Tips for a hard-to-start grass line trimmer
When your line trimmer is difficult to start, here are a few easy steps to try before you start tearing it apart.
Make sure the on/off switch is set to on.
Make sure the fuel tank has clean, fresh gas in it.
It's possible the engine has flooded with fuel. To fix this, place the choke lever in the off position, hold the throttle trigger fully open and pull the starter rope 5 or 6 times to clear the engine carburetor of excess fuel.
On models that have a primer bulb, press and release the bulb two times. This removes air in the fuel lines and puts fuel into the carburetor.
Activate the choke by moving the lever to the full choke position and pull the starter rope 3 or 4 times.
If the engine has not started, move the choke lever to half choke and pull the starter rope, 6 times maximum.
If the engine still won't start, the problem could be a faulty spark plug, fuel line or carburetor. See our DIY page for repair procedures for these symptoms.
Symptoms for gas line trimmers
Repair guides for gas line trimmers
If the line trimmer engine won't start even though there's fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these instructions to do the job in under 30 minutes.
If the line trimmer won't start even though there's fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these instructions to replace the carburetor in under 30 minutes.
The fuel line on a grass line trimmer deteriorates with time and eventually can split or crack. You can replace it yourself, following these instructions.
Articles and videos for gas line trimmers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your grass line trimmer.
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