Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top 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. There's a good YouTube video that shows how to replace a lawn trimmer ignition coil. Your model may vary, but the procedure will be similar. If you have a weak spark, try cleaning, regapping, or replacing the spark plug. How a trimmer ignition system works The ignition system is made up of 3 major parts. A magnet (located on the flywheel), an ignition coil, and a spark plug. When 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. tomtop vintage backpackYou can also try a small amount of carb cleaner, but just let it dry out before attempting to start it again.kanken backpack ugly Over time small rust spots can form on the magnet in the ignition system. lumos backpackIt may not look like much but this rust can greatly interfere with the electrical current generation needed to form a spark. meinl cajon backpack

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. udg backpack black/orangeYou should see a spark in the plug gap. nuby backpack harnessSince the spark may be faint, it may help to do the test in a dark area. cambridge satchel backpack oxbloodIf 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! Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged tools repair string-trimmer or ask your own question.# and # alike can benefit from lawn and litter vacuums. Clean up large areas of outdoor property the easy way, and leave land looking freshly cleaned. Lawn Vacuum Buying Guide - How to Pick the Perfect Lawn VacuumOutdoor Power Equipment Parts We are an independently family owned company serving the Outdoor Power Equipment Parts Industry since 1986. We carry a full line of New Lawn Mowers, Lawn and Garden Tractors, Riding Lawn Mowers, Zero-Turn Mowers, Articulated Mowers, Consumer Chainsaws to Professional Chainsaws, Snow Throwers, Lawn Trimmers to Brush Cutters, Leaf Blowers, Backpack Blowers, Turf Equipment, Snow Blowers, Pole Saws and the battery series and have grown to be one of the leading providers of online outdoor power equipment parts and accessories.

We can help you find the latest and greatest on the market!  Please browse our website and feel confident in placing orders with us. We are extremely secure and take your private information very seriously. We will do everything possible to get your order to you as fast as possible. Gamka Sales Co. Inc. At Gamka Sales Co. Inc., we pride ourselves in bringing our customers a great selection of outdoor power equipment parts, OEM and replacement parts from brands like Husqvarna, AYP, McCulluch, Weed Eater, Poulan, MTD, Stihl, Stens, Billy Goat and much, much more.  Please call our outdoor power equipment Parts department and they will be happy to assist you. We measure our success with high fill rates and on-time deliveries of outdoor power equipment parts. Our goal is to always provide your business with a quality of service that is both quick and complete and at the lowest possible cost. Please have make, model and serial number of the engine or machine on hand. That will assist us in finding the right outdoor power equipment parts for you.

Thanks for shopping with Gamka Sales Co. Inc.. We appreciate your business! We offer the full line Husqvarna  outdoor power equipment parts and accessories for your  lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers,  handheld leaf blowers, backpack blowers, snow throwers,  riding lawn mowers, articulated mowers, zero turn mowers, stump grinders, turf equipment, garden tractors, hedge trimmers, bed edgers, trimmers, brushcutters, pole saws, topping saws, limbing saws, etc. AYP Parts (American Yard Products) We offer the full line American Yard Products  outdoor power equipment parts and accessories for your  lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers,  snow throwers,  riding lawn mowers, trimmers,  etc. Most of the Sears Craftsman machines were privately labeled and made by AYP and some were made by MTD. We offer the full line RedMax outdoor power equipment parts and accessories for your  chainsaws, handheld leaf blowers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers, trimmers, brushcutters, pole saws, edgers, etc.

We offer the full line Poulan Pro outdoor power equipment parts and accessories for your  lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers,  handheld leaf blowers, backpack blowers, snow throwers,  riding lawn mowers, garden tractors, zero turn mowers,  hedge trimmers, trimmers, brushcutters, pole saws, topping saws, limbing saws, etc. We offer the full line Dixon parts and accessories for your zero turn mowers,  lawnmowers, riding lawn mowers, etc. We offer the full line McCulloch outdoor power equipment parts and accessories for your  chainsaws, handheld leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, trimmers, pole saws, edgers, etc. We offer the full line WeedEater parts and accessories for your   trimmers. We offer the full line MTD  outdoor power equipment   parts and accessories for your  lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers, handheld leaf blowers, snow throwers, riding lawn mowers, garden tractors, hedge trimmers, trimmers, brushcutters, etc. Call us today at 732-248-1400 for all your outdoor power equipment parts and accessories.