I have a slightly newer model of the same trimmer but with no electric start. Last winter I was doing a long session of blackberry chopping and noticed I ran out of gas really quickly. I blamed myself for not putting the gas cap back on, but it seemed okay. Then it wouldn't start anymore. I blamed my gas mix, which should have also been okay (and has never hurt my chainsaw). It was only 4 months old and I got it so cheap at Lowes that I didn't want to pay anyone to fix it. I watched so many videos and ended up replacing the carb, spark plug, filter, gas cap. Still nothing. I wish I found this video earlier. I took off the plastic back and sure enough there were signs that the back had loosened and that's where all my gas went. Thank you so much!
I ain’t gonna lie we had one of these and used it to do 8 lawns every 4 weeks and it lasted 4 years before it finally said No Mas. I ain’t even complaining it definitely did the job but getting it to start was always a hassle, even after installing carbs plugs and filters! Another great video as always keep up the great content!
Last week I bought two trimmers at a yard sale for a reasonable price, both have identical motors and carbs like in this video but are much older. One of them is having the issue presented on the video, and I'm confident that I can get both of them running like new again. I am thankful to have learned valuable information from you.
The idea of an electric start is very convenient. What I don't understand is why it has to seal the fuel system. That seems like a poor design in my opinion!!!
I've had one of these for 14 years, and it just stopped running. One of my back screws was loose. A couple turns and now it runs. Amazing! Thanks for the video!
Edit- well now I see it's not getting any fuel in the lines or bulb. Now gotta see what's causing that. Maybe replace lines snf bulb or just the bulb? My craftsman gas trimmer only wants to start on choke but dies when I Give it fuel. So that's why Iam here. I figure I'll start with the gas and filters. Unless anyone has some suggestions? I figure it's like a car you just have to work down a list of possible causes. I've never messed with a trimmer much but I guess im about to learn. I like fixing my own stuff I've fixed my car, washing machine, dryer and many other things so I'm grateful to ppl like you that make these videos! Some of us don't have a ton of money to blow buying new stuff or money to pay to fix things
Thank you for your in depth analysis and great advice ! Had a loose cover on my Homelite leaf blower held in by four torx bolts. Tightened them all and it fired on the first try ! Has been running great for several weeks now . Thanks to you I have learned that if a 2 cycle isn’t sealed properly , it won’t run. 😊
I own the exact same trimmer.. Got it at Lowe's years ago but the only thing I've done differently is I added a Shakespeare bump feed head and I use true fuel every other fill up and for the end of the season. The True Fuel seems to make my 2 cycle equipment last season after season.
Have almost the same, probably a year newer (no mechanical start). I also have the Shakespeare head on it also. The factory head is trash. Put a new carb on mine this year, thanks to Home Garage and other similar UA-cam channels. It runs like a champ now. I'd go with Stihl but I have too many attachments for this system.
@@OldChief3854 actually buddy. Stihl kombi motors have the square shaft receiver for non Stihl branded attachments! I have a km130r, and I use my MTD/poulan pole saw, hedge trimmer, and brush cutter attachment on it all the time. :) There's a slight "lining up" issue, and you sometimes have to move the attachment slightly to get it to "seat", but they are fully functional! Just an FYI in case you ever wanna upgrade to a Stihl kombi motor!
Usually half the time for a 2 cycle equipment is either the carb , fuel issue or the diaphragm on the carb for it non running or somewhat running . Nice work getting it going again 🔧
I found something amazing about the weed eater my friend gave me, the carb has an electric pump on top of the metering diaphragm which to me is uncommon, surprisingly the carb is in working condition😊
I also bought two weed wackers identical to the one in this video at two separate garage sales one last year and one the year before. The first one I got guy said he replaced carb and fuel lines but still wouldn't run and it was for the same reason. The loose screws on the starter. The second one just needed new fuel lines, primer bulb, filter, and carb cleaned. Both have worked great ever since.
I only experienced a similar issue about 22-23 years ago as an apprentice where Ryobi wasn't giving us much training when it came to servicing line trimmers as a service agent. My manager who had over 40 years of experience in repairing power tools as well as rewinding electric motors was stumped when a line trimmer wouldn't start,he followed Ryobis advice & replaced the carburettor but it wouldn't start after 8 hours of trying to figure out what was wrong with it. He said that he may as well let me have a crack at it so he handed the job over to me & I thought to check the gasket which was sandwiched between the cylinder & the insulator block which is fitted between the cylinder & the carburettor on a brand new machine ? The gasket was surprisingly damaged when it was fitted at the Ryobi factory so I ordered a new gasket, fitted it & the engine started & ran right away !
I have seen this particular problem a few years ago. Almost comical when you finally figure it out. I have one that was very similar to this, that I am working on now, that is more internal.Found out that the rings were sticking, and soon as I pulled the piston one of them broke. So hoping for a solution with new rings. I know exactly what you mean by picking up one that is clean. Sets off all kinds of alarm bells for me. That also make the challenge even more interesting, to know someone else couldn't get it to run. My turn, now. Love watching your videos, very helpful.
This reminded me when I recently fixed up two old gas trimmers; Ryobi SS26 and Ryobi 725re, with new parts and accessories successfully and they're still in great working order.
Hey bro what's up? This was a fairly easy repair and I also learned that even though the trimmer had problems staying running, it was partially the carburetor problem. I am happy to see that you resolved this problem quickly bro.
I am also working on one that has the same problem. It is missing bolt screws and I have done everything under the sun to make this run better so tomorrow I will figure out how to get some screws for that back part.
