Why I Don't Remove Muffler Spark Arrester Screens From 2 Cycle Equipment!

Why I Don't Remove Muffler Spark Arrester Screens From 2 Cycle Equipment!
Should you remove the muffler spark arrester screens from your 2- cycle equipment? In this video I explain why I don't remove them from equipment in my shop.
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
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[@adrianavalos4861]

Great info!!! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@splibb]

1st thing I do is use my spark arrestor for my weed pipe.

[@hawaiiaction.1976]

good one

[@greybone777]

Good luck with that. Don't cut your leg off🤣🤣🤣

[@happycamper6352]

First of all, hilarious and clever I must say, but try not to hurt your lungs with intentionally inhaled smoke of any kind. Find a safer way to get the intended effect if you must. There may be a way to do this without smoke, but I really don't know much about it. I would imagine there are many that do though.

[@appleztooranges]

Lol

[@cjr1881]

@@happycamper6352 if you don't know much about it then you should stfu, right?!

[@lightupyourlife111]

More chance of sparks coming from your bar than from the exhaust

[@hdhhc5555]

Yep. Cut wood just after the sun goes down. It's like fireworks. Lol

[@sybo10]

Removed mine yesterday from my Stihl chainsaw, very happy with the results.

[@johnhershey4010]

Same here 😉

[@Urbicide]

Taking out the screen on a MS-200T turns a great saw into a screamer.

[@nathanbouchard5911]

i have 18 chainsaws, i have taken all the screens out and never have I ever seen a spark

[@brx3649]

Another good reason for leaving the spark arrester screen on is to keep mud dobbers from building inside the muffler if your equipment is stored where they may have access to it. It's more common than you think.

[@RollingEasy]

I was given a bench grinder which had been sitting for a while. I opened it up firstly and found that these beggars had set up home inside of that........ Mud everywhere.

[@robk1310]

I remove all of the spark screens. they suck. There is NO POSSIBLE way that a forest fire could start from that where I live. I don't live in Commiefornia either.

[@ldiazmdiaz]

Spark Arrester screen cost from $8 to $30 of course it depends on the equipment. buy or make some extra and clean at the proper location with a big metal case (box or steel drum) with a torch or c-u-r-r-e-n-t??? safely!!!

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Someone gave me a chainsaw that just wouldn't run, then I remembered the screen which was plugged up, cleaned it and runs like new, now it's mine.

[@nathanielbolden5053]

Hell yeah buddy!...ENJOY!!!...I GOTTA 50 INCH PLASMA TV THAT WOULDNT TURN ON FIXED IT FOR $10 BUCKS!!!

[@camwalk7396]

Bout to do the same to a craftsman saw. Thought it was the carb but with further research I'm led to believe the screen is to blame.

[@jobodahobo1396]

I guess the Golden Rule for some is, “when you see gold, snatch it... ‘my precious’.”

[@comodice905]

sweetbeef will u give it back?

[@someguy7306]

What is sad about all of these regulations is the fact 99.9% of the incidents are caused by poorly maintained equipment, if people followed reasonable routine checks and maintenance 2 cycle engine would not be blowing out sparks or lit muffler batting, these things happen because of pure laziness and complacency, now 4 stroke engines are a totally different story. I own and ride 2 stroke motorcycles, a clogged screen can really effect the performance of an engine in a bad way.

[@happycamper6352]

But do the owner's manuals even mention having to do that? Many Joe Homeowners don't know to do it. We know from being in the business or at least heavy-hobby, but I don't remember ever seeing that in a manual.

[@guyzoun]

Great video again! I purchased a used MS270 and wanted to clean the spark arrester, only to find out it was gone.

[@redblue40rc33]

Run a straight header... neighbors will love it😉

[@happycamper6352]

What? What did you say? Can't hear you.

[@wayneberry8703]

Great advice, Dony! My spark arrester actually clogged up on me once and I didn’t know what was happening until I took it to the shop. I clean it myself now.

[@donyboy73]

Glad it helped!

[@aidenzanker150]

Same thing happened to me the other day, I was kicking myself because it's so simple, anyways I know now.

[@crazycory25]

Now, say you get a piece of equipment from a customer where they removed the spark arrestor screen, do you, as a tech, have to put a new screen in to make sure you're covered? Or do you not work on that piece of equipment?

[@neilpirelli9240]

its all bullshit fuck em

[@watcher3774]

I would assume the tech isn't responsible for repairs made by someone else. Take pics, or video cover your own butt

[@ADRIAN-fb9xj]

Before I watched this I knew it was going to be a Liability issue because you are an actual Repairer. But for the rest of us it’s just a restrictor in the exhaust that stops the machine from working at peak efficiency. Everything works better without them. Even if they aren’t blocked in anyway.

