I have two 2-cycle trimmers that are in need of repair and I am trying to determine if they are worth the effort and cost or if I should just toss them.
I have already taking them to the repair shop and was told that basically the gas/oil mixture wasn't right and it locked them up.
One won't turn at all (craftsman) and the other (toro) will turn over but not crank.
I have never done any repair work on any kind of engine before so this would definitely be a learning experience and since they are already messed up, how much worse could I make it?
Anyways, I will try to search the net to see what I turn up but figured y'all might have some insight as well.

Thanks,

Gary

 

If you seized the motors due to running straight gas, then you might as well throw them away. The cost for parts will be 75%-80% of the cost of a new one.

But if you'd like to take one apart to see what your mistake did to the motor, go ahead. You might not make the same mistake with your new one.

Here's a small engine forum run by a really good small engine mechanic named NevadaWalrus.
http://p220.ezboard.com/flmrmpowerforumfrm1

 

Check to see if the Toro is even firing. I had the same problem with my Ryodi....change the plug, good as new.

I hate 2 cycle engines for the simple fact that you have to mix the fuel....pisses me off.

 

Yeah, chaning the spark plug is a good start for one that won't fire. I have a ryobi that was doing that, spark plug fixed it. As far as the one that won't turn at all, you can take itt apart, clean it up and put it back together. Might help. Overall, it's probably more worth the time and effort to buy a new one.

 

Yeah, it's pretty tough to get that little bottle of 40:1 oil and dump it into a one gallon can and fill it up with gas......ha, ha

Then use that one gallon can to fill up the little tanks on them 2 cycle motors.....

Just bustin' your ballz there..... Couldn't resist....

I run a blower, trimmer and chain saw and that one gallon tank lasts several months! Been using the same items for over 7 years with zero problems and never have had to take a wrench to any of them. (well, I do on the trimmer to pull the trimmer head off to replace the trimmer cord from time to time...)

Seems like a good oportunity to dig into a 2 cycle engine and see how they work!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

I have deemed two-cycle lawn equipmen as "disposable." Too much of a PIA to fix when they go breasts-up.

 

Yea I dont even change teh spark plug in my trimmers.. I buy the cheap $60 one's from walmart. If it dosent start with in 10 pulls, I throw it away and go buy a new one.
My Sthil chainsaw was used when I bought it. I've had it 8 years and I cut 3-5 cords of wood a year. I clean the spark plug occasionally, clean the air filter after every 4 hours or after each use which ever is first, sharpen or replace chains, break it down and blow the saw dust off the bar and clutch with the air compressor after each use. Other than that it fires with in 3 pulls. 3 Pulls is after it's sat for a few months. Now that I say that when I pull it out in a few weeks to start cutting wood, now its not going to start.

For yours,
The one that is locked up. If you did mix your gas to thin then you burnt the chrome out of the cylinder walls. Even if you do get it free it will barely run. You can't re chrome them for less than buying 3 more trimmers. The other one, clean or replace the spark plug, if it still wont start, buy a new one.

 

thanks for the responses.

I always bought those little individual oil containers that took the measuring out of the process. All I had to do was add one for every gallon of gas. I was sure everything was good on the gas/oil mix. Well after burning through two in two years, and always after the warranty ran out, go figure, I that maybe my gas was to thin. I had always thought I had a one gallon container. Turns out I was wrong, it is a one and 1/2 gallon container. I then doubled checked my chain saw mix and verified that it was a one gallon container, which would explain why I never locked it up.

Anyways, I will probably take these things apart just to see the damage and then see if I can put one back together.

Oh yeah, I have already replaced these with a 4-cycle craftsman convertible. SO far I have had no problems but of course it is still under its one year warranty.


gary

 

[QUOTE=PSS-Mag]Yea I dont even change teh spark plug in my trimmers.. I buy the cheap $60 one's from walmart. If it dosent start with in 10 pulls, I throw it away and go buy a new one.My Sthil chainsaw was used when I bought it. I've had it 8 years and I cut 3-5 cords of wood a year. I clean the spark plug occasionally, clean the air filter after every 4 hours or after each use which ever is first, sharpen or replace chains, break it down and blow the saw dust off the bar and clutch with the air compressor after each use. Other than that it fires with in 3 pulls. 3 Pulls is after it's sat for a few months. Now that I say that when I pull it out in a few weeks to start cutting wood, now its not going to start.

Typical American!!!!