Good to see you Mike. I worked as a crew boss for a company that did spacing, Slashing and planting untill I got hurt and lost that leg. 99% of my crews used Sthil brushsaws. The Huskys were ok but the Sthils were better. Ahh, This thing has screws, , , Lets take it apart eh, LOL. Use only premium gas in your 2 strokes. The alcahol in reg will swell the ruber lines inside and make them brittle too. One other thing is make sure the spark arresor is clean. Again a good thing to use only premium fuels. New gas line will be a good thing for sure old friend> Take care eh !
How's she goin'? Thanks for the tips Dean!! The fuel lines were some brittle. Just like plastic. You know what? I'm not even sure this has a spark arrester. I bet it does though and I will certainly check it out!! I sure didn't want to mess up the whipper snipper as my sons were coming out the next day and I wanted to have them brush cut the property!! And they did a great job too!! LOL Thanks for the visit tonight Dean. I hope you are doing well and with winter coming I hope you have all your fall chores caught up!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop If it has one it will be a corse screen over the muffler outtput. I was running na new 3021 Husky 3021 120 CC saw with a 4 foot 120 CC' with a 4 foot x 404 bar and the spark arresor killed any power while in the middle of a 6 ft red cedar. It was a moment I will never forget when I no longer had control of a 200 ft tree. It turned off the stump and I thought I was a gonner. Hugs for Nannie J !
@@TomokosEnterprize Yikes!! That was a scary day I bet!! I had the spark arrester plug up on a chain saw, but it didn't cause me any trouble like that. But I was just blocking up hardwood off a pile!! Take care!!
Comment ca va mon ami? I was scared to go deeper into this brush cutter because I wasn't too sure what I was doing and I didn't want to break or damage anything. It started up the next day and I ran a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! LOL A la prochaine!!
Hello there Mike and thanks so much for your continued prayers for Nannie and I. God Bless you!! Since I had never been this deep into the brush cutter before and I wasn't too sure what I was doing, closing it up was a good move I think!! No harm - no foul: and I was able to use it the next day!! Thanks again for your support Mike and take 'er easy!!
2 thoughts for you to consider. 1) only run premium non-ethanol fuel in all your small 2 & 4 stroke engines. Ethanol is a killer because it is hydroscopic and actually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This issue is compounded when you use the small engine infrequently. 2) I would suspect your brittle fuel lines or the grommet the the fuel lines pass through on the tank are part of your problem…..especially after 15 years. I had a hard start issue on an echo trimmer of similar vintage. After some research I found that the issue could be a cracked fuel line or a leaking grommet. Indeed that was the issue. Now the echo runs as good as she did on day one. While you are changing the fuel lines change the in-tank fuel filter. One tip is you need to cut the fuel line on a 60 degree (or higher) angle to pass it through the fuel tank grommet. And one last tip that I follow with all my small engines is fuel stabilizer in the fall and add Sea Foam to the first tank of the season…..and discard any ethanol fuel that has sat over the winter in the tanks or in a gas can. Enjoy a one pull life.
How's she goin'? Thanks for these tips John!! I have to agree with all you have said. But here's the kicker for me. I don't use high test fuel. Instead I get regular (87 octane) and I always add Stabil fuel stabilizer. Now this is where I normally say, "I never have a problem." But, as you saw in this video, that's not true so I can't be saying that any more!! LOL I'm sure my hard start issues were caused by the old ethanol laced fuel. But the service I get with Stabil in the fuel is pretty good and I feel the need to change to high test is not warranted. But then you talk about the gas lines and grommets being brittle. Now again, I have to say I think you are right when you say the ethanol in the fuel is causing them to deteriorate at a faster rate. So to sum up, I agree with all you say and all the tips you mentioned and just maybe you are slowly getting me to change my mind about using regular fuel for small engines!! LOL . Thanks and take 'er easy!!
Hey Cathy! Thanks for the comment. Prayers are very powerful and Bernie is reaping the benefits form all the petitions for him, and we appreciate them too!! Yes more diagnostics on the FS90 are needed. All I need is some more time to work to it!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
I got the same Model.... works every time for the last 12 years. If I get concerned.... I'll take it to a shop to get fixed. Nice to see somebody brave enough to venture into a self repair / diagnostic.
How's she goin'? Thanks for commenting. These are pretty rock solid machines I'd say eh!! Your's being 12 years old and still going strong and mine being 15. Not too bad I'd say!! I don't think these machines are anything special, so once I get some spare parts on hand I'll dig into this again, but for now it's back working well. It started the next day and I ran a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! Take 'er easy!!
The comment keeps closing on me. 😁 I wanted to say that the fuel lines are a problem when they break. A little crack is worse. The line bleeds down and the weak diaphragm pump takes forever to pump up the fuel to the carb. I thought I had the solution when I pulled the plug and put fuel in the cylinder. It would start and run enough to fill the lines but I had to do it every week. The worst one was when the fuel line in a trimmer hardened up after it was sitting upside down for a while. The line was resting at about the half tank mark. I got it running but it only ran a while and quit. No amount of pulling got it going. Gas in the cylinder let it start but only for a few seconds. So a carb kit and fuel lines go into any of them I work on. I have replaced missing carbs but the rest come around with some cleaning and new diaphragms. That 15 year old Stihl is better than anything new you will buy. Good job getting it running. 😁😎
Hey there Dave!! The diaphragms are the weak link for sure eh!! The fuel lines on this were some stiff. Almost like plastic. I was some scared I would crack one and with no spares, the machine would be down and out and I had the kids coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the whole yard, so I needed it to go. I agree with you, changing the carb is a much better solution that trying to clean and rebuild them!! Take 'er easy!!
Stihl makes a great trimmer. When I bought mine, it quit working about two months after I bought it so I took it in for warranty work. Apparently, leaf cutter bees filled the muffler with leaves hence it would not start. It cost me $50, that is not covered under warranty. Still runs great. Thanks Mike. Stevo
How's she goin'? I agree. I'm pretty well sold on Stihl now too. When ever I have a small engine, especially 2 strokers, that won't start, a plugged exhaust is something I never think about. But if the exhaust can't get out, the fuel can't get in!! I think I better change my trouble shooting technique!! LOL Thanks for tuning in and take 'er easy!!
