I'm not exaggerating when I say this video is life-changing. For years, I couldn't get my 2-stroke paramotor to reliably start. I assumed it was the engine. Now I realize it was because I was constantly inadvertently flooding it by keeping the choke on after it would start to sputter. I always thought that the choke had to be open until the engine actually started running. I would always keep it open after sputtering, and literally have fuel dripping from the carb overflow while I would get frustrated as to why it wouldn't start. It was only after watching this explanation and the advice to close the choke when it starts to sputter that I can now get my paramotor to start every time. Thank you so much Don.
The way I was taught was to remove the plug , dry it off, crank a few times with the plug out, then reinstall it. That way you have two outlets for the excessive fuel to purge, the exhaust and the spark plug hole. Another thing is you get the affirmation of seeing the plug wet and the ease of purging against no compression. All done with the switch in the off position, until ready to try for a restart. However this way he shows works and I'm not debating his method as it obviously works. Not only that is this man provides an amazing great service to the DIYers out there such as me and I'm greatful for it. Thanks Don !
Thank you for this video my sthil cut off saw kept flooding its self but this video is perfect straight to the point and simple instructions within 30 seconds my saw was running again saved me going back to the shop again
Flooded my blower and screwed with it for 2 hours. Watched this video and cranked in less than a minute and it ran fine and I got to blow the leaves away. Thanx tons Don.
Thank you! Had a Stihl backpack blower that I had flooded and watched a half dozen other videos to no avail. Watched this one, walked out into the garage, and had it started in less than 5 minutes.
I love how Don's low kind voice thoroughly explains flooded small engines. His speech is not difficult to understand and it benefits people who don't know the mechanics of engines.
I flooded my Nissan 2 stroke 8hp outboard today on the water (I'm brand new to boating...first time out). Luckily I had a signal and found your video. Up and running in minutes. Thanks,.you saved my day.
Thanks so much ! We have been having a hard time starting our chain saw. Went to the place we bought it from they charged us $130 to fix it. Finally realized that we have been flooding it the whole time. now we have a working chainsaw! You are the best!
I did the same exact thing to my husqvarna 365 one night when I was showing off to my guests. I didn't know what caused it since me and my wife were highly intoxicated. Thx donyboy.
My man, you are an absolute genius. I wasted 4 hours last weekend trying to get my petrol hedge trimmer started. I even broke the cord in the process and had to then fix that. Anyway, after trying your method it literally started in 30 seconds. I have never been so happy to be able to cut a hedge. That probably says more about my social life than anything else but anyway, thanks!
Half hour I was thinking the stop switch was faulty. 5 seconds of this and working! Why dont they put in the instructions you can over prime it and that's the way to solve it.
Fantastic video. I am not proficient at something like this. Long story short, this easy-to-understand video allowed me to start my snowblower during a really wet snowfall, the worst kind to manually shovel. 10/10 saved my back
This was helpful for me! My 1983 Suzuki GS850G was flooded. Bike would always normally require choke to be "on" when cold starting. I first left choke in the "off" position then crank starter with throttle wide open for approximately 10 seconds for several times (as suggested by this tutorial). This was required to unflood bike. Then I finally turned choke to "on" position with throttle in closed position (normal starting routine for my particular bike when engine is NOT flooded and cold) and it started right up. Thank you!
Thanks so much, DONYBOY73! I'm one of the ones who over-prime either my hedge trimmer, chainsaw, or lawnmower even before I crank them up! I'm FOREVER flooding one or more of them. And, yes, I've taken all three to a small engine repair person (who has also shown me in person how to properly start them). The trouble this time is that I haven't used any of the equipment for several months and my memory is . . . ah . . . well not what it used to be! Don, I appreciate knowing the principles behind the proper technique! Now, I'm going to go try to start my hedge trimmers - again!
It’s refreshing to hear someone explain thoroughly the reasons for the problem and their corrections without taking time to showcase his ego and prove he knows how to cuss. Thank you sir!
