Service & Maintenance Question
I have a 223L trimmer that is about 1 year old and will not...
Service & Maintenance Question posted August 3, 2015 by Brian Humphrey
146 Views, 5 Comments
Question:
I have a 223L trimmer that is about 1 year old and will not start. some background, I did run some old 2cycle gas in it (my bad). It also fell in my shed about 3 feet from the floor, after that I was getting fuel in the muffler. I dumped the gas and put in premixed ethanol free gas. I replaced the carburetor and the spark plug. I verified I am getting spark. But I am not getting even a sputter, I sprayed some carb cleaner to get something in case I was not getting fuel from the carb. but still nothing after endless pulling not even a slight hint of the engine firing. Any suggestions on what to try??
Answer
Dropping a piece is never good. In since has has happen and your not getting fuel to the plug some test are in order.
First will it even hit if fuel is placed directly in the top of the cylinder via the spark plug hole? If so that will at least eliminate a ignition timing problem. It will also let you that you have enough compression to start.You need at least 100 psi to start a two cycle engine.
If you have at least 100 psi compression then pressure and vacuum tests of the crankcase are in order to check air leaks.
As for ignition timing check put the piston at TDC and the flywheel magnets should line with ignition coil legs. If it doesn't then the flywheel key is sheared and the flywheel will need replacing.
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Thanks so much for your reply. When I mentioned injecting the carb cleaner, it was in the spark plug hole. I am fairly good with engines (intermediate). What is the best way to check compression? I do feel air out of the exhaust port with the muffler removed. I assume there is a tool I need to verify compression? TDC = Top Dead Center? I will check the timing that and get back. At what point would this be more costly to fix then to buy new one, it has been a very good weed trimmer. I really regret not taking better care of it, 1/2 tank of bad gas was devastating or perhaps it was the fall. I forgot to mention with the new carb. it does not leak fuel into the muffler anymore. Also another mention the hardware store did not have the correct plug rcj7y but had cj7y (looked like the top was just a bit longer than the rcj7y so I used it, could that cause the timing to be off?
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First TDC is Dead Top Center.
The cj7y is a non resistor version of the rcj7y so it will work but can cause some on new ignition systems; although timing shouldn't be affected.
Compression is using a pressure gauge and hose set-up. Most auto part stores carry this test tool and may even have a loan a tool program where you can borrow one.
It is too costly when it comes replace the piston and cylinder but I usually use the rule that if it over 50% of a replacement unit then it should be replace as you get a new warranty.
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Thanks again for all the help. I have finally given up on the beast. Compression was consistently 90 PSI, timing was correct. I put in the proper spark plug, still no fire. Giving it to my son who likes to tinker. I will be buying a new unit, probably a Stihl product.
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Thanks so much for the reply. I have not had time to work on it yet. I will pick up the correct plug and borrow the compression tool. I will let you know how it goes. Should I assume, if it is the flywheel it is cost effective to fix, if it is compression loss it would not be cost effective to fix? Thanks again for your help.
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