How's she goin'? Thanks Cathy!! The boys were all coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the property so I wanted to be sure this brush cutter worked. Because of that I decided to just 'lever'!! LOL I figured it would at least start, but if I kept digging at it, I may damage something and it wouldn't be operational when the kids showed up!! Thanks so much for watching and say Hi to Bill. Take 'er easy!!
How's she goin'? Thanks Steve. I was looking for parts like the fuel lines and so on but haven't really done any more on this whipper snipper since it started OK after this intervention. I'll check out your link and go from there. Thanks!! Take 'er easy!!
New amozon carb and fuel lines, should fix it. Just my thought Mike. After 15 years, ya fuel line could be leaking air in, or fuel out. I’m sure you’ll get it. Have a good one Mike and Janet. 👋👋👍🏻👍🏻
How's she goin'? Right on Noel. No sense spending time cleaning a carb when a new one is pretty cheap. I haven't touched it in 15 years so I'm not too troubled with having to change the carb! Thanks for watching. Take 'er easy!
Ya. 15 years is some good. Maybe not get that with a new one today. I think my red max weed eater is about the same age. Still works reasonable. But had a fuel leak this year where the grommet fits in to the tank that has the two fuel line going in. Easy fix thou. 👋👋👍🏻👍🏻
Lots of utube advice per your model. Most likely carb kit or new carb,fuel lines,fuel filter and purging bulb will get you going. Carb adjust tools available as kits with different configurations for adjustment screws. You might get by with just adjusting carb, but eventually you’ll need to do the above. Good luck - take pictures when disassembling for re-assembling help!
@@bc8968 How's she goin!! Thanks for chiming in and these are great tips. I think I will search out a new carb for the brush cutter. That's better than messing with the carb trying to clean and adjust it eh! I appreciate you commenting. Thanks again and take 'er easy!!
Hi Mike. Those little engines use to drive me nuts. I bought the first one nearly 50 years ago. For a while I would buy the tool and use it a year or two. Then in the spring it wouldn't start no matter how many times I pulled it. I ended up tossing it and getting a new one. I finally stopped buying them and went electric. After I retired and had time to fiddle with them I found that the little diaphragms in the carb would harden up and the reed valves would leak while the pump diaphragm would only stroke about half of normal.
How's she goin'? That sure seems to be the weak link in these small engines, the diaphragm and reed valves. But Stihl is doing something right because this machine is 15 years old and every year till now it would start up after a few pulls. Maybe the most was a dozen or so. This is with old stale mixed gas that is never drain. I think the carb may have some plugged ports and so I think a new carb would be better than trying to clean this one. We'll see though. The next day this started right up and I ran a tank of fuel through it!! So I'm in no rush to fix it if it ain't broke!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
I have the exact same unit. Well a FS 91. But basically the same. Good you got it starting better. Tough call. If you need it running tomorrow I think you made the right call. Over the winter maybe some new lines and spark plug and a good carb clean might pay off. 🤷♂️ Cheers, Mike.
Hello there Bdog! I tried messing with the high speed setting but it didn't make much difference. I think a new carb is in the cards for this puppy!! Thanks for the idea though and take 'er easy!!
How's she goin'? Thanks Mark!! We had a nice Thanksgiving. No turkey this year. With Nannie still not able to do her magic in the kitchen, I thought better of the idea of me trying to cook a turkey!! That would have been interesting I bet!! I hope you good folks did well and that you are still healing and are able to get back doing what you love!! Take 'er easy!!
You nailed it, pump the brakes. I had Stihl hedge trimmers that wouldn't start at all. I think it was a dried out diaphram. Ended up getting an entire knock off carb and accessory kit off Amazon for very little cost. Started right up after that.
How's she goin'? I think that's what I'm going to do too Ed. This started up the next day and ran good, but I think the diaphragm is getting wore out. A new carb and it'll be good for another 15 years! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Looks like you have yourself a great dancing partner! LOL Will certainly take your advice...I just for sure will be much better off just to "leave her!" Hope your week has been off to a wonderful start!
Hello there Bruce!! Since I had never had this machine apart and I needed it for the next day, I figured I better Ice the puck and 'lever' be!! LOL Tell Otis I said Arrf Arrf! Take 'er easy!!
I have Done the same thing before . Like you said if it is kinda working and you need to use it you haven't got time to wait on parts . I think you did the right thing. Now you have time to do some research and parts checking. Hopefully all is well with everyone and we'll keep on praying for you guys and we'll see you on the next one.
How's she goin'? We are so lucky to have you praying for us Ronnie!! Thanks and God Bless you!! If this brush cutter wasn't working at all, I would have kept going on this, but because it kind of worked and I needed it for the next day, I thought I better quit while I was ahead! LOL Take care!!
Nothing wrong with pumping the brakes and icing the puck 😁 In fact if you put it off a bit more there will be ice on West Loon Lake and you won’t need a brush cutter at that point 👍
How's she goin'? Ha Ha Ha! The ice will be here soon I'm sure. You know the loons on our lake are the best weather forecasters. In spring they show up as soon as there is enough open water to land and in the fall they'll leave and within a week the lake will start to freeze. They are still around so I'm thinking I have a little while before the lake freezes! LOL Take 'er easy!
Mike just a tip on those Stihl powerheads on their power equipment their is a throttle adjustment screw just by the carburetor. Their known to go out of adjustment. Just take a screwdriver and adjust it so it starts easy and runs good.
