problem with gas weed eater engine?

Question

Husband the mechanic replaced the fuel line and the pump. He pumps it up, fires it up, it runs for 1 minute then cuts out.
I say the carburetor is sticking shut, but that's my idea, he thinks otherwise but can't figure it out. 
Any Ideas?

nerkaman · Accepted Answer

Sounds like the diaphragm in the carb may be cracked or, have a damaged seal which would gradually allow it to collapse under pressure some while after starting, causing it to stall.

Anonymous · Answer

I have a large property, so do all my nieghbors & practically everyone has to buy a new expensive one every year. Wish they would last for years...

I would ck fuel line, filter, (is yours in the tank, sometimes they plug up & are at the end of the pick up tube. maybe the diaphram, but probably the gas runs & fills the filter in the tank very slowly & then doesnt get enough gas to run properly until it fills up again. Obviously the ign system is OK & carb is basically OK, have had same problem in the past.

eagle · Answer

If your machine is a consumer model such as sold in the discount stores, especially those with the curved shaft, throw it away and invest in a good brand of commercial grade machine.  I bought a Green Machine commercial grade about 30 years ago and it is still going strong.  I have maintained it and replaced worn parts as needed. It has a saw blade, bush blade and string head.  I have worn out about 5 or 6 string heads and they are the heavy duty type.  
If you already have a good grade machine, then some of  the other answers may be correct. Good luck.

MarJoe · Answer

When he fires it up, can he Rev the motor up? If he can then the Carbs O K.  If the weed eater has been out there for years, I would take it to a lawn mower shop and have them tune it up. They will reset the Mag. and reset  the ignition  to spec. and replace the plug and plug wire.

fuzzykjun · Answer

its in the carb,, the little rubber diaphram that pumps the gas ihas either gotten hard or has a hole,, priming allows it to start but the diaphram can not continue to pump gas to the carb so it dies,,, they come in a little kit and are easy to replace,, bring your engines make, model and serial number to a repair/parts store and ask for the kit to fit....

Bobo · Answer

Check and/or replace the fuel filter, it might be  clogging.

? · Answer

Gas/oil mix could be off or even old mixture could cause this. Empty tank then refill with proper mixture.  If the plug was fouled/bad... it wouldn't even start.

Payment · Answer

sounds lik a fuel line problem

mack2of3 · Answer

there is a pickup in the float bowl that is most likely clogged

problem with gas weed eater engine?

9 Answers