Don, thank you so much for posting this video. I flooded my Craftsman tractor this afternoon when I tried to start it. I thought I was toast. However, I did exactly what you said. I shut off the choke and turned the key many times. I did not seem like it was going to start. I was concerned I might drain the battery. However, after many, many tries it eventually started and at first it was running very poorly. I did not touch anything and let it continue to run in idle and after a couple or few minutes it was running again like normal. Thank you for helping me to accomplish my grass cutting today!
Thanks for that tip, is new for me. I usually remove the spark plug and pull until my chainsaw spit the gas out. I do it on my 23 years old Stihl 009 and still works.
Brilliant! Engines and me are like oil and water but the way you explained it was absolutely perfect. You saved me throwing my name away by making an idiot scene at the shop. Got the saw going in thirty seconds flat after a whole morning of cursing.
I flooded the engine on my brand new toro 821and was in panic mode 1) because it was new and 2) we got a foot of snow. Following the directions this worked GREAT! Thank you.
Great video Don. One comment, for those who may try this procedure on equipment with electric start, make sure to not crank too excessively in one turn. You run the risk of burning out the electric starter. Do it repeatedly in shorter bursts so the electric motor won't become damaged or overheat.
Thank you very much. I suspect I've been starting my SRM 225 incorrectly since I bought it new years ago. (My 1st 2-stroke engine machine). Constant problems with starting (including, what I've come to understand is flooding (evidenced by wet spark plug)). I'll give your instructions a go. Hopefully save the cost of taking it to a shop. Have experienced the same issue after I rebuilt the original carburetor, installed a new carburetor, replaced the spark plug, etc. Hopefully the issue will turn out to be user error and not a costly problem with the trimmer. Thank you again. btw, Very much appreciate and respect your professionalism and respectful manner with your audience. It's quite refreshing.
You are the man. I've been screwing around with 2 chainsaws for the past 2 weeks that I've been unable to start. Used your tip and they both started right up!!! THANKS!!!
Just saved my day at work waiting for the paddy to sort dry out haha! Thank you so much for this video this will come in handy to know so much in future!
Thanks, worked for me on my Stihl leaf blower I received as part of a home purchase. Wouldn't start but smelled of gasoline on attempts. Fired after about 20 pulls.
This is an excellent step-by-step for a common problem. I used it yesterday on a flooded hedge trimmer, after I tried everything else, and it worked like charm. Looking forward to checking out some of your other videos.
Legend brother thanks mate cheers for that bud took us 4.5 hours to try start and I looked at your 18min documentary and high and behold less the never it started, fucking legend thanks mate cheers bud appreciate that kid
Thanks Don, that worked great on my Stihl chainsaw! I'd never flooded it before so I worked up a sweat trying to start it before I consulted youtube. I also removed the air filter and cover so it would dry out faster. Of course removing the filter cover increases the fire hazard some.
Hi Dony, I had a frustrating afternoon trying to start my Eckman multi-tool, today I followed your instructions. In no time at all I got the engine running. I'm so pleased as I thought I was going to have to go to a repair shop. Thanks for all your clear advice
amazing! i was trying to start my gas pressure washer, flooded the engine by forgetting to turn choke on. followed normal starting procedure, ignition on, choke on - multiple pulls... could not get it to fire up. in fact, the pull was locking up after the 2nd or 3rd pull. watched this video, had ignition on, choke OFF, and held the wand trigger down. started right up!!!
As always, a great video. Important to explain the basic procedure to customers. The instruction manuals seem to be forgoten, and/or just 'interpreted' by many.
Im guessing this would also work for my ATV? I had the choke on trying to start it this afternoon. Switching back and forth between closed and open. Smelled strong of gas, would want to start then smoke and stall. I think I was inadvertently flooding it this afternoon. I'll be out there 1st thing in the AM to try this 🤙🏻. Wish me luck people✊🏻. Appreciate the info pal.
Great tip Don :-D I usually remove the plug and turn the engine over a few times to push the fuel out of the plug hole, warming the plug up is the next thing i do to make it dry. Usually splutters back into life thern :-D
I usually spray a little WD-40 into the spark plug hole to displace any humidity and lubricate the upper cylinder, not much just a couple short bursts.