How's she goin'? Some nice to read your comment Vicky!! Thanks for that tip. The brush cuter started OK the next day but was kind of bogging down at high speed. I tried to tweak the carb but didn't have much success. I'll check out the throttle adjustment though. That's a good point. But I think, to be safe, I'll order a carb for it anyways. That way the next time it won't go I'll have the gear on hand and won't be so nervous to dig deeper!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Good tips ! I usually just leave them alone :) Yes those & chainsaws those little fuel lines dry out & crack after 15 years probably need changed, But it could just be a little crap in the carb, I'm sure you will have it purring before you need it in the spring 👍,Take care my friend
How's she goin'? Yes Don the fuel lines were like plastic!! And because I needed to use the brush cutter the next ay I didn't want to risk breaking one and having the machine out of service waiting for parts! I think a new carb is the best way to deal with this. Rather than trying to clean and rebuild this one. Thanks for your input though. I hope you are getting hunkered down for the winter Don!! It's getting cold around here so you must be well on the way to the cold temps. You know I'm kind of looking forward to plowing snow again!! LOL Take 'er easy!
How's she goin'? That's good thinking eh. I could have went deeper into this and really damaged something and I would have no brush cuter for who knows how long, but as it turned out, the next day it started up good and we ran a tank of fuel through it cleaning up around the property!! Thanks for the comment Jack. Take 'er easy!!
I have some experience with one of those engines and the big thing I had to do is readjust the valves and I had to gelt a special gaping tool from the dealer to adjust them and after I did that it was starting a lot better…..CHEERS
How's she goin'? Thanks for that info Gator. I never thought about the valves. I was thinking dirty carb or bad diaphragms. It could be the valves so I'll have to check them. I think a new carb is good plan too eh!! Thanks for watching and chiming in. Take 'er easy!
Good luck there Mike. I think you have it all figured out. If it was a two stroke, I would check the muffler spark arrestor. Not sure if the four stroke engines have them. Let us know what you find out and enjoy your week.
How's she goin'? Thanks Larry!! You know I never even thought of the spark arrester and that has been mentioned now on several comments. It completely slipped my mind. I think I'll have a look in the morning and see if it even has one! Thanks for dropping by the shop tonight and commenting. Have a great week!!
Hey there Gary!! It was kind of bogging down at high speed. I tried to tweak the carb high speed jet but it didn't make a lot of difference. I think the carb needs cleaning, or better still, a new carb all together!! Take 'er easy!!
Hello Grampie. Just a suggestion. You could probably buy the Hipa carb for it that comes with everything you will need. Good luck and have a great day my friend 🙏🔧👍
How's she goin'? Right on Artie!! That was what I was thinking too. I think it's a fool errand to try and clean and rebuild these carbs. With the prices of even a HIPA crab, it makes more sense to just get the new carb and all the parts and pieces that go with it and be back up and running in jig time!! Take 'er easy!!
Hi Mike, 15 year old still sounds ok, I would do some research on it and order the spare parts because you know what will happen it will break down right when your using it, hope Nannie is doing ok 👍
How's she goin'? Thanks for asking after Nannie. She is doing pretty good ya know. Nothing spectacular, but doing good!! I was kind of scared to work on this machine because I didn't want to damage anything, like the stiff and brittle fuel lines. I'll take your advice and do some research and order some spare parts before I tackle this again. I hope you are doing OK too Nev. Fall is setting in now and it's getting colder around here. I hope your fall is bringing you some nice weather!! Take 'er easy!!
@GrampiesWorkshop it's getting cold in the mornings, but turning nice by 10 am, getting logs sorted for the fires ,supposed to change again tomorrow back to heavy rain and high winds but see what we get,
Hello Mike. Looks to be running like a champ now. I would replace those fuel lines before next season, just the vibration will make them break plus they lose that tight seal where they go through the fuel tank. People ask me all the time if I work on weed whips or chainsaws, I tell them no because they always need fuel lines and usually a new diaphragm in the carb, to tedious for me, I work on my own 2 cycle stuff and that's enough 😂😂😂
How's she goin'? Dave, when I felt those fuel lines and they were like plastic, my first thought was 'get out of town'!! I think I was smart to close this job down and wait till I get a new carb and fuel lines. Then, once I have parts for back up, I 'll be less scared to dig into it! Thanks for commenting. I hope your summer was a good one Dave and that the winter isn't going to be too harsh!! I must say though, it'll be nice to get out and plow some snow!! Take 'er easy!!
@GrampiesWorkshop you were absolutely right to back off from those hard fuel lines. My summer was pretty busy , probably the busiest I've ever had, looking forward to relaxing this winter for sure
That looks like a good machine. I think you were right to not dig any deeper. We have just bought a full rebuild kit for our Stihl MS250 chainsaw, it is an overseas kit but it came with everything you could ever dream of ever needing to replace and it was not expensive. We did that so we could swap one part at a time to get to the bottom of the strange issues we have, that might be worth considering although I suspect you have a carb issue. We do find it very difficult working on these tiny machines
Hello there Joseph!! I think getting the whole carb kit is the way to go. Like you say, it's always finnicky to work on these carbs, so changing them makes more sense and you stand a better chance of success!! Thanks for your input!! Take 'er easy!!
I do the same thing Mike. I go as far as I'm comfortable then stop and hopefully it was just a plug or bad fuel. Check your spark arrestor if it has one. They get plugged.
How's she goin'? That's a good plan if you aren't too sure what's up. Unless the machine is broke to start with. You can't make it any more broke then eh!! That's a good point about the spark arrester though Kenny. Thanks for that. I'll have a look and see if it even has one!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
How's she goin'? Thanks Steve! The fuel lines were pretty brittle and I wasn't too sure how to disconnect or remove them so I chickened out of this job!! LOL Take 'er easy!
How's she goin'? You ain't lying!! I didn't want to dig deeper and risk breaking something real serious because I needed the machine the next day. Even the fuel tank vent line scared me as I thought I broke it, but it was just a kind of press fit, so I was OK with that one!! LOL I think a new carb is in the cards for this puppy!! Take 'er easy!
How's she goin'? Thanks Del. I think you nailed it with changing those fuel lines and the fuel too. That fuel, it's mixed 50:1, and has been there all summer so it's old. Probably that's why the carb is clogged too eh!! I appreciate you chiming in!! Take 'er easy!!
