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My trimmer comes close to starting but does not. Help?
#1
N
Nikki6
N
Nikki6
I bought a gas trimmer last week off Craigslist because my old electric trimmer died. It ran when I bought it. Now I can't get it started. Well, actually it starts but for only a second or two. Then it dies. The instructions on the machine say to full choke it, prime 10x, pull 5x, move choke lever to middle, then pull to start it. I don't have the manual so I don't know what to try if that doesn't work, and it's not working, because I spent 30 minutes trying to start it. My arm is sore from pulling the rope so much. It has gas and oil (4 cycle). What might be the problem? I am not mechanically inclined and this is my first gas trimmer so please be gentle! Thanks.
#2
Carscw
Carscw
Will it start every time you prime it then die then start after priming it again?
I would buy a tune up kit. Comes with a primer bulb and new fuel lines and filter.
Even comes with a tool to install the new lines. Very easy to do and only about $10.
Also check the gas cap make sure the vent on or is not clogged.
I would buy a tune up kit. Comes with a primer bulb and new fuel lines and filter.
Even comes with a tool to install the new lines. Very easy to do and only about $10.
Also check the gas cap make sure the vent on or is not clogged.
#3
PVHIII
Is it a Troy built?...if not what brand is it? I know (all thanks to Ric) that Stihl makes a 4 stroke (4 mix) engine and Troy Built makes a 4 stroke..it has a crank case for the oil the 4 mix engine is a 4 stroke without crankcase and oil...you still have to mix gas and 2 stroke oil but it's a 4 stroke
PVHIII
I bought a gas trimmer last week off Craigslist because my old electric trimmer died. It ran when I bought it. Now I can't get it started. Well, actually it starts but for only a second or two. Then it dies. The instructions on the machine say to full choke it, prime 10x, pull 5x, move choke lever to middle, then pull to start it. I don't have the manual so I don't know what to try if that doesn't work, and it's not working, because I spent 30 minutes trying to start it. My arm is sore from pulling the rope so much. It has gas and oil (4 cycle). What might be the problem? I am not mechanically inclined and this is my first gas trimmer so please be gentle! Thanks.
Is it a Troy built?...if not what brand is it? I know (all thanks to Ric) that Stihl makes a 4 stroke (4 mix) engine and Troy Built makes a 4 stroke..it has a crank case for the oil the 4 mix engine is a 4 stroke without crankcase and oil...you still have to mix gas and 2 stroke oil but it's a 4 stroke
#4
Ric
Knowing the make of the machine would be a help. Right off hand it could be a number of things like your primer blub being cracked or the gas filter being plugged or maybe the air filter or the spark arrestor being plugged or you may want to replace the spark plug, but if your following the instructions on the machine I'd say you have the machine flooded big time.
Ric
I bought a gas trimmer last week off Craigslist because my old electric trimmer died. It ran when I bought it. Now I can't get it started. Well, actually it starts but for only a second or two. Then it dies. The instructions on the machine say to full choke it, prime 10x, pull 5x, move choke lever to middle, then pull to start it. I don't have the manual so I don't know what to try if that doesn't work, and it's not working, because I spent 30 minutes trying to start it. My arm is sore from pulling the rope so much. It has gas and oil (4 cycle). What might be the problem? I am not mechanically inclined and this is my first gas trimmer so please be gentle! Thanks.
Knowing the make of the machine would be a help. Right off hand it could be a number of things like your primer blub being cracked or the gas filter being plugged or maybe the air filter or the spark arrestor being plugged or you may want to replace the spark plug, but if your following the instructions on the machine I'd say you have the machine flooded big time.
#5
N
Nikki6
Yes it is Troy bilt. It has separate inputs for oil and gas.
N
Nikki6
Is it a Troy built?...if not what brand is it? I know (all thanks to Ric) that Stihl makes a 4 stroke (4 mix) engine and Troy Built makes a 4 stroke..it has a crank case for the oil the 4 mix engine is a 4 stroke without crankcase and oil...you still have to mix gas and 2 stroke oil but it's a 4 stroke
Yes it is Troy bilt. It has separate inputs for oil and gas.
#6
PVHIII
Well I have the Troy built TB 575 EC model with electric start and I have run the hell out of it.I keep fresh oil in it and my air filter clean and mine has been an excellent piece of equipment. I would listen to Ric he's been at this a while. It is something to do with your carb would be my guess.Make sure don't have a crack anywhere in your primer button or fuel lines,clean your air filter and change your spark plug.I don't know if they make a carb kit for it or not but you could Try some carb cleaner..you could have some trash in the carb...and NEVER run ethanol in it...it causes your fuel lines and primer button to crack and gums up your carb quickly.. I run nothing but premium non ethanol fuel in all my lawn equipment and I think it has paid off.but Ric knows more about all this than myself and he's polite and willing to help you so I'd follow his advice..good luck and by all means let us know what the problem was when your get it solved
PVHIII
Yes it is Troy bilt. It has separate inputs for oil and gas.