Thanks Dony...I forget, with the invention of fuel injected engines, people who are not familiar with carburetor-type engines didn't learn this trick as I didn't when I was a kid and fuel-injection was uncommon on gas engines.
I find that one of the common causes of flooded Stihls in California is following the factory start instructions in the manual. It seems to be common in a few other brands of California small engines.
great video...I knew about that technique, but was JUST about to type my question about the stihl electronic ignition and then you answered it right there at the end...LOL. Thanks a bunch for confirming that. I don't have a chainsaw with that feature yet, but am planning to get one that does when I purchase my next one.
Our brand new stihl wouldn't restart in the middle of landscaping. You diagnosed the problem, and the risk of an unhappy husband has been averted. You literally made my day. Thank you.
I have a Stihl chainsaw which is hard to start and I believe it is because I am flooding it. I took it to the shop several times because I could not start it. The Poulan saw which I have is much easier to start and after seeing this video I am sure that I keep flooding the Poulan saw. Thanks for this information and I will keep it in mind when I try to start the saw tomorrow.
I have a question about starting the saw the normal way and when the rope is pulled it won't come out like it should, and I have tried starting it the way the factory recommends, without the rope working properly. This saw just came back from the repair shop, and it is worthless to me if it don't start.
I'll tell you how I "un-flooded" my '97 025 Stihl. I took out the spark plug (it was wet) and pulled the start rope about 10 times without the plug in...dried the plug...put it back in and that did the trick. Of course I started the saw with the "choke" not engaged.
Thank You Don for this very helpful video. Needed help with how to start our Craftsman Ride on Mower and as a result of watching your video, your very simple explanation got us up and running :) THANKS! Keep up the great work and handy tips 👍
Thanks man i had a stihl chainsaw here at work that i could not get it running. It was leaning to the side a bit. Ill try this i know i also need a spark plug but its not the main problem. Thanks again
I'm not exaggerating when I say this video is life-changing. For years, I couldn't get my 2-stroke paramotor to reliably start. I assumed it was the engine. Now I realize it was because I was constantly inadvertently flooding it by keeping the choke on after it would start to sputter. I always thought that the choke had to be open until the engine actually started running. I would always keep it open after sputtering, and literally have fuel dripping from the carb overflow while I would get frustrated as to why it wouldn't start. It was only after watching this explanation and the advice to close the choke when it starts to sputter that I can now get my paramotor to start every time. Thank you so much Don.
The way I was taught was to remove the plug , dry it off, crank a few times with the plug out, then reinstall it. That way you have two outlets for the excessive fuel to purge, the exhaust and the spark plug hole. Another thing is you get the affirmation of seeing the plug wet and the ease of purging against no compression. All done with the switch in the off position, until ready to try for a restart. However this way he shows works and I'm not debating his method as it obviously works. Not only that is this man provides an amazing great service to the DIYers out there such as me and I'm greatful for it. Thanks Don !
Thank you for this video my sthil cut off saw kept flooding its self but this video is perfect straight to the point and simple instructions within 30 seconds my saw was running again saved me going back to the shop again
Flooded my blower and screwed with it for 2 hours. Watched this video and cranked in less than a minute and it ran fine and I got to blow the leaves away. Thanx tons Don.
Thank you! Had a Stihl backpack blower that I had flooded and watched a half dozen other videos to no avail. Watched this one, walked out into the garage, and had it started in less than 5 minutes.
I love how Don's low kind voice thoroughly explains flooded small engines. His speech is not difficult to understand and it benefits people who don't know the mechanics of engines.
THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK!
I try to talk to my customers the way dony would
InstaBlaster.
Thank you so much for the video, i almost give up on my blower. Now is working perfectly well, no over flooding
I flooded my Nissan 2 stroke 8hp outboard today on the water (I'm brand new to boating...first time out). Luckily I had a signal and found your video. Up and running in minutes. Thanks,.you saved my day.
Exact same story with us today!😂😂😂
You're the man!
