Thread: Against my better judgement, a real question

Gonnabe did some weed eating a couple of weeks back and took a break then couldn't get the trimmer to start. It's been getting finicky and I figured needed a tune up. I could get it to crank but not stay, so I ordered a carb, plug and filters.

Put it on and I could get it to start and idle, but not rev up. All adjustment on the high side did not help. Did some reading and found out about the duck bill under the cap. I figured that couldn't be it, but on a lark, I removed the cap and cranked and it ran like new. So, removed the cap, slit the duck bill, re-installed and I haven't been able to crank it since. With or without the cap. Back to reading. Put the switch on an ohm meter, good. Checked spark, good. I'm ready to toss the thing and get a new one....except my pride won't let me surrender.

Stihl FS 55R
Here's what I've done:
Fresh fuel - 50:1
New air filter
Removed spark arrestor and cleaned - tried with arrester removed as well
Replaced carb - amazon aftermarket
New gaskets for carb
New air filter
Plug (from kit and a cross reference from the original NGK)
Checked switch - good
Checked spark - good

What am I missing? Someone save my wallet, hide and pride!

At this pace, when someone calls me DonDon, I won't be able to say nuthin back.

Wannabe...



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Just out of the blue you might try another plug...Have u tried a quick squirt of either to see if it's a fuel or spark issue?
There will be squacking about the either but everybody owns a can...
If you say the spark is good then it is a fuel issue probably...

Have tried starting fluid. I own 4 cans. Don't like to on small engines, but have tried it. Thought about dumping fuel and getting a can of that premix just to try, but I've been mixing non ethanol on this thing for at least 5 years with not a lot of issues.


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Oh, left out new fuel lines and fuel filter, which is a little screened pick up in the tank.


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Is new plug wet?

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Sounds like gas....Hello ether

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You are getting thin on possibilities but I would like for you to do something....Remove the muffler/spark arrester (a couple bolts) and take a close look at the piston....Is it smooth or does it have score marks? Smooth you are fat and happy...If it is scored it is time for a rebuild/new one....

Glances at piston when had plug out. No scoring, but more carbon build up than I would like. Thought about doing a compression check but don't know what the spec is. Plug is getting fuel, but not fouled and sparking. Have tried two different brands of spark plug. Have shot starting fluid to it.


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Exhaust is stopped up. Try that. Often times with my stihl stuff that's what it is.


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Originally Posted by CRAPPIE 123

Exhaust is stopped up. Try that. Often times with my stihl stuff that's what it is.


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Yes 2 cycle engines get plugged up at exhaust,clean it out .



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