WeedEater Starts but then it Stops

My WeedEater, FeatherLite XT260 with a 25cc engine didn’t startup today, actually it started but after 2-3 minutes of operation the engine stopped. I check the spark plug and it was dry and clean and the same for the air filter. Tried again and the same thing happened. Did it again and then I gave up.

I have this unit for 12 years now and never had any problems. Before each winter I winterize it as per instructions and the following spring she starts with the first couple pulls.

Any ideas why she will run for a few minutes and then stops? BTW the gas tank is full

 

Check the fuel lines, if you haven't replaced them in 12 years they would be the first place to look, the filter probably fell of in the tank and the fuel line is not being held in the fuel, take a picture or draw a diagram before replacing the lines so you get them correct. Have a good one. Geo

 

Those same fuel lines Geogrubb is talking about are also old, brittle and most likely allowing air to seep in. You won't be able to get a got seal with the tank with new lines. 12 years and it owes you nothing. Start looking at new unit.

 

Thanks Geo for your time, I will check these tomorrow

 

Didn’t see your post before Norm201

Probably a good idea to look for a new one however now is the wrong time, local stores are stoking up with snowblowers etc. and yard items are limited.

Early spring next year will be the best time to get one.

 

Look at the WORX brand. I was in the same predicament late last summer. Could not find a new unit that did the job. Settled for a WORK 32 volt unit and could not be happier. Buy on-line, it's cheaper. Go for the 42 volt if you can afford it. But don't get less than 32v. And don't let the idea of electric battery scare you. I was dead set against battery power but on the recommendation of several co-workers I decided to try the WORX brand. Good buy, not sorry.

 

I can only find this link which have WROX 20V MaxLithium trimers, no 32 or 42 volts.
https://www.worx.com/en-CA/20V-WORXGT2.aspx

In any case I was thinking about a battery one but I wonder how long the battery will last when in the winter the unit is not used. What is your experience?

 

Don’t be in a hurry to replace. 12 years old doesn’t indicate how much it is used. I have a 25 year old Echo that’s as good as new. I use it for 10-15 minutes per week for 30 weeks per year. In your case I would remove the spark plug and verify spark. If no spark, try a new plug. If still no spark, probably indicates a bad cable (replace) or ignition module. Don’t know the cost of a ignition module, but you can do a cost/ benefit determination to determine what to do. If you have spark, it has to be a gas issue. As others have suggested, first replace the plastic gas lines and gas filter (located in the gas tank). If problem still exists, you can purchase a carburetor rebuild kit or replacement carburetor depending on your skill level. Good luck.

 

They must have made changes. I have a 32 volt unit and at the the time they offered a 40 volt unit. see my attached order



It comes with two batteries. I can do almost a full yard with one fully charged battery. I have a corner lot. This includes edging sidewalk on front and side, Trimming around a full yard fence both sides, trimming all bushes and along house foundation. Battery charges quickly and I can insert charging battery if 1st one loses charge. It can quickly change from edger to trimmer. Lifetime free trimmer line (pay for shipping, so it's not really free). You can use a wind your own line and you can use the twisted type or the smooth type. The only drawback is that the self feeding line does not always work and I find myself having to manually extend the line.

If I could have my old gas unit back I would take it, but I could not find any gas powered units that worked as well as my old unit and was both a trimmer and edger. They stopped making those kind, unless you buy the brand that converts by changing cutter end and using the same head unit.

I'm happy with the WORX brand. Not necessarily the best but better than anything I found, gas, electric or battery at the consumer level. If you go commercial then you'll find better but you will pay twice as much.

 

When a motor runs for a few minutes and then stops I always wonder if the gas tank is still getting vented. You could try it with the tank cap slightly loosened. A weedEater is probably the worst motor to try to use with the gas tank cap not on tight but for a test you can probably keep it from leaking to see if it works better. If so, the gas tanks venting is probably clogged up.

Just my thoughts.

 

Good show here guys, thanks

I didn’t say that I will replace my unit now but the thought of getting a battery powered one had occurred to my mind before for 2 reasons. Noise and weight. I have about 15K sq.ft. of grass and I use a John Deer riding tractor with the bagger to cut the grass in the summer (takes me less than 30 minutes) and that’s a breeze but the trimming it’s a real pain and takes me almost 1hr. The weight is most noticeable going under the trees and as we age the weight is important. Although the WeedEater is among the lightest units available it’s still heavy enough for a lengthy cut. I cut the grass every 2 weeks and use the trimmer every other cut but if it rains often like this season then I do both more often.

I have no problem taking the carb apart etc. but as it’s suggested I will pay attention on the gas system since I also suspect that’s the main problem. Going to the store now to see what is available and when I come back I will attack the beast and see what I can do to get her going again

 

The WeedEater is now working and I’m sorry to say it but I guess it was my mistake! What must have happened is I screw-up for the first time with the gas / oil mixture.

First I emptied the gas from the tank, inspected and cleaned the gas lines, clean the spark plug and air filter, cleaned the spark plug wire which was soaked in oil and refilled the tank with new gas / oil.

I have 2 small measuring plastic containers, one for the oil and one for the gas. I fill once the oil container to the rim and then pour it to a jar and then the gas container I fill it 5 times and pour it to the jar and then with the jar I fill the Weedeater. Yesterday I only used 4 times the gas amount and so the mixture had too much oil.

The local store has the WORX units: With one 20V battery $129, with two 20V batteries $149 and with one 56V battery $279. The gas units similar to mine were about $120 (all in Canadian dollars + tax).

 

You are lucky, it could have been the other way around, not enough oil and you would have burned it up. Have a good one. Geo

 

I had a problem like this with a 2-cycle tiller. It started up and ran fine long enough to till my small garden plot. A few days later, I went back to till it again and it suddenly quit. I replaced line, filter, etc. and etc. I had replaced the carb last year and didn't think that was the problem but after nothing else worked, I decided to order a new carb. I put it on and it started right up and now runs fine. All it takes is a very tiny piece of debris to clog up a jet. Oh, you can but a kit and clean them or take them to a shop but in the end a new carb may end up costing less.