Ur choke full throttle trick worked amazing for me,
Tried like 6 other Videos and stumbled upon this, worked second pull
Thank you for your help! Started right up
Thanks so much ! We have been having a hard time starting our chain saw. Went to the place we bought it from they charged us $130 to fix it. Finally realized that we have been flooding it the whole time. now we have a working chainsaw! You are the best!
Thanks! Your advice worked on my 185cc Paramotor :)
Very well done. Answered a lot of my questions.
This was soooo helpful! I’m a complete novice and hired a compactor only to find the fuel tap had been left open! Many thanks 🙏🏻
thank you for sharing this video
Thank you!
I did the same exact thing to my husqvarna 365 one night when I was showing off to my guests. I didn't know what caused it since me and my wife were highly intoxicated. Thx donyboy.
My man, you are an absolute genius. I wasted 4 hours last weekend trying to get my petrol hedge trimmer started. I even broke the cord in the process and had to then fix that. Anyway, after trying your method it literally started in 30 seconds.
I have never been so happy to be able to cut a hedge. That probably says more about my social life than anything else but anyway, thanks!
Half hour I was thinking the stop switch was faulty. 5 seconds of this and working! Why dont they put in the instructions you can over prime it and that's the way to solve it.
Most useful, straightforward how to video I have watched in a long time. I never hit like.... but I did this time.
Fantastic video. I am not proficient at something like this. Long story short, this easy-to-understand video allowed me to start my snowblower during a really wet snowfall, the worst kind to manually shovel. 10/10 saved my back
This was helpful for me! My 1983 Suzuki GS850G was flooded. Bike would always normally require choke to be "on" when cold starting. I first left choke in the "off" position then crank starter with throttle wide open for approximately 10 seconds for several times (as suggested by this tutorial). This was required to unflood bike. Then I finally turned choke to "on" position with throttle in closed position (normal starting routine for my particular bike when engine is NOT flooded and cold) and it started right up. Thank you!
This worked perfectly thank you
Couldn't start my rented cut off saw for 1/2 an hour, saw this video and was running inside 1 minute. Thanks.
Your videos are always so simple, yet helpful! It's awesome for somebody like me, who's just learning about engine repair on their own :)
Thanks so much, DONYBOY73!
I'm one of the ones who over-prime either my hedge trimmer, chainsaw, or lawnmower even before I crank them up! I'm FOREVER flooding one or more of them. And, yes, I've taken all three to a small engine repair person (who has also shown me in person how to properly start them). The trouble this time is that I haven't used any of the equipment for several months and my memory is . . . ah . . . well not what it used to be!
Don, I appreciate knowing the principles behind the proper technique!
Now, I'm going to go try to start my hedge trimmers - again!
Great video! Did the trick for me. Thank you!
It’s refreshing to hear someone explain thoroughly the reasons for the problem and their corrections without taking time to showcase his ego and prove he knows how to cuss. Thank you sir!
Just the video I need like once a year after doing all the normal mistakes😅
Thank you so much for putting this up!
Don, thank you so much for posting this video. I flooded my Craftsman tractor this afternoon when I tried to start it. I thought I was toast. However, I did exactly what you said. I shut off the choke and turned the key many times. I did not seem like it was going to start. I was concerned I might drain the battery. However, after many, many tries it eventually started and at first it was running very poorly. I did not touch anything and let it continue to run in idle and after a couple or few minutes it was running again like normal. Thank you for helping me to accomplish my grass cutting today!
Thanks for that tip, is new for me. I usually remove the spark plug and pull until my chainsaw spit the gas out.
I do it on my 23 years old Stihl 009 and still works.
Brilliant! Engines and me are like oil and water but the way you explained it was absolutely perfect. You saved me throwing my name away by making an idiot scene at the shop. Got the saw going in thirty seconds flat after a whole morning of cursing.
change to electric and buy a very long extension cord to run to ur neighbors electric
Brilliant! Now where's that (flooded) hedge trimmer?
I flooded the engine on my brand new toro 821and was in panic mode 1) because it was new and 2) we got a foot of snow. Following the directions this worked GREAT! Thank you.