Good day buddy I have the same saw mine is around fifteen years or more I use it a lot for cutting brushes and trimming the grass it has never gave me any problems as of yet hopefully the carb cleaner will fix the problem take care have a great week
How's she goin'? These Stihl brush cutters are pretty rugged eh Tom. I have done nothing to this machine in the 15 years I have had it. Never drained the fuel, changed the plug or air filter. I leave the fuel in the tank over the winters and still it starts every spring. This year though it was hard to start in the spring and then this day I pulled till I was blue in the face and not even a burp. The carb cleaner sure helped but I think a new carb is in the offing!! LOL Take care!!
How's she goin'? Thanks Ed. Since I had never had the carb off this thing before I wasn't too sure what was up and I didn't want to make it so it wouldn't work as my sons were coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the whole property, so I wanted to make sure the brush cutter started!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
How's she goin'? That's kind of what I was thinking Lloyd. It started good the next day too and we ran a tank of fuel through it. But I think a new carb for this whipper snipper is a good plan so I think I'll order one just in case as they say!! LOL Thanks for watching!! Take 'er easy!!
Hi mike, I made a comment last night and it has disappeared! Maybe the UA-cam censors limit the amount of times a guy can say squirrel in a sentence, eh? That's a nice trimmer and I like the handlebars (just like the ones on my Husqvarna trimmer). Good call in putting the brakes on when you reach a point of indecision. I have taken many things apart over the years and sometimes to my regret. "If it 'aint broke -don't fix it" is advice I never heeded. Please, Mike....don't tidy up the shop. It looks just like my shop right now and it gives us a common bond. If you're going to be one of these guys that puts everything away, neat and tidy then we may have to part company. BUT....with your love of squirrels, I'll still hang around no matter how neat and tidy you get. Have a great week and say hi to Nanny. All the Best!
How's she goin'? I needed the brush cutter the next day or else I would have been on that repair like a squirrel on a peanut!! But since I needed it to at least kind of work the next day, I iced the puck to releve the pressure!! Then the next day it started right up and we put a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! I think it was just squirrel debris in the tank or carb that caused the problems. When the squirrel debris was cleared away then I was able to squirrel away all my repair tools and get the job done. I would have gone squirrely if I couldn't get it to run though. I would have curled up like a squirrel and just sat in the corner. But lucky for me it started and I was like a young buck squirrel in spring time. Running around and jumping from here to there and being a right jolly squirrel looking for lovin'!! And here I am chattering on like a squirrel so I better go!! Take 'er easy!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop Apparently a guy can use the word Squirrel many times and not get the message deleted. I watched your video, (the first time at 2 am ) during a bout of insomnia and It worked like a charm. Then this morning, I watched it again. There’s nothing better than than two of Grampies workshop videos 😂😀😎✅
@@EverydayProjects Glad I was able to cure your insomnia!! You know it is said that squirrels suffer from insomnia too. When they can't sleep they like to chew on wires and fabric on chairs and sofas and anything else that looks like humans would be mad about if it got damaged. Try that the next time you can't sleep!!
You provide a wonderful service, Mike. Entertaining content during the day and a quick return to sleep at 2 am. I for one, am proud of you 👍 How’s it done????
If I put the brakes on everytime I didnt know what I was doing, I wouldn’t do anything at all. My sthil trimmer wasnt working last summer, spark arrestor was plugged solid. Cleaned it off with a wire brush and propane torch and it worked great.
I remember you telling me about that Chris and I didn't even check to see if this one had a spark arrester. I bet it does though and after 15 years it's probably in need of a cleaning!! You know you would make a good maintenance man!! Love ya!!
How's she goin'? You ain't lying there Vernon! And with the price of a replacement carb, I think it's smarter to just replace the carb rather than try and clean and service the old one. So I think I'll order a new one for it!! Thanks for the watch. Take 'er easy!!
Big problem #1 "Stilh"..........LOL............I had to fact check your claim of this being 4 stroke......"fact"......never heard of such a thing.......oh this unit has a recall on the fuel cap in case you didn't know.......LOL...you'll get her.....
How's she goin'? It sounds like you're not a Stihl fan Bryan. LOL So far I have had nothing but good things to say about the Stihl equipment I have. This brush cutter is 15 years old and I never touched it, not even to change the plug or air filter, till this spring. I was surprised to know that this was a 4 stroker too. You mix the fuel, I go at 50:1, and it works great. Thanks for chiming in and take 'er easy!!
Good to see you Mike. I worked as a crew boss for a company that did spacing, Slashing and planting untill I got hurt and lost that leg. 99% of my crews used Sthil brushsaws. The Huskys were ok but the Sthils were better. Ahh, This thing has screws, , , Lets take it apart eh, LOL. Use only premium gas in your 2 strokes. The alcahol in reg will swell the ruber lines inside and make them brittle too. One other thing is make sure the spark arresor is clean. Again a good thing to use only premium fuels. New gas line will be a good thing for sure old friend> Take care eh !
How's she goin'? Thanks for the tips Dean!! The fuel lines were some brittle. Just like plastic. You know what? I'm not even sure this has a spark arrester. I bet it does though and I will certainly check it out!! I sure didn't want to mess up the whipper snipper as my sons were coming out the next day and I wanted to have them brush cut the property!! And they did a great job too!! LOL Thanks for the visit tonight Dean. I hope you are doing well and with winter coming I hope you have all your fall chores caught up!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop If it has one it will be a corse screen over the muffler outtput. I was running na new 3021 Husky 3021 120 CC saw with a 4 foot 120 CC' with a 4 foot x 404 bar and the spark arresor killed any power while in the middle of a 6 ft red cedar. It was a moment I will never forget when I no longer had control of a 200 ft tree. It turned off the stump and I thought I was a gonner. Hugs for Nannie J !
@@TomokosEnterprize Yikes!! That was a scary day I bet!! I had the spark arrester plug up on a chain saw, but it didn't cause me any trouble like that. But I was just blocking up hardwood off a pile!! Take care!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop LOL, I was 25 and in my young and dumb state. Good thing I learn quick eh.
