Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am trying to help a neighbor with a trimmer problem.  He has a Redmax BC2001DL trimmer.  It has been running fine, but recently will quit while he is trimming.  Last year the spark arrestor became plugged and I cleaned it and everything was fine.  This year it quit running on him.  He had taken the spark arrestor out so that is not an issue.  I pulled the plug and it looked ok,cleaned it and put it back, cleaned the air filter which was fulllllllll of oil and I am not sure how it ran.  Checked the fuel pickup filter and put it all back.  The thing started right up and ran fine.  He has a tendency to baby the trimmer when he runs it.  I told him they do not like to be run at low rpm and slammed shut and that is probably where his blowback in the filter came from.  He came to me the other day and indicated it quit on him again.  I asked him how it was running when it quit, and he said fine.   I haven't looked at it since then, but he told me it has never been serviced.  I am suspecting the carburetor diaphram, but my experience with my own trimmer is that when the diaphram goes, the thing won't even start.  I have seen previous posts about putting a few drops of fuel in the carburetor, but have not had it to run that test.  I don't want to tear into the carb. just to replace the diaphram on a chance althought it couldn't hurt being that old.

Any idea?

Many thanks,

Tailwind

Is this a two cycle or four cycle engine?

First thing I'd check is to make sure the fuel cap ventilator isn't blocked. Thereafter, I'd go through the fuel system again. I personally doubt that the diaphragm is shot. I've got numerous machines (chain saws, trimmers, power augers etc.) that are close to 30 years old, all with original carbs/diaphragms etc. I've never had an issue with a diaphragm yet. Follow the fuel. Watch the fuel in the fuel line (if clear tubing) to make sure it's getting to the carb. If it is, there might be blockage at the carb. When the engine shuts down, does it have spark?

Borat,

Thank you, good suggestions.  I will get it this weekend and check the vent.  I did not check this.  Not sure if there is fuel in the line when it quits.  I think I will get it and see if it runs now that it has been sitting since last weekend.  I will use it to trim my yard and try to duplicate the problem and check from there.

Tailwind

Borat,

I got the trimmer this weekend.  I couldn't get it started.  I had spark, I checked the vent (good suggestion and easily overlooked)  The little cartridge is on a separate line to the tank and tucked under the carburetor.  It wasn't plugged.  I took the carburetor off (Walbro) and got a rebuild kit.  I also replaced the plug while I was at it.  The original had never been replaced.  I cleaned everything and used some air from the compressor to blow everything out.  I installed the kit, put it all back together primed twice, choke on, one short pull and is started right up and ran great. 

Now on to the next thing.

Thank you for the help.  I am sure I will be back on soon with another issue.

Tailwind.