[@greybone777]

Until you start the forest on fire 🔥

[@ChiDraconis]

Yes … I delivered paper for my brother whom knows that stuff → Money! That stuff is 100% all about money & best defense is that you do not have any

[@juliogonzo2718]

@@ChiDraconis 😂

[@jonnysnipes3123]

@@greybone777 you aren’t starting a forest on fire from not having a sr. You’d more likely to start it on fire creating spark from the chain

[@darrylcurley6200]

To prevent Sparks and screen blockage always use seafoam and it will keep carbon buildup from forming on the screen by adding 1 oz to every gallon tank and it will solve all your problems dealing with carbon buildup it's a preventive maintenance make a cost. Also it adds extra lubrication which will increase compression and help your 2-cycle oil do its job.

[@vassiliskoronis3485]

Very useful as always . Thank you very much!

[@David_Carlile]

It's one of those dumb little parts that you know is there and know that it will mess things up if it gets plugged, but when it gets plugged it's magically forgotten about. I was seconds from ordering a carb kit because I was convinced that was the issue. Until I randomly looked at my muffler and had that "Dave, you dumbass!!!" moment.

[@JT--XL365]

i wonder if there has ever been a recorded case of a fire being started because the spark arrester was removed. it would be interesting to know if it has happened before.

[@clevernamehere7559]

If you’re running a saw in the dark you really see it shoot sparks, but I’ve never had it combust anything.

[@mercoid]

My craftsman line trimmer’s spark arrester screen is built into the sealed muffler. Which I hate because you can’t just replace the screen, you have to buy a whole new muffler. Jerks!

[@happycamper6352]

remove muffler and torch it as hot as you can without damaging it; tap to loosen ash then you're back in business; ash will come out next time you run it

[@jtr82369]

Clean it just like you clean the air filter and everything else after each use... normal maintenance and avoids burning my property and other peoples property...

[@happycamper6352]

It's not something you would want to do after every use. The buildup takes much longer than that.

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thoroughly addressed. Well balance approach. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@jkbrown5496]

I found this channel after a spark arrester screen issue on a blower. Not used often, the blower would fire but then die and flood. I hadn't worked on a piece of equipment in 25 years. Finally, your videos and others caused me to check the exhaust. A mud wasp had plastered over the screen port. I'm in the Southern US. Broke the seal and the thing fired right up. The screen provided a good backing to keep the seal from being blown out by the exhaust until punctured, but it also likely saved me from having a muffler full of hardened mud. Whether the blockage is from carbon or critters, it is best to check at least once a year.

[@Maik1968]

I see that it’s quite easy to clean the spark arrester, so for safety reasons I would keep it in the machine. Certainly won’t be blocked after one hour of use. Good explanation, as usual 👍

[@ronmills8092]

I just wanted to know if it would run without it. Screw the government I don't care

[@ronmills8092]

That's what I wanted to know. I'm the same way. Screw the government.

[@davids9139]

The screen also makes a good diagnostic tool just like reading spark plugs or looking at the air filter. All of these need to be cleaned or completely replaced at some point or another. Very good advice on keeping engine speed up. I make a point of not letting my saw idle for more than 30 seconds, if I need to, I just stop the engine. My chinese generator's muffler uses a chunk of aluminum window screen with a hose clamp as a spark arrestor. It works well and it's easy to replace if needed.

[@juliogonzo2718]

If they actually used a window screen I doubt it would arrest many sparks.

[@x01e]

I remove every one and love the power increase along with a muffler mod. I dont use ethanol free gas due to the cost its cheaper to buy a carb than to buy ethanol free gas if there is a problem. Love your videos.

[@joshallred3388]

I just got a new bike. Should I take it out? I don’t want to burn the valves or anything

[@jimmycarter9099]

Wish I had a spark screen with my ex wife she bout. Burnt the whole house down

[@REDLINERUNNER]

But many models don't even have it. Probably because of exhaust design... MS230, MS260 and I think MS311 doesn't too...

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Stihl HP Ultra is very bad oil. Only JASO FB rating.... Always use oils rated JASO FD mixed 2% with premium gasoline...

