when tuning your 2 stroke string timmer

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: arcas
For homeowner use, unless you have a large or oddly-shaped yard, there's almost no reason to use a gas trimmer. There's a lot to be said about being able to plug it in and go without having to worry about mixing gas or cleaning the carb. The electric models with the motor mounted up near the trigger work really well. In fact, that's the one I grab most often for work around the house. These days, I don't grab the FS-85 unless I'm heading to the farm to do some real brush cutting...I do wish I had an FS-120 for that task though...

I tend to agree with most of that - my default recommendation for someone who trims their own property is electric or cordless.

I like gas-powered, straight shaft trimmers, and when I spent most of my time on lawns, I could trim an average sized property in 1-2 minutes (with much better results than the average homeowner). When you might visit 20 or even 30 properties in a day, that's a big deal.

When you trim one property a week (your own), it really is a bit of a hassle keeping the machine running properly, and the time savings isn't really noticeable.

 

[slag]

GAH!!!!

I sent my wife to the local small engine store to get parts for this stihl (which, btw, is 17 yrs old.)

Cant get parts for it anymore. DANG.

So I perused the intarweb a bit and found a place in plano texas (www.planopower.com)
The phone convo goes something like this.

Me: "I need to order a primer assy for this trimmer"
Him: "Sir, that trimmer is 17 yrs old and parts are discontinued".
Me: "Damn, its in great shape except for the primer"
Him: "Wow, our system shows 2 on hand, let me check"
5 mins later

Him: "Total is $33.01 for the primer housing, nut and bulbx2 shipped to Kansas"
Me: "Awesome! Thanks!!!

Woo hoo.. looks like this beast might yet run again.

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie
Step 2: If you left gas in it with no stabilizer, shame on you, throw it out, put in new gas, and be prepared for a little bit of hassle getting the thing going.

When it comes to my mower, all I ever do is change the oil once a year. I have a Toro with a Briggs and Stratton that was made in 1980. Whatever gas was left in there in the fall always gets 'er going in the spring.

Now, my boat can be a little finicky in the spring. I like to run the gas out of it on the first nice weekend and then fill it up with fresh.

Maybe 2 cycles are more sensitive to old gas?

We had a Ryobi 2 cycle trimmer that had all kinds of attachments available, but it was such a PITA that I bought a cordless string trimmer and never looked back.