Very instructional video professionally done
Great video Don. One comment, for those who may try this procedure on equipment with electric start, make sure to not crank too excessively in one turn. You run the risk of burning out the electric starter. Do it repeatedly in shorter bursts so the electric motor won't become damaged or overheat.
James Marcucci
Excellent advice James.
Thank you very much. I suspect I've been starting my SRM 225 incorrectly since I bought it new years ago. (My 1st 2-stroke engine machine). Constant problems with starting (including, what I've come to understand is flooding (evidenced by wet spark plug)). I'll give your instructions a go. Hopefully save the cost of taking it to a shop. Have experienced the same issue after I rebuilt the original carburetor, installed a new carburetor, replaced the spark plug, etc. Hopefully the issue will turn out to be user error and not a costly problem with the trimmer.
Thank you again.
btw, Very much appreciate and respect your professionalism and respectful manner with your audience. It's quite refreshing.
You are the man. I've been screwing around with 2 chainsaws for the past 2 weeks that I've been unable to start. Used your tip and they both started right up!!! THANKS!!!
Was about to tear apart my carb but tried this out and it worked first try thank you so much!
Just saved my day at work waiting for the paddy to sort dry out haha! Thank you so much for this video this will come in handy to know so much in future!
Thank you so much. I spent my day trying to make it work. It's finally working again
Thanks, worked for me on my Stihl leaf blower I received as part of a home purchase. Wouldn't start but smelled of gasoline on attempts. Fired after about 20 pulls.
Thanks! You saved me from having to ask for help from my boss
This is an excellent step-by-step for a common problem. I used it yesterday on a flooded hedge trimmer, after I tried everything else, and it worked like charm. Looking forward to checking out some of your other videos.
Thanks! This helped me start an old 2 stroke motorbike that had been sitting for years.
Was it kick start ?
Legend brother thanks mate cheers for that bud took us 4.5 hours to try start and I looked at your 18min documentary and high and behold less the never it started, fucking legend thanks mate cheers bud appreciate that kid
Thank you! Worked like a dream when we flooded our outboard!
Turn choke off and pull... Works great in summer. Doesn't always get the job done below freezing. ;)
thanks a lot guys I enjoy everything to do with engines,big or small
Great informative video, everyone should know how to unflood an engine. Thanks Don!
Thanks Don, that worked great on my Stihl chainsaw! I'd never flooded it before so I worked up a sweat trying to start it before I consulted youtube. I also removed the air filter and cover so it would dry out faster. Of course removing the filter cover increases the fire hazard some.
Credit where it's due...tried what I know...didn't work...tried your way...three pulls success thanks so much really appreciate that
Hi Dony, I had a frustrating afternoon trying to start my Eckman multi-tool, today I followed your instructions. In no time at all I got the engine running. I'm so pleased as I thought I was going to have to go to a repair shop. Thanks for all your clear advice
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Thanks, Don! You just saved me a lot of frustration and wasted time.
Thanks for the great hints on clearing a flooded blower! Worked like a champ.
This actually helped me fix my flooded motorcycle. Thank you so much.
Nice1! just saved me from going back to the hire place and telling them I couldn't start it!
amazing! i was trying to start my gas pressure washer, flooded the engine by forgetting to turn choke on. followed normal starting procedure, ignition on, choke on - multiple pulls... could not get it to fire up. in fact, the pull was locking up after the 2nd or 3rd pull. watched this video, had ignition on, choke OFF, and held the wand trigger down. started right up!!!
When you mean choke OFF, is the the same as putting the choke on RUN and not START?
As always, a great video. Important to explain the basic procedure to customers. The instruction manuals seem to be forgoten, and/or just 'interpreted' by many.
Thanks for the expert advise. Worked perfectly.
Great!! Thanks common problem. Seems some engines flood easier than others
Great advice, today You basically saved me from ugly situation. My Stihl MS 250 randomly likes flood itself.
I see these come in all the time , Many can be fixed in a simple manor ! air filters are a big cause . Great share don , Thumbs up !
