Saving an old weedeater from the trash
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2019
- Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Tygon Fuel Line. amzn.to/3aCGntm
Carburetor Adjustment tools. amzn.to/3k7cgxe
Primer Bulb. amzn.to/3dC0WYK
Fuel Filter. amzn.to/2ZC0T7i
Metering Diaphragm. amzn.to/2NIo5hw
Thank you for watching. We combine two non working trimmers to get one. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I have a 45 year old WeedEater trimmer that I still use. It is always dependable, so it boils down to maintenance and care after each use. Make sure you leave no fuel in it when you are finished using it and it will last you for years. I love weedeater and poulan products.
Thank you Elmer Hatcher for the comment and information. I appreciate it.
Mine is probably 25 yrs old and I'm having some trouble for the first time. I bought a new Weed Eater and it's not the same. After about 15 pulls it started and ran for about 30 seconds and stopped. The whole thing is different. Keep your old one. Most of the complaints are about the new models that don't seem to function very well. I find the pull starter to be very strange and the string head is very messy. I'm gonna go to great lengths to get my old one going again. Electrolux made the originals and now I don't know who's in charge.
Thank you Alex T for the comment I appreciate it. Yes they were made better back then.
Next time before discarding an old hard diaphragm, try soaking it in brake fluid. An old man taught me this trick. It make it pliable and flexible again.
I have several videos doing just that. It's a great trick.
Never too old keep the old stuff running. Good vid keep them coming
Thank you Micks Mowers for the comment I appreciate it.
I have the exact same one, about 30 years old, sits for a year or two, clean it up and it still works. Only paid about $120.00 back then and could buy a new one for the same price today. I have a stihl with all the attachments, but it is heavy compared to this, so this is great for small jobs. Great video, thanks.
thank you Darren Flitton.
I have a 30 year old weedeater brand trimmer that still runs like new. I replace the plug every other season, the fuel lines probably 3 times and rebuilt the carburetor probably 4 times. I run my fuel settings a little rich so it runs cooler. I empty the fuel and let it run til it quits after every use.
Man you definitely know how to take care of your equipment. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
I really enjoy watching you repair this older equipment, I do this as well, i have found that if u try to adjust the carburetor with out the air filter installed it has a tendency to lean out at full throttle, so i make all my adjustments with filter and housing in place. Keep up the great videos, i have been doing this kind of work for 35 years and still enjoy it and learn all kinds of new stuff
yes you're completely right. Thank you Bruce Markham.
I love those old weed eater brand feather lights 😀 they must have sold like hotcakes back in what the 90s because my kids and my self sometimes come across a bunch of them, thrown out to the curb or in a dumpster because the owner simply was tired of yanking on the cord and it not start I've got a box of them that are just parts and I'm down to two that actually start, run and work. And it's almost always a fuel issue as to why they are trashed-replace the diaphragm for two or three dollars clean it up and 20 minutes later I've got to running super lightweight piece of yard equipment for 3 bucks!!
That's what I do too. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
Add me to that list. I love Feather lights, People toss them, my kids bring them to me and I fixed them
For like $20 bucks at the most.
Right now, I've got 6 of them, 3 that run.😊
Never too old as long as it has decent compression 🙂
You are absolutely correct about that. Thanks for the comment
How would you tell if it has decent compression without a compression tester
@@strictlybanks8612 its hard to tell without a tester especially if its borderline. A dirty test is to put some fuel in the throat and try starting it. If it runs then there's enough compression to at least run
This WeedEater trimmer shown at the start that is exactly the one i have it identical! Cheaply built maybe, but i have No complaints with mine it is very good, reliable, uses very little fuel, light weight and it starts up and runs good! I have heard one youtube guy slagging off Poulan products i have two Poulan chainsaws one older one, and the other i bought probably twenty years ago it runs good real good! An idea when working on such machines, clean the dust and dirt off before putting it back together.
The age of a machine does not tell the whole story, you can have a machine which has had a lot of use and maybe getting a little tired, but you also can a machine which has had little use that just needs a little a attention. Nothing wrong with older machines that are still healthy and run well some just need a little help.
