Having trouble with your weed eater?
If your weed eater (or strimmer) is running slow, the engine sounds like it’s suffering from a monster chest infection, or if it’s stopped working altogether, then your carburetor may be blocked.
In this short post, we’re going to take a quick look at how you can clean it. Fortunately, cleaning a weed eater carburetor is a very simple process. If you were thinking about taking it to the local garden center or mechanic, then you’ll be happy to know you’ve just saved yourself some money (and a trip).
Let’s dig in.
What you’ll need:
- A flat head or cross-head screwdriver (or equivalent drill bit) depending on your model.
How to unclog the carburetor:
- Unscrew the filter protector and remove the filter and screen.
- Unscrew the carburetor from the weed eater (it may be attached to the choke).
- Disconnect the throttle and the gas lines.
- Your carburetor may have one or two screws on the top that hold the “primer bubble”/oil cup. In either case, take the top off.
- Clean the filter of any debris that’s clogging it up. An air compressor can be useful.
- Repeat all the steps in reverse!
You’re done!
And there you have it! If you’re still having problems it may be due to the fact that the carburetor itself needs re-building. In which case, it might be time for the mechanic.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below and let me know!
More Resources
Here’s a great video that guides you through the process of replacing a strimmer carburetor:
Finally, if you’re interested in the mechanics of how carburetors work, check out this link: How does a carburetor work?
