Edger runs rough: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Edger Carburetor
Most Common Solution
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove air filter cover - Take off the air filter cover to access the carburetor underneath.
- 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.
- 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.
- Install new carburetor - Position the new carburetor, and reconnect the throttle and choke linkages properly. Reattach fuel lines and tighten carburetor bolts.
- Replace air filter - Put the air filter and cover back on, fitting all pieces together snugly.
- Refill gas and test - Add fresh gas to the tank. Reconnect spark plug wire. Try starting the edger to confirm proper carburetor installation and function. Make adjustments as needed.
2Edger Carburetor Repair Kit
Most Common Solution
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
- Remove air filter cover - Take off the air filter cover to access the carburetor underneath.
- Drain fuel - Tip the edger to drain fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl into an approved container.
- Detach fuel lines - Use pliers to disconnect the fuel supply and return lines from the