Stihl Weed Eater Won’t Start – What To Do?

If your Stihl weed eater doesn't start, then it can make it tough to keep your lawn in pristine condition. The other tough part is figuring out what's causing the problem in the first place. Let's take a look at what to check if your weed eater won't start.

If your Stihl weed eater doesn't start, then check the following:

  • Clean carburetor
  • Charge battery
  • Check fuel level
  • Replace air filter
  • Check spark plug life
  • Inspect recoil starter
  • Inspect rewind pulley and spring
  • Clean or replace the fuel filter
  • Replace spark arrestor

As you can see, there are a number of reasons your Stihl weed eater won't start. Not to worry—in this article, we will troubleshoot each in order to help you get to the bottom of the problem so you can get back to work on your lawn. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about Stihl weed eaters, so let's cut to it!

A weed eater in the front yard, Stihl Weed Eater Won't Start - What To Do?

Why Won't My Stihl Weed Eater Start?

Due to their high quality and durability, Stihl weed eaters are a popular choice for many homeowners and landscapers. Even so, like any other type of machinery, they are susceptible to problems from time to time. If your Stihl weed eater won't start, then check the following:

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A Stihl weed eater left in a grass field

Clogged Carburetor

Over time, carburetors can become clogged with debris, which will prevent the engine from starting. To clean a clogged carburetor, first, open the air filter cover and remove the air filter.

Next, unscrew the carburetor cover and use a carburetor cleaning kit to clean the carburetor. Once you've finished cleaning the carburetor, reassemble the weed eater and try starting it again.

Dead Battery

If your Stihl weed eater has a battery, then it's possible that the battery is dead and needs to be charged. However, if your battery won't charge, check the charging port for debris. If the charging port is clear, then the battery may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

Insufficient Fuel Level

If your weed eater has a fuel tank, then it's possible that the fuel level is too low. The first thing you should do is check the fuel level and add more fuel if necessary. If the fuel level is sufficient, then check the fuel line for leaks. If the fuel line is leaking, then replace it.

In addition, the fuel may have gone bad. Old fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. To prevent this, always use fresh fuel.

Dirty Air Filter

Clogged air filters in any engine can cause a number of problems, one of which is preventing the engine from starting. To clean a dirty air filter, first, remove the air filter and tap it on a hard surface to remove any debris.

Removing the debris is a quick fix to finish your lawn chores. However, if your air filter is clogged, it's probably time to replace it.

Faulty Spark Plug

A faulty spark plug can also prevent the engine from starting. To check the spark plug, first, remove it and inspect it for deposits. If the spark plug is covered in deposits, then clean it with a wire brush or replace it.

Spark plugs are usually pretty easy to tell if they need to be replaced. If the spark plug is black, then it's probably time for a new one. However, if the spark plug is white or tan, then it's probably still good.

Bad Recoil Starter

The recoil starter's job is to turn over the engine when you pull the starter cord. If the recoil starter is bad, then the engine won't start. To test the recoil starter, first, remove it and inspect it for damage.

If the recoil starter is damaged, then replace it. If you don't feel comfortable replacing the recoil starter, then take it to a qualified technician.

Bad Recoil Starter Pulley And Spring

The recoil starter pulley and spring coil the weed eater's rope around to pull and start the engine. If these parts are damaged or broken, then the engine won't start. To test the recoil starter pulley and spring, remove them and inspect them for damage.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Like a vehicle's fuel filter, a weed eater's fuel filter can become clogged with debris over time. This will prevent the engine from starting. If you remove the fuel filter and it's clogged, then either clean it or replace it.

Clogged Spark Arrestor

As you can see, clogged parts are a big problem when it comes to small engines. The spark arrestor is another part that can become clogged over time. The spark arrestor's job is to prevent sparks from exiting the muffler.

If the spark arrestor is clogged, then it needs to be cleaned with a wire brush. However, it could be faulty and will need to be replaced.

These are the most common reasons why a weed eater won't start. If you've checked all of these things and your weed eater still won't start, then it's time to take it to a qualified technician.

A Stihl weed eater photographed in the garden

How Many Times Do You Prime A Stihl Weed Eater?

If you just purchased a Stihl weed eater, then it's important to understand how to prime the engine before using it. For all gas-powered Stihl weed eaters, you need to prime the engine five times before it will start.

To prime the engine, first, locate the primer bulb on the carburetor. Then, press and release the primer bulb five times. Once you've done this, pull the starter cord, and the engine should start.

If the engine doesn't start, then check the fuel level and add more fuel if necessary. If your Stihl weed eater is new and won't start, then it's likely due to operator error.

Check your owner's manual to make sure you haven't missed a step in the starting process.

How Long Does A Stihl Weed Eater Last?

Depending on how often you use your Stihl weed eater, it could last five years or longer. How well you maintain your weed eater will largely determine how long it lasts.

If you keep your Stihl weed eater clean and well maintained, then you could get years of use out of it. In order to make the most of your weed eater, be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.

In addition, not neglecting repairs will also help to prolong the life of your Stihl weed eater. Lastly, properly storing your weed eater when you're not using it will also help to extend its life.

Avoid leaving your weed eater out in the elements, and winterize it if you live in a cold climate. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your Stihl weed eater will last for years to come.

Using a Stihl weed eater to lawn the yard

Does Stihl Make Good Weed Eaters?

Stihl is one of the most popular brands when it comes to weed eaters. But is Stihl a good brand? In general, yes, Stihl does make good weed eaters.

Stihl weed eaters are known for being durable and easy to start. Additionally, they're also versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks.

If you're in the market for a new weed eater, then Stihl is definitely a brand worth considering. However, as with any purchase, it's important to do your research to make sure you're getting the best possible product for your needs.

How Often To Service A Stihl Weed Eater?

Regular service on your Stihl weed eater is important to keep it running smoothly. Depending on how often you use your weed eater, you should service it once a year.

By doing so, you can avoid issues from developing, and you can also catch any problems early on. Servicing your weed eater includes things like changing the oil, checking the air filter, and checking fuel lines.

You can take your Stihl weed eater to a qualified technician to have it serviced. This way, you can be sure that it's done properly and that all of the necessary parts are checked.

Or, if you're handy, you can service your weed eater yourself. This will save you money, but it's important to make sure you know what you're doing.

Final Thoughts

A weed eater in the front yard

Overall, most of the issues that prevent a weed eater from starting are easily fixable. By troubleshooting the problem and following the steps above, you should be able to get your weed eater up and running in no time.

If you're still having trouble, then it's best to take your weed eater to a qualified technician. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

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