I really like thr older stuff as long as I can get parts for them. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
I have the same weed eater model you worked on (or close) it is 20 years old but I have cared for it - needs a little love today as the last 5 years my brother had it and did not care for it well. I will likely do very similar to what you did - should go for a while still. Better than the $ they want for a new one!
Excellent Fred Mott and thank you for the comment. I hope it works out for you.
Never too old ! Older is better quality.
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it.
Helped immensely! Very detailed. Thank you.
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
I had a weedeater string trimmer for well over 10 years before it wore out so with that said as long as the repairs don't cost more than a new trimmer I think it's worth repairing
you are absolutely right about that
Great repair. Really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you RayFpv. I really appreciate your comments.
youtube gives an added reason to fix old trimmers and take apart and diagnose old carbs
Thanks
Interesting comment about replacing the carb, rather than repairing it, You cant put a price out of the enjoyment in saving and repairing something, to bring it back to life , so it can work again .
Its definitely an issue of cost. Some people have to pinch pennies. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
The old ones are always built better then todays machines .
Yes they were. Than you I appreciate it
fixing them is half the fun .
I believe they're fun to work on. Thanks for the comment.
I love older trimmers because they so cool
thank you Douglas Hundley.
I happen to have this same model trimmer. I bought it for my parents in the late 90s and took if 16 years ago after they got older and didn't cut grass on their own. I still use it to this day, replaced the fuel lines and filter and primer bulb...other than that...the way it came from the factory. i would say it's never too old to fix a motor that still has life left in it.
wow what a great trimmer
I think these ole featherlights are worth fixing if is just a carb issue. These older ones are really not bad trimmers. If you get them free or for next to nothing.
Thank you Alan Marshall for the comment
WARNING! When replacing the top cover, there is one screw with coarse threads. It goes into the plastic. The others are machine threads and go into the casting of the motor. Don't mix them up as trying to use the coarse threads on the casting could cause damage.
Thank you Alex T for the comment I appreciate it
발전기가 걸려서 스타칭이안되요 방법좀알려 주세요
또같은모델인데 스타칭안되서 분해하봤더니 발전기가 걸려요 올리는방법이없는지요?
Never too old to fix, I just finished restoring a 20 year old echo weed trimmer and now runs like new!
You are absolutely correct about that
my dad had an electric weed eater branded blower and it always confused me why it said weed eater on it lol. love your videos man
I know, years ago, I was confused as well,
In my view, we throw way too many working tools away. If I can fix it, I usually do. I can usually find 2 or 3 Featherlights thrown out in my village in any given year without looking for them. As to cars, 20 years old is just getting started. The last car I sent to the salvage yard was 28 ... and it was still running fine. (Volvo 240) Its unibody had just rusted out from the western NY winters.
wow how many miles was the Volvo?
The old green weed eaters are 10 times better about running than the new one's of today now!!!!!
I definitely agree with you
Replace the carburetor with a new one. Check if the fuel line is broke off in the tank. If the filter rattles, it's broke off. Replace the lines and the filter. Get the mixture tool for the carburetor. Look at the model, Zama or Walbro and the number to get another carburetor. JUST REPLACE THE CARBURETOR!
Best course of action. Thanks for the comment
Yes most definitely worth repairing, especially if they were a popular model that was sold worldwide which usually means parts availability either new or second will still be ok The older ones are more solidly built. There are still quite a few Featherlites floating around here in New Zealand, - I have 3 amongst some older Echos
Thanks for the info!
I bought a FS86..real cheap .carb was just all gumed up..so I rincesd it out with straight gas ..guy before ran to rich of mix and didn't use it enough man that thing is a power house now ...love it
Nice job Jacob Lang for the comment I appreciate it.
Now you can tell your wife, "I told you so!" Having parts is great. :D Most anything older than 20 years is not worth fixing unless you have parts.
