Fixing A Stihl Trimmer That Won't Start 

You made the correct decision...get the aftermarket carb, because more than likely it will last nearly as long. The important point here is Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance....and keep maintaining it.

I’ve sold stihl equipment for 15 years and worked with top mechanics. Most of the problems we dealt with were bad gas , cheap oils or ethanol!

I think you made the correct decision. You might have considered a carb kit, but those are pricey too. If you were running a commercial shop, let the owner decide, but you're doing this as a hobby..you get the idea. You got it running, that's what matters.

I just got through installing my new China carburetor kit . It was $19.98.Everything was easy, went back together perfectly! It even came with new hoses, two extra fuel filters, a spark plug, and two extra primer bulbs. Which I replaced all of it. Other than an idle adjustment, I didn't have to adjust anything else. And now the weedeater runs perfectly! Thanks for the info sir.

Nothing wrong with ordering the aftermarket carb because it's an easy way to at least have a rebuild kit if the cheap carb doesn't work well you can use the parts to try rebuilding the original carb. It's a great plan 😁

You did the right thing. I had the same issue and ordered an after-market carb from Amazon for $13.00. It saved me a lot of time, and it worked perfectly. 😊

Your videography has gotten quite good. You made the right decision on the carb. Your co-worker should be a happy customer.

I like the thrill of the chase. Lol. It’s only a hobby for me. Sometimes I eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats me and I buy an aftermarket carb. No judgement either way as long as the darn thing gets up and running. Thanks for your time HG

The carb looked very clean but the diaphragms had hardened. I personally would have purchased a carb re-build kit and tried to correct the problem that way. If the rebuild failed, I would go with the aftermarket carb like you did. I have this trimmer BTW and did rebuild mine successfully.

My FS40 had no spark. O bought an aftermarket coil and a carb. rebuild kit. After installation it still wouldn't start! Frustrated... I was looking online and found this. Your comment about cleaning the spark arrester made check mine, and was totally caked! I cleaned it and it started on the first pull... Thanks for your video!

I find it far more economical and way less stressful to just buy an aftermarket carb. Some of the time they even include fuel filters, fuel line, extra bulbs, etc.

Nice job. Pro tips are awesome. Spend 10 minutes on the carb and if you need to replace go for it. I’d probably do the OEM but I’m not a small engine shop. Most customers would opt for aftermarket too!!

People just don’t know how to maintain or store equipment from one season to another. They are just to busy to do such mundane stuff, like storing their equipment properly. If it fails to start nex spring they will buy a new one. Every fall I set aside a day to put certain outdoor equipment in storage condition. I crank them up and let them warm up for five minutes. I then pour out all the gas, recrank them and let them idle until they stop for lack of gas. If they have a primer bulb I press it until it is empty while it is idling. I don’t want to leave any gas in the unit when I am through. I then wipe the off with a slightly oily shop rag and hang them up in my shop by their cutter head until next spring.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have two STIHL Brush cutters, but the big FS 240 (not an R model, mine has motorcycle handles).failed to start or even try. The air filter was filthy and I did my best to clean it with my compressor, but still no joy. Spark plug looked fine, fuel in the bulb and couldn't find any spark arrestor on my European model, but noticed some green stuff in the exhaust box holes so poked them and a load of green powder dust came out. Some critters must've made it their home over winter and blocked it. After a general degunge, gave it a pull and she fired first time. Will go order or buy a new air filter tomorrow, but the triangular bladed was needed over the smaller model wire today to cut some really tall thick weeds where as the wire would've been constantly requiring adjustment.

After market carbs work good for the most way to go

Hey HG I find myself fixing 8 to 10 year old machines that are not on there last leg but have maybe a few years left on them. I find using OEM parts on a machine that is not worth the price of the part silly and bad investment into the machine . I am upfront with my customers and let them know I can get a clone carb for 1/2 the price of a OEM and they usually work out great . If I have a machine back becasue of the clone part I will replace it again easy. Now if I had a customer come in with new say blowder and can not get i to run for ny reason I would suggest a OEM part for the machine no question .

Had A Stihl Trimmer...Nothing But Carby Problems.Changed To A Honda...Perfect

As done on multiple times with a bunch of Stihl machines, I'll go with the "cheapo" carb versions. When it comes to 2-stroke oils, I made the switch to Echo's brand well over a year ago with excellent results - pissing off my Stihl certified master service tech along the way! Lol!