Glad you got it working better but good advice to stop if it may cause more problems. Hopefully you can get the parts you need.
I think a new carb is in the future. They aren't that expensive and is a better plan than trying to clean and rebuild the old one!! Love ya!!
Good Evening Mon Ami, Nice sence of humor 😇👌👍Yes carburetor are often the culprit 👍🧐👌Be Well Mon Ami Cheers 🍻🍻
Comment ca va mon ami? I was scared to go deeper into this brush cutter because I wasn't too sure what I was doing and I didn't want to break or damage anything. It started up the next day and I ran a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! LOL A la prochaine!!
Always keep it simple! Usually works best for me! We are always praying for you and Nannie 🙏🙏🙏
Hello there Mike and thanks so much for your continued prayers for Nannie and I. God Bless you!! Since I had never been this deep into the brush cutter before and I wasn't too sure what I was doing, closing it up was a good move I think!! No harm - no foul: and I was able to use it the next day!! Thanks again for your support Mike and take 'er easy!!
2 thoughts for you to consider. 1) only run premium non-ethanol fuel in all your small 2 & 4 stroke engines. Ethanol is a killer because it is hydroscopic and actually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This issue is compounded when you use the small engine infrequently. 2) I would suspect your brittle fuel lines or the grommet the the fuel lines pass through on the tank are part of your problem…..especially after 15 years. I had a hard start issue on an echo trimmer of similar vintage. After some research I found that the issue could be a cracked fuel line or a leaking grommet. Indeed that was the issue. Now the echo runs as good as she did on day one. While you are changing the fuel lines change the in-tank fuel filter. One tip is you need to cut the fuel line on a 60 degree (or higher) angle to pass it through the fuel tank grommet. And one last tip that I follow with all my small engines is fuel stabilizer in the fall and add Sea Foam to the first tank of the season…..and discard any ethanol fuel that has sat over the winter in the tanks or in a gas can. Enjoy a one pull life.
How's she goin'? Thanks for these tips John!! I have to agree with all you have said. But here's the kicker for me. I don't use high test fuel. Instead I get regular (87 octane) and I always add Stabil fuel stabilizer. Now this is where I normally say, "I never have a problem." But, as you saw in this video, that's not true so I can't be saying that any more!! LOL I'm sure my hard start issues were caused by the old ethanol laced fuel. But the service I get with Stabil in the fuel is pretty good and I feel the need to change to high test is not warranted. But then you talk about the gas lines and grommets being brittle. Now again, I have to say I think you are right when you say the ethanol in the fuel is causing them to deteriorate at a faster rate. So to sum up, I agree with all you say and all the tips you mentioned and just maybe you are slowly getting me to change my mind about using regular fuel for small engines!! LOL . Thanks and take 'er easy!!
Buying premium fuel is only worth it if it is ethanol free. In Ontario it is getting very hard to buy ethanol free fuel
@@johnferris4237 Same here in NS.
Sounds like a diagnostic test smart to back off Love and prayers to you and Janet
Hey Cathy! Thanks for the comment. Prayers are very powerful and Bernie is reaping the benefits form all the petitions for him, and we appreciate them too!! Yes more diagnostics on the FS90 are needed. All I need is some more time to work to it!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
I got the same Model.... works every time for the last 12 years. If I get concerned.... I'll take it to a shop to get fixed. Nice to see somebody brave enough to venture into a self repair / diagnostic.
How's she goin'? Thanks for commenting. These are pretty rock solid machines I'd say eh!! Your's being 12 years old and still going strong and mine being 15. Not too bad I'd say!! I don't think these machines are anything special, so once I get some spare parts on hand I'll dig into this again, but for now it's back working well. It started the next day and I ran a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! Take 'er easy!!
The comment keeps closing on me. 😁
I wanted to say that the fuel lines are a problem when they break. A little crack is worse. The line bleeds down and the weak diaphragm pump takes forever to pump up the fuel to the carb.
I thought I had the solution when I pulled the plug and put fuel in the cylinder. It would start and run enough to fill the lines but I had to do it every week.
The worst one was when the fuel line in a trimmer hardened up after it was sitting upside down for a while. The line was resting at about the half tank mark.
I got it running but it only ran a while and quit. No amount of pulling got it going. Gas in the cylinder let it start but only for a few seconds.
So a carb kit and fuel lines go into any of them I work on.
I have replaced missing carbs but the rest come around with some cleaning and new diaphragms.
That 15 year old Stihl is better than anything new you will buy. Good job getting it running. 😁😎
Hey there Dave!! The diaphragms are the weak link for sure eh!! The fuel lines on this were some stiff. Almost like plastic. I was some scared I would crack one and with no spares, the machine would be down and out and I had the kids coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the whole yard, so I needed it to go. I agree with you, changing the carb is a much better solution that trying to clean and rebuild them!! Take 'er easy!!
Whipper snip…
That’s a new one for me.
🤣🤣🤣
I think I like it!
How's she goin'? Ha Ha ha!! We call these marvelous machines Whipper Snippers!! Not sure where that name came from though. Take care!
Stihl makes a great trimmer. When I bought mine, it quit working about two months after I bought it so I took it in for warranty work. Apparently, leaf cutter bees filled the muffler with leaves hence it would not start. It cost me $50, that is not covered under warranty. Still runs great. Thanks Mike. Stevo
How's she goin'? I agree. I'm pretty well sold on Stihl now too. When ever I have a small engine, especially 2 strokers, that won't start, a plugged exhaust is something I never think about. But if the exhaust can't get out, the fuel can't get in!! I think I better change my trouble shooting technique!! LOL Thanks for tuning in and take 'er easy!!
Hi Mike, You’re doing a great job! Keep up the good job!!🙏🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻. Cathy
How's she goin'? Thanks Cathy!! The boys were all coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the property so I wanted to be sure this brush cutter worked. Because of that I decided to just 'lever'!! LOL I figured it would at least start, but if I kept digging at it, I may damage something and it wouldn't be operational when the kids showed up!! Thanks so much for watching and say Hi to Bill. Take 'er easy!!
