Why Won't My Weed Eater Start?

There are many individuals who prefer to hire a professional to care for their lawns and gardens, but there are equally as many who choose to do it themselves. Home lawn and garden care can provide enjoyable time outside connecting with nature, but it can also prove to be quite frustrating and challenging if your lawn tools are not working properly. From lawn mowers to weed eaters, there are a number of tools one might use while gardening and each can come with its own unique set of challenges. One afternoon you might find yourself asking, “Why won’t my weed eater start?”

The answer to that frustrating question begins with which type of weed eater you own. If you are operating a gas powered weed eater, the answer may be as simple as you are out of gas. Check your tank, and add more fuel if necessary. If your tank is full, but your weed eater still won’t start, the problem may be the gas to oil ratio. If there is too much oil in your tank, your weed eater will not run properly, so be sure to check the instructions for your particular model and fill the tank with the exact oil to gas ratio. One way to ensure that you use the proper ratio is to mix the gas and oil in a separate container prior to pouring it in the tank.

A dirty air cleaner may also keep the engine from starting so clean it with soap and water if necessary. If your tank is filled with the proper ratio of oil and gas, your air cleaner is clean, and your weed eater still won’t start, the engine may be flooded. If you can smell fuel, that is most likely the case. Set your weed eater aside for approximately fifteen minutes to give the excess fuel time to vaporize, and then try to start it again.

An additional explanation for your weed eater not starting could be a spark plug that is not firing. If the tip of your spark plug is wet, then it may be ruined and should be replaced. When changing your spark plug, you should check your owner’s manual to ensure that you purchase the correct type and size. When it comes to installing the new spark plug, make sure that the gap is .025 inches.

If you have attempted all of the above remedies and your weed eater still will not start, then it may have a more serious problem. You should take your weed eater back to the point of purchase or an authorized repair center to have it checked out.