Weed Eater manufactures a variety of gas string trimmers that are acceptable for all types of jobs. String trimmers come in the factory preadjusted, but for one reason or another, you may realize that your machine runs somewhat erratically. As an instance, if you live in the mountains, then your trimmer may begin sputtering and stalling since the factory setting produces a fuel-air mixture that is too rich at higher altitudes. A fundamental carburetor adjustment is all that is necessary, and as you are at it, then you should undertake a few other maintenance tasks.
Carburetor Adjustment Tool
The carburetors on all tiny engines, such as string trimmer engines, have adjustment screws that allow you to regulate the motor performance at high and low rates. All these are set at the factory, and to deter tampering, manufacturers often use screws that need a special socket driver to flip them. You can purchase this tool at a hardware store, but you might not have to. Force a plastic cable connector on the end of a Phillips screwdriver and use the other end of the connector to turn the screws. Use a connector small enough to fit through the recesses, but large enough to match the screws.
Before Adjusting the Carburetor
If your string trimmer is sputtering or cutting badly, the issue could be related to air circulation. Start the adjustment by removing the air filter and cleaning or replacing it. The air filter is generally located on the face of the machine using a plastic cover protecting it. On most string trimmers, you can simply unscrew the screw that holds the cover in place by hand and then remove it, which allows you to get to the air filter. It’s also advisable to look at the spark plug and clean it or replace it when it’s worn. Worn spark plugs or those in need of cleaning ordinarily have a burnt deposits on the end. To get to the spark plug, then simply get rid of the boot covering it and then use a spark plug wrench to remove it. You also need to check the gas for moisture by pouring it into a pan; replace the gas should you see beads of water to the surface. It’s important to perform all of these maintenance tasks before correcting the carburetor; should you do them later, you may have to correct the motor again.
Adjusting the Carburetor Screws
There are two recessed screws; you is really a low-speed adjustment, and the other is for high speed. Begin by starting the motor — if it won’t begin, flip the screw, which is normally the left-hand one, a quarter turn counterclockwise and try again. Repeat until the motor begins; then, adjust this screw, then along with the slotted idle thread situated just above it, until the engine idles smoothly. A common process of correcting the high-speed screw is to flip it all the way clockwise, and then back it off by a full turn. Check your owner’s manual to confirm this — on a few carburetors, you may have to back it off by another quantity. After making this adjustment, the motor should operate smoothly at full throttle.
Additional Trimmer Adjustments
A gasoline-powered string trimmer can be tiring to operate if you don’t adjust the grip to make holding the tool comfortable. You normally do this by loosening the screws on the grip using a socket wrench and sliding the grip along the shaft. You should be able to support the tool with your arm at waist height and while completely extended. The length of the string is essential to the functioning of your trimmer. When it’s too short, the trimmer won’t cut properly, and when it’s too long, the motor will do the job too difficult. If your trimmer head does not automatically lengthen the string, then you may have to bump the head on the ground while the motor is running to perform it. A knife on the deflector trims the string to stop it from getting too long.