Worked a treat - thanks!
Im guessing this would also work for my ATV? I had the choke on trying to start it this afternoon. Switching back and forth between closed and open. Smelled strong of gas, would want to start then smoke and stall. I think I was inadvertently flooding it this afternoon. I'll be out there 1st thing in the AM to try this 🤙🏻. Wish me luck people✊🏻. Appreciate the info pal.
Just flooded my first chainsaw on my first try to start it. This helped me so much. Thankyou
Great tip Don :-D
I usually remove the plug and turn the engine over a few times to push the fuel out of the plug hole, warming the plug up is the next thing i do to make it dry.
Usually splutters back into life thern :-D
I usually spray a little WD-40 into the spark plug hole to displace any humidity and lubricate the upper cylinder, not much just a couple short bursts.
No need, its flooded with petrol not water, but if your thinking of starting an engine thats been sitting a long time then wd40 is good :-D
Thanks for making this video! I tried it yesterday,and it worked like a charm.
Thanks Dony...I forget, with the invention of fuel injected engines, people who are not familiar with carburetor-type engines didn't learn this trick as I didn't when I was a kid and fuel-injection was uncommon on gas engines.
I find that one of the common causes of flooded Stihls in California is following the factory start instructions in the manual. It seems to be common in a few other brands of California small engines.
Thank you --- it worked on my snow blower.
Excellent vidéo! Works perfectly. Thanks
Very pedagogical! Thank you, I'll tune in to your future videos :).
Insanely helpful. Applies to 2-stroke outboards as well :)
great video...I knew about that technique, but was JUST about to type my question about the stihl electronic ignition and then you answered it right there at the end...LOL. Thanks a bunch for confirming that. I don't have a chainsaw with that feature yet, but am planning to get one that does when I purchase my next one.
Our brand new stihl wouldn't restart in the middle of landscaping. You diagnosed the problem, and the risk of an unhappy husband has been averted. You literally made my day. Thank you.
Thank your for your post , great video and very informative. I followed your advice and it worked perfectly.
Came for a snowblower, stayed for the sweet MS180C.
I have a Stihl chainsaw which is hard to start and I believe it is because I am flooding it. I took it to the shop several times because I could not start it. The Poulan saw which I have is much easier to start and after seeing this video I am sure that I keep flooding the Poulan saw. Thanks for this information and I will keep it in mind when I try to start the saw tomorrow.
I have a question about starting the saw the normal way and when the rope is pulled it won't come out like it should, and I have tried starting it the way the factory recommends, without the rope working properly. This saw just came back from the repair shop, and it is worthless to me if it don't start.
Very helpful video.
Got my boat motor going again! Thanks
I'll tell you how I "un-flooded" my '97 025 Stihl. I took out the spark plug (it was wet) and pulled the start rope about 10 times without the plug in...dried the plug...put it back in and that did the trick. Of course I started the saw with the "choke" not engaged.
Thanks so much... As usual it worked
Just saved me $100. Thank you.
Great video ! Worked straight away
Very well Dony, try to keep posting videos about the most common cases on troboulshooting on regular bases, many times is a minor problem
thanks
Thank You Don for this very helpful video. Needed help with how to start our Craftsman Ride on Mower and as a result of watching your video, your very simple explanation got us up and running :) THANKS! Keep up the great work and handy tips 👍
Thanks for all the information, but quick question - am I better off not engaging the choke at all when starting a Stihl disc cutter??
The same exact concept works on an old carbureted car. Thank you for the video!
thanks for your quick, easy, step by step videos. I have learned a lot from you. very greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for making this.
thanks a lot, this actually worked like a charm :D
Just wanna say thank you
Thanks! It really works.
Great tip thank you
If you have an air compressor you can remove the spark plug and blow air into the cylinder to remove the fuel and blow the end of the plug dry too.
Very helpful, thanks!
Thanks man i had a stihl chainsaw here at work that i could not get it running. It was leaning to the side a bit. Ill try this i know i also need a spark plug but its not the main problem. Thanks again
Great video thank you for posting!
Nice one Dony.