I have the Troy built version, same thing and has the starter option. Amazon has a tool to put in a drill that does the same thing for ten bucks. Fantastic option.
I got one of these last year as a rustler brand (identical, but orange) lightly used for $50. I use it for my business as a secondary so its probably had 100 hours put on it with nothing done, it even started right up just last week after sitting all winter with gas in it, along with all my other equipment lol
Was fixing a troy built and its just like this one glad i kept watching the video turns out it was spitting gas out the exhaust to and out the carb looked at that electric start port and it was completely loose as well tightened it and started fine adjusted carb good to go now thanks for video
I have one of these guys. The main problem with these is the air filter is a tiny sponge and doesnt do much, as it lets in many tiny particles into the carburetor. Ive had to clean this carburetor many times and everytime i do the diaphragms are covered in dirt. Ive retired it from weedwacker duty since i bought a Husqvarna 525LST, but since the Craftsman runs attatchments, it gets used for a bed edger, mini tiller, brush cutter and as a backup weedwacker. Ive put many hours of use on it and the engine hasnt died yet. I think most of these homeowner brands are perfectlt good, just most of them meet their fate to the hands of people not mixing fuel right and not maintaining it right
AWESOME!!!! Had a Craftsman since 2018 that I got from an eBay lot sale of big box store items that were returns. Been running it since then with a piece of rubber hose on the carb throttle arm to get it to run right fine since then, but this year it just DIED and wouldn't start. Tried a cheap $15 eBay carb, could start it with a drill motor but NOT by hand. Bought a carb from eReplacement parts and SAME issue. Googled the issue "can only start with a drill" (or something) & saw this video. I went out this morning & tightened the 3 torx screws, went to start it (it started) and then restart it and it worked PERFECT both times!!!! I'll try it again tomorrow, but I figure it should do the same thing, THANKS!!!! NEVER, would have considered that, but I did wonder where that fuel/oil mix was always coming from, and NOW I KNOW!!!!
OH YEAH, doesn't have that piece of rubber hose GOOPed onto the throttle arm anymore......so that carb was out of adjustment or just junk from the beginning, most likely both. BUY quality 1st and you won't have to deal with this stuff (Stihl, Echo, etc...)
I just picked up a weed eater just like this one. It doesn't have the battery start option but the opening is there and the cover seals the crank case. The crank journal pin rubbed a hole in the cover and caused the same scenario.
Right on. The other day I was using my aunties weed wacker, usually it runs just fine. But this time it just shut off on me, and since then I couldn’t get it to start again. However after watching this video, I do realize now that I need to adjust the engine idling.
I had one of these two days ago. I couldn't get the bumper thing off to replace the line. It was also very heavy so I put it out for free. It started every time.
I just killed mine today. Popped the chain off the pole saw attachment because some metal was near where some vines were. After putting the chain back on the thing wouldn't fire up, So I smashed the whole thing into about 5 different pieces.
Small engine repair will do that to you. I couldn’t get a few cheap weedeater brands to run, so I took them apart down to the piston. They’re now parts
Great video! Thanks for the info! I would love to see if there is a way to fix the chainsaw attachment ( extention ) repair. I have several and they won't turn the saw anymore. The saw works fine with no extention.
I have a TroyBilt TB22 that was always hard to start. I was using it and it died. Gas was good. I replaced the carb. no change. Replaced the coil still no change. I checked the spark by pulling the new plug and laying it on the head. Spark looks good, not great. Could you suggest the next steps? Thanks
@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE yeah... nobody lets me land airplanes or do their dental work because I don't know how... but everyone with a screwdriver is willing to open up a carb. 🤣
My dad just gave me his old craftsman weed wacker from like 20+ yrs ago. It hasn't been started in over a decade. I just took it apart COMPLETELY. I had some scoring on the piston and cylinder walls that I very carefully sanded down (there's still scoring, but it's been heavily reduced, and there's a noticeable improvement in compression). The gasket between the upper and lower parts of the cylinder was complete shot so I used an ultra black gasket maker. Everything was cleaned, and then I began reassembly. Every other gasket seemed to be in decent shape as well as the diaphragm. I'm not sure why, but I decided to back the gaskets up with the slightest amount of gasket maker as I reassembled. My question is... is that OK? I realize that you're really not supposed to use a gasket maker with a gasket, but I don't see the big deal. I also replaced the fuel lines and bulb because they were dry rotted. So in short, I rebuilt the motor and the carb salvaging everything I could. I cleaned every nook and cranny and resealed everything. New fuel lines, new bulb, new spark plug, new air filter. The O Ring or rear main seal is in good shape, but should I replace it anyway? Is there anything I'm missing?
to answer your question, I would not put sealer on the gasket, but you're free to try. I would check the compression with a gauge though, there's a difference in having good compression and "enough" to start and run.
I acquired this same model trimmer and its not running either! I will follow the steps you did here and see if that fixes the issue? I need one of those electric start units for mine!!
How about the electrical system? My trimmer does not have a spark. Replaced the spark plug, still no ignition. The whole engine needs to come out to replace the coil. Do you have any videos on that?
Before you try anything else, pry out the red switch on the handle and disconnect either of the wires from the switch. Then test for spark. Unfortunately no I don't have a video on replacing the coil on this particular model.
I wish there was a starting point for the carb adjustments. Like from scratch, turn both all the way clockwise, then give each one a full turn and a quarter. But i haven't seen that.