Lol... she laughs when I told her that. Thanks for the comment
@@HomeGaragechannel You're welcome. Psssst!!!!.....hey! :D Check out my new Craigslist item: lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/d/lincoln-toro-mowers-for-parts/6912336948.html
Absolutely true: wives come quite annoying lecturing us about having complete trimmers and calling them pieces of junk
Just for spare parts
They are never too old to be repaired. I have a 025 stihl chainsaw that will be 31 years in November coming and it works fine
Nice!
If you can keep em running, do so! Saves on buying a new one every year!
Well said thanks for the comment I appreciate it
It all depends upon what's wrong with the trimmer,aftermarket cylinder kits are now available for the engine.
There are many hobbyists who repair vintage Briggs & Stratton engines and lawn equipment for example so they have both high sentimental & monetary value.
My uncle was the other way with his John Deere ride on lawnmower, he gave it to my grandfather when it got hard to start, it just ended up being a bad battery which caused its hard starting, a new battery has fixed it yet my uncle is the sort of person who would throw it out if it wouldn't start.
I have to find out who keeps on getting that I'm just as bright as him !
Thank you Russell Booth for the comment I appreciate it.
the 2 fuel lines are small and larger... and the carb's metal feed tubes are larger and smaller... see? simple to remember.
I'm thinking that the trimmer was bogging down for a second with one pull on the rope 1:10
Yes you are correct.
Nice video.
Thank you sir I appreciate it
Although those Weedeater featherlite are cheap I have had multiple over the years and my primary one I got for free 10 years ago and has been used every week or so for it’s whole life
nice to see one still working well. Thanks for the comment Jonathan Kuhn
Same thing here: got two Craftsman trimmers, identical engines,same problem: harder to start and if you're lucky to get these started,no matter how much you hit the gas throttle,the gear head doesn't spin as you squeeze the throttle
Does the engine rev up though ?
@@HomeGaragechannel hardly
Maybe it's time to check out the compression on the cylinder
@@samuelvelez1643 possibly but I would try to adjust the carb for more fuel and if that's doesn't work then move on.
@@HomeGaragechannel thanx
Rebuild kits come with springs soft plugs a new needle and seat check valves the only thing it doesn't come with is the bodies
Thank you Morgan Jones for the comment I appreciate it
Decent vid. Those WALBRO carbs are pretty much throw away these days, less than $15 and generally includes new primer bulbs, mounting gaskets, filter, new fuel lines, Hi-Lo adjustment tool, and sometimes a new spark plug. Waste of time and money to buy a rebuild kit.
You are absolutely correct about that
J'ai beaucoup aimer vos explications pour la réparation de mon coupe bordure
merci j'apprécie le commentaire
me personally none are too old to fix... i have several old 2 cycle products from the 60's on up and got most of them working just fine.
when parts are not handy i modify other parts to work.
Wow excellent work. I appreciate your comment
I think it depends on the trimmer. If it is a quallity one than rebuilding is allways a good choice. But if it is a cheapo one, than most likly not. For me, it depends also what is dickert. If it is just the carb and the fuellines, no problem. But if it is more than that, it doesend realy worth it. A friend of mine brought me his cheapo weedtrimmer for repair. It was only 2 years old and would start but not run. So I inspeckted the fuellines and tey were cracked. I changed the lines and this thing would run like new. The manufacturer used on purpose cheapo fuel lines, so the trimmer would last the 2 year warrenty and afterwords would break down. This thing is costing new 120€ . When you bring it to a repair shop, the repair would have cost him around 60€. One year later it was brocken again. This time the ceapo bearrings in the trimmer head where dickerd. As I swaped in new ones, i recognised that the old ones where dirt ceap chinese ones. A repair of that would have cost over 80€. So they are building the cheap stuff in that quallity, so that it does break down after the 2 year warrenty. Only to sell you a new one after a few years. That is why I don't use for the most part cheapo equipment. I can repair the stuf, but I don't have the time to allways skrew around with that garbidge when I need it. I want to grab my equipment and work and getting the job done. The best thing for me was allways buying used quality stuf and repair it and using it for the years to come
That was a great comment. You said it very well. I appreciate your experience. Thank you.