Well I have the Troy built TB 575 EC model with electric start and I have run the hell out of it.I keep fresh oil in it and my air filter clean and mine has been an excellent piece of equipment. I would listen to Ric he's been at this a while. It is something to do with your carb would be my guess.Make sure don't have a crack anywhere in your primer button or fuel lines,clean your air filter and change your spark plug.I don't know if they make a carb kit for it or not but you could Try some carb cleaner..you could have some trash in the carb...and NEVER run ethanol in it...it causes your fuel lines and primer button to crack and gums up your carb quickly.. I run nothing but premium non ethanol fuel in all my lawn equipment and I think it has paid off.but Ric knows more about all this than myself and he's polite and willing to help you so I'd follow his advice..good luck and by all means let us know what the problem was when your get it solved
#7
EngineMan
Now that we got this far, is there any reason why you can't tell us the model number, now that we know its Troy build.
EngineMan
Yes it is Troy bilt. It has separate inputs for oil and gas.
Now that we got this far, is there any reason why you can't tell us the model number, now that we know its Troy build.
#8
N
Nikki6
Yes, there is a reason. I can't find it anywhere. There is a small sticker on the bottom that says that its a troy bilt in the fine print, but I have no idea where to find it. There is a serial number (I think) on the side of the engine, but I don't think that's the same as the model number.
N
Nikki6
Now that we got this far, is there any reason why you can't tell us the model number, now that we know its Troy build.
Yes, there is a reason. I can't find it anywhere. There is a small sticker on the bottom that says that its a troy bilt in the fine print, but I have no idea where to find it. There is a serial number (I think) on the side of the engine, but I don't think that's the same as the model number.
#9
PVHIII
Post a picture of it that may be sufficient...I sent you a Private message... check your alerts at the top of page and clock on it and you should find it..or go on Troy Built's website and you should be able to find it there... They also have a phone number to call for assistance and there's several videos on you tube that may be helpful also some even posted by Troy Built
PVHIII
Yes, there is a reason. I can't find it anywhere. There is a small sticker on the bottom that says that its a troy bilt in the fine print, but I have no idea where to find it. There is a serial number (I think) on the side of the engine, but I don't think that's the same as the model number.
Post a picture of it that may be sufficient...I sent you a Private message... check your alerts at the top of page and clock on it and you should find it..or go on Troy Built's website and you should be able to find it there... They also have a phone number to call for assistance and there's several videos on you tube that may be helpful also some even posted by Troy Built
#10
N
Nikki6
OK, here is a picture. It has an electric start thing on it but I don't have the starter.
N
Nikki6
OK, here is a picture. It has an electric start thing on it but I don't have the starter.
#11
PVHIII
That's just like mine...It's the TB 575 EC model...Troy Built now makes a bit for your battery drill to start these things..I just picked one up for my mother in law last week at lowes..she's getting some age on her and I didn't want her yankin that thing anymore... but when these things are functioning properly there's not a trimmer on the market that starts as easy as it does so I don't need one but I do own the plug in version starter that I purchased when I got it a few yrs ago which I never use..the bit is $10 at lowes..you need to elaborate a little more about what you've tried so far to resolve your issue
PVHIII
View attachment 17938
OK, here is a picture. It has an electric start thing on it but I don't have the starter.
That's just like mine...It's the TB 575 EC model...Troy Built now makes a bit for your battery drill to start these things..I just picked one up for my mother in law last week at lowes..she's getting some age on her and I didn't want her yankin that thing anymore... but when these things are functioning properly there's not a trimmer on the market that starts as easy as it does so I don't need one but I do own the plug in version starter that I purchased when I got it a few yrs ago which I never use..the bit is $10 at lowes..you need to elaborate a little more about what you've tried so far to resolve your issue
#12
Carscw
Was looking at one in lowes for my mother ( she is 67 ) she has a hard time with pull starters. Only thing that is putting me off is troy built trimmers have a bad clutch. Have not used one in a few years so maybe they are better now.
Carscw
That's just like mine...It's the TB 575 EC model...Troy Built now makes a bit for your battery drill to start these things..I just picked one up for my mother in law last week at lowes..she's getting some age on her and I didn't want her yankin that thing anymore... but when these things are functioning properly there's not a trimmer on the market that starts as easy as it does so I don't need one but I do own the plug in version starter that I purchased when I got it a few yrs ago which I never use..the bit is $10 at lowes..you need to elaborate a little more about what you've tried so far to resolve your issue
Was looking at one in lowes for my mother ( she is 67 ) she has a hard time with pull starters. Only thing that is putting me off is troy built trimmers have a bad clutch. Have not used one in a few years so maybe they are better now.
#13
PVHIII
Really like mine...has lots of torque and has held up well for me
PVHIII
Was looking at one in lowes for my mother ( she is 67 ) she has a hard time with pull starters. Only thing that is putting me off is troy built trimmers have a bad clutch. Have not used one in a few years so maybe they are better now.