Thanks for another great video. I got that same exact trimmer. Same year and everything. Rebuilt carb. Has 90 on compression but very low to no spark. What should I do next????? Thanks in advance.
thanks Randy Cody for the comment. I would remove the coil, and clean the metal contact areas where it would touch the engine. Then I would use a business card to re-gap the coil.
I notice you open the throttle when you are starting. I usually have better luck if I don't touch the throttle while pull starting. If I open the throttle while pulling I sometimes flood the engine.
awesome. I'm trying to figure out if the spark plug should only have a small spring on top of it with a small 90 degree bent piece to go into the rubber cap or should the spring that sits on top of spark plug be a solid connection to the spark plug wire. I just took my spark plug wire off and what was sitting on top of the spark plug was a small spring with a bent piece of spring sticking off to one side. not used to seeing that.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Got the little springs 90-degree bent piece back in the small piece of wire, shoved it thru the cap and placed on a new spark plug. Replaced my primer bulb and ultimately had to clean out the small intake tube that goes from tank to bulb. When I did that and put it all back together I pressed the primer bulb and it immediately began to fill with gas. The hardest part of the whole thing was finding a small spring in the grass that I dropped during the process. So, for about $3.00 I fixed it adding a new primer bulb and spark plug!
I have the same one and it quit like the kill switch was hit, has compression and gets fuel. Also where did you get that starter? I was going to use a drill to start mine
Thanks for the video. I hate the reliability of my gas trimmers and I hate the performance of my new battery operated one more. Ready to get an old grim reaper sickle and scissors 😅
it depends if the crack extends to the other side of the cover, if so, then yes. The crack is not allowing the air to flow thru the carb like it's supposed to, so it's not going to work
I just bought the modern version of this one… its 25cc.. multi attachment… just the case slightly different looking… it started right up… but it wanted to run on the 2nd setting for a bit… once it was warm, it actually ran REALLY well… like… TOO well for its size…. Is this thing too lean or something…? I mixed up husqvarna synthetic oil mix… just like every other 2 stroke thing we have around here… i swear if you held this one wide open, theres no way it would last…
Good day, got one these the other day, what I saw was oil all over it , try pulling the pull cord it did not go up all the way, it seemed to be jammed what would cause all this and worst of all I was told that it has never been used( give me some ideas)
Ive seen a similar trimmer with that exact issue, however one of the bolt holes had actually stripped out and the bolt was missing. Ended up getting scrapped. Not a very good design to make the plastic shroud a part of the crankcase cover.
I'll check it out in the morning, I'll take a picture of the carburetor and show you, but I had to factory reset my phone last month, is there a way to send it to you
sure, it could be flooded, if so take the spark plug and leave the trimmer in the sun all day , then put the plug back in and try starting it but Do Not use the choke. If it doesn't start then the carb would be next up
My dad didn’t teach me anything about the mechanics or trouble shooting solutions to lawn care equipment and I’m having so many issues with my equipment.. currently can’t get the head off of my spool to get string out it’s a self winding spool but the string broke off inside it and I can’t get it out.
I have a 4 stroke troy bilt seed wacker wouldnot start even electstart i lost the fuel lines diagram, I have bought a new carb. and a primer bulb( the bulb with 3 ports) any help would help a lot thanks dave.
i got a craftsman tb2044xp, very similar to this one, ive only use the expensive premix fuel since i bought it new and its a few years old, i did let it sit for a few months during the winter but when i went to use it around spring time it would only run with the choke on, even after letting it warm up for a while. do you think its that screen in the carb? i havent touched anything/adjusted anything since it was working flawless, i did take the air filter off to see if it would operate without and it does the same still
the screen on the carb is a fail safe if the fuel filter should happen to come off the line. Have you looked in the tank and checked that it hasn't come off? Otherwise the carb only needs to be adjusted for a bit more fuel.
Hey bro so I’ve learned a ton from you and for that I thank you! Right now I’m stumped on something…So I found a home lite 26 cc trimmer. I bought a carb with fuel lines filter and air filter. I got it to start after I replaced everything but it wouldn’t restart. Compression was 155 psi and has spark. I tried to adjust carb but nothing is working. Any ideas? Thanks in advance
do me a favor, put a few drops of fuel into the spark plug hole and try starting it. If it starts runs you have a carb issue, If it does nothing then your engine might be flooded. If it's flooded try to unflood it
My first guess with this machine was the crankcase was full of fuel, causing a partial hydrolock condition, evidenced by seeing kickback twice when you first tried to pull it over. I would have then pulled the spark plug and inverted the engine to dump out any excess fuel. The spark plug would also have been very wet at that point. I could be wrong but I think the ultimate cause being an air leak may be confirming my theory.
You said the filter screen needed cleaning but you also removed the inlet needle, etc. I’d like to clarify that if one only wanted to clean the screen it’s easy enough to do by holding it with a pair of pliers or large tweezers and spraying with carb or brake cleaner.
Maybe this has already been covered but that carb doesn’t look OEM. Only way i know is because i have same weed eater and i just bought cheap carb online. Looks just like that one. My original one you couldn’t see screws going into the block and the throttle pivot looks different
Our craftsman has a clogged exhaust issue I think, because we have an echo that I took to a guy who only deals in echos and that was the problem it had. Same symptoms. I can’t figure out how to get to the exhaust system easily. Any tips?
