Fixing A Craftsman 4 Cycle Trimmer With A Head That Won't Spin
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
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Thanks for watching. I know what I need to do to fix it but I can't do it.
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A couple of days ago, I bought a almost brand new 4 cycle trimmer in a pawn shop: I asked the store manager why they're selling it way cheap, and he told me that the trimmer doesn't start... Two days ago I inspected it and found out that it had excessive oil in it. I proceeded to remove the excessive oil, cleaned the carburetor because it also was dropping oil, and last but not least, the spark plug which also was bathed in oil... After all that cleaning I gave it a try and pulled the starter rope, finding out that the engine still have compression, so I guessed that this boy only needed a throughout cleaning and after doing the standard starting procedures, it worked out very smooth, except for the excessive blue smoke on the beginning and after a little while, the smoke ceased and run like new after adding new oil to it
very nice work
I want to thank you! Came across your video with the same issue, decided to try this fix and it’s working great now. Would never had thought of this, simple and effective. Brilliant.
Glad it helped
In a pinch, I would do what you did, or I'd move it back into original position, drill one hole either side, & put pop rivets in place to stop it moving.
that works too!
I have also used pop rivets on my 2012 MTD string trimmer, with the same quick connect shaft as this one. In my case, it was because the attachment point was loose. The screw hole was too worn out, because I work mine hard - I also use a soil tiller attachment with it. I had an assortment of steel and aluminum rivets. 1 steel rivet in place of the screw, and 2 extra aluminum rivets later, and the piece is secure again.
Thanks for the tour. I found one of these on the curb. The cyl was full of oil. I dumped the oil, filled the crankcase with the correct amount ( looked like it had never been changed ) and it fired right up. Ive been using it for a while and today it stopped turning the edger. Was going to take of the clutch but i will check.this first
EDIT: That is exactly the problem. But an easier fix is found at the attachment end. Remove the red coupler and reattach it 1/2" further up on the pipe by drilling and threading for the holding screw, or a pop rivit. Still do have to cut the pipe back a little on that side, 1/2".
THANKS!!!!
nice work!
Love your videos. Brilliantly filmed and edited. And what a voice you have. So articulate. Don't care so much about some who may find tiny fault in your solution. I love improvisation and saving a buck. I think your improvisational skills are excellent and believe me the more you can get away with not buying new parts the more I love it.
thank you so much for the complement I appreciate it.
I agree I would have went with this method also even though I never tried it before myself. A nice fix to get the trimmer attachment going.
thank you for agreeing
One lucky customer, no oil in the engine and shaft issue😊
Great job once again 😊
It looks in really good condition too.😊
Thanks 👍
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I don't see how they even run 5 seconds being a 4-cucle with a thimble full of oil.
I have a Craftsman 4 stroke Power head, very close to this one. Let’s be reasonable…the repair reliably works with less invasive repair and the service cost is appropriate for the unit value. This isn’t a new Tesla, It’s okay.
Be sure to converse with the owner about this thing called OIL! Good repair!
thanks!
I like the way you think. I would probably pick your brain in person if I knew you whenever I have problems I cannot figure out with my small engines. You are simply using good common sense. Great video!
RIGHT! That's all that's needed until you drag the computers out.
you can pick It now, it's not an issue and thank you
I think it's an awesome fix Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching!
Great job with the video. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Simple fixes, works with Brilliant approach. Great job 👊🏾
Yes it does!
I've got the same trimmer someone gave me. Thanks for the info.
I would fix same as you did .
Thank you
No problem 👍
I have same trimmer. Mine failed yesterday! I thought the clutch had failed, but upon opening things up, the clutch looked perfect. So I'm guessing this is my problem as well. I would like to see your other repair method if you do it. As I'd rather not cut parts off.
sure thing, I'll trying and get it filmed soon.
Can the cut be easier made at the other side of the shaft pipe? Where the attachment connects.
I have the same trimmer, same issue - frustration! - can you show the "proper" way to fix it? - thanks
I have same trimmer with the same issue. I thought it was compression. Been sitting for a few years. Maybe I’ll put it on the bench. Thanks!
no problem
Thanks for your video-
I found it very informative
-
I had a similar issue with the bolts that secure the uppershaft to the handle- the one that actually secures the handle to the outer-Shaft..
