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Anybody know anything about fixing string trimmers/weed eaters?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by trdracing5, May 3, 2009.

  1. May 3, 2009 at 11:27 AM
    #1
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Anybody know anything about fixing string trimmers?
    I have one that worked until last week and I want to try and fix it (money is too tight to buy another plus the less I spend on this project the more I can spend on my Tacoma).
    It is a Poulan Pro 131 string trimmer.
    I can not get it to start.
    I tore it apart and replaced the following:
    1. all lines
    2. fuel filter
    3. carborator
    4. spark plug
    5. primer bulb
    Put fresh gas in it.
    I still can not get it to start.
    Someone told me to try and spray some carb cleaner in the choke to see if it would run. I did and it actually ran for 30 seconds. This was promising so I dont want to give up on it yet.
    Anyone got any ideas what to check next?
    <<For reference: http://72.3.225.179/manuals/86192.pdf
     
  2. May 3, 2009 at 11:42 AM
    #2
    steve r

    steve r Well-Known Member

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  3. May 3, 2009 at 11:42 AM
    #3
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    even though you replaced the primer bulb...........when you prime it, can you actually see it squirting gas in there?
     
  4. May 3, 2009 at 11:45 AM
    #4
    David Tarantino

    David Tarantino Well-Known Member

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    try to find chris4x4 iam sure he can help you :D
     
  5. May 3, 2009 at 11:47 AM
    #5
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Did you check the inlet -and/or air filter where the air comes in?

    I've had situations where this inlet/air filter gets sooo clogged up with shit/clippings/dust/grass, etc. that it doesn't start.
     
  6. May 3, 2009 at 11:59 AM
    #6
    David Tarantino

    David Tarantino Well-Known Member

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    do you have the mix right gas/oil
     
  7. May 3, 2009 at 12:23 PM
    #7
    Marc M

    Marc M Dirty White Boy

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    What about the filter in the fuel tank??

    Marc M
     
  8. May 3, 2009 at 12:28 PM
    #8
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Got the right fuel mixture 40:1.
     
  9. May 3, 2009 at 12:28 PM
    #9
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Replaced the fuel filter in the tank.
     
  10. May 3, 2009 at 12:32 PM
    #10
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes you can see the gas moving in the tubing from the tank to the primer bulb and from the primer bulb to the carb.
     
  11. May 3, 2009 at 12:36 PM
    #11
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I sprayed some more carb cleaner in the carb and it ran for about 10 minutes. I used it for a while and trimmed up some grass.
    It finally just stopped and I can not get it started again.
    Got to be something simple that I just can not get right.
     
  12. May 3, 2009 at 12:37 PM
    #12
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    That's a great idea! Chris can "fix" anything.:D
     
  13. May 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM
    #13
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I would LOVE to help. :D
     
  14. May 3, 2009 at 12:40 PM
    #14
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    take the spark plug out and dry it/clean the tip.....sounds like a fuel delivery problem...although you have replaced everything. maybe the magneto or the coil needs cleaned.(i know...that has zero to do with fuel delivery)
     
  15. May 3, 2009 at 12:47 PM
    #15
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just went out and played with it some more. It seems possible that it has something to do with the spark plug wire. I could not get it to start and I jiggled the sparkplug wire and it started. I am not sure if this is coincidence or not. Does anyone know how I can test to see if the spark plug wire is bad?
     
  16. May 3, 2009 at 1:09 PM
    #16
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    you can get one of those plug testers from autozone or northern tool for about 5 bucks....they plug onto the spark plug and the wire to see if you are getting spark. maybe you need to take the cover off and see if the wire is loose.
     
  17. May 3, 2009 at 3:53 PM
    #17
    David Tarantino

    David Tarantino Well-Known Member

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    the thing have a turbo on it when your done :D
     
  18. May 3, 2009 at 5:31 PM
    #18
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Or catch fire like my last one. :(
     
  19. May 3, 2009 at 8:23 PM
    #19
    Krazie Sj

    Krazie Sj Resident Jackass

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    Cut and cauterize the grass. Don't want it bleeding out all over the place.
     

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