Please correct me if I'm wrong but at 11:48 you said you were going to turn the "L" screw counter clockwise 1/4 turn but it looks like you are actually turning it clockwise. I played it back many times to be sure and it really looks like you are turning it clockwise. Can you confirm which, and is it important which way to turn it?
unfortunately you can't tell because I didn't show the handle, and only the metal end. But to increase fuel flow, counter clockwise is the direction we'd need to turn it.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Okay thanks. My craftsman is only about a year old and I could not get it started the other day. After cleaning the carb real good it will start for a brief second while choked but quickly dies and won't start again no matter what the choke setting is on. So frustrating. I guess I'll get a adjustment tool and hope that works. Any other ideas or advice? Thanks!
Hello just wanted to ask if you've been coming across new ish small 2 stroke equipment that won't run no matter what you do I owe a small engine and outboard shop and after market and new items I've had come in won't run right and it's been a small pinched peace of gasket or just rubber material stuck in the center of the main fuel jet in the middle of the carb body I've thought it's been kinda wild but haven't seen any videos of anyone running across this yet? Kinda makes me think of how many carbs I've probably trashed and that was the problem
From a person that knows absolutely nothing about motors, thank you. Mine had the same problem and I was able to fix it myself.
nice work and thanks!
I have a slightly newer model of the same trimmer but with no electric start. Last winter I was doing a long session of blackberry chopping and noticed I ran out of gas really quickly. I blamed myself for not putting the gas cap back on, but it seemed okay. Then it wouldn't start anymore. I blamed my gas mix, which should have also been okay (and has never hurt my chainsaw). It was only 4 months old and I got it so cheap at Lowes that I didn't want to pay anyone to fix it. I watched so many videos and ended up replacing the carb, spark plug, filter, gas cap. Still nothing.
I wish I found this video earlier. I took off the plastic back and sure enough there were signs that the back had loosened and that's where all my gas went.
Thank you so much!
no problem and thank you
I ain’t gonna lie we had one of these and used it to do 8 lawns every 4 weeks
and it lasted 4 years before it finally said No Mas. I ain’t even complaining it definitely did the job but getting it to start was always a hassle, even after installing carbs plugs and filters!
Another great video as always keep up the great content!
It's nice to see someone vouching for these little guys. You got your moneys worth out it. Thank you Chris's garage
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yup we definitely did! Thanks home garage
no problem
Last week I bought two trimmers at a yard sale for a reasonable price, both have identical motors and carbs like in this video but are much older. One of them is having the issue presented on the video, and I'm confident that I can get both of them running like new again. I am thankful to have learned valuable information from you.
thank you Nick_NT, I appreciate this comment a lot.
Fuel air and spark
@@robertroberts9782- forgot compression
The idea of an electric start is very convenient. What I don't understand is why it has to seal the fuel system. That seems like a poor design in my opinion!!!
@@aros007z And timing
I've had one of these for 14 years, and it just stopped running. One of my back screws was loose. A couple turns and now it runs. Amazing! Thanks for the video!
no problem and thank you
You and your videos helped me repair an abused mower
I appreciate your time and I'm glad I could help
@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Your always the man for the job ;)
I've never seen this either but I've never been this far into an 2-cycle either as far as internals. Glad you found the trouble! BLESSINGS!
You and me both!
Edit- well now I see it's not getting any fuel in the lines or bulb. Now gotta see what's causing that. Maybe replace lines snf bulb or just the bulb?
My craftsman gas trimmer only wants to start on choke but dies when I
Give it fuel. So that's why Iam here. I figure I'll start with the gas and filters. Unless anyone has some suggestions? I figure it's like a car you just have to work down a list of possible causes. I've never messed with a trimmer much but I guess im about to learn. I like fixing my own stuff I've fixed my car, washing machine, dryer and many other things so I'm grateful to ppl like you that make these videos! Some of us don't have a ton of money to blow buying new stuff or money to pay to fix things
agreed, that's why I'd change the fuel lines, and carb. Comes in kit and is very inexpensive.
Thank you for your in depth analysis and great advice ! Had a loose cover on my Homelite leaf blower held in by four torx bolts. Tightened them all and it fired on the first try ! Has been running great for several weeks now . Thanks to you I have learned that if a 2 cycle isn’t sealed properly , it won’t run. 😊
Glad it helped and you did a great job fixing it too!
I have that same trimmer with that same Issue (It won't stay on), now I feel confident working with it. Thank's for this Video... 👍👍👍👍👍
Glad it helped
Thanks!
Hey thank you very much for the Super Thanks, I appreciate it
I own the exact same trimmer.. Got it at Lowe's years ago but the only thing I've done differently is I added a Shakespeare bump feed head and I use true fuel every other fill up and for the end of the season.
The True Fuel seems to make my 2 cycle equipment last season after season.
yes, using canned fuel, is the bet advice I have for someone using 2 stroke equipment. It's amazing stuff.
Have almost the same, probably a year newer (no mechanical start). I also have the Shakespeare head on it also. The factory head is trash. Put a new carb on mine this year, thanks to Home Garage and other similar UA-cam channels. It runs like a champ now. I'd go with Stihl but I have too many attachments for this system.
@@OldChief3854 actually buddy. Stihl kombi motors have the square shaft receiver for non Stihl branded attachments! I have a km130r, and I use my MTD/poulan pole saw, hedge trimmer, and brush cutter attachment on it all the time. :) There's a slight "lining up" issue, and you sometimes have to move the attachment slightly to get it to "seat", but they are fully functional! Just an FYI in case you ever wanna upgrade to a Stihl kombi motor!
@@Nukemann64 Thanks. I appreciate the info. Definitely worth looking into.