The bolt that is supposed to secure to the outer shaft was lost-and I ended up improvising another short screw that subsequently fell out twice - each time making it less affective in securing it to the outer shaft- the “Hole” where screw was fastened to- became stripped and worn out - and almost (warped in shape)..
I noticed U shortened that shaft- Did U just use a hack saw to cut it?.. and then drill new holes obviously?. I am thinking that this is going to be my only remedy- for now.
I just bought this trimmer from Lowes 2months ago- and I literally have only used it 3times… I agree with you that a design flaw with the stability of this shaft and securement seems to be lacking… I am tempted to check the return policy for lawn equipment or whether Craftsman would replace this shaft and hardware to secure it.. 🤔
Thanks for your time..
no problem and yes, I used a cut off wheel, and drilled new holes. Works great now!
Do you have a video for other fix for the drive cable not engaging with the clutch?
besides this one, no
If you mover the support back, you could put a screw in it to hold it
yes you could
To note on the video, you could probably drill two holes in a bit of plate aluminum and get two screws that if rocked, the head could slide under that nut. You then slip the heads under either side of the nut, then both of those through the plate, then put nuts on both bolts. Finger tighten them to the plate evenly. Crank each nut evenly until the nut is at desired height.
have you tried this before?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I've done similar on a bicycle press nut. Each situation is a little different and might not be the exact repair you need for your device ;)
Hey, I've got a thing I'd like to see tested on a larger scale. I was told that 303 aviation protectant was capable of restoring carburetor diaphragms. I could only find the 303 protectant in the blue bottle, but I dropped an old totally petrified diaphragm in it and about 4 days later it was good as new. I've put the diagram back in the carb with some ethanol included fuel for a week or two now and it's still starting. Any chance you could try this on one or more of your many trimmers? Maybe a long term test to see just how long this hack would work? Sure, just replacing it is easy, but what if you can't get that specific part? What if you need it to work sooner than the part can get there? Hope you see this and give it a try!
that's a good idea, thanks I'll have to look into that
finally i found the reason why my brand new Troy-Bilt doesn't work, after watching 60 videos! Poor design from Troy-Built there. :(
Thank you a lot for making this video, finally found a fix.
it happens
It was brand new, first time using it. Bought it with 4-5 attachments and none works.
Visited 2 service units that told me there’s nothing wrong with it.
I'm not sure if there's anything blocking the inside of the shaft from the other end, but I bet a 1/2" piece of copper pipe would fit inside. You could push everything down and out the other end, then reset it. You'd think that by now someone would have come up with a better design. I did have an issue with the drive shaft broken inside the clutch drum, causing the shaft not to catch and spin. Shame, because I ended up having to scrap an engine that ran perfectly. I wasn't going to spend hours trying to figure out how to get that piece out of the drum.
sounds like a good idea.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
After using a (free) edger attachment that came with this C'man WS4200 it appears that the plastic shaft rod behind the whatchamacallit is sheared , , ,
Do you have a vid on replacing that shaft rod , Is it feasible , practical , or even worth it ? ? ?
I've never encountered this type of failure before with C'man 4 cycle whackers when using attachment modified to utilize saw blades instead of using their 4 finger blade , , but that edger attachment dug in soo deep that the proverbial sheeeit happened , , ,
As I can see here in the video; that's the very same 4 cycle trimmer that also Troy Built sells
I believe they are the same
What’s the name of the follow up video where you do the other fix? I have the same issue with mine and want to see if that’s something I might be able to do
no follow up, the methods I used in this video did the trick
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE sweet! Thank you!
no problem
Hi, I picked up a similar 4 cycle Craftsman 4 cycle trimmer with no oil in it. added new oil, replaced the broken prime bulb, and cleaned the carburetor. When I pull the string it's leaking oil out the side from the air cleaner. I might have added to much oil from what I read. The spark plug has a spark. It wasn't plugged in all the way. After I plugged it in tightly, the engine started briefly but died right away a few times. After that, it's not starting at all. The primer does fill up the bulb. What should I check next?
sure, I'd check the compression. If the rings are damaged, what compression the engine makes might be pressurizing the oil galley and forcing it out of the breather hose by the air filter. If that's the case the engine is beyond repair
Forgot to mention it is a CRAFTSMAN 4 CYCLE TRIMMER
thanks
Ivot the same weed Wacker and it stopped working maybe 10hrs an I had it site for a few years n I took the carburetor apart and forgot to put the spring that they have in the carburetor back in it and surprisingly it fixed it I don't know if it's an automatic choke and I love the thing but it's an absolute POS
I've never tried to run it without the spring, it's supposed to help return the diaphragm because it's part of the pump.