Really like mine...has lots of torque and has held up well for me
#14
D
DaveTN
D
DaveTN
Speaking of Troy-Bilt weed eaters, I saw about 40 sold at an auction last Saturday. High bidder got choice. $45 was the high bid and several were taken. Then they started the bid again and it went to $20 and several more were picked out. Then down to $10 and one or two more taken. That left about a dozen, so they combined that with a pile of Troybilts (new looking like the others) and sold them in one lot. Most were dis-assembled and in pieces except for the engines. Shafts, engines, heads all piled up together. I couldn't believe it brought $175. Not to mention 10% premium on top of it, PLU$ TAX! At any rate I thought it would go for about $25 to $45 and I got off at $35 or so. The guy that bought that pile of junk thought he had a bargain! But I've worked on various weed eaters over the years and there is nothing so frustrating as an engine that will hit a lick or two then pull your guts out trying to start it again. :thumbdown: My rule is this: If it don't start on the 3rd (hopefully) to the 5th pull, I find out what's wrong. This crap about pulling 10X and all that priming is for the birds as far as I'm concerned. I will not pull till I have winded myself and have blisters trying to start one, no matter what brand it is, nor how well it "runs" when it was running! However I do love that idea of the drill starting the thing. I've got to pick up one of those soon. Maybe get a deal this late fall or winter when deals can be found. Good Luck on getting it running.
#15
I
itguy08
I
itguy08
Have you tried with starting fluid or carb spray? What does the spark plug look like. Beware those use a "special" plug that is $5-10.
You may also want to try checking the valves - there is a procedure in the owners book about that. When mine started acting up I tried that first to try to get power back.
Also make sure you still have good oil level - mine loved to leak into the carb or onto the shed floor.
You may also want to try checking the valves - there is a procedure in the owners book about that. When mine started acting up I tried that first to try to get power back.
Also make sure you still have good oil level - mine loved to leak into the carb or onto the shed floor.
#16
PVHIII
There's a good chance the previous owner ran ethanol in it and the carbs gummed up...try carb cleaner and a new plug
PVHIII
I bought a gas trimmer last week off Craigslist because my old electric trimmer died. It ran when I bought it. Now I can't get it started. Well, actually it starts but for only a second or two. Then it dies. The instructions on the machine say to full choke it, prime 10x, pull 5x, move choke lever to middle, then pull to start it. I don't have the manual so I don't know what to try if that doesn't work, and it's not working, because I spent 30 minutes trying to start it. My arm is sore from pulling the rope so much. It has gas and oil (4 cycle). What might be the problem? I am not mechanically inclined and this is my first gas trimmer so please be gentle! Thanks.
There's a good chance the previous owner ran ethanol in it and the carbs gummed up...try carb cleaner and a new plug
#17
N
Nikki6
N
Nikki6
Some good news. I finally got it to run. But what a PITA. My brother gave me some carb cleaner to use but even that didn't seem to help much. This evening however, after 15-20 minutes of pulling on the cord (the best workout I've had in a while), it did fire and idle for a few minutes. Now, whether I can repeat that when I try to use the it on grass and weeds, well, we will see. I never anticipated it would take 250+ pulls (just a guess) to start the thing.
#18
PVHIII
Go to Lowes and get the bit if you have a battery drill...it's only $10...I'd say you have a nice piece of equipment there once you get this minor issue resolved... mine has been terrific.. but this is the problem of buying used equipment... the "pita" as you put it could be the previous owner.. it's just like any other engine.. proper maintenance is the key to having reliable engines..even commercial grade equipment will fail you if not properly maintained.. using good oil..burning good fuel...keeping the air filter clean..changing the plug..stored properly in the winter..I crank and run my stuff in the winter I myself think that's' the best way to store them in the winter..don't store them so to speak....run them year round...and remember... NO ETHANOL
PVHIII
Some good news. I finally got it to run. But what a PITA. My brother gave me some carb cleaner to use but even that didn't seem to help much. This evening however, after 15-20 minutes of pulling on the cord (the best workout I've had in a while), it did fire and idle for a few minutes. Now, whether I can repeat that when I try to use the it on grass and weeds, well, we will see. I never anticipated it would take 250+ pulls (just a guess) to start the thing.
Go to Lowes and get the bit if you have a battery drill...it's only $10...I'd say you have a nice piece of equipment there once you get this minor issue resolved... mine has been terrific.. but this is the problem of buying used equipment... the "pita" as you put it could be the previous owner.. it's just like any other engine.. proper maintenance is the key to having reliable engines..even commercial grade equipment will fail you if not properly maintained.. using good oil..burning good fuel...keeping the air filter clean..changing the plug..stored properly in the winter..I crank and run my stuff in the winter I myself think that's' the best way to store them in the winter..don't store them so to speak....run them year round...and remember... NO ETHANOL