Usually half the time for a 2 cycle equipment is either the carb , fuel issue or the diaphragm on the carb for it non running or somewhat running . Nice work getting it going again 🔧
thank you Turningwrenches85!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE your welcome
I found something amazing about the weed eater my friend gave me, the carb has an electric pump on top of the metering diaphragm which to me is uncommon, surprisingly the carb is in working condition😊
really, what kind of weed eater is it? I'd be interested in seeing it.
I bought this trimmer and edger attachment about 5 years ago. Always rand the 50:1 premixed fuel. Still running strong.
nice!
i just found a trimmer on the side of the road today in a trash pile, I came to this video for ideas. thanks for the info.
no problem and good luck with it
Did you get it started?
@rodola647 I did get it running. I had to adjust the idle screws, and it ran great. Let it sit for a little while and it won't start again lol
I also bought two weed wackers identical to the one in this video at two separate garage sales one last year and one the year before. The first one I got guy said he replaced carb and fuel lines but still wouldn't run and it was for the same reason. The loose screws on the starter. The second one just needed new fuel lines, primer bulb, filter, and carb cleaned. Both have worked great ever since.
very nice work!
I only experienced a similar issue about 22-23 years ago as an apprentice where Ryobi wasn't giving us much training when it came to servicing line trimmers as a service agent.
My manager who had over 40 years of experience in repairing power tools as well as rewinding electric motors was stumped when a line trimmer wouldn't start,he followed Ryobis advice & replaced the carburettor but it wouldn't start after 8 hours of trying to figure out what was wrong with it.
He said that he may as well let me have a crack at it so he handed the job over to me & I thought to check the gasket which was sandwiched between the cylinder & the insulator block which is fitted between the cylinder & the carburettor on a brand new machine ?
The gasket was surprisingly damaged when it was fitted at the Ryobi factory so I ordered a new gasket, fitted it & the engine started & ran right away !
nice work!
I have seen this particular problem a few years ago. Almost comical when you finally figure it out. I have one that was very similar to this, that I am working on now, that is more internal.Found out that the rings were sticking, and soon as I pulled the piston one of them broke. So hoping for a solution with new rings. I know exactly what you mean by picking up one that is clean. Sets off all kinds of alarm bells for me. That also make the challenge even more interesting, to know someone else couldn't get it to run. My turn, now. Love watching your videos, very helpful.
thank you very much for this comment!
gotta love easy repairs.
Yes although I still took the long scenic route to get to the answer
This reminded me when I recently fixed up two old gas trimmers; Ryobi SS26 and Ryobi 725re, with new parts and accessories successfully and they're still in great working order.
nice work
Yes, those trimmers blown that o ring constantly and the models without the electric start they tend to eat out the plastic seal with the shaft
thank you for the information
Hey bro what's up? This was a fairly easy repair and I also learned that even though the trimmer had problems staying running, it was partially the carburetor problem. I am happy to see that you resolved this problem quickly bro.
I agree thank you Ramadin Sookhoo!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE you're welcome bro
It's a fairly easy repair but it's a fault which stumps a whole lot of people !
Awesome as usual! New issue to learn, thanks for posting.
thank you Al Bowman!
I am also working on one that has the same problem. It is missing bolt screws and I have done everything under the sun to make this run better so tomorrow I will figure out how to get some screws for that back part.
good luck with it.
Loose crankcase cover, gonna have to remember that one, glad I watched this!
I also didn't know about that Craftsman starter module, pretty slick!
I know, first time for me too. Thank you Al Legory.
I have the Troy built version, same thing and has the starter option. Amazon has a tool to put in a drill that does the same thing for ten bucks. Fantastic option.
I got one of these last year as a rustler brand (identical, but orange) lightly used for $50. I use it for my business as a secondary so its probably had 100 hours put on it with nothing done, it even started right up just last week after sitting all winter with gas in it, along with all my other equipment lol
wow, what kind of fuel do you use?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE just 91 from the pump, and cheap echo 2 stroke oil
Was fixing a troy built and its just like this one glad i kept watching the video turns out it was spitting gas out the exhaust to and out the carb looked at that electric start port and it was completely loose as well tightened it and started fine adjusted carb good to go now thanks for video
thank you and nice work
Hmm I have never seen a trimmer that had an electric start. That would be helpful to me. But heaviness is also a concern for me. Great video.
thank you and yes I works great but it doesn't seem to last though
I have one of these guys. The main problem with these is the air filter is a tiny sponge and doesnt do much, as it lets in many tiny particles into the carburetor. Ive had to clean this carburetor many times and everytime i do the diaphragms are covered in dirt. Ive retired it from weedwacker duty since i bought a Husqvarna 525LST, but since the Craftsman runs attatchments, it gets used for a bed edger, mini tiller, brush cutter and as a backup weedwacker. Ive put many hours of use on it and the engine hasnt died yet. I think most of these homeowner brands are perfectlt good, just most of them meet their fate to the hands of people not mixing fuel right and not maintaining it right
thank you for sharing that and yes the filtration is a bit lacking
I have had that issue at least once.
thank you Brian King
Great job and video. I’m learning something new every time you post a videos 🙏👍🙏👍
It's always nice to see you In the Comment section RayFpv. I hope you're doing well
AWESOME!!!! Had a Craftsman since 2018 that I got from an eBay lot sale of big box store items that were returns. Been running it since then with a piece of rubber hose on the carb throttle arm to get it to run right fine since then, but this year it just DIED and wouldn't start. Tried a cheap $15 eBay carb, could start it with a drill motor but NOT by hand. Bought a carb from eReplacement parts and SAME issue. Googled the issue "can only start with a drill" (or something) & saw this video. I went out this morning & tightened the 3 torx screws, went to start it (it started) and then restart it and it worked PERFECT both times!!!! I'll try it again tomorrow, but I figure it should do the same thing, THANKS!!!! NEVER, would have considered that, but I did wonder where that fuel/oil mix was always coming from, and NOW I KNOW!!!!
