Weed Eater Featherlite Extreme FX26SCE-hard to start, won't stay running
#1
07-01-13, 09:15 AM
Weed Eater Featherlite Extreme FX26SCE-hard to start, won't stay running
Hope someone can assist in helping to figure out what might be wrong with this weed trimmer. I know it's not the best brand on the market, but it fit our budget.
It's only about 2 years old. Ran fine the first year. Hubby went to use it for the second time this year and states that it's now hard to pull (to start). Said it doesn't have the smooth pull to it, sort of jerky. Also that it will run for awhile (maybe 10-15 minutes? he never gave me a clear answer on that) and then it will "lock up" --according to him.
I've removed the plug and the pull cord will pull with ease. Put the plug back in and it's back to the jerky pulling. I did notice alot of carbon build up on the top of the piston, is that normal?
Hubby will probably give me the what-for, when he finds out I've inquired on a help site! But he's so busy all the time I thought I might be able to help by fixing this myself (if it's not too difficult a task!)
Thanks!
mxmom
It's only about 2 years old. Ran fine the first year. Hubby went to use it for the second time this year and states that it's now hard to pull (to start). Said it doesn't have the smooth pull to it, sort of jerky. Also that it will run for awhile (maybe 10-15 minutes? he never gave me a clear answer on that) and then it will "lock up" --according to him.
I've removed the plug and the pull cord will pull with ease. Put the plug back in and it's back to the jerky pulling. I did notice alot of carbon build up on the top of the piston, is that normal?
Hubby will probably give me the what-for, when he finds out I've inquired on a help site! But he's so busy all the time I thought I might be able to help by fixing this myself (if it's not too difficult a task!)
Thanks!
mxmom
#3
07-02-13, 02:01 PM
Thanks for your reply, cheese. I'm not really sure if the spark plug is wet or not? (I'm guessing you mean after it's been running??) As it pulls so hard to start, I can't get it started myself and hubby hasn't had a chance to do it.
#5
07-03-13, 06:20 AM
Sorry for my confusion about the spark plug. I just checked & the spark plug is dry.
Hubby said he used the weed trimmer last night. He started it and used it for several minutes before it "locked up" (his terminology). Meaning that it shut off? (He gets a little aggitated with me when I ask him just exactly what he means!lol)
Said that after it cooled off, he could start it again, would use it for a couple of minutes and then would "lock up" again. He got frustrated with the whole weed trimming process, so quit for the night.
I was at work so didn't get to see or hear what was going on, just going by what he's told me.
Hubby said he used the weed trimmer last night. He started it and used it for several minutes before it "locked up" (his terminology). Meaning that it shut off? (He gets a little aggitated with me when I ask him just exactly what he means!lol)
Said that after it cooled off, he could start it again, would use it for a couple of minutes and then would "lock up" again. He got frustrated with the whole weed trimming process, so quit for the night.
I was at work so didn't get to see or hear what was going on, just going by what he's told me.
#7
07-05-13, 07:22 AM
Bummer that this fairly new weed trimmer will have to go out in the trash! 
I know they say "you get what you pay for", but certainly expected it to last for more than a couple of years! (It never was used that much!)
Hubby is now considering getting one of those "rechargeable" weed trimmers. Got any pro's/con's to using those or what might be considered a good one to get?
Thanks again for your assistance!
~mxmom
I know they say "you get what you pay for", but certainly expected it to last for more than a couple of years! (It never was used that much!)Hubby is now considering getting one of those "rechargeable" weed trimmers. Got any pro's/con's to using those or what might be considered a good one to get?
Thanks again for your assistance!
~mxmom
#8
07-05-13, 06:41 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
I've heard some people are happy with the rechargeable ones made by Worx, but I have no experience with them. I wouldn't expect much more than a couple of years out of any rechargeable unit either. The featherlite trimmer is probably the very cheapest disposable trimmer made. They were $58 at walmart, compared to $300 for a decent trimmer if that helps put it into perspective. They are actually not that bad for the price! If I were looking for a trimmer on a budget, I'd go to the pawn shops and craigslist looking for a good echo or stihl and buy one used for the same price as a new cheapo and have a much better unit in the long run.
#9
07-13-13, 08:49 AM
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Rechargeable weed trimmer for very small yard only!
My experience with rechargeable units is this. Mine only came with one battery that would not last long enought to trim my whole yard I had to trim for 2 days after it taking a complete day to recharge the battery. My yard is about a half acre. Other than that the rechargeable one gave me no problems. To say the least it was always ready to go when I got ready for it.