A neighbor brought over an antique Stihl chsainsaw and the carb was really messed up. A new OER carb was 'way too much $$$ so we bought a Chinesium version at $12.00. It included a new spark plug, a new ignition coil, a LOT of fuel line, the clunk/filter, the air filter and the carb. I put it on and in three pulls it was running perfectly. I never had to adjust anything! It's still running with the Amazon $12.00 carb three years later and - frankly - if I had to buy a new one for every new cutting season - we'd still be money ahead compared to buying just one Stihl carb.

I ordered a carb. It came several weeks later from China. I put it in and it ran perfect without adjustment. I took out the little screen. Why do you need two intake filters. Now, I only use the high dollar gas but I only use the Stihl for the heavy jobs with the metal blade. For my normal trimming, I have a DeWalt, 60V trimmer with the companion blower and chain saw. At 87, I need to conserve energy and stress.

I find the 4mix engines have a lot more issues than the good old 2 stroke engines

i have always been very apprehensive about aftermarket/knockoff carbs that aftermarket carb looks exactly the same as the original and performs well i'm quite surprised you didn't have to change the mixture screws my dad dropped off his honda 35cc brushcutter today saying its leaking fuel a quick look and its leaking tons of fuel out of the carb both sections where the membrane material seals the carb sections called honda $106AUD for a new carb i don't think so if its too far gone i will be going down the same road you did

Thanks for sharing. You’re knowledgeable on this subject matter, it’s greatly appreciated.

Thank you a lot! I really like how you explained in your videos about how to fix this machines I hope I can fix my weed eater Fs91r which start but it dies…

I put a after market carburetor on my fs38, works like a drsam, at end of the season I'll drain the gas n run full throttle till it dies

A few days ago, I was working on a newer echo string trimmer and when I was pulling on the rope to try to start it I noticed that it was pretty quiet which was strange but when I took off the spark arrestor screen I found the first problem the spark arrestor screen was completely clogged with carbon so much so that the engine was not starting on the feel that I put into the carpets throat but after I clean the spark arrestor screen the engines running really well

Some of the aftermarket carbs are better quality than others, I try to replace the gaskets/diaphragms but if the carb pretty bad, then I’ll replace.

was curious on the engine having valves when the oiled fuel was mentioned, apparently it’s a 4 stroke that doesn’t have a sump and uses the fuel oil mixture like a 2 stroke, funky

I have a fs90r.i love it! I start my equip,in the winter,

If the carburetor has an accelerator pump it is usually best to replace the carb if it has a problem - the bore for the accelerator pump wears to an oval shape over time and begins to leak. There is no way to correct the wear in the carburetor body.

How is it you were turning those screws counter clockwise as yiu were inserting them?

I would ask the owner which way he wanted to go, but for me, after market carb.

Hi there. I just bought a stihl r 91 trimmer from a pawn shop and it's not starting. I checked the air filter and fuel filter. When I push the Knob in after priming and pull the string it doesn't start and by pressing the orange button the valve doesn't move back to the original spot. I don't know what this means but I think it's supposed to move back when you push it down

Mine had similar issues. I bought a cheap carb and stolen the parts failed on the oem one. Oem parts expensive and you can't always find them. Works like new after few hours of use.

When I press the button on top.The skinny button that doesn't say stop. Nothing happens, the choke does not move back to the original spot. The button that you have to press in and twist. What would cause that to not work. Because I can't get it to start. I bought it from a pawnshop. Please respond as soon as you can. Thank you

Did all these repairs and still not starting. Original problem was hard to start when hot. Also air filter was oiky? Discovered there is a gas tank vent that may be blocked but having trouble removing it. My KM90R is 10+ years old and used hard! Have vent ordered as stem seemed to have debris in it. Also w/e wouldn't run with air filter. Have you done video replacing tank vent?

Random comment ... I left my Stihl trimmer out in the rain while I used my mower to cut the grass. It now will not start. Any advice would be greatly received.

I would ev trued to replace the diaphragms in there or rebuild kit if 1 available,but for a fine machine like that,a new carb it deserves good job

Very good video , I agree with the after market carb

I just did almost the same vid. I get nothing but cheap carbs. I have a brand that I always use on Stihl products. 3 of them just started season 2 without a hitch

I have had horrible luck with oem carbs and how i work at a shop we only replace anything with OEM stuff nothing aftermarket because we want it to be as reliable as possible we have had bad luck with the aftermarket carbs flooding and not idleing

I have a question about a Stihl blower. It’s a br400, we have changed the carburetor and the spark plug. We checked the compression. It’s all good but it only runs on starting fluid. What what you think the problem is.