A 4mix engine , you just need to set the tappets on the valves. 10 thou each side on a medium hot engine. I emailed you a link for the kit.
How's she goin'? Thanks Steve. I was looking for parts like the fuel lines and so on but haven't really done any more on this whipper snipper since it started OK after this intervention. I'll check out your link and go from there. Thanks!! Take 'er easy!!
New amozon carb and fuel lines, should fix it.
Just my thought Mike. After 15 years, ya fuel line could be leaking air in, or fuel out.
I’m sure you’ll get it.
Have a good one Mike and Janet. 👋👋👍🏻👍🏻
How's she goin'? Right on Noel. No sense spending time cleaning a carb when a new one is pretty cheap. I haven't touched it in 15 years so I'm not too troubled with having to change the carb! Thanks for watching. Take 'er easy!
Ya. 15 years is some good. Maybe not get that with a new one today. I think my red max weed eater is about the same age. Still works reasonable. But had a fuel leak this year where the grommet fits in to the tank that has the two fuel line going in. Easy fix thou. 👋👋👍🏻👍🏻
Lots of utube advice per your model. Most likely carb kit or new carb,fuel lines,fuel filter and purging bulb will get you going. Carb adjust tools available as kits with different configurations for adjustment screws. You might get by with just adjusting carb, but eventually you’ll need to do the above. Good luck - take pictures when disassembling for re-assembling help!
@@bc8968 How's she goin!! Thanks for chiming in and these are great tips. I think I will search out a new carb for the brush cutter. That's better than messing with the carb trying to clean and adjust it eh! I appreciate you commenting. Thanks again and take 'er easy!!
Hi Mike.
Those little engines use to drive me nuts. I bought the first one nearly 50 years ago. For a while I would buy the tool and use it a year or two. Then in the spring it wouldn't start no matter how many times I pulled it. I ended up tossing it and getting a new one.
I finally stopped buying them and went electric.
After I retired and had time to fiddle with them I found that the little diaphragms in the carb would harden up and the reed valves would leak while the pump diaphragm would only stroke about half of normal.
How's she goin'? That sure seems to be the weak link in these small engines, the diaphragm and reed valves. But Stihl is doing something right because this machine is 15 years old and every year till now it would start up after a few pulls. Maybe the most was a dozen or so. This is with old stale mixed gas that is never drain. I think the carb may have some plugged ports and so I think a new carb would be better than trying to clean this one. We'll see though. The next day this started right up and I ran a tank of fuel through it!! So I'm in no rush to fix it if it ain't broke!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop As long as it is working and not showing distress run it. Otherwise we can end up spending more time worrying than using them. 😁😎
@@OldSneelock 10 - 4
I have the exact same unit. Well a FS 91. But basically the same. Good you got it starting better. Tough call. If you need it running tomorrow I think you made the right call. Over the winter maybe some new lines and spark plug and a good carb clean might pay off. 🤷♂️
Cheers, Mike.
Awesome G《☆》Good plan Brother👍🏾🍺🤳I wonder if the Carb mixture can be adjusted to get more RPM?? Happy BushWhacking✌🏼😎☯️
Hello there Bdog! I tried messing with the high speed setting but it didn't make much difference. I think a new carb is in the cards for this puppy!! Thanks for the idea though and take 'er easy!!
Good morning Mike and Nannie. I'll send my bush wacker over for its tune up! 😅 Stay well! 🌴👍🪵😊 Hope turkey day weekend was good. 🦃
How's she goin'? Thanks Mark!! We had a nice Thanksgiving. No turkey this year. With Nannie still not able to do her magic in the kitchen, I thought better of the idea of me trying to cook a turkey!! That would have been interesting I bet!! I hope you good folks did well and that you are still healing and are able to get back doing what you love!! Take 'er easy!!
You nailed it, pump the brakes. I had Stihl hedge trimmers that wouldn't start at all. I think it was a dried out diaphram. Ended up getting an entire knock off carb and accessory kit off Amazon for very little cost. Started right up after that.
How's she goin'? I think that's what I'm going to do too Ed. This started up the next day and ran good, but I think the diaphragm is getting wore out. A new carb and it'll be good for another 15 years! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Looks like you have yourself a great dancing partner! LOL Will certainly take your advice...I just for sure will be much better off just to "leave her!" Hope your week has been off to a wonderful start!
Hello there Bruce!! Since I had never had this machine apart and I needed it for the next day, I figured I better Ice the puck and 'lever' be!! LOL Tell Otis I said Arrf Arrf! Take 'er easy!!
I have Done the same thing before . Like you said if it is kinda working and you need to use it you haven't got time to wait on parts . I think you did the right thing. Now you have time to do some research and parts checking. Hopefully all is well with everyone and we'll keep on praying for you guys and we'll see you on the next one.
How's she goin'? We are so lucky to have you praying for us Ronnie!! Thanks and God Bless you!! If this brush cutter wasn't working at all, I would have kept going on this, but because it kind of worked and I needed it for the next day, I thought I better quit while I was ahead! LOL Take care!!
Good afternoon Mike !
How's she goin'? Thanks for watching Gary! Take 'er easy!!
Nothing wrong with pumping the brakes and icing the puck 😁 In fact if you put it off a bit more there will be ice on West Loon Lake and you won’t need a brush cutter at that point 👍
How's she goin'? Ha Ha Ha! The ice will be here soon I'm sure. You know the loons on our lake are the best weather forecasters. In spring they show up as soon as there is enough open water to land and in the fall they'll leave and within a week the lake will start to freeze. They are still around so I'm thinking I have a little while before the lake freezes! LOL Take 'er easy!
Mike just a tip on those Stihl powerheads on their power equipment their is a throttle adjustment screw just by the carburetor. Their known to go out of adjustment. Just take a screwdriver and adjust it so it starts easy and runs good.
