaphragm and soak that little screen. plus get the tool for adjustment, and thanks for the adjustment info and explanation!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and good luck!

[@robertmailhos8159]

The other thing is that if the spark plug is of the wrong type of plug the heat range is of most importantance if to hot engine is going to shut off after a certain time ..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you make a good point.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you for your reply on this matter young man 😎

[@richschafer3354]

Another good video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks again!

[@shaffersmallengineshop5957]

Working on one of these and a feather lite hedge trimmer right now!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, good luck with them.

[@mrmerhtin3625]

easy to start, I returned that cheapo Craftman for that reason. I might've been able to adjust the carb but I did not have the right tools at the time. I do think this should've been addressed from factory since it was brand new, it did not give me confidence in the rest of the machine if they miss the basics as a tune.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you.

[@Mike-su8si]

Had to put a new primer bulb on mine plus clean out that little screen it had broken down red primer bulb pieces in it

[@savannahtropix615]

I JUST BOUGHT A BRAND NEW WILD BADGER 52CC & IT STARTS JUST FINE BUT WHEN I HIT THE GAS IT BOGGLES DOWN & I CANT FIND THE CARB ADJUSTMENT SCREWS ANYWHERE ...I ALSO HV AN OLDER HOMELITE WEED TRIMMER THAT DOES JUST ABT THE SAME THING ...HELP?

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Nice pick up and repair job. Hope you can make a few bucks selling it. Cheers from a land down under.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so too, and thank you Tyrone Clarke.

[@Patrick4959]

well from my view it does depend really from 2 stroke engines or 4 stroke motors aka 2 cycle and 4 cycle and from my view 2 stroke has less parts which makes it nice to work on if you have the skill for it where 4 has more parts and takes time but delicacy and common sense is the key for when it comes to repair and rebuilding that motor etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nicely said.

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel my pleasure mate cheers from Australia to your area and stay safe.

[@aidanbrooks771]

For me i think the question of best performance when warm or good starting is a difficult one. I have a 4 stroke trimmer and it starts but you gotta run it for a solid 2 minutes or more before you can use it otherwise it will stall. Once it is warm though it is very powerful and can cut through anything you throw at it. Personally it isn’t a problem as I will start it and leave it idling while I empty the mower bag, and by the time I get a leaf bag out and empty the mower it’s usually almost all the way warmed up

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@infinity3jif]

My trimmer dies if it's not primed every couple of seconds while running. Any ideas?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure the diaphragms in the carb need to be replaced

[@infinity3jif]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks you are correct. I took it apart and found the diaphragm had a tear.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

excellent work

[@andreworli4117]

Nice tip on clutch or no clutch on test run.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank yo Andrew Orli, I appreciate it.

[@donaldbower4097]

Ice got a can of starting fluid, I would choose the one that runs great, but hard to start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense

[@garyclifton2180]

Old video I no IV picked one up has compression and spark IV put fuel in carb still not start ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, replace the carb .

[@SwayNotZay]

How would you go about making the weed eater start easily AND work as new?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

replace the carb, after confirming the engine was not worn out. if it's worn out, I would replace the piston and ring.

[@Mike-su8si]

I just fixed my new one of that it runs like new now except it does need a clutch because it stays spinning even if you adjust the idler screw it spinning isn't a problem for me though plus i don't really like straight shafts but it works great for being a free weed eater i could tell no one ran mine much from the clean muffler I put other gas line on and had to drill out the filter line hole on the tank because i used what extra line i had laying around and put a new gas filter on these extra pieces went to a chainsaw but they work so didn't have that plastic nipple piece it doesn't really need it anyway for the lager line I reset the carburetor adjustments and then had to regap the spark plug someone else had it gapped out to far. I might shine up the piston head some time later on but I've got a ton of other small engines to work on for now might see if the original owner wants this back because i don't really need it it took me less than a hour to fix

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the information Mike.