OH YEAH, doesn't have that piece of rubber hose GOOPed onto the throttle arm anymore......so that carb was out of adjustment or just junk from the beginning, most likely both. BUY quality 1st and you won't have to deal with this stuff (Stihl, Echo, etc...)
no problem and I'm glad it worked for you.
agreed
I just picked up a weed eater just like this one. It doesn't have the battery start option but the opening is there and the cover seals the crank case. The crank journal pin rubbed a hole in the cover and caused the same scenario.
wow I haven't seen that before
Just found one of these today free and it runs for a moment but won’t stay so I’m thinking carb but we will see
hopefully you figure it out.
Excellent video. Straightforward and good closeups on everything you’re doing. Might give it a go myself.
I hope you do and thank you
Right on. The other day I was using my aunties weed wacker, usually it runs just fine. But this time it just shut off on me, and since then I couldn’t get it to start again. However after watching this video, I do realize now that I need to adjust the engine idling.
I'm glad you figured it out
I had one of these two days ago. I couldn't get the bumper thing off to replace the line. It was also very heavy so I put it out for free. It started every time.
did you consider that the bump head might have been "left hand thread"?
@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Yep, but it wouldn't come off either way. I hated it anyway. Dang thing probably weighed 25 lbs.
I just killed mine today. Popped the chain off the pole saw attachment because some metal was near where some vines were. After putting the chain back on the thing wouldn't fire up, So I smashed the whole thing into about 5 different pieces.
wow!
That's how I do small engine repair too. I just watch these videos to get to sleep.
Small engine repair will do that to you. I couldn’t get a few cheap weedeater brands to run, so I took them apart down to the piston. They’re now parts
Great video🎉! 1500 grit sandpaper to the clutch would help the head spinning from sticking.
great advice!
Thank You. Your tutorial helped a lot! It worked after 2 hours trying
no problem !
Great video! Thanks for the info! I would love to see if there is a way to fix the chainsaw attachment ( extention ) repair. I have several and they won't turn the saw anymore. The saw works fine with no extention.
interesting, I'll have to give it a shot and see if mine has an issue too. thanks
I have a TroyBilt TB22 that was always hard to start. I was using it and it died. Gas was good. I replaced the carb. no change. Replaced the coil still no change. I checked the spark by pulling the new plug and laying it on the head. Spark looks good, not great. Could you suggest the next steps? Thanks
sure have you checked the oil? Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinstall it and then pull out and read the level
It is a two cycle engine.
Pull carb and check the screen ?😊
I get a lot of those where the person probably wouldn't have touched it. It makes it more interesting LOL
make Sense right?
@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE yeah... nobody lets me land airplanes or do their dental work because I don't know how... but everyone with a screwdriver is willing to open up a carb. 🤣
My dad just gave me his old craftsman weed wacker from like 20+ yrs ago. It hasn't been started in over a decade. I just took it apart COMPLETELY. I had some scoring on the piston and cylinder walls that I very carefully sanded down (there's still scoring, but it's been heavily reduced, and there's a noticeable improvement in compression). The gasket between the upper and lower parts of the cylinder was complete shot so I used an ultra black gasket maker. Everything was cleaned, and then I began reassembly. Every other gasket seemed to be in decent shape as well as the diaphragm. I'm not sure why, but I decided to back the gaskets up with the slightest amount of gasket maker as I reassembled.
My question is... is that OK? I realize that you're really not supposed to use a gasket maker with a gasket, but I don't see the big deal.
I also replaced the fuel lines and bulb because they were dry rotted. So in short, I rebuilt the motor and the carb salvaging everything I could. I cleaned every nook and cranny and resealed everything. New fuel lines, new bulb, new spark plug, new air filter. The O Ring or rear main seal is in good shape, but should I replace it anyway? Is there anything I'm missing?
to answer your question, I would not put sealer on the gasket, but you're free to try. I would check the compression with a gauge though, there's a difference in having good compression and "enough" to start and run.
@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE good call because I been yankin this thing since I left the comment 😆 this weed wackers about to end up in the crick.
Ty for your video. I have the same trimmer and it starts just fine and runs but only with the choke on.....what do I do the
sure, try adjusting the carb to deliver more fuel. Try turning the L screw counter clockwise a half turn and see if it gets better
Thank you so much for your video. I really learnt a lot as there may be just the finest thing I may have missed. Cheers'
Glad you enjoyed it!
I acquired this same model trimmer and its not running either! I will follow the steps you did here and see if that fixes the issue? I need one of those electric start units for mine!!
if you go the electric starter route and have a decent power drill, just get the adaptor, it's much cheaper
How about the electrical system? My trimmer does not have a spark. Replaced the spark plug, still no ignition. The whole engine needs to come out to replace the coil. Do you have any videos on that?
Before you try anything else, pry out the red switch on the handle and disconnect either of the wires from the switch. Then test for spark. Unfortunately no I don't have a video on replacing the coil on this particular model.