Best brand i grew up using
It depends on the brand an Echo is worth fixing if the motor isnt blown. I have a 3 year old featherlite that had no spark i put a new coil on and have plenty of spark and over 90 psi of compression and it will not start and if i cant figure it out it becomes a parts machine
That is quite the mystery. Did it even start with manually priming the engine with mixed gas?
I really enjoyed this episode it wasn't so many times how you turned the screwdriver it's what I heard and it wasn't perfect the thing that weed eater was running like a roller coaster up and down but I really enjoyed that one thank you
thank you Robert Nelson.
I would fix any trimmer I find for free. I know that model is around 20 years old. But I hate fixing the trimmers where there is a remote primer (the 31cc ones) where the carb is on the back of the trimmer and the spark plug is on the bottom of the engine. Those are hard to fix and annoying
I agree with you Topfin. They are powerful though.
It’s usually worth fixing old string trimmers and new
Thank you pg mechanics for the comment I appreciate it
Great video, thanks so much! Curious if there is a way to determine the age of the Weed eater from the serial number. I found a Weed eater 1700a and it looks old. Am gonna do what ever it needs to get it running. Is made in the USA in Shreveport, Louisiana. Tx again
That's a great idea. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a way date a trimmer by its serial number. Good luck and thanks for the comment I appreciate it
… Main problem with these little 26 cc engines is, carbon build up, that stops the ring from giving good compression, and prevents running, while everything else is working properly. To do a proper job of freeing up the ring, is to remove the piston, and that's the main problem. Getting the piston out, without damaging anything in the process, is the main problem. They don't like to come apart easy, if at all, thanks to the way they are built, and put together in the crank-case. Seen too many of these engines, thrown in the scarp, due to froze up piston rings, due to carbon deposit, blow-by. The ring is small, and very hard to free up, once locked in tight, and to free it properly, the piston has to be removed from the engine block, soaked in a carbon freeing solution for a few days, and heat properly applied with a butane torch, to allow the ring to expand, and free up, on it's own, without damaging either piston, or the ring, by striking either one. If you can't get the piston out, then the engine is nothing more than scrap metal. You can't do a proper job of freeing the ring, while it remains sitting inside the engine cyl. The way they are designed and built, makes them more or less a throw away engine, once the ring freezes up, and won't give good compression for firing. This is an issue with these type of engines. They are next to impossible to repair, once you have ring problems.
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
I have this trimmer as well... It was given to me used in 2001. I still use it weekly. I have babies this beast since I have had.... Lol. Who am I kidding... I have beat this thing to hell and back.. I've never cleaned it, or changed the spark, or air filter .. I have washed the filter. The only thing I have had to replace is the primer bulb and the fuel lines... Now the funny part is, I'm the only one that can make this bad boy run... It runs with the choke almost in the the off position. So I guess by the looks of this video and the filthiness of mine, I should probably try to tear it down and clean it up... That poor little engine and carb is completely covered in oil. Watch it will stop running after I fix it!
I wouldn't touch it if it still runs.
Hey
I Love your channel!! Can you send me a link to the compression tester you use? I have bought two now that won’t go past 25psi and thats testing ones that work.
www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVU89I/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_dtmTEbZE41S2J
On the feather lite do the spark arrester clean it
Oh this one. I'll look to see if it's still available.
I like the older weed eaters better myself... they seem to hold up better and last longer... it seems the newer you get the cheeper their made and don’t hold up to the use like the older ones
I hate admit it but I feel the same way
If the primary parts (piston, crank head) and shaft etc are serviceable then yes. Why trash something a couple of dollars will fix then spend $100 or more for new & shiny especially as it is gonna get beat up anyway.
Very good point. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
I have a Weedwhacker like the one you repaired do you know where I can get a carburetor for it I can’t find one please help
Yes i would order on Amazon
I have a trimmer so i think every trimmer worth time!
Me too. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
@@HomeGaragechannel i like your videos a lot!Is all of these weed eaters are yours or other peaple give it to you to fix them?
Eh they are mainly people's i know, friends and family
@@HomeGaragechannel what do you think about my trimmer?
@@matejcsokbalint7104 was something wrong with it?
