Just imagine, you are trimming the weeds in your garden with a weed eater, humming to yourself like a blissful gardener.
And that’s when the weed eater decides to flood itself, choking on something, interrupting your happy gardening time. Sounds like a huge turn-off, doesn’t it?
I’ll say, “been there, done that,” and that’s why I have the perfect solution for you. Do keep reading to find out all the details!
Whether it is a two-cycle or four-cycle model, all gas-powered weed eaters have a carburetor to maintain the proper ratio of gas and air. The motor only functions when there is good airflow and occasional squirts of gasoline. However, if the latter enters the chamber in excess, it can flood the engine.
So, to stop your weed eater from flooding, you’ll have to clear this extra fuel from the combustion chamber. Simply follow these steps, and you’ll be done in no time:
1. Gather The Tools
Although there are techniques to unflood a weed eater without any equipment, using the right tools can speed up the whole process. You will need a pair of safety glasses, an adjustable wrench to replace the spark, and a towel to clean up the device.
2. Remove The Spark Plug
Place the weed eater on a leveled surface and keep it clear of any obstructions, especially around the cutting head. Once you’re sure that the engine has cooled down, remove the rubber cap from the spark plug.
Next, place the adjustable wrench on the plug and start loosening it up by turning the tool counterclockwise. Pull it out and check if it feels damp and smells of gasoline, just to be sure that the flooding is caused by fuel overflow.
3. Clean Up The Excess Fuel
After removing the cap, move to the opposite side of the eater and clear the combustion chamber of excess gasoline using a clean towel.
Moving on, press the throttle trigger, which is usually present under the shaft, right below the engine. Then, point the lever to the “run” position and pull the starter cord seven to eight times.
4. Replace The Spark Plug
The task is almost over now, and you just need to clean up leftover fuel or debris from the spark plug before putting it back on the weed eater. Tighten the plug and then replace the spark wire on top. When that’s done, you can pull the starter cord again and check if your machine is working well.