Weed Eater Does Not Stay Running – 7 Reasons

A weed eater is an essential instrument for any gardener to have. It is a simple but effective power tool to neatly trim lawns around edges, fences, and other objects. Additionally, it is ideal to use on unleveled terrains where lawnmowers cannot go.

String trimmers come in one of three varieties: petrol-driven, electrical (corded), or battery-powered. Whatever type you use, they all can significantly reduce the workload and time spent on a gardening project. If your weed eater malfunctions, it may temporarily or permanently stop working.

Either case will slow down any gardening work and cause delays in your schedule. Fortunately, simple solutions can often be used to fix the issue.

Most things that cause weed eaters to stop running are either fuel or engine related. Also, most of these issues occur in petrol trimmers rather than corded and battery-powered ones.

Fuel And Power-related Issues That Cause Weed Eaters To Stop Running

1. Insufficient, Dirty, Or Improperly Mixed Fuel

For petrol weed eaters, most operational issues are fuel related. A machine can stop working if it does not have fuel, or if the fuel was left in the weed eater over several months of storage. Additionally, running issues can occur if the fuel is contaminated with water.

Two-stroke engines will also fail to operate correctly if petrol and oil are not mixed in the correct ratio.

Solution

Before every use, check the fuel tank. Replace old fuel with a fresh mixture of clean and correctly measured fuel.

2. A Flooded Petrol Engine

Adding too much fuel or storing your petrol weed eater on its side can flood it with fuel. A flooded engine will not work properly.

Solution

The fuel tank must be filled up to the level instructed in the user’s manual. If the machine is stored on its side and stops, it must be set up right to rest for 15 minutes and then started up again. The fuel must be emptied after use to prevent future incidences, and the machine stored upright.

3. Faulty Batteries And Extension Cords

Most operational issues in cordless weed eaters are linked to their batteries. Similarly, most problems with electric trimmers are related to their power supply.

Solution

The batteries of cordless weed eaters must be fully charged and nestled into their housing units correctly. Electronic trimmers must be plugged into outlets securely, and faulty extension cords must be replaced. Additionally, ensure that you operate the weed eater at the correct electricity voltage.

During storage, remove the battery from the weed eater for the long life of the battery. This also helps the battery stay in top condition. Store the electric weed eater on a vertical hanger or a horizontal shelf.

For weed eaters that are corded, ensure that all parts of the unit are clean, and then wrap the power cord of the weed eater around the arm for storage.

Engine-related Issues That Cause Weed Eaters To Stop Running

1. Dirty Carburettor, Dirty Fuel Filter, Or Dirty Air Filter

The carburetor is an important part of a petrol weed eater. It controls the engine’s speed by the rate at which it feeds petrol and air into the engine. The fuel filter cleans out fuel before it reaches the carburetor.

Similarly, the air filter cleans the air before it reaches the carburetor. If the carburetor or filters are clogged, air and fuel will not flow normally, and the engine can stall. Old and unstable fuel in the weed eater could be the cause of your problems. Petrol fuel stays stable and useful for about 6 months after you purchase it.

Solution

The carburetor, air filter, and fuel filter must be regularly cleaned. The filters can be removed, washed, and dried, while the carburetor can be cleaned using carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, it can be replaced.

Remove all fuel from your weed eater’s fuel tank before storage for long periods of time. It saves you from working with old fuel and the problems of fuel leakages during storage. When you need to use the weed eater, put fresh petrol fuel in its fuel tank.

You may use the fuel that you drain from the weed eater in other petrol machines that you have.

2. Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor stops the engine from discharging sparks. It can become clogged with soot over time, and this may cause the engine to stall.

Solution

The spark plug arrestor can be removed and cleaned with a wire brush, or it can be replaced.

3. Dirty Muffler

The muffler removes hot ignited gases from the engine, helping it stay cool so that combustion can continue. Over time the muffler is clogged by carbon build-up. This will prevent heat from escaping and stop the engine.

Solution

The arrester screen in the muffler can be removed and replaced. Alternatively, it can be cleaned by heating it to red hot with a blow torch to burn off the build-up. Once cool, a soft cloth can then be used to remove any remaining dirt.

Protective gear must be worn.

4. Overworking Electric And Battery Weed Eaters

Weed eaters are mainly used to cut grass in uneven and overgrown areas or to create a neat finish. Electric and cordless machines are not very powerful, but they are more affordable and ideal for finishing jobs. Using either of them for large jobs can overwork their engines and cause them to shut down.

Solution

Check the owner’s manual on the capacity of your weed whacker and use it suitably.

Conclusion

Gloves, face shields, and other protective gear must be worn when fixing power tools, even for simple fixes. If your machine still stops running after trying simple home repairs, the services of a professional should be sought out.