I personally think its worth fixing if its a full crank model with the pull string in the back instead in the middle.
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
An older echo, Stihl, redmax, Shindaiwa, husqvarna
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
Where can I order rebuild kits? New carb is only $12. but I have a couple I'd like to rebuild?
Thank you for the comment. I would order it from Amazon or ebay if you want to wait.
I always think this weed eater is cute.
I know right, it looked like a toy the first time I saw these
I got one of those and it had no fuel lines because they were rotted out and I didn't know where they went on the carb. You saved me at 7:01! Thank you for saying that! Also is the fuel filter line always the thicker and bigger one?
You're welcome. Usually if there 2 different fuel line sizes the bigger one is the return line and the smaller line is the filter line.
@@HomeGaragechannel So is this one different? The bigger one on the one in the video and on mine is the fuel filter line and the smaller line is the return line.
@@cdos9186 I don't think it really matters.
@@HomeGaragechannel Your probably right.
I would have replaced the fuel lines in the original tank and avoid opening the crankcase.
Opening the back of the engine is a good way to introduce an air leak into the crankcase. Fuel line and filters are cheap compared to a broken gasket.
I never understood why they make the tank so difficult to remove anyway. I have several rioby trimmers that make you open the crankcase to remove the tank.
Yo like show us you using it after words like a little field tests maybe just like around a tree and like a fence or something
That's a great idea. I will. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
What model is that?
Is it the same as the weed eater featherlite plus ?
I'm not sure. let me take a look and see if I still have this one.
How do you tell which is the lowspeed and which is the highspeed idle screws?
There is an L next to the low speed screw and an H next to the high speed.
@@lawnmowerrecycler yes you are correct
They tell me that they're worth rebuilding if they got good compression. And you can still get parts
Sure if it's just the carb that's the problem. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
What is considered good compression, over 90 psi?
I don't know how old is too old. Our Buick is a 97 and my S-10 is an 89 soI don't have a clue. Good fix and Blessings!
me neither, but for some reason, people still like them.
replace the carb with one that has L and H adjustments unless the weedeater is not wirth keeping or selling off...
That's a good idea. Its worth it to someone.
I just picked up one of these by the road today
i hope you can get it running.
@@HomeGaragechannel I'm gonna dig in to it later today
@@mitchellbodin4460 let me know
@@HomeGaragechannel can't find the bulb
@@mitchellbodin4460 you mean to buy?
What is the part number for this carburetor?
I'm not sure.
If it's got compression..it'$ worth it.. up to a point. Aftercare critical.. If its rode hard n put away wet...well theres a problem.. take care of yr tools..
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
Anytime I can fix something for less than 1/4 it original value it is worth it.
My thoughts exactly
What spark plug does it take
not sure
Depending on who made the weed eater some not worth it and some are the engine ignition has a part to play in the desicion of you fixing it up or buy a new one
That's very true
Fix them all a good way to keep your mind sharp
that's a good way. thank you Bruce Markham
I just used my Poulan FL1500LE Leafblower today and remember how last time I said it was running rich, I didn't adjust it, and now when I am done using it smokes like crazy, it has a lot of white smoke coming off of the engine. What is the problem, is it overheating? If it was running rich last time and I did nothing about it why does it have a ton of white smoke come off of it when I shut it off? This time no oil drips out the muffler. It is also really hot so It may be overheating?
I couldn't tell you why it runs rich but that is what it seems like.
@@HomeGaragechannel You think the white smoke is from running rich? I took the spark plug out and it is pretty dark. Since it is running rich, which way do I turn the high screw? Also it seems like it wants to die after about 15 seconds idling.
@@cdos9186 this is tricky. It will also die after 15 seconds for a rich condition. Try turning the H screw clockwise a quarter turn to start with and see what happens.
@@HomeGaragechannel I tried that but both of them I cannot turn right anymore, they will only turn left so I guess they both are set all the way to the right.
@@cdos9186 time for a new carb then?
Does it have a clutch?
no it doesn't
i have a sears one
Sears isn't bad. I know a couple of people who still have them.
