Fixing A Stihl Trimmer That Won't Start

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Thanks for watching. Stihl equipment shouldn't need to be serviced because it's so expensive right? But what happens when you decide to cheap out, on parts.

This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[tjclarke]

30 years as a certified OPE technician, and Stihl Master Service tech, and everything you did in this video is exactly what we do in the shop. Sure, I give the quote to the customer with the OEM carb, then another with a carb off Amazon, and truth be told, the Amazon cheapo carbs works just fine, my advice is just go with that. Never even bother wasting time trying to clean the carbs anymore, it's a simple matter if "when in doubt, throw it out" when it comes to carbs. One thing to remember though, Stihl's hate inferior 2 stroke oil. Try to stick with Stihl oil, Castrol (they make it for Stihl), Lucas Oil, or even Echo oil. Using cheap oil or outboard marine motor 2-stroke oil will destroy a Stihl in short order. I mean it, I cannot stress that enough, I have a boneyard of FS130's and BR600's that were only a few months old but were destroyed because the owners chose to run cheap oil in the fuel mix.

[russl]

I find it far more economical and way less stressful to just buy an aftermarket carb. Some of the time they even include fuel filters, fuel line, extra bulbs, etc.

[FabianClarke-ei]

I've been watching many videos of fixing trimmer carburetors and this is, I believe, the best that I've seen so far. Straight forward, to the point and no fluff. Thanks for a great video. I will be looking out for you in the future.

[snodgress]

I’ve sold stihl equipment for 15 years and worked with top mechanics. Most of the problems we dealt with were bad gas, cheap oils or ethanol!

[ussreeves]

First, when I’m done using any of my two cycle equipment I dump gas back in the fuel/oil mix gas can I have. Then I start and run it until it quits. I was all the gas out of the carburetor that I can get out. I work on my own stuff and have used after market carbs on repairs I’ve made with very few issues. So I don’t fault you for using them. Thanks for the video.

[docpalazola]

You made the correct decision...get the aftermarket carb, because more than likely it will last nearly as long.
The important point here is Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance....and keep maintaining it.

[covishen]

I think you made the correct decision. You might have considered a carb kit, but those are pricey too. If you were running a commercial shop, let the owner decide, but you're doing this as a hobby..you get the idea. You got it running, that's what matters.

[jimbennett]

My Echo straight shaft brush cutter, leaf blower and pole chainsaw all eventually would not start. I cleaned and put a kit in the brush cutter carb but it still wouldn't start so I installed a after market carb and it started right up and has been running perfect now for three years. When the other two machines quit I went with new carbs out of the gate. All three run great and start easily. I started using racing fuel three years ago and believe the ethanol free, leaded fuel with no additives helps keep the fuel systems in good working order when not being used regularly.

[MavericksGoosed]

Working at a dealership of Stihl products i can say, yes stihl carbs are pricey. we've tried aftermarket and it's about a 50/50 shot they'll work. So we typically we stay away from them, just for the hassles sake and possible doubling the time invested in repairs. But for homeowners, i say go for it.

[tdarren]

I just got through installing my new China carburetor kit . It was $19.98.Everything was easy, went back together perfectly! It even came with new hoses, two extra fuel filters, a spark plug, and two extra primer bulbs. Which I replaced all of it. Other than an idle adjustment, I didn't have to adjust anything else. And now the weedeater runs perfectly! Thanks for the info sir.

[georgepruitt]

Good video! Over the years as a farm equipment/ lawn & garden tech, I've grown into the "Never-seize" habit. Spark plugs, exhaust hardware, etc get a dab of the stuff.

[JohnDavisoo]

You did the right thing. I had the same issue and ordered an after-market carb from Amazon for $13.00. It saved me a lot of time, and it worked perfectly. 😊

[joshuaspitler]

My FS40 had no spark. O bought an aftermarket coil and a carb. rebuild kit. After installation it still wouldn't start! Frustrated... I was looking online and found this. Your comment about cleaning the spark arrester made check mine, and was totally caked! I cleaned it and it started on the first pull... Thanks for your video!

[BigCarris__]

My older cousin has had this exact weedeater model for years in his lawn care business, and his still runs like a beast. Good chance I’ll invest a weedeater like this one, and also a straight shaft along with it.

[HenryMcneilis]

i found that when you clean a spark arrestor, its best not to use a wire brush. This is because when scratched, it creates a much better bonding surface for the carbon to adhere to. I like to use compressed air, but most of the time you dont have to use either. Nice job, appreciate the fine work

[patthesoundguy]

Nothing wrong with ordering the aftermarket carb because it's an easy way to at least have a rebuild kit if the cheap carb doesn't work well you can use the parts to try rebuilding the original carb. It's a great plan 😁

[rpgrigsby]

Great video!!! One of the best How-to videos I've ever seen. You covered all the bases and questions and then some.

[brianking]

I love aftermarket carbs and always recommend them. Some customers still insist on OEM which is fine if they are willing to pay for it.

[marshallcollins]

Your videography has gotten quite good. You made the right decision on the carb. Your co-worker should be a happy customer.

[geomark]

The carb looked very clean but the diaphragms had hardened. I personally would have purchased a carb re-build kit and tried to correct the problem that way. If the rebuild failed, I would go with the aftermarket carb like you did. I have this trimmer BTW and did rebuild mine successfully.