[@electroddxful]

Great video👍🙏👍🙏👍I rather have one easy to start.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you and me both, thank you RayFpv

[@brucecoleman7412]

It may have a compression release accounting for the low compression readings. Change the oil and put a carb on it. Recheck compression with a drill first.

[@brucecoleman7412]

Comment was for a different video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for clarifying that. I appreciate it.

[@raphaelwisdom3054]

Goodnight, sorry about the late time, but is there a screw or bolt that holds the casing or piston block together?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

there are bolts that hold the cylinder to the lower part, and there are 2 screws on the back that when take off show the crank and the connecting rod

[@raphaelwisdom3054]

@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the info, your videos are the best , anything for 2023?

[@raphaelwisdom3054]

@@HomeGaragechannel which we had stuff like that here in Jamaica where people just throw out their old stuff

[@raphaelwisdom3054]

Good day again, I got a 4cycle weed trimmer for my brother inlaw it was stuck, it was a total tear down still stuck is there a way to remove the balancer I think we have a stuck bearing

[@raphaelwisdom3054]

@@HomeGaragechannel 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@harryfp1494]

I have one of these and there a mean unit . The engines are copy’s of a rc zenoah engine and they make good power .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@thomasc5664]

Where do you get your variety supply of carb diaphragms? Nice video. Great job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Thomas C, I find them on Amazon, and buy different variety , in bulk

[@guenky1870]

Hola gracias por compartir estoy en Colombia por favor me informas donde consigo una máquina de estas por su peso y cualidades las opiniones son buenas👍 gracias

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Gracias, lamentablemente no creo que los vendan en Columbia.

[@10forthebigguy753]

A hard starting machine usually has a scored out cylinder and piston

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's very interesting, I'm going to have to look into that. thanks or the idea.

[@FaustinoGonzalez-rw5tr]

Tengo una dezbrozadora de esa marca, la nunero PL 200, no deja de girar.

[@FaustinoGonzalez-rw5tr]

Realmente saliero buenas esas dezbrozadoras, tengo una del año 1999 y sigue funcionando.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Realmente saliero buenas esas dezbrozadoras, tengo una del año 1999 y sigue funcionando

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Realmente saliero buenas esas dezbrozadoras, tengo una del año 1999 y sigue funcionando

[@Samuel-xb8ti]

What is the favourite website that has a free page

[@HomeGaragechannel]

FB marketplace

[@gradyhernandez4699]

I want to learn more

[@HomeGaragechannel]

excellent watch more videos and then get your hands dirty one. that's how I learned, thank you Grady Hernandez.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

@@HomeGaragechannel yes I want to be proficient in weedeater and self propelled mowers

[@Mike-su8si]

I seen people's reviews of this weed eater on Amazon and alot of people said they've had problems with the carburetor out of adjustment straight out of the box brand new so if i could I'd ask them why didn't they just adjust it then some said it's a bad product but i don't think it is I think they just don't know how to fix it themselves or they don't want to it's not hard to do with the right tools I don't even know how old the sst25 is

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I believe you are correct.

[@nicolewebb558]

Did you ajust high speed till the point of rpm droping ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think I did, but on a proper "test run" when I was really working. That was done after the filming had stopped though

[@oleson788]

Hey man i have one like this. I fixed it up with a new carburetor. And replaced the fuel lines and it’ll run but it will loose prime while running and then I’ll have to prime it back up to get it running again can you help me. Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Ole Son.

[@oleson788]

@@HomeGaragechannel can you help me with the problem? I can’t figure it out

[@alexandercosta1777]

To really not the feather lite brand, idk, the green just doesn’t do me any justice, that and i feel its a little heavier for my liking, now the echo string trimmers I think are a little lighter, i also feel like spending just a little more for a more quality trimmer it’s how i would go, but it really all comes don to personal preference and how your wallet speaks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I understand what you're talking about. I think I might have to start weighing items now.

[@lukeboehmer5790]

Those yellow tygon lines suck … I’ve put brand new Tygon lines on a trimmer and after 2 months of having fuel on them they stated cracking… now even on cheeper grade equipment I use oem echo/shindaiwa fuel line you can get all the sizes you need and they come in packs of 20 foot I order in bulk it was way worth it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to look into them.