[@Danomite99]

My stihl chainsaw screen is always clean. My FS55 screens are always clogged. Big difference is throttle speed as he mentioned. My weed whacker I feather the throttle almost always. It’s never full out. Chainsaw -the exact opposite. Let her rip. In any case, it should be the first thing to check if you have a problem with your machines performance. Takes all of 2 min to pull out

[@nvg1526]

Thanks for showing me how to remove the screen

[@daved.4740]

Thank you Don, good advice as i did have a bad experience due to the spark arrestor missing. Thankfully we had a fire extinguisher on the truck and noticed the brush was smouldering.

[@benmoule8705]

Same here in Australia mate many fires caused through people pulling them out there self

[@johnclarke6647]

I have added cleaning spark arrestor screens to my annual PM program. I just take the out and burn them clean with a torch. You will find the equipment becomes easier to start when you do. Using two cycle oils, Like Stihl Ultra, exercerbates the situation due to their high ash content.

[@loooseunit]

I see your point . I used to run a forestry contracting business , 9 months of the year we used to run the saws without spark arresters but in summer we put them back in for the very reason you mention plus without the arresters it void my public liability insurance . The difference without an arrester is noticeable even on a big saw . Ever wondered how much sparks come out of a two stroke engine - go run one at night …. its quite alarming .

[@TheJimmysGarage]

wow interesting, ill have to run mine tonight haha

[@happycamper6352]

Yeppers. Neat to watch. Kinda unrelated but interesting, I even get lots of sparks dropping golf ball sized decorative quartz river rock against each other at night. Just take a bunch in your hand and drop it from maybe 4 feet up on to some on the ground. Big spark show that you would never see in daylight.

[@campusman1957]

maybe you can help me i have a husquvana weed wacker 128dl i replaced the carb, fuel lines, fuel filter,gasket ,spark plug,new gas,i check the spark arrestor its clean ,this is the carb i bought OEM Husqvarna Carburetor 545081848 C1Q-W40A Fits 128C 128L 128LD 128R 128RJ help??

[@JesusIsaFlatEarther]

My experience is that removing the spark arrestor it causes my blowers to take longer to warm up.

[@jaulloa21]

Stihl takes a while to rev up

[@happycamper6352]

Yes, the reduction of back pressure will cause a reduction in friction in the engine, leading to a slower warm-up time. It's important to know this so you don't run it hard too early. That causes the piston to warm up too fast (causing expansion) relative to the chamber warming up to slowly, and that's a big problem because the piston will become too big too fast and score the components and ruin the engine. So, make sure you warm up the right way before putting the engine under a working load, and this means longer warmup time without the back pressure of a spark screen.

[@AloofObserver]

Took the spark arrester out of my string trimmer because it had one of those crappy conical ones and I only use it on my lawn, so very low risk of fire. However, I leave them in everything else. If you mix your fuel properly it should take a very long time before it clogs.

[@karlrovey]

Interestingly, the spark arrestors are the cleanest parts on my mufflers. Of course, I actually do run my stuff at full power enough to help keep it from being an issue. I probably should clean the mufflers and deflector plates, though.

[@jimmystractors1427]

Great video. As a mechanic of lawn equipment i agree 100%

[@nestorarbelo5838]

I own a kawsaki trimmer kit 27A carbulator walbro wyA69C 802 can you give me the cross number on the carburetor

[@KNILZY]

Great video,alot of people are totally unaware of the spark arrestor and don't know why it keeps bogging down,such a simple fix

[@96cr]

I have been around 2 cycle my whole life i have never seen a two stroke cause a flame out the exhaust. Those 4 strokes though for sure

[@dennisharrison4744]

I took mine off of my ms171 couldn't keep it from stopping up hp ultra what does it 3 months of use it stoped up my husqavarnas don't ever stop up

[@CuriousKL]

If a quality 2 cycle oil is used, the spark screen arrester should not even be an issue. May I suggest Amsoil Sabre Pro for all your 2 cycle needs?

[@mikehigby7897]

I remove my spark arrestor screen when i run a strong cleaner like amsoil quick shot and amsoil power foam that way it doesnt clog it up after a thorough cleaning. Then i throw it back in after cleaning the screen.

[@capohd28]

Homeowners just need to do yearly maintenance on their power equipment, and they will have very few problems like plugged screens. I own several Stihl tools and never have issues such as this. In my younger days when I had junk, I didn't care, and always had issues. Regular maintenance saves a lot of headaches.

[@spaight711]

Don't take out your screens. Modify the muffler and increase the screen surface area, for improved flow, and do your routine maintenance.

[@happycamper6352]

This is probably the best way to go if you must do something.

