Craftsman 316791080 gas trimmer Parts

If your Craftsman gas trimmer model 316791080 is flooded, clear the excess fuel by opening airflow, drying the spark plug area, and pulling the starter to purge the cylinder; then restart using the correct starting procedure from the 316791080 owner's manual.

• Move the trimmer to a well-ventilated area and keep the cutting head clear of anything it can hit.
• Set the switch to ON.
• Open the throttle fully (wide open) and do not press the primer again.
• Pull the starter rope repeatedly until the engine begins to fire.
• If it still will not start, remove and dry the spark plug, then reinstall and try again.

Flooding usually means too much fuel is entering the engine, or the engine is not igniting it consistently.

• Dirty or over-oiled air filter (clean and re-oil at the recommended interval).
• Old fuel or incorrect 2-cycle fuel mix (fresh fuel matters, especially after storage).
• Spark plug fouled from repeated start attempts.
• Carburetor metering issue or sticking needle.

A flooded 2-cycle engine can foul the spark plug and wash oil off internal surfaces, making starting harder and increasing wear. Clearing the cylinder and using fresh fuel helps the trimmer start faster and run cleaner.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman 316791080 gas trimmer, you replace the cutting line by removing the bump knob, pulling out the inner reel and spring, then winding new 0.095 in. (2.41 mm) trimmer line onto the reel in the direction shown on the reel before reassembling the head. See the 316791080 owner's manual for diagrams and reel types.

• Correct trimmer line: 0.095 in. (2.41 mm) (OEM-spec line)
• Clean rag (to wipe the spool parts)
• Scissors or side cutters
• Gloves and eye protection

1. Shut the engine off and let the muffler cool; set the trimmer on a flat surface.
2. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob counterclockwise.
3. Lift out the inner reel, then remove the spring.
4. Clean the inner reel, spring, shaft, and inside of the outer spool; check the indexing teeth for wear or burrs.
5. Choose the correct method below (single line or SplitLine style).
6. Reinstall the spring and inner reel, then reinstall and tighten the bump knob.

• Cut about 20 ft (6 m) of line and fold it into two equal lengths.
• Insert each end through one of the two holes in the inner reel.
• Wind both lines in tight, even layers in the direction indicated on the reel.
• Keep a finger between the two lines while winding so they do not overlap.

• Cut about 10 ft (3 m) of line.
• Feed one end through a hole in the inner reel and pull through until about 4 in. remains.
• Insert the end into the open hole to form a small loop, then pull tight.
• Split the line back about 6 in., then wind in tight, even layers in the indicated direction.

Using the specified 0.095 in. line and winding it evenly prevents tangles, improves bump-feed performance, and helps avoid overheating or poor cutting caused by incorrect line size or incorrect winding direction.

Last updated: January 2026

For Craftsman gas trimmer model 316791080, we use a 40:1 gas-to-oil mix: thoroughly mix unleaded gasoline with 2-cycle oil for air-cooled engines in a separate fuel can, then fill the tank. The 316791080 owner's manual lists the exact mixing table.

Use fresh unleaded gasoline and a quality 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines.

• Use a clean, approved fuel container.
• Measure oil accurately; add oil to the can first.
• Add gasoline, then cap and shake to blend completely.
• Mix only what you will use soon so fuel stays fresh.
• Never mix oil and gas directly in the trimmer fuel tank.

• Hard starting or stalling
• Excess smoke and spark plug fouling
• Poor throttle response
• Carbon buildup in the muffler and exhaust port
• Reduced engine life

This 2-cycle engine depends on oil in the fuel for lubrication. The correct 40:1 mixture protects internal engine parts and helps the trimmer start, run, and accelerate normally.

Last updated: January 2026