I replaced the carby on my string trimmer recently and now it's hard to start, but once I finally get it to start, it's fine. Why would it be hard to get going. TIA

How long would the oem carb last vs aftermarket? If there's no difference is the right move.

So you pronounce it as "Steel" in English?

The fuel looked clear , I gather you had it premixed though? Carb: I tend to weigh the value, $20 for a carb…done! It’s not cheap, it’s just not wasteful. The carbon always builds up, Good repair!

u did good... gj .. same i would have done!...im do alot carbs - ALOT- so im rare case- i replace the inside parts and i renew the needle /seat hole ! :>).. basically rebuild the old carb.

Very curious to know how many hours and usage I got.

What's the likelihood that ethanol fuel caused that hardening of the diaphragms? And can you purchase the diaphragms separately?

What type of tool did you use to take the bolt off the stihl? It looks like a 6 points

What do you think about stihl ultra oil they make you run for warranty? I like echo red armor.

Trying to wrap my head around, "you're going to be very disappointed"

Hey thanks for your videos, Ive recently been given a FS 130 that runs very poorly. Ive been going through the check lists of things to do to get it running well again, i have recently ran into a problem where its very difficult to pull the string to start and feels jammed. Ive just checked the recoil assembly and adjusted the valves. but still having troubles. any idea where to look next or what it could be? Thanks!!

well to answer your question i will always buy the cheaper after market part for any stihl products 😉

I'm working on the same exact weedeater and it's driving me crazy that I can't seem to figure it out, my weedeater will not rev up and the head will not spin but it idles just fine, and I purchased the same exact carb that you had in the description and it still didn't fix my issue, I'm honestly baffled at this point and don't know what to do other than take it to a repair shop

What is your opinion on stihl four-strokes?

Are these sparkplugs by bosch good or are they a no-no?

And I said you almost never replace the carb last week ha. I would not ask what kind of carb someone wants. Good chance they wouldn’t know what a carb is.

Smart decision.

How much money would a Stihl carburetor repair kit be for this trimmer???? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤷🏿‍♂️ #stihlpower #stihlisyourdaddy #stihlrunstheyard

Good job 👍

Why not keep the original carb and just replace the diaghram?

Stihl Carbs are made by Zama and really only need a replacement gasket set that cost about $10 bucks

STIHL FS 91 R 16.5 in. Gas String Trimmer

Grest vid thank yiu

its not the paycheck that matters its the"pride". i am being super sarcastic. its whether the guy wants a particular brand of machinary.

New Stihl is GREAT shit ,I using only Husqvarna ,quality and always working !

nicely explained, I would go with the OEM just for the sake of not supporting China and their horrific human rights record

The OEM one is 3 times the amount of the cheap one, but will last 4-5 times longer than the cheap one. Do the maths, which one is cheaper

The correct Valve clearance per the 4180 manual is .010 not .004 . The Carb screws are H 3-1/2 turns out from bottom and L 1-1/4 for the FS 90R and 1-3/4 for the 110 and higher . This engine comes in different displacements and each H P rating has a specifically sized Carburetor with a specific Carburetor part # . I Know because I Have The MANUAL for Mine .

Should have lubed the bevel gearbox also.

This is where manufacturers have gone wild. The pump diaphram should be a couple of bucks, NOT $15 for one diaphram. Considering an aftermarket carb is also $15 I cannot blame you for taking that track.

Nowadays it's a waste of time to do a carburetor kit when you can get one for about $20 and it comes with all the fuel lines filter and everything you need

I replaced mine with an online carb and ran great and cost less than the shipping. Ha

Always oem on carbs

Greatvideo

30 years as a certified OPE technician, and Stihl Master Service tech, and everything you did in this video is exactly what we do in the shop. Sure, I give the quote to the customer with the OEM carb, then another with a carb off Amazon, and truth be told, the Amazon cheapo carbs works just fine, my advice is just go with that. Never even bother wasting time trying to clean the carbs anymore, it's a simple matter if "when in doubt, throw it out" when it comes to carbs. One thing to remember though, Stihl's hate inferior 2 stroke oil. Try to stick with Stihl oil, Castrol (they make it for Stihl), Lucas Oil, or even Echo oil. Using cheap oil or outboard marine motor 2-stroke oil will destroy a Stihl in short order. I mean it, I cannot stress that enough, I have a boneyard of FS130's and BR600's that were only a few months old but were destroyed because the owners chose to run cheap oil in the fuel mix.

I usually just buy a rebuild kit. It has all the parts I need and it costs less than an amazon carburetor.

My older stihl stuff is still going . Newer stihl stuff is too expensive.😊 And I've never had a problem with after market carbs.