[@danielmcguire6830]

So can you explain why the ms 170-Ms 180s suck sawdust into the carburetor ??? I bought a new ms180 used it once and returned it because its a piece of crap and had to buy a ms391 only because of the difference in how its built ???how dose a company built 1 saw that's half the size and cost $300 and build another saw that's 3 times the size and is built amazing for $600 the company needs to stop robbing homeowners that buy saws

[@Z71Ranger]

I use E-85 gas in all my 2 stroke power tools... You have to open the jets to allow more fuel in but they have what seems to be twice as much power... They use a lot more fuel...

[@randyweaver9528]

And you spend more

[@tonylor1735]

Thank you very much for your explanation of removing and cleaning the spark arrester screen on the two-cycle STIHL chainsaw. It helped so much. I could waste a lot of money for taking my chainsaw to the shop. I called the Bliss Power tool store and wanted to have them fix it. One of the guys there said that I can drop it off and it will take about 3 to 4 wks to get it fixed. Then I decided to check it out myself. Removed the Exhaust Muffler kits and noticed that the Spark Arrester Screen was really dirty so it out and cleaned it up, then I put it back on and the power of the chainsaw came back on. This saves me some money. I wasn't sure if I had properly cleaned it so today I watched your channel and saw your demonstration of cleaning the Spark Arrester Screen. I got it done properly so thank you so much for your guidance.

[@CowboyAxe]

I had my FS38 trimmer since 2005 and have never needed to clean my screen, good oil and lots of throttle hours on end every year.

[@fredpierce6097]

Ok, ok, I don’t wanna be arrested for starting a fire with my chainsaw without an arrestor!!! 😂😅😊

[@WinnfieldCustoms]

dirt dobber wasps and spiders will get into the muffler with no screen also, very common

[@happycamper6352]

Or they will clog the screen it self, but I suppose that would be an easier thing to fix. Point well taken.

[@drrrrockzo]

Gotta love it when people are so lazy that they would risk a fire instead of having to do basic maintenance.

[@jonabila3329]

Thanks for the info about more power and avoiding fuel with ethanol. That was a really technical advice 👍

[@erictoytech8392]

I like your videos, I have repaired my 2 stroke equipment just by what I have learned from you. Thanks for taking the time to post your videos!!

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Just use the best synthetic oil you can find. It must have JASO FD rating. They don't have problems with clogging because they create the least ashes, have the best lubrication and film strenght. And ofcourse give you the most power. And premium fuel. For your new generation Stihl equipment minimum octane rating is R+M/2 89. So never use 87 only 89 and up.

[@ronmills8092]

I just take the screens out. Screw the government

[@rodneysmart9774]

I live in a California forest, removing those screens is not an option. Cleaning them is just part of regular maintenance.

[@justinrevet9748]

ive been logging for 25 years and ive never had a fire once!and i take out my baffles and spark arrester screens in evry saw ive ever owned

[@DougHinVA]

so what? do you know more than the makers and rangers ? you have been fortunate IF you never caused a fire

[@hussainalhamed9080]

justin revet Hello Are is there a future damage if you remove a spark arrestor from a raptor 700 Model 2015 ?

[@trashman1694]

@@DougHinVA Always remember to take your tampon out before bedtime

[@tboneproductions2453]

I never wear a seatbelt ‘cause I never plan on being in a car accident

[@derpherpp]

Trashman lol

[@aspincelaframboise5300]

Had a small 50 hectare forest fire many years ago cuz the owner did just that. We had to call in the water bombers. And the guy's land lost most of it's value eh... Ü

[@connorbarnett7494]

so for a stihl edger or trimmer used for lawn care its fine too remove it..

[@konaononjepon1582]

My ms170 dont have the screen? What the heck

[@roytherhodesian4029]

Good advice , if you are ever out of work , you could be a robot voice over 😂

[@chainsawsurgeon6108]

First upgrade to a new saw is remove the screen .

[@RustyZipper]

💯👍

[@thurm101]

I am going to keep mine in. I will just buy a new one. A guy was moving so he gave it to me.

[@Steve0885]

It doesn't take much carbon to bog the engine

[@richardmiller7284]

How do I put roller bearings on the Con rod on a Stihl 010AV chainsaw. Mine keep falling out? What is a easy way getting so fed up, can u please help

[@g6qwerty]

So a better fix would be to have a larger surface area Spark arrestor screen.

[@gamer2350]

Or just get rid of it in the first place if ur engine is better proberly u shouldn’t have any problems with shooting sparks like people say it will that’s only if it’s running super lean

[@happycamper6352]

Same problem just less frequent. It would still happen; it would just take longer.

