Hedge Trimmer: Engine Lacks Power

The job of the carburetor is to ensure the correct mix of fuel and air enters the engine for combustion. Over time carburetors tend to gum up, particularly if fuel has been left in your trimmer for a long period, such as over the winter. If your carburetor is gummed up or clogged it can result in a lack of power. However, you may be able to clean the carburetor with specially designed carburetor cleaner and a soft brush. This can result in the engine running at full power again. However, your carburetor also has springs that control the carb’s butterfly valves, and these can also become loose or damaged. When this occurs, they will need to be replaced. Luckily, this is an easy repair that can be down with a pair of pliers. When you remove the springs, be sure to note how they come off, so you do not install the new springs backwards. This will cause the carburetor to malfunction. Another solution to this symptom is to reset the high idle screw. To do this, simply turn the screw all the way in then back off a turn and a half. Then, at full throttle, adjust the screw so the engine is running properly. This may take a few attempts to set the carb properly, but once it is set, it may result in your trimmer running at full power again.

A clean and properly functioning air filter is essential to the ability of your trimmer to run at full power. Its main function is to allow clean flowing air into the engine and prevent small particles from damaging internal engine parts. Over time, the air filter will need to be replaced as it becomes clogged with small particles and debris, thereby starving the engine of air. An engine that is starved of air will not be able to run properly at full power. To inspect the filter for clogs, simply remove the air filter cover. It may be attached by screws or just a tab. Once you’ve removed your air filter cover, you can pop out the filter and replace it if necessary.

The job of the fuel filter is to stop debris and dirt from entering the fuel system and causing any clogs which would limit the amount of fuel to the carburetor. When this occurs, the air/fuel mixture becomes incorrect, causing a loss of power. The fuel filter is inside the fuel tank, and to repair or replace it, you will need a hook to insert into the fuel tank to grab the fuel line. At the end of the line is the filter, which you can simply pull off and replace. Some models you may have to push the grommet on the side of the tank into the tank first, and then hook the fuel line.

The gasket on your trimmer’s carburetor provides a seal on the carburetor so that air and fluids do not enter areas where they are not supposed to go. A tear or rip in the gasket above or below the carburetor will pull excess air into the engine, preventing a correct fuel/air mix for combustion. This can result in a less powerful trimmer, which can affect its ability to perform the intended task. To check gasket for damage or leaks, remove the air filter and bolts holding the carburetor down. If the gasket is loose or damaged it will need to be replaced, as they are for one-time use.

The job of the spark plug is to ignite the air/fuel mixture. A worn, dirty, oily, or improperly gapped spark plug can cause a weakThe job of the spark plug is to ignite the air/fuel mixture. A worn, dirty, oily, or improperly gapped spark plug can cause a weak spark, which can misfire or detonate and cause a loss of power. Detonation can cause severe internal engine damage as well. When you disconnect the spark plug and determine it is worn or fouled, you will most likely need to replace it before it returns to full working condition. You will also need to make sure the new plug is gapped to the manufacturer’s specifications. When you install the new plug, do not over-tighten it, as spark plugs are fragile. spark, which can misfire or detonate and cause a loss of power. Detonation can cause severe internal engine damage as well. When you disconnect the spark plug and determine it is worn or fouled, you will most likely need to replace it before it returns to full working condition. You will also need to make sure the new plug is gapped to the manufacturer’s specifications. When you install the new plug, do not over-tighten it, as spark plugs are fragile.