How's she goin'? Some nice to read your comment Vicky!! Thanks for that tip. The brush cuter started OK the next day but was kind of bogging down at high speed. I tried to tweak the carb but didn't have much success. I'll check out the throttle adjustment though. That's a good point. But I think, to be safe, I'll order a carb for it anyways. That way the next time it won't go I'll have the gear on hand and won't be so nervous to dig deeper!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Thanks for sharing ,Grampie , take care , God Bless
How's she goin'? All I did was spray some carb cleaner in the throat and it's been running fine ever since!! Go figure!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Good tips ! I usually just leave them alone :) Yes those & chainsaws those little fuel lines dry out & crack after 15 years probably need changed, But it could just be a little crap in the carb, I'm sure you will have it purring before you need it in the spring 👍,Take care my friend
How's she goin'? Yes Don the fuel lines were like plastic!! And because I needed to use the brush cutter the next ay I didn't want to risk breaking one and having the machine out of service waiting for parts! I think a new carb is the best way to deal with this. Rather than trying to clean and rebuild this one. Thanks for your input though. I hope you are getting hunkered down for the winter Don!! It's getting cold around here so you must be well on the way to the cold temps. You know I'm kind of looking forward to plowing snow again!! LOL Take 'er easy!
Great job, Mike know your limits, and live to fight another day that's my thinking
How's she goin'? That's good thinking eh. I could have went deeper into this and really damaged something and I would have no brush cuter for who knows how long, but as it turned out, the next day it started up good and we ran a tank of fuel through it cleaning up around the property!! Thanks for the comment Jack. Take 'er easy!!
I have some experience with one of those engines and the big thing I had to do is readjust the valves and I had to gelt a special gaping tool from the dealer to adjust them and after I did that it was starting a lot better…..CHEERS
How's she goin'? Thanks for that info Gator. I never thought about the valves. I was thinking dirty carb or bad diaphragms. It could be the valves so I'll have to check them. I think a new carb is good plan too eh!! Thanks for watching and chiming in. Take 'er easy!
Good luck there Mike. I think you have it all figured out. If it was a two stroke, I would check the muffler spark arrestor. Not sure if the four stroke engines have them. Let us know what you find out and enjoy your week.
How's she goin'? Thanks Larry!! You know I never even thought of the spark arrester and that has been mentioned now on several comments. It completely slipped my mind. I think I'll have a look in the morning and see if it even has one! Thanks for dropping by the shop tonight and commenting. Have a great week!!
Well that sounded good!
Hey there Gary!! It was kind of bogging down at high speed. I tried to tweak the carb high speed jet but it didn't make a lot of difference. I think the carb needs cleaning, or better still, a new carb all together!! Take 'er easy!!
Hello Grampie. Just a suggestion. You could probably buy the Hipa carb for it that comes with everything you will need. Good luck and have a great day my friend 🙏🔧👍
How's she goin'? Right on Artie!! That was what I was thinking too. I think it's a fool errand to try and clean and rebuild these carbs. With the prices of even a HIPA crab, it makes more sense to just get the new carb and all the parts and pieces that go with it and be back up and running in jig time!! Take 'er easy!!
Hi Mike, 15 year old still sounds ok, I would do some research on it and order the spare parts because you know what will happen it will break down right when your using it, hope Nannie is doing ok 👍
How's she goin'? Thanks for asking after Nannie. She is doing pretty good ya know. Nothing spectacular, but doing good!! I was kind of scared to work on this machine because I didn't want to damage anything, like the stiff and brittle fuel lines. I'll take your advice and do some research and order some spare parts before I tackle this again. I hope you are doing OK too Nev. Fall is setting in now and it's getting colder around here. I hope your fall is bringing you some nice weather!! Take 'er easy!!
@GrampiesWorkshop it's getting cold in the mornings, but turning nice by 10 am, getting logs sorted for the fires ,supposed to change again tomorrow back to heavy rain and high winds but see what we get,
Hello Mike. Looks to be running like a champ now. I would replace those fuel lines before next season, just the vibration will make them break plus they lose that tight seal where they go through the fuel tank. People ask me all the time if I work on weed whips or chainsaws, I tell them no because they always need fuel lines and usually a new diaphragm in the carb, to tedious for me, I work on my own 2 cycle stuff and that's enough 😂😂😂
How's she goin'? Dave, when I felt those fuel lines and they were like plastic, my first thought was 'get out of town'!! I think I was smart to close this job down and wait till I get a new carb and fuel lines. Then, once I have parts for back up, I 'll be less scared to dig into it! Thanks for commenting. I hope your summer was a good one Dave and that the winter isn't going to be too harsh!! I must say though, it'll be nice to get out and plow some snow!! Take 'er easy!!
@GrampiesWorkshop you were absolutely right to back off from those hard fuel lines. My summer was pretty busy , probably the busiest I've ever had, looking forward to relaxing this winter for sure
That looks like a good machine. I think you were right to not dig any deeper. We have just bought a full rebuild kit for our Stihl MS250 chainsaw, it is an overseas kit but it came with everything you could ever dream of ever needing to replace and it was not expensive. We did that so we could swap one part at a time to get to the bottom of the strange issues we have, that might be worth considering although I suspect you have a carb issue. We do find it very difficult working on these tiny machines
Hello there Joseph!! I think getting the whole carb kit is the way to go. Like you say, it's always finnicky to work on these carbs, so changing them makes more sense and you stand a better chance of success!! Thanks for your input!! Take 'er easy!!
I do the same thing Mike. I go as far as I'm comfortable then stop and hopefully it was just a plug or bad fuel. Check your spark arrestor if it has one. They get plugged.
How's she goin'? That's a good plan if you aren't too sure what's up. Unless the machine is broke to start with. You can't make it any more broke then eh!! That's a good point about the spark arrester though Kenny. Thanks for that. I'll have a look and see if it even has one!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
interesting video Mike, good luck
How's she goin'? Thanks Steve! The fuel lines were pretty brittle and I wasn't too sure how to disconnect or remove them so I chickened out of this job!! LOL Take 'er easy!