I wish there was a starting point for the carb adjustments. Like from scratch, turn both all the way clockwise, then give each one a full turn and a quarter. But i haven't seen that.
My setting are not necessarily going to work for your carb.
Thanks for another great video. I got that same exact trimmer. Same year and everything. Rebuilt carb. Has 90 on compression but very low to no spark. What should I do next????? Thanks in advance.
thanks Randy Cody for the comment. I would remove the coil, and clean the metal contact areas where it would touch the engine. Then I would use a business card to re-gap the coil.
What kind of cleaning solution do you use to clean the weed eater before you work on them? Thanks!
no problem, I use the only degreaser Harbor Freight sells, it comes in a gallon jug
I notice you open the throttle when you are starting. I usually have better luck if I don't touch the throttle while pull starting. If I open the throttle while pulling I sometimes flood the engine.
reading your manual, and follow what it says.
Thank you, keep them coming!!!
You bet!
awesome. I'm trying to figure out if the spark plug should only have a small spring on top of it with a small 90 degree bent piece to go into the rubber cap or should the spring that sits on top of spark plug be a solid connection to the spark plug wire. I just took my spark plug wire off and what was sitting on top of the spark plug was a small spring with a bent piece of spring sticking off to one side. not used to seeing that.
yes it look funny when you look at it closely
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Got the little springs 90-degree bent piece back in the small piece of wire, shoved it thru the cap and placed on a new spark plug. Replaced my primer bulb and ultimately had to clean out the small intake tube that goes from tank to bulb. When I did that and put it all back together I pressed the primer bulb and it immediately began to fill with gas. The hardest part of the whole thing was finding a small spring in the grass that I dropped during the process. So, for about $3.00 I fixed it adding a new primer bulb and spark plug!
nice work
I have the same one and it quit like the kill switch was hit, has compression and gets fuel. Also where did you get that starter? I was going to use a drill to start mine
the starter can be bought at amazn.
Thanks for the video. I hate the reliability of my gas trimmers and I hate the performance of my new battery operated one more. Ready to get an old grim reaper sickle and scissors 😅
LOL!! I like this comment a lot, thanks for sharing it.
So if I have a Crack on the black cover in the back where the hole is.... that is causing it to fail? Air getting into the engine?
it depends if the crack extends to the other side of the cover, if so, then yes. The crack is not allowing the air to flow thru the carb like it's supposed to, so it's not going to work
I just bought the modern version of this one… its 25cc.. multi attachment… just the case slightly different looking… it started right up… but it wanted to run on the 2nd setting for a bit… once it was warm, it actually ran REALLY well… like… TOO well for its size…. Is this thing too lean or something…? I mixed up husqvarna synthetic oil mix… just like every other 2 stroke thing we have around here… i swear if you held this one wide open, theres no way it would last…
I don't see any problems yet, keep running it.
Would the idle screw need to be adjusted if the engine won't idle? I have the exact craftsman model you repaired in this video.
it might help but increasing the idle is only masking the real issue which is a carb problem
I have a trimmer like this,and the pin holding the connecting rod on the crankshaft back out,broke the plastic back cover.
wow, that's the first I've heard to that .
how do you get to the muffler and spark arrestor on this unit?
you don't get to the spark arrestor it's built into the muffler. To get to the muffler you need to take off the black plastic part of the engine.
I will check that tomorrow. It is a four cycle and if not, maybe you can help me out with getting it going, right
sure just ask
Good day, got one these the other day, what I saw was oil all over it , try pulling the pull cord it did not go up all the way, it seemed to be jammed what would cause all this and worst of all I was told that it has never been used( give me some ideas)
sure, if oil was every some might have made it into the combustion chamber and its hydro locking on the oil
The inlet hose is so tiny that it is hard to find a filter with out a part number, can you help ?
sure, I stretch the fuel line to make it easier to install the fuel filter.
I have Craftsman weed eaters you have to prime it a couple times then turn the choke hold the gas it dies
I would consider replacing the carb
Was that wd-40 you used? I couldn’t see the label
at what point in the video?
Ive seen a similar trimmer with that exact issue, however one of the bolt holes had actually stripped out and the bolt was missing. Ended up getting scrapped. Not a very good design to make the plastic shroud a part of the crankcase cover.
yes I can agree with that
I'll check it out in the morning, I'll take a picture of the carburetor and show you, but I had to factory reset my phone last month, is there a way to send it to you
sure
What's your email address to send you the photo
What was Rong with it mine does the same thing what do you think
sure, it could be flooded, if so take the spark plug and leave the trimmer in the sun all day , then put the plug back in and try starting it but Do Not use the choke. If it doesn't start then the carb would be next up
I have one were the cutting head sounds like it's scratching inside is that normal?
no, I think the grease in the head might be dried up
My dad didn’t teach me anything about the mechanics or trouble shooting solutions to lawn care equipment and I’m having so many issues with my equipment.. currently can’t get the head off of my spool to get string out it’s a self winding spool but the string broke off inside it and I can’t get it out.
Same brand as this but it doesn’t have an electric start.
I wish I could help
I have a 4 stroke troy bilt seed wacker wouldnot start even electstart i lost the fuel lines diagram, I have bought a new carb. and a primer bulb( the bulb with 3 ports) any help would help a lot thanks dave.
sorry I haven't done a break on the 3 lines yet.
Where'd you get that starter at?
I would get them from Amazn. But if you want it now, I'd go to Lowes.
What did you spray on the unit to clean it?
it was Super Heavy Duty Degreaser
How do you change the string line.
there are already detailed instructions and videos online
Do you know where to get a straight shaft mine is a curved shaft and I love to have a straight shaft like the one that you have on the weed eater
unfortunately it would have to used
i got a craftsman tb2044xp, very similar to this one, ive only use the expensive premix fuel since i bought it new and its a few years old, i did let it sit for a few months during the winter but when i went to use it around spring time it would only run with the choke on, even after letting it warm up for a while. do you think its that screen in the carb? i havent touched anything/adjusted anything since it was working flawless, i did take the air filter off to see if it would operate without and it does the same still
the screen on the carb is a fail safe if the fuel filter should happen to come off the line. Have you looked in the tank and checked that it hasn't come off? Otherwise the carb only needs to be adjusted for a bit more fuel.
Hey bro so I’ve learned a ton from you and for that I thank you! Right now I’m stumped on something…So I found a home lite 26 cc trimmer. I bought a carb with fuel lines filter and air filter. I got it to start after I replaced everything but it wouldn’t restart. Compression was 155 psi and has spark. I tried to adjust carb but nothing is working. Any ideas? Thanks in advance
do me a favor, put a few drops of fuel into the spark plug hole and try starting it.
If it starts runs you have a carb issue,
If it does nothing then your engine might be flooded.
If it's flooded try to unflood it
My first guess with this machine was the crankcase was full of fuel, causing a partial hydrolock condition, evidenced by seeing kickback twice when you first tried to pull it over. I would have then pulled the spark plug and inverted the engine to dump out any excess fuel. The spark plug would also have been very wet at that point.
I could be wrong but I think the ultimate cause being an air leak may be confirming my theory.
yes it certainly seemed to be hyrdolocking when I was pulling on it.
When I press the primer bulb no fuel goes in it. I remove it and the rest of assembly, put it back, remove the gas hose and sure enough fuel spils out
maybe there's a blockage in your line?
You said the filter screen needed cleaning but you also removed the inlet needle, etc. I’d like to clarify that if one only wanted to clean the screen it’s easy enough to do by holding it with a pair of pliers or large tweezers and spraying with carb or brake cleaner.
that works too, and yes, I only realized that it needed cleaning, after installing it, and then realizing fuel wasn't passing thru it.
What did you spray to clean it with
I use Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight
can you show how to restring it
I think I already have a video on one close to it. Let me see if I can find it.
Hey brother. What kind of app are you using for the free equipment
I use Craigslist and FB marketplace
Was that SimpleGreen you used to clean it
no it's a purple power cleaner bottle with Harbor Freight degreaser in it.
The diafragma were you buy those? My, are broken
I buy them on Amazon.
Thank you very much for answering, I almost give up on fixing my 4 year old trimmer, till I watched your video.
good luck to you
Where can I buy on of those pac man tools for carb adjustment
there are links in the description of the video and I've added a link in the video as well.
Thank you. It helped me alot
no problem
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I will use you again and again. You are number one on my recommendation list. It was easy.
What is a good and lowest compression for this engine?
I would like to see it at least 100 psi. Lower than that would indicate serious wear
Maybe this has already been covered but that carb doesn’t look OEM. Only way i know is because i have same weed eater and i just bought cheap carb online. Looks just like that one. My original one you couldn’t see screws going into the block and the throttle pivot looks different
sure there's a chance they changed it in the past.
Our craftsman has a clogged exhaust issue I think, because we have an echo that I took to a guy who only deals in echos and that was the problem it had. Same symptoms. I can’t figure out how to get to the exhaust system easily. Any tips?
on most craftsman trimmers the exhaust is not a serviceable part like it is on the echo. You have to replace the muffler
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ok, thanks so much for your reply!
no problem
Please correct me if I'm wrong but at 11:48 you said you were going to turn the "L" screw counter clockwise 1/4 turn but it looks like you are actually turning it clockwise. I played it back many times to be sure and it really looks like you are turning it clockwise. Can you confirm which, and is it important which way to turn it?
unfortunately you can't tell because I didn't show the handle, and only the metal end. But to increase fuel flow, counter clockwise is the direction we'd need to turn it.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Okay thanks. My craftsman is only about a year old and I could not get it started the other day. After cleaning the carb real good it will start for a brief second while choked but quickly dies and won't start again no matter what the choke setting is on. So frustrating. I guess I'll get a adjustment tool and hope that works. Any other ideas or advice? Thanks!
Do you have the part number or link for a metering diaphragm?
sure here's the one I used in the video.
amzn.to/3hsOR8F
I have a 2 year old trimmer. I used it one day and the day it wouldn't start. I change the spark plug. No start.
Hey anyone know how to remove the bolt on the head of a craftsman trimmer the shaft keep spinning
The link for the metering diaphram is dead.
thanks I'll change it.
Same model. How about it gathering grass at the top of the head. It just wraps up and kills my trimmer
yes, keeping that area clean is vital to the health of the head.
Hello just wanted to ask if you've been coming across new ish small 2 stroke equipment that won't run no matter what you do I owe a small engine and outboard shop and after market and new items I've had come in won't run right and it's been a small pinched peace of gasket or just rubber material stuck in the center of the main fuel jet in the middle of the carb body I've thought it's been kinda wild but haven't seen any videos of anyone running across this yet? Kinda makes me think of how many carbs I've probably trashed and that was the problem
no from what I've seen so far, I haven't seen that yet, although the season is still early so I'm going to give it some time.
Thank you for share!!
My pleasure!
what app do u use
I use FB marketplace