Hedge Trimmer: Hard To Start

Your hedge trimmer’s carburetor mixes air and fuel together so that they have the proper mix for combustion to occur. To determine if the carburetor is making your hedge trimmer hard to start, first locate it underneath the air filter, and remove air cleaner cap. Carburetors can become gummed up easily in 2-stroke engines. You may need to clean the carb using a carburetor cleaner and a soft brush for the inside. Next, check that the choke valve is functioning properly. It should be closed to allow the air/fuel mixture to be rich for starting. If it is not functioning properly it may require a new cable, rod or switch depending on the model and how it is attached, as different models are set up differently.

You can find your hedge trimmer’s air filter on top of the carburetor. 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, starving the engine of air and power. To do this, simply remove the air filter cover by the tabs or screws that hold it in place, and if it looks heavily soiled, you may need to replace it.

The fuel filter can be found inside the fuel tank and its job is to prevent debris from entering the carburetor and damaging the engine. You can remove the fuel filter buy using a hook and pulling it out of the fuel tank. Once you have removed it from the tank, check to see if it is partially clogged, as this can limit the flow of fuel to the engine. On some models, you may have to remove the grommet on the side of the tank and push the fuel line into the tank so you can pull the fuel filter up. Clean any debris from the filter, and remove it by pulling it gently off the line and then blow through it and check for obstructions, if you suspect an obstruction, replace filter and reassemble in reverse order.

Undamaged and properly functioning gaskets are essential to any small engine’s performance. They are made to seal pieces tightly together, preventing air and fluids from entering areas where they should not be. A damaged gasket below the carburetor will pull excess air into the cylinder, creating a lean mixture. This can make your hedge trimmer difficult to start. To determine if a loose gasket is causing this symptom, start by removing the air filter and loosening the carburetor bolts. At this point, you can check the condition of gasket. You should be looking for tears or rips or any indications of leaks. Gaskets are a one-time use so you will have to replace your gasket at this point regardless of its condition. Once you’ve installed the new gasket, you can reassemble each part in reverse order.

Your hedge trimmer’s spark plug ignites the mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber, and this powers the trimmer. If your engine is difficult to start, you can test the spark plug to ensure it is operating properly. To inspect the spark plug, first remove the wire harness from the plug. Be sure that you are careful in doing so, as they are somewhat fragile. Next, remove the spark plug and check its condition. Sometimes on a 2-stroke engine, spark plugs can develop an oily build up as a result of improper oil and gas mixture. If this is the case, it can affect the spark plug’s performance, so you will need to clean the plug and re-gap to the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures the timing of the spark plug is optimal for high engine performance. You will also want to check for any breakage, melting, and corrosion on the plug. If you see any of these symptoms, you will likely need to replace the plug and once again ensure it is gapped to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The purpose of the primer bulb is to pull fuel through the fuel line into the carburetor by creating a vacuum. Pressing it twice should be enough fuel to mix with air for combustion. If after pumping it twice, the engine is still difficult to start, you should check the primer bulb for any leaks. This can be accomplished by a simple visual inspection where any leaks should be easily visible. You may also notice the smell of fuel or witness fuel dripping from the bulb as you press it. The primer bulb can also pull air in if it is cracked. To replace it, simply pull the bulb off with a pair of pliers. Next, grab a small pick, and reach into the gap where the bulb came from to pull out the clip and clean out the housing. At this point, install the new clip on the primer bulb with the tabs facing out. Take a socket that fits over the primer bulb and push it into the housing by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet. Make sure the metal clip is as far in as it can go without damaging the primer bulb. These installation instructions could differ slightly depending on your model, but many will follow these directions.

A carburetor kit contains all the parts you need to tear down and rebuild your carburetor. The carb kit itself will not cause this symptom directly, but purchasing one and using it to replace old or damaged parts of your carburetor can help to restore your carburetor to its former condition. This can prevent any future problems and keep your engine running smoothly.

The purpose of the fuel lines is to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor, where it is mixed with air for combustion. If the fuel lines are cracked or clogged, not enough fuel will reach the engine, making it difficult to start. To inspect the fuel lines for a crack or clog, first pull the fuel line off the carburetor gently using a twisting motion and do the same on the fuel tank. Some models may require you to remove a rubber grommet on the side of the tank first where the fuel line feeds into. You can simply blow through the lines looking for anything unusual that comes out. You will be looking for thick oily substances or any blockage in the lines. If you do in fact find anything unusual, you may want to consider replacing the lines. Lines should also be replaced if they look old, or are cracked, as they could leak and cause a safety concern.