So hay I got a c430 Ryobi 4 cycle string trimmer from a garage sale
Mufflers not blocked the heat shelds are intact and the cooling fins are clear, carb is adjusted properly
Valves are in check also
But it gets vary hot and shuts off in 8 min I can cook Chinese food on the trimmer cover
I'm sure Ryobi couldn't market something that runs for 8 min????
does it start right back up after the 8 minutes? have you checked the oil level? thanks for making a comment
@@HomeGaragechannel 2 oz of oil, yes after it cools good has new
@@fvfgx have you ever looked thru the cooling fins with a flashlight? I'm wondering if the fins have oily dirt covering the and letting the engine run hotter than normal.
@@HomeGaragechannel oumm well I had the thing apart and was looking for something along those lines lol, but for 20 I'll treat it like as if I was food
I'm that guy ie.. hay hun you look worryd are you stressed about something
No I'm just thing that those ring are worn-out or the passaged on that carb was ultrasound good enough LOLOLOL 😅
Unless the metering diaphragm is hard or ruptured, it's fine
You are absolutely correct. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
@@HomeGaragechannel the reason I say is because i work on Weed eaters and blowers and I have had to clean a bunch of carbs. I would appreciate it if you watched my videos
@@js_1995x sure thing. Thanks for the invite.
Home garage I have bad news so was a very good day I went outside planning to mow the yard and when I'm done using the lawn mower my Troy Bilt XP model finally passed away on me the problem was a blown out engine and now I have nothing to use except a Homelite Weed trimmer I just want to tell you all this for bad news thanks for all your support😞😔
Sorry to hear about that. Is there a hole in the engine?
The piston is all scratched up
Okay. New engine time?
By the way, there’s actually two string trimmers 😂lol
Age is not the main factor. I would think that condition and parts availability are more important. Out of curiosity, do you know if there’s a carb available that will work on it with 2 adjustment screws? Someone with only one trimmer would probably never know because they don’t stock parts for multiple repairs.
you make a good point about the age and availability .
I don’t care about the age if I succeed in fixing it then that’s OK I still use my trimmer and it’s 17 years old
Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
Your welcome
My question is, do weed eater have a timeline like the lawnmower s
Do you mean a life span?
@@HomeGaragechannel no , I mean like timing marks crank Sheff
@@blacknight5057 no not 2cycle seedeaters
@@HomeGaragechannel thank you very much
@@blacknight5057 no problem
where would i get a replacement carb for one of these? i have the exact model i think id be better off just replacing the whole carberator...none on amazon look like this one
this is the one I would use from Amazon. it doesn't have to look exactly like it. amzn.to/37C4Osh
@@HomeGaragechannel thats interesting i did buy that one...this weed eater seems older so the exact carb doesnt appear to be on there but before i seen your reply i did buy that carberator..but thanks for responding and helping:)
@@HomeGaragechannel both featherlites i watched you repiar i have the exact same ones lol
this particular model of weedeater is out very out of date, so parts for it are very hard to find. Did you already get the carb and try to install it yet?
@@HomeGaragechannel no i get them both today soemtime form amazon..hopefully this will work
Always try to fix it. I don't care how old.
My microwave oven is from 1978.
wow, thats amazing
I have one but it dose not run at all
can't win them all.
🤝😀
Its to bad it isnt a echo i Would say fix it
I understand. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
It is worth fixing if it won't break the bank. A couple of bucks and a little time and maybe you'll learn something about little motors. Maybe you'll learn something about yourself.
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
Didn't even clean the inside of the engine.
Thanks man
I think a 40 year old weed eater is worth fixing
it's worth a shot.
Kawasaki
thanks for the comment
I just bought this engine and I want to restore it
When are you going to do it?
@@HomeGaragechannel on Friday, I bought it from a junkyard. This will be my first engine restoration. Have never worked on engines before. Thanks for your videos I will use them for references
Planning to do a complete tear down, cleaning and restoring
@@nectarnostalgia does your place offer to sell stuff? Our local one is a real stickler for that kind of stuff. They are corporate owned though.
@@nectarnostalgia let me know how it goes.