[@SkillCult]

I live in a tinder box in California. I don 't even like to run saws in the day during summer when it's hottest and driest if I can work around it. I carry a fire extinguisher most of the time just in case. What is funny (or maybe not) is the saw I have right now has a catalytic converter per regulations for emissions, but it makes the muffler INSANELY hot. I see big sparks flying all the time from sawdust bouncing off of the muffler. Best case scenario, get rid of the cat and keep the screen, or take the screen on and off seasonally, but living here I'm not going to just take off the screen and leave it off.

[@happycamper6352]

There are sometimes temporary restrictions on when you're allowed to cut in the Western states. They have a certain time when you must stop for the day when the weather is dry too long.

[@mowtoegee7049]

If the oil is being mixed properly, and the equipment is being used properly (not left to sit idle for a long time) then the spark arrestor should not get clogged very often right? I am going to leave all of mine in, because I think its an indicator of other problems if its getting blocked. I also noticed that it makes the exhaust louder removing it on some machines

[@scotth603]

soak the screen in oven cleaner in a glass jar

[@zx8401ztv]

The screen is there for a real safety reason, i would get a spare one so a quick swap and it's going again. The dirty one could be cleaned later and ready for next time.

[@alistairstuart2009]

Good idea!

[@praveensharma3456]

zx8401ztv ..yupp act smart. ..you think everyone else is dumb? Ass

[@AceBoy2099]

I just figured it'd keep bugs out of the cylinder/engine while in storage, thats the only reason I decided to not remove mine.

[@eaglebrothersmowing2856]

My spark arrestor screen broke and fell into the muffler on my stihl br430. Any ideas on how to get it out?

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@byronbridges213]

Thanks for the lesson & the legal information. Nice vid👍

[@jonathan3982]

New subscriber here. Is this the only thing that could cause loss of power and bogging down?

[@justinbaldwin1981]

I use av gas in my saw an weedeater. Seems to have more power

[@Ryan-uw1hw]

What about 4 cycle?

[@Jeffroson78]

Only 2cycle

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Raw gasoline melts the carbon away in seconds.

[@happycamper6352]

Didn't work for me.

[@1d1hamby]

Love your videos. Your KM130 4 stroke has a spark arrester too. Like you said other machines may have a spark arrester. Not using full speed revs on a chainsaw can also cause premature wear to the clutch and nearby components. The clutch is designed to slip until it reaches full speed. The continued slipping can cause excessive heat, metal tempering and wear. That's the same reason why many machines are damaged by inexperienced people adjusting the idle speed too high. It either slightly bumps the clutch drum causing an intermittent ringing or to the point where it mostly grabs and causes an unsafe condition of the tool spinning constantly. Please be safe and kind we all deserve the respect from each other.

[@appleztooranges]

Does larger engines like mowers or snowblowers have this spark arrester

[@jimmycarter9099]

Now they are putting honey combs in the muffler o guess no one can remove that I guess you have to replace the muffler don’t you I would love to no could that be my problem my saw has no power any more thanks

[@andresdominguez7021]

I have a redmax blower. Started good but in high speed diet. The model is Ebz7100 . I clean the carburetor. And gas line and filter chaing. and the problem still there can you help me...

[@jimgood4302]

Threw mine away a long time ago!

[@jamesmullins3219]

good video, good tips thanks

[@73superglide62]

There still asking that question,

[@tomjones4318]

*Ethanol is a scam*

[@randyweaver9528]

All day and twice on Sunday

[@dennishuxley747]

Great video, thanks! "You should not remove the spark arrestor. Here's how you do it". ;-)

[@allankennedy3931]

thanks alot

[@midiaz1319]

Thanks for the information. Mine was completely clogged, so I removed mine since there are no chances of mine causing and fires since I leave in an urban area and also I did not have a torch on hand.

[@wolfsden3812]

My echo no start.....this is my next step on a hopeful start

[@raylow304]

First time i hear a technician said “2 cycle” equipment.

[@Aydienbri]

V.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Most important, have the customer sign the slip as an acknowledgement.

[@Banjoandguns]

What if the carbon builds up because of the screen

[@RustyZipper]

It will, that’s why you just cut the screen part off and stay away from the Propane refinery

[@breadring]

Does the fs300 have one, if so where is it located.

[@andybub45]

I have only had to clean it once in my Stihl BR200 which I use commercially. It seems the idle was causing it to rev to high causing a quick buildup. I wish I could get ethanol free, but it's impossible to find here. I do however get 93 octance