I've seen that type of support before, in the "Threadless" headsets of modern mountain bikes. I don't trust 'em and I don't like 'em. About the only way to get it out is to tap it completely through the shaft. The problem is, there is one just like it on the other end of the shaft inserted the opposite direction. Your fix in this video is more than likely the only "Best Way" to do this repair short of ordering a new shaft. Or, if you can find some of those supports, you may be able to use a hole saw on an extension to cut the old one out and . . . . naw, your fix is better.
Have a great weekend and Hapy Father's Day!
thank you Tinker's Corner
GREAT VIDEO to fix mt shaft problem which spins but stops ! Power from the motor no problem and clutch is fine,soooooooo I cut the shaft that enters the clutch 1/2 " hoping the cable or what ever you call it would hook up better, BUT it did not work ! So now same as the past I can get head to spin, BUT only for a short time ! I stand unit up and spin the head and it's works again for a short time ! Do I need to cut another 1/2" off ???? Ready to set it on FIRE THANKS
are you cutting the outer shaft for drive shaft?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Hi thanks so much for your reply As I mentioned I cut the shaft closest to the clutch drum 1/2" I did see the opposite end that can be done also..The cable just does not hook up continuously, just for a short while then I stand it up and the cable resets ..FRUSTRATING ! To top it off this wacker probably only has 15-20 hours on it ! Thanks Rich
Good fix, Some of the 4 cycle trimmers have plastic cam shafts and are not really worth fixing. The plastic wears off of the cam lobes and the unit loses power or unable to start. Sthil has an issue with the 4 mix units.
you are correct!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Plastic cams nd ignition coils.
Yes great engines but crappy camshaft. The cam should be made from steel or some hardened metal alloy. Plastic is not the way to go for anything inside any engine. That's why I just stick with traditional two stroke professional series Stihl and Husqvarna equipment. FS-94, FS-250 and Husqvarna 525L for trimmers. For chainsaws Ms -170, Ms 311. Hedge trimmer Husqvarna 122hd60. Blowers Husqvarna 125BV 150BT. These are professional series machines and will last a lifetime reliably as long as they are well taken care of.
mine is doing the exact same thing and its brand new .
wow that's unbelievable
Same here!
I have a question I bought a stihl fs131r around 2021 I have used it up until now but now it’s starting to act up when I try to cut down even the slightest bits of weeds it bogs down and acts like it wants to cut off is there anyway you could point me to what could be the problem
sure, remove the spark arrestor screen from the exhaust tip on the muffler and see if it's beginning to clog.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE thank you will look to see
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE oh my god man it was horrible not even a single hole on the screen was open now she’s running like she used to thank you!!
I have a question could you do a video of how to put string in a toro trimmer… or no
..
I can but are you talking about the pull string or the trimmer string?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE trimmer sting..
I would probably do what you did but I would ask the customer a couple of key questions: Does the customer have other attachments? Does the customer want an entirely new shaft assembly, or could I go ahead and just modify the existing unit? I would also say the new shaft is this much in money. If they have other attachments, they may want to try them with the trimmer to see what the result is. I actually have one of these engines left over from when I had a trimmer but the bell housing for the clutch was squealing and I just tossed it. I want to take the engine and use it on a bicycle as a pedal assist of sorts.
good point
I have the same issue on a brand new product with 4 attachements. None of the 4 work for me.
I will try this fix!
Those trimmers seem to have a lot of design issues😂. I would probably do what you did, because it guarantees it wont happen again. How hard is it for MTD to make a halfway reliable residential trimmer? I have a 20year old cub cadet they made and it still works. The curve shaft head got worn out (l was using it for more than one yard a week like they designed it for, so that's not a big deal), put a kombi shaft on it and all is well.
you are correct
I've got a Murray 25cc head attached to Troy-Bilt shafts with several attachments. That little Murray runs better than the 32cc Troy-bilt did before it gave up the ghost. It's my "Franken-trimmer".
