String trimmer intermittent start/run problem

6 years ago

Hi, my 17 year old 25cc Homelite String Timmer (UT20760) started and ran great the first time I used it earlier this season. After that, it would either start and run great or it would start and barely keep running because it was shaking so badly at idle (and would not accelerate or smooth out) and shake is a mild word for what it was doing (shake violently is more accurate). Every fourth or fifth start it would start and run great - the rest of the times it was shake city so I'd stop it and try again several more times until I got the great running version (all this in the space of a few minutes).
I have checked spark (by sight only - blue) and compression (feels reasonable using the thumb method). I don't know where to look next. Thanks.
p.s now, it appears to have quit starting altogether.

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Comments (2)

loger_gw
6 years ago
Hello! You have gotten some good years as I have on my 2002 Echo. Guaranteed to start on the 2nd pull and it has since 2002. There has to be variables not mentioned in their print. Such as “Maintenance” related to providing Fire, Fuel and Compression (The Basics) I’ll mention some basics.

1. Are you treating your fuel or using premium fuel?

2. Are your fuel lines air tight after all these years?

3. Have you tried a new plug or have a good eye and feel for a good hot spark?

4. Have you checked or cleaned the Exhaust Spark Arrestor to eliminate any back pressure.

5. You could have a “Live Bug” issue from storage. Or Some Wear is hard to detect vs “Sudden”!

Good Luck, Please Share What You Find!
comejer
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi loger_gw,

I have been away from the trimmer for a few days but I just wanted to acknowledge your great suggestions and thank you for your kind response. I will certainly share my findings when I get back to working on it.
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