Edger won't start: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Check the spark plug to see if it's worn out or damaged. If the white ceramic part is cracked, or the metal part is burned or damaged, or if there's a lot of black carbon build up on the metal part, you need a new spark plug. Use a spark plug tester to check if the spark plug isn't working right. When the engine is trying to start, you should see a bright spark between the parts of the tester. If there's no spark, it means the spark plug isn't working the way it should, and you should get a new one.

How to Replace Edger Spark Plug

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire coming out of the engine and pull it off the spark plug. This will prevent accidental starting while working.
2. Remove the old spark plug - Using a spark plug socket and ratchet, unthread the old spark plug by turning counterclockwise. Pull it out of the cylinder head.
3. Inspect the old spark plug - Check the condition of the old spark plug. Look for signs of damage, excessive wear, fouling, etc. This can indicate issues like an improper fuel mixture.
4. Set the gap on the new plug - Use a spark plug gap tool to set the gap between the center and side electrodes of the new spark plug to the gap specified by the engine manufacturer (usually around 0.030 inches).
5. Install the new spark plug - Thread the new spark plug by hand into the cylinder head until it is snug. Then use the socket and ratchet to tighten it to the torque specified by the manufacturer. Do not over tighten.
6. Replace the spark plug wire - Push the spark plug wire back onto the top of the new spark plug. Make sure the connection is snug.
7. Test the edger - Reconnect any other wires/cables that were removed. Try to start the engine to ensure proper installation.

Repair Instructions:

Your carburetor could be blocked. This often happens when fuel stays in the edger for a long while. As time goes by, parts of the fuel can disappear and leave a sticky, thicker material behind. This sticky material can block the carburetor and stop the engine from starting. If your carburetor is blocked, try using a carburetor cleaning product. If it still doesn't work well after cleaning, you might need to rebuild or replace the whole carburetor.

How to Replace Edger Carburetor

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire coming out of the engine and pull it off the spark plug. This prevents accidental starting.
2. Drain the gas tank - Tip the edger to drain fuel from the gas tank into an approved container. Having no fuel in the carburetor makes disassembly easier.
3. Remove air filter cover - Take off the air filter cover to access the carburetor underneath.
4. Detach fuel lines - Use a pair of pliers to pinch off and detach the fuel supply and return lines from the carburetor inlet and outlet.
5. Remove carburetor - Take out the bolts securing the carburetor to the engine using a socket wrench. Carefully detach throttle and choke linkages. Lift off the old carburetor.
6. Install new carburetor - Position the new carburetor, and reconnect the throttle and choke linkages properly. Reattach fuel lines and tighten carburetor bolts.
7. Replace air filter - Put the air filter and cover back on, fitting all pieces together snugly.
8. Refill gas and test - Add fresh gas to the tank. Reconnect the spark plug wire. Try starting the edger to confirm proper carburetor installation and function. Make adjustments as needed.

Repair Instructions:

The edger carburetor may be blocked. This often happens when fuel is left in the engine for too long. As time passes, parts of the fuel can evaporate and leave a thick, sticky material behind. This can block the carburetor and stop the edger engine from starting. If you think the carburetor is blocked, try cleaning it with a special cleaner. If it still doesn't work after cleaning, you may need to rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

How to Replace Edger Carburetor Repair Kit

1. Remove air filter cover - Take off the air filter cover to access the carburetor underneath.
2. Drain fuel - Tip the edger to drain fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl into an approved container.
3. Detach fuel lines - Use pliers to disconnect the fuel supply and return lines from the carburetor.
4. Remove carburetor - Take out the bolts securing the carburetor with a socket wrench. Detach throttle and choke linkages and lift off the carburetor.
5. Disassemble carburetor - Taking care to organize parts, disassemble the carburetor by removing gaskets, springs, needle valves, float, and jets.
6. Clean carburetor parts - Use carburetor cleaner spray and small wire brushes to remove grime and varnish from all parts and passages.
7. Install new kit parts - Referring to kit instructions, replace worn gaskets, needle valves, seals, and any jets with those from the repair kit.
8. Reassemble carburetor - Carefully reassemble the carburetor with the new parts. Make sure to replace all gaskets and reattach linkages.
9. Install carburetor - Mount the carburetor back on the engine, and reattach fuel lines and throttle/choke linkages.
10. Test edger - Add fresh gas to the fuel tank. Reconnect the spark plug wire and air filter cover. Start the engine to test for proper carburetor function.

Repair Instructions:

The ignition coil gives power to the spark plug when the engine is running. If the ignition coil isn't working right, the engine might not start. Before you get a new ignition coil, make sure the spark plug is working as it should. If you're sure the spark plug is okay, use a tool called an ignition coil tester to check the ignition coil. If the ignition coil isn't working right, it's time to get a new one.