Hedge Trimmer: Runs For A While Then Dies

The carburetor’s purpose is to mix air and fuel together in the proper combination for combustion. A partially clogged carburetor can cause your trimmer to start normally, but die after it runs for a short while. You will find the carburetor underneath the air filter and can access it by removing the air cleaner cap. You may have to loosen any screws holding it in place. At this point, you can clean out your carburetor, as they do tend to get clogged up over time. The best way to clean your carburetor is to use a bristled brush and carburetor cleaner. You may consider purchasing a replacement carb kit to ensure the smaller parts of your carburetor are functioning properly. This problem can also arise if your carburetor is adjusted incorrectly, and your engine is being starved of fuel or air as a result. You can check for any adjustment screws, and attempt to adjust them as necessary. This can help to lean out the fuel flow, and can solve the problem. You should also check the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific model. Some carburetors are fixed, meaning they have no adjustments. To adjust the settings (if applicable), turn the screws all the way in, then back off a turn and a half. With your hedge trimmer idling, adjust the screw marked L until it idles well. Then, with your machine running at full throttle, adjust the H screw until the hedge trimmer is running normally. Your individual model may vary, so continue to adjust the carburetor screws until your trimmer is operating at peak performance.

A clean air filter is essential to the proper function of your hedge trimmer. Air filter cleaning should be part of the regular maintenance routine for your hedge trimmer. The filter allows clean-flowing air into the engine, and prevents small particles and other debris from entering the engine, causing internal damage. The air filter will need to be cleaned or replaced as it becomes clogged with small particles and debris, as these can starve the engine of air and result in poor performance. To complete this repair, locate the air filter cover and remove it. It may be attached by screws or just a tab. Once you have the cover off, simply remove the filter, replace it with a new one and reassemble.

The fuel filter is found inside the tank of your hedge trimmer and it helps to prevent dirt and debris from entering the fuel system, causing damage. When debris does get into the fuel system, it can result in poor engine performance, and cause your engine to stall, which is why it may have caused the “Runs for a while then dies” symptom. The good news is, you can easily fix a blocked fuel filter by using a hook and pulling it out of the fuel tank. The hook can be something as simple as an old coat hanger that you bend with a set of pliers. Once you’ve removed the fuel filter from tank, you can check if it is partially clogged. A clogged filter can limit the flow of fuel to the engine or even stop it altogether. A quick visual inspection should tell you if the filter is clogged, you can attempt to blow through it to check as well.

The gasket between the carburetor and intake manifold seals off any air from entering under the carburetor, and this creates a vacuum while the engine is in operation. Excess air that enters here will cause poor performance. This can mean the engine will not run, or it may die at full throttle. To replace the gasket, remove the air filter screws as well as the bolts under the carburetor. At this point you can check the gasket for any signs of leakage. However, the gasket will need to be replaced as they are only designed for one-time use. If you have determined that a leaking gasket is the issue with your trimmer’s performance, you should replace it and reassemble your trimmer.

Purchasing a new carburetor kit for your trimmer will allow you to easily tear down and rebuild your carburetor. We have decided to outline carburetor kits here due to the carburetor symptom above, not because it is a “replacement part” per se. A carburetor kit is a great way to restore your carburetor to new condition, which can prevent any further problems and keep your engine running smoothly. For more information on how to inspect and clean your carburetor, please look under the “Carburetor” heading on this page, and follow its directions.

Without clean fuel lines, your hedge trimmer’s engine can become starved of fuel. A partially blocked line will allow some fuel to flow but when you require more power it will restrict the flow of fuel starving the engine. To inspect the fuel lines for clogs or cracks, 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 where the fuel line feeds into it as well. Using a hook to reach into the fuel tank, grab the line and remove the fuel filter. At this point you should also inspect the fuel filter for clogs or damage, as it could be causing the same problem. To check the lines for a clog, you can simply blow through the lines, keeping an eye out for anything unusual coming out or any blockage. Lines should also be replaced if they are beginning to show signs of age and weather damage, as leaking from worn lines is a fire hazard.