How to troubleshoot your Weed Eater line trimmer when it runs rough
If the fuel has been in the tank unused for months, it can pick up moisture and fail to ignite (that's why you should drain the fuel before storing for the winter or add fuel stabilizer to the tank). Replace the fuel with fresh if it's old and untreated with stabilizer. You might also need to replace the fuel filter at the same time. Performing preventive maintenance including a line trimmer tune-up will also help the engine run smoothly.
Check the fuel lines for cracks and replace them if necessary. If you still have problems after checking those issues, consider replacing or rebuilding the carburetor.
Procedure for replacing the carburetor on your Weed Eater line trimmer
- Wear work gloves to protect your hands and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
- Remove the fuel cap and the drain the tank into an approved storage container.
- Take a digital photograph of configuration of the fuel lines attached to the carburetor, or make a diagram. Pull the fuel lines off of the carburetor, using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Remove the cover from the air filter housing and then remove the air filter.
- Use an Allen wrench to remove the 2 mounting screws that secure the carburetor to the engine. Pull the air filter housing off of the carburetor. Remove the carburetor from the side of the engine. The throttle cable is still attached to the carburetor. Take a digital photograph of how the throttle cable control cable connects to the carburetor or make a diagram. Disconnect the throttle cable and remove the existing carburetor.
- Insert the throttle cable on the new carburetor the same way it was installed on the original carburetor. Position the gasket on the nipples of the engine mount and hold the carburetor in place. Install the filter housing and secure it with the 2 mounting screws. Using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to 25 in./lbs. of torque. If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten them reasonable tightly.
- Referring to your digital photograph or diagram, connect the fuel lines to the new carburetor.
- Clean the air filter if necessary before installing it. Position the filter in place and close the cover on the filter housing. Connect the spark plug wire on the spark plug.