Working at a dealership of Stihl products i can say, yes stihl carbs are pricey. we've tried aftermarket and it's about a 50/50 shot they'll work. So we typically we stay away from them, just for the hassles sake and possible doubling the time invested in repairs. But for homeowners, i say go for it.

My Echo straight shaft brush cutter, leaf blower and pole chainsaw all eventually would not start. I cleaned and put a kit in the brush cutter carb but it still wouldn't start so I installed a after market carb and it started right up and has been running perfect now for three years. When the other two machines quit I went with new carbs out of the gate. All three run great and start easily. I started using racing fuel three years ago and believe the ethanol free, leaded fuel with no additives helps keep the fuel systems in good working order when not being used regularly.

i found that when you clean a spark arrestor, its best not to use a wire brush. This is because when scratched, it creates a much better bonding surface for the carbon to adhere to. I like to use compressed air, but most of the time you dont have to use either. Nice job, appreciate the fine work

Bought new Stihl OEM carb 45$, after 11 mos stopped working ! Dealer told me to pound sand. 15$ Chinese carb (HIPA KIT) and back in business with new fuel lines,bulbs,plugs,filter included also. So Done with oem

I feel like with quality fuel, oil, and maintenance, any carb will last sufficiently long to justify it. I use A LOT of aftermarket carbs, especially on 2 stroke equipment. I find cleaning them, even in my ultrasonic, is sometimes hit or miss. There's a lot of little check valves on the ones with the built-in primer bulbs. I use a small jar (Peanut butter, etc) that is clean to put my 2 cycle carbs into the ultrasonic. I use the same gas I would use in equipment, in the jar. I find this does a very good job on cleaning these items, and doesn't immerse it in even more dirt/grime than was already with it. Ultrasonic makes it MUCH easier to clean the more gummed up mower/pressure washer carbs. I've put some pretty nasty ones in it, and with a good degreaser & dawn dish soap, they come out in much better shape. I still use my carb spray to rinse and help unclog small passages that may still require my pokey tool. I will disassemble the carb early in my process, put in the cleaner and during the 10-15 mins, allows me time to remove wheels (lubricating), sharpen blades, etc. Once it's done, I'm ready to assemble everything.

I love aftermarket carbs and always recommend them. Some customers still insist on OEM which is fine if they are willing to pay for it.

Absolutely Nothing works forever even with good maintenamce. Stihl is the best & crap is the rest😅

Personally I would have gone with an OEM carb kit, but aftermarket is fine too.

First, when I’m done using any of my two cycle equipment I dump gas back in the fuel/oil mix gas can I have. Then I start and run it until it quits. I was all the gas out of the carburetor that I can get out. I work on my own stuff and have used after market carbs on repairs I’ve made with very few issues. So I don’t fault you for using them. Thanks for the video.

If it is ok with your co worker then you did the right thing. Great video

In this situation, the cheap carb, it works and unless the customer changes his ways a OEM carb would be a waste of money.

I have a new carb. from Amazon that just came in the mail for my Stihl trimmer. I didn't even go to the Stihl dealer and ask how much an OEM carb would cost when I saw the prices on Amazon. OEM prices are so out of line that if you can fix it yourself, it never pays to take it to the dealer for repairs. The price of OEM parts is the main culprit.

Good video! Over the years as a farm equipment/ lawn & garden tech, I've grown into the "Never-seize" habit. Spark plugs, exhaust hardware, etc get a dab of the stuff.

I would have rebuilt the original carburetor.

😅 i do the same you do.i am cheap.and when i fix equipment for friends.i ask them if they want oem parts or aftermarket.and they do the same.aftermarket parts.thank you for taking time to do this educational.videos.

With the carbon on the spark plug might check what kind of oil has been used to mix the fuel,maybe another brand would give less carbon (although the screen didn't look too bad)

One thing I always do when an engine won’t start is put in fresh fuel and remove the spark plug to add a bit of fuel directly into the chamber. It is surprising the number of times the machine starts and then just keeps running. I run the machine for 15 or 20 minute, which will tend to lubricate the diaphragms and unblock the carburetor.

Thank you for your videos. I enjoy your troubleshooting process and your clear instructions. Please make more content.

Great video!!! One of the best How-to videos I've ever seen. You covered all the bases and questions and then some.

I've been watching many videos of fixing trimmer carburetors and this is, I believe, the best that I've seen so far. Straight forward, to the point and no fluff. Thanks for a great video. I will be looking out for you in the future.

Do you run non-ethanol gas