Manicuring your lawn or garden requires attentive and tedious care steps. Removing small grass and harmful weeds should be an initial step before lawn mowing. This calls for a powerful and efficient string trimmer like the well-known Weedeater, which is now a part of the big  Husqvarana fleet.
But this simple task might become problematic when interrupted by your Weedeater’s power loss. This is a common issue with different grass trimmers; Weedeater is no exception.
This blog post will focus on why Weedeater won t stay running. Also, we will discuss possible solutions to this problem. So, stay tuned!
Why Won’t Your Weedeater Stay Running?
Table of Contents
 Weed Eater works the same way any small two-stroke engine does. It faces the same basics of engine problems as many mowers, chainsaws, and compact tractors. Generally, when the Weedeater’s engine stalls and stops running, it has something to do with the internal engine parts like spark plugs, filters, batteries, and carburetors.
Without further ado, let’s delve deep into the main culprits of this disturbing problem and the suitable troubleshooting process.
1. A Plugged CarbÂ
A carburetor is a primary component in gasoline engines where air and fuel are mixed and reach the combustion chamber. The main culprit in clogging a carburetor is old fuel sitting there long. That old gasoline won’t entirely evaporate, as most fuel gains thickness and viscosity.
While a dirty carburetor is a big problem by default, it leads to more severe complications. This includes overheating, stalling, and bogging down.
2. Incorrect Carb AdjustmentÂ
Carburetor adjustments maintain the correct engine speed while idling. When adjusted correctly, the carb will maintain a steady and appropriate air and fuel mixture flow.
This way, the engine will remain running at the correct speed. You must manipulate both L and H screws to achieve a proper speed adjustment. Otherwise, the engine will lose power and shut off.
3. Check the Fuel FilterÂ
Old fuel will affect the carburetor and other main components of the fuel system, including the fuel filter. Viscous old fuel will eventually clog this filter. As the name suggests, the fuel filter keeps a steady fuel flow into the engine. Meanwhile, this filter purifies the fluid from dirt particles and other contaminants.Â
When this filter is clogged up, there will be fuel restrictions. This is only an initial step toward more complex fuel issues.
4. Inspect the Fuel cap
It is not known to many Weed Eater users that any fuel cap contains a vent. This small component is supposed to prevent gasoline fumes from entering the tank. The venting hole allows the tank to breathe when the fuel heats up or shrinks inside.
The venting part can get clogged up with debris and other particles. This will eventually stop the venting function, and an increased vacuum will be inside the tank. The formed vacuum will fill the empty parts of the tank and find its way to the fuel pump.
Subsequently, these fumes will dominate the petrol pumping process. Eventually, the motor won’t get enough fuel and won’t stay running.
5. Take a look at the Spark plug
The name spark plug explains its function. This plug is responsible for providing the spark required for igniting the mixture of fuel and air. Due to its location near the engine, this plug is exposed to carbon deposits.
Over time, the spark plug gets blocked by this buildup. So eventually, it will fail at doing its job, and the engine will stall.
6. Inspect the Spark ArrestorÂ
A spark arrestor performs a vital function in reducing the chances of fire hazards. When functioning correctly, flammable particles won’t come out of the exhaust port.
Being constantly near the exhaust gases will eventually clog up this screen part. The motor will fail to stay running with constant clogging in this part of the exhaust system.
7. Check the Air filterÂ
A steady airflow is necessary for adequately running and operating your Weedeater. AÂ dirty air filter will interrupt the required air circulation. This component is prone to frequent clogging as it is always in contact with the air that enters the machine. Without proper and continuous airflow, the weed eater will stop running.
8. Inspect the Choke positionÂ
The choke helps the machine start properly during cold weather in all lawn care equipment. The choke lever should be adjusted while trying to start the weed eater. It must be adjusted to the highest setting and then to the medium setting until the engine starts. Once the engine runs, the choke should be disengaged.
If this order does not happen, you should suspect the choke as a culprit in the Weedeater’s failure to stay running.
How to Fix The Weedeater That Won’t Stay Running?
Regular maintenance is the key to overcoming most causes of an engine’s power loss. Also, changing fuels that have been sitting in tanks for a long time prevents the formation of soot and carbon buildup. Additionally, a gas weed eater will maintain its power with proper storage during the winter.
1. Clean the CarburetorÂ
Depending on the condition of the carburetor, you can decide whether it needs full servicing or just a deep DIY cleaning. In both cases, you will need a well-known carburetor cleaner. Also, you will need to get it away from the combustion engine.
Disassembling the carburetor on your own is not recommended, as it is a complex project requiring professional intervention. However, deep cleaning is the right action for DIY enthusiasts.
So, place the carb on an even surface and be generous while spraying it thoroughly. By doing so, the cleaning liquid will reach every crack in the carburetor. This can loosen the buildup and help restore the carb’s cleanliness.
This cleaning process is part of the proper maintenance routine that can prevent carburetor clogging in the first place. This process is recommended at the beginning of each season.
2. Readjust Your Carb
If your carb adjustment is incorrect, you will notice poor performance and constant power loss in your Weedeater. Readjusting the carburetor requires checking the manufacturer’s manual. But generally, you must do this while the engine is running. First, start with the low adjustment, then do the same for the high-speed adjustment.
Start by rotating the L screw in a counterclockwise direction. Then, stop once you hear the motor’s noise going down. Repeat the same routine, but you should rotate in the other direction this time.
You can use a marker to locate the right locations for these adjustments. Finally, locate the screw in the middle between both locations. Then, do the same for the other speed adjustment.
3. Replace the FilterÂ
When the gas filter gets clogged with sticky gasoline residues, the quality and flow will be negatively affected. Try cleaning it, but this won’t be a natural problem-solver. Fuel residue is very sticky and stubborn to remove. So, it is better to consider a replacement, as it is cheap and easy to remove and reinstall.
4. Change the Gas Tank CapÂ
If you suspect a faulty fuel cap vent, you can perform a small test to be 100% sure. It would help if you untightened the cap. Then, start the engine and keep the weed eater running for some time. If the machine performs normally, the vent is faulty and must be replaced.
5. Change the Spark PlugÂ
The appearance of the spark plug indicates its condition. If its color is no longer bright gray, it is plugged with carbon residues. Before considering a replacement, you can thoroughly clean the plug. To correctly do this, you will need a wire end brush and some carb cleaner to loosen up the most stubborn residues.
If cleaning does not help restore the original condition of the plug, you should get a new one. Also, you should skip cleaning if cracks are present all over its body.
6. Clean the Spark ArrestorÂ
This clogged component will make the engine stall. Also, it increases the chances of fires due to spark emissions. You can troubleshoot this issue by attempting to clean the arrestor first. You can do this the same way you did with a spark plug. If this approach fails, you should buy a replacement.
7. Change the Air FilterÂ
Clogged paper or foam filters can be cleaned by soaking them in water and gasoline mix. However, sometimes neglecting cleanliness for a long time makes the dirt stick to the filter’s body. This makes your cleaning efforts fail. In this case, you should get a new filter.
8. Readjust the ChokeÂ
If your engine starts and the choke is engaged, your Weedeater won’t stay running. In this case, try to disengage the choke lever. It won’t stay in the correct position if this lever is bad. This calls for replacing the bad choke.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