(Gibbs rule # (whatever it was) "Don't waste Good". (And, yes, Rule #9 - I always carry a knife).)
Got this same issue. Any chance you post a in depth how to??
It's not a typical repair so no I won't be doing that.
Do you know if 4 stroke trimmers can work at any angle?
no they won't, that's why they're typically designed to take attachments
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I recently just got a wild badger 4 stroke trimmer and been using it for 3 days so far, I will say this tho. They are heavy on the long run but damn do they have a lot of torque. You are right about 4 strokes not being able to run upside down but this wild badger Can run upside down and it doesn’t burn oil which is great, maybe it’s because they’re built different and not cheaply made. Price is 190$ for it and I’m liking it so far.
Hey bro what's up?By my standards, fix is fix bro. Once it is repaired in a way that the owner has no problem with it, I'll call that a win.
well said!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Well DONE too!
Fix it like you did or start rounding up parts. It works and will work for a long time like that. BLESSINGS
thank you Lewie McNeely
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE U 2!
Mine just like your miine won't run at all what would you do
explained in the last comment
My motor spins on mine what can I do.
not sure what specifically I can do for you
That trimmer's s head is a Husqvarna
looks like it
I would fix it the same way you did. They are crappy trimmers but I do like the sound of them.
agreee
It’s interesting ain’t it . The manufacturer could have avoided this entire situation ,if they had simply turned the shaft guide around -So the splayed ends of the guid had been facing down the shaft . I’m not sure if it’s really a design flaw , or a very simple oversight during the manufacturing process . I’m not sure if iv explained it clearly ?
The splayed end was facing us - up hill Allowing it to work with the vibrations AND gravity - To propel itself down wards . If it was reversed It would not have been possible for it to slide downwards against the splayed out end’s without them wanting to grip the inside of the the shaft wall’s . I’m probably overthinking it , Dyslexic with attention deficit disorder - my brain ,just doesn’t stop thinking . Until I hit the bed - then it’s light’s out most of the time 🤔🤷 go figure . But I’ll take it 😁 .
My wife goes to bed early - spends hours on social media - then lays awake worrying about the state of the world - and can’t sleep 🤦🏻♀️. People are strange animals .
LOL!!. thank you for sharing that bit of personal information.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE lol 🤦🏻♀️😁 Attention deficit disorder - sometimes I tend to ramble Across multiple random topics . The longer my post - the more side tracked the topics . Drives me crazy as well . 🤯🤷
That the upper/internal shaft support isn't secured from moving in any way, seems like poor design to me, almost like it's designed to fail..
I know right
I would of done the same thing. 👍🙏👍🙏
Thank you RayFpv.
Best way to fix a Craftsman weedeater is by throwing it in the trash.
First!
thanks!
Seams like it's made to fail not a good design
you are correct
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I would have put a small bold in it to hold it in place so it won't move again
that's a good idea
I think four stroke weed eaters are junk, especially the 4 mix stihls and craftsman troybilt trimmers, I have always prefered two stroke weed eaters. I have an EFCO ds2210S its a two stroke it is the best trimmer ive probably used EFCO is based in italy. I work at a hardware store and we sell Maruyama and EFCO and 95 percent of customers are satisfied.
it's definitely not for everyone
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE couldnt agree more
How about some battery powered equipment
Oh I would love to show some, but there's a few issue, First, no one is giving them away for free, so I have to buy them. IF hey have the battery and charger with it's too expensive especially when compared to gas stuff. But then you find, just the machine, and not battery or charger. Then when you look to find those part, you find out why no one is buying them, because the battery and charger are yet again, too expensive
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE have you tried pawn shops? Sometimes you can get stuff cheap because they’re just a bit nasty or they paid next to nothing for it and all it’s doing is taking up space.
A benefit in your situation for that is you don’t need enough batteries to do a big job just to make sure it works properly.
Still not as good as finding a freebie and fixing it for 38 cents but you might be able to find something you could get better resell value
MTD trimmers 👎