" A man has to know his limitations"
How's she goin'? You ain't lying!! I didn't want to dig deeper and risk breaking something real serious because I needed the machine the next day. Even the fuel tank vent line scared me as I thought I broke it, but it was just a kind of press fit, so I was OK with that one!! LOL I think a new carb is in the cards for this puppy!! Take 'er easy!
Hey Mike , she sounded good when she cranked . I would change out the fuel lines and fuel .
How's she goin'? Thanks Del. I think you nailed it with changing those fuel lines and the fuel too. That fuel, it's mixed 50:1, and has been there all summer so it's old. Probably that's why the carb is clogged too eh!! I appreciate you chiming in!! Take 'er easy!!
Good day buddy I have the same saw mine is around fifteen years or more I use it a lot for cutting brushes and trimming the grass it has never gave me any problems as of yet hopefully the carb cleaner will fix the problem take care have a great week
How's she goin'? These Stihl brush cutters are pretty rugged eh Tom. I have done nothing to this machine in the 15 years I have had it. Never drained the fuel, changed the plug or air filter. I leave the fuel in the tank over the winters and still it starts every spring. This year though it was hard to start in the spring and then this day I pulled till I was blue in the face and not even a burp. The carb cleaner sure helped but I think a new carb is in the offing!! LOL Take care!!
Full watch Mike!
Good day eh! Thanks Gary. I appreciate your time buddy! Take 'er easy!!
H Mike - excellent advice and thanks for the video - cheers
How's she goin'? Thanks Ed. Since I had never had the carb off this thing before I wasn't too sure what was up and I didn't want to make it so it wouldn't work as my sons were coming out the next day and I wanted one of them to whipper snip the whole property, so I wanted to make sure the brush cutter started!! LOL Take 'er easy!!
Well you know Mike I'm a little hard to start to! 😂 And my wife says its better to just leave me alone🤣
How's she goin'? Ha Ha Ha! I can't believe that Marc! You might be hard to start, but once going, it's hard to stop you too I bet!! LOL Take 'er easy!
No need to go deeper if not needed. If a squirt will fix call it good for now. Cheers Mike
How's she goin'? That's kind of what I was thinking Lloyd. It started good the next day too and we ran a tank of fuel through it. But I think a new carb for this whipper snipper is a good plan so I think I'll order one just in case as they say!! LOL Thanks for watching!! Take 'er easy!!
nice Video🎉
How's she goin'? So nice of you to watch and comment. Glad you enjoyed the video. Take 'er easy!!
Hi mike, I made a comment last night and it has disappeared! Maybe the UA-cam censors limit the amount of times a guy can say squirrel in a sentence, eh? That's a nice trimmer and I like the handlebars (just like the ones on my Husqvarna trimmer). Good call in putting the brakes on when you reach a point of indecision. I have taken many things apart over the years and sometimes to my regret. "If it 'aint broke -don't fix it" is advice I never heeded. Please, Mike....don't tidy up the shop. It looks just like my shop right now and it gives us a common bond. If you're going to be one of these guys that puts everything away, neat and tidy then we may have to part company. BUT....with your love of squirrels, I'll still hang around no matter how neat and tidy you get. Have a great week and say hi to Nanny. All the Best!
How's she goin'? I needed the brush cutter the next day or else I would have been on that repair like a squirrel on a peanut!! But since I needed it to at least kind of work the next day, I iced the puck to releve the pressure!! Then the next day it started right up and we put a tank of fuel through it with no issues!! I think it was just squirrel debris in the tank or carb that caused the problems. When the squirrel debris was cleared away then I was able to squirrel away all my repair tools and get the job done. I would have gone squirrely if I couldn't get it to run though. I would have curled up like a squirrel and just sat in the corner. But lucky for me it started and I was like a young buck squirrel in spring time. Running around and jumping from here to there and being a right jolly squirrel looking for lovin'!! And here I am chattering on like a squirrel so I better go!! Take 'er easy!!
@@GrampiesWorkshop Apparently a guy can use the word Squirrel many times and not get the message deleted. I watched your video, (the first time at 2 am ) during a bout of insomnia and It worked like a charm. Then this morning, I watched it again. There’s nothing better than than two of Grampies workshop videos 😂😀😎✅
@@EverydayProjects Glad I was able to cure your insomnia!! You know it is said that squirrels suffer from insomnia too. When they can't sleep they like to chew on wires and fabric on chairs and sofas and anything else that looks like humans would be mad about if it got damaged. Try that the next time you can't sleep!!
You provide a wonderful service, Mike. Entertaining content during the day and a quick return to sleep at 2 am. I for one, am proud of you 👍 How’s it done????
@@EverydayProjects This is just one of the many services of Grampie's Workshop that usually goes un-noticed!!
If I put the brakes on everytime I didnt know what I was doing, I wouldn’t do anything at all. My sthil trimmer wasnt working last summer, spark arrestor was plugged solid. Cleaned it off with a wire brush and propane torch and it worked great.
I remember you telling me about that Chris and I didn't even check to see if this one had a spark arrester. I bet it does though and after 15 years it's probably in need of a cleaning!! You know you would make a good maintenance man!! Love ya!!
with the gas today, the carbs are usually the problem
How's she goin'? You ain't lying there Vernon! And with the price of a replacement carb, I think it's smarter to just replace the carb rather than try and clean and service the old one. So I think I'll order a new one for it!! Thanks for the watch. Take 'er easy!!
Big problem #1 "Stilh"..........LOL............I had to fact check your claim of this being 4 stroke......"fact"......never heard of such a thing.......oh this unit has a recall on the fuel cap in case you didn't know.......LOL...you'll get her.....
How's she goin'? It sounds like you're not a Stihl fan Bryan. LOL So far I have had nothing but good things to say about the Stihl equipment I have. This brush cutter is 15 years old and I never touched it, not even to change the plug or air filter, till this spring. I was surprised to know that this was a 4 stroker too. You mix the fuel, I go at 50:1, and it works great. Thanks for chiming in and take 'er easy!!