Small engine repair

[Spidubic]

We bought a McCulloch gas grass trimmer on the weekend for $20. Cleaned it all up, replaced the spark plug, check for a clean tank then filled it up and followed starting instructions. Did not fire or even attempt to fire but it moves smoothly. I can see gas move in the lines when I prime. Well until. The one gas line snapped. Know anyone that does work on these engines? Or is it worth it?

[mario]

If it was a solid metal or hard plastic line that broke then maybe you can repair it with a clear plastic flexible hose joining the two broken ends and held there snugly with plastic pull-ties. You can buy clear hose with various diameters at the TSC store. Plus those ties as well.

[Spidubic]

Clear rubber tubing. I could get it from TSC and replace it and hope that solved it. Might be worth a shot.

[retired2]

How did you make out???

[Spidubic]

Bought gas line at TSC, comes in a little kit of two sizes for trimmers, lawn mowers, chain saws. Replaced all the gas lines with new. Filter appeared pretty clean. Primed it and watched the bubbles disappear in the lines. Still no go. Still not sounding like it is trying to start. Wondering now if the spark plug is not getting electricity to fire.

[growler]

them little engines don't have much zing in the ignition to cause a good spark for the plug. so you may be on the right track spid !

[Spidubic]

Wife called around and talked to a place that fixes small engines. $120. They basically replace the carburator. Common issue. So much for the cheap garage sale find. Better off just buying brand new.

[Rick Wisson]

Is there a on/off switch. On it.

[Spidubic]

There is a switch you push to stop the engine. No on/off like newer models. This one appears to be about 10 years old.

[growler]

i was given a trimmer that was very expensive when new, but was about 6 years old when i got it !
it had been completly rebuilt not to long before i got, but the recoil spring then broke causing it to be impossible to start !
at that time the repair shop said they could no longer get parts for it, so the next season it was given to me.
so i then took it to an old classmate who repaired things at home in his spare time, but worked full time at a rental outlet in tillsonburg. he said no parts for them any more but they were very good units when working. so i said well keep it for parts then, and he said well how be i just keep it together and when another comes in with a broken engine i'll take the rewind off of it and fix it and give it back to you !
i said yeah that will be great !
so about 3 years later when i went to get my genset tuned he said oh take your weedeater home before i sell it, as i've had several offers on it when i show them how good it runs.
so i guess he had gotten it working the prevous fall but as i had'nt stopped in he had forgt to call !
so in the end i had a really good unit to use for about 5 years prior to moving into simcoe for $0. as he wouldn't take any money for fixing it with used parts.
so spid maybe you'll get lucky to !

PS.when i had my garage sale after becoming retired, i got $150. for it.

[Ruby Tuesday]

I hate to say it. You get what you pay for.

[mario]

My lawnmower had a problem starting. See if the spark plug is dirty or have someone hold onto it while you try to start it. You will know if there is a spark by their reaction LOL. Maybe try a new spark plug. And if that doesn't work take off that little metal bowl from below the carburator (if it has one) and spray a can of carburator cleaner into the carburator. Or spray it into the air intake. Could just be some dirt or something sticking. Worked for my lawnmower.

[Spidubic]

Spark plug was very dirty. First thing I replaced.

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