[@nathanlovern5283]

Never seen a Featherlite with a angled head like that.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? they are common here. thank you Nathan Lovern.

[@CoFRHeLLsFuRy]

Hi! Love you vids! Inspired me to "borrow" my parents Weedeater Featherlite to see if I could fix. Primer bulb is toast. As are the diaphrams inside. Gas lines are shot too. Picked a bad one to try on as I can't seem to find the exact parts and not sure what is "close enough". It was built in 1997 and has a Walbro WA226 carb. I see kits on Amazon (canada and USA) that are close but don't mention my exact model. I think the model# is 530-049912. Do you have any idea what would work in my case?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I need the model and serial number, I don't know why but I can't find anything with the information you gave.

[@CoFRHeLLsFuRy]

@@HomeGaragechannel I wish I had more info on the model but the plastic housing literally only says "Weed Eater Featherlite". Engine info sticker has this on it: Family: VPW018UB23RA: EM Disp: 18CC Serial#: 97037N601030-2

[@HomeGaragechannel]

what does it say on the sticker on top of it? ST- something or another?

[@CoFRHeLLsFuRy]

@@HomeGaragechannel sadly, no. Considering its age, I'm guessing a sticker has fallen off over the years. Only other info on it was the ID# of the person who adjusted the carb 😞

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I got an idea, can you send me pics the trimmer to my email? [e-mail]

[@ally57837]

😅 ya no quiero repararla

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Sé cómo te sientes al respecto.

[@der_pinguin44]

Heck of an office supply...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It's the first time for me too.

[@scrappy09ify]

What website do you use to find free stuff?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use craigslist and FB marketplace in the free section

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

If you are a person who can't afford to buy a new piece of equipment when it starts to give you trouble, then you should be able to diagnose your equipment according to how long you have that said piece of equipment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@leecalloway5622]

This one I have has no chock

[@HomeGaragechannel]

"Chock"?

[@JacobChristensen-s9f]

My weed eater starts and it'll stay running for like 20 minutes and then it'll die and then won't start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would consider testing the fuel cap for proper venting and if that's good, I'd try replacing the spark plug .

[@jamess.putman1779]

That air filter is real bad . Part of it could be in carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@williamsnow1531]

I would want a easy starting machine, but not if it’s a Weed Eater. Can’t stand that make at all

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know how you feel about them, they may be light, but they don't perform well.

[@dyer2cycle]

..Those should be tossed in the dumpster the minute they come off the assembly line...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you hate them that much? why?

[@dyer2cycle]

@@HomeGaragechannel .poor, poor quality..poor performance..cheaply made as they possibly can get by with..that's why it has no clutch(not safe, and makes starting and idling an issue)..simply as a way to cut costs..some of these even have a plastic gearbox housing..and half a crankshaft with only one bearing supporting one end..they are made and sold for one purpose, to sell cheapskates who don't know any better a string trimmer at the lowest possible price, regardless of the corners cut to do so. As a 2 stroke mechanic of 30 years, I have learned my lesson and will not work on these any more..can I fix them?..yes..is it worth it?..almost always, no..even if the only issues are carb cleaning, fuel lines, carb kit, etc...the customer only paid like $59-$79 for it new..I cannot repair it for that..cost of parts, and my time is worth more than that..not worth it for me, not worth it for the customer..now, if you want to dick around with it yourself if you have lots of time to kill, go for it..$10.00-$20.00 or so in parts, you might get it working..but you still have a piece of crap trimmer..just telling it like it is.. :)

[@timnemeth6555]

I've got 2 of these, and bought new 1978 still runs perfect. Paid $59.00

[@dyer2cycle]

@@timnemeth6555 ..they didn't make these in 1978...maybe the same "brand", but not the same trimmer..this design originates in the early-mid 2000's, and they are junk...

[@Shankeysmoe25]

Way too complicated

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not really If it is, then just order a new carb.