I got a free string trimmer from a buddy who couldn't get it to start. I did a compression check by pulling the pull starter and the compression seemed good. Next I pulled the spark plug, put it back on the boot, grounded it to something metal. I then pulled the cord again and saw no spark. I kept doing this and some times I'd get a very weak spark, but most of the time I'd see no spark at all. I haven't had time to look at it again for a few days, but I will be pulling it out again probably tomorrow. What things would you check and in what order? This question came from our site for contractors and serious DIYers. Use a Spark tester (which can be found at any automotive supply store), to test the spark. Remove the boot from the spark plug on the trimmer. Plug the end of the tester with the metal probe into the boot. Connect the other end of the tester to the spark plug. Give the trimmer a couple pulls, while watching the testers spark chamber.

If you don't have a spark, you probably have to replace the ignition coil/module. wkf backpackThere's a good YouTube video that shows how to replace a lawn trimmer ignition coil. randoseru backpack buy onlineYour model may vary, but the procedure will be similar.vera bradley laptop backpack in canyon If you have a weak spark, try cleaning, regapping, or replacing the spark plug.vamoose backpack How a trimmer ignition system worksosprey isis backpack The ignition system is made up of 3 major parts. wunderlich backpack

A magnet (located on the flywheel), an ignition coil, and a spark plug. nike t90 backpack onlineWhen you turn the engine (pull the cord), the flywheel rotates. When the magnet on the flywheel spins past the ignition coil, a current is induced. This current travels through the ignition wire to the spark plug. The electrons want so badly to return home (ground), they jump the gap in the spark plug. As they jump, they produce an electric arc (also known as a spark). This arc ignites the fuel air mixture in the chamber, and the trimmer starts. On top of Tester's excellent answer, here are some quick and easy ways to get it working without going through the trouble of replacing the ignition system or buying special diagnostic tools. Clean the Spark Plug Take a bit of fine sandpaper and try to rub the grime and dirt off of the spark plug. Give it a little bit of a shine and try again. You can also try a small amount of carb cleaner, but just let it dry out before attempting to start it again.

Over time small rust spots can form on the magnet in the ignition system. It may not look like much but this rust can greatly interfere with the electrical current generation needed to form a spark. This can also be fixed by taking fine sandpaper and rubbing the rust spots off of the magnet. You can test the spark using a short test lead with alligator clips. Remove the spark plug, reconnect the plug wire and using the test lead, connect the plug ground electrode to a good engine ground point. Turn on the ignition switch and pull the starting cord quickly. You should see a spark in the plug gap. Since the spark may be faint, it may help to do the test in a dark area. If there is no spark, check for a broken or shorted (bare) lead wire or bad switch. I've had to replace the switch on my edger twice. It uses the same switch as many other edgers and trimmers. If it's not a lead wire or switch, replace the coil. just had similar problem on a pals 240, turned out to be a bare wire going to the switch, very easy sort!

Browse other questions tagged tools repair string-trimmer or ask your own question. Welcome to E3 Spark Plugs online... home to the advanced DiamondFIRE Technology. If you are a returning E3 visitor, let us know how you like the changes to our website. If you are a new visitor, welcome to the website that's dedicated to bringing you the latest news about increased performance, reduced engine emissions and a better burn for your automotive, power sports, and small engine spark plugs. Our mission at E3 Spark Plugs has always been reflected in our devotion to the advancements in spark plug technology. Now, the new E3 website is an inclusive portal for all spark plug applications as well as a technical center for information about our fuel-efficient line of premium performance OEM replacement plugs. By focusing on improving the ignition cycles of the air-fuel mixture inside your engine's combustion chamber, our products are engineered to be environmentally friendly with a more complete and cleaner burn.

Also, new to the E3 website are enhancements to the E3 Tech Support Center. We've improved your access to the latest technical information about spark plug selection and installation. You can check for the latest tips in our Tech Bulletins or Tech Videos sections. You can use our onsite media player to check out the latest E3 Racing & Team Lucas Oil news posted in the E3 Video Center. And, don't forget to stay informed by visiting our News center for the most current blogs, events and press releases. I saw a show on hotrod tv, they did a feature on your E3 plugs. I love old musclecars but my everyday driver is a 2007 dodge caliber. I live in Canada and I put almost 100 miles on my car daily....Kevin AtwaterOwn a 1984 Mustang Hatchback with a 2.3L (non EFI) and C-4 trans which I bought on Ebay. Car got 23mpg, but couldn't get out of it's own way. After installing a set of E-3s and synthetic oil, the...Gary SteeleI have installed E3 plugs in three vehicles: 1930 Model A (350 SBC stock) resulting in faster starts, better manners during cold running, smoother idle, lower fuel consumption.