Look for fuel or spark plug problems first
1 of 2Photo 1: Flooded engine
Remove the spark plug and dry it with a blast from your air compressor or a can of compressed air.
Blow air into the cylinder to dry it out.
2 of 2Photo 2: Starting fluid test
Spray a one-second burst of starting fluid into the air intake. Reassemble the filter and try starting
the engine.
Having trouble starting a
balky two-cycle leaf blower,
string trimmer or chain saw?
Here’s what to do.
Check for a spark. If you’ve
primed the engine and
pulled the cord but still get
no sign of life, disconnect the
spark plug boot from the plug
and insert a paper clip. Hold
the rubber boot and move the
end of the clip about 1/8 in.
from the engine while you
pull the cord. Look for a
spark to jump the gap. No
spark? Take it to a pro.
Check the fuel system. If you
have a spark, check the fuel
system. Remove the spark
plug and examine the tip. If
the tip of the plug is wet, the
engine is flooded, proving
that it’s getting fuel. Perform
the drying procedure shown
in Photo 1. Then reinstall the
plug and try starting the
engine again.
Try starting fluid. If the
engine isn’t flooded or it still
won’t start, try starting fluid.
Find the air intake and
remove the air filter. Spray a
one-second burst of starting
fluid into the air intake.
Reassemble the filter and try
to start the engine. If it still
won’t start, that means it’s
not getting any fuel. It’s time
to take the unit in for professional
repair.
Avoid old gas. The major
reason for balky engines is
old fuel. If your gas is more
than a few months old, it’s
likely the cause of your starting
problems. Get rid of it by
taking it to your neighborhood
recycling center. Refill
your gas can with fresh gas
and add a fuel stabilizer. If
you’ve been running old fuel
through the engine, you may
have to take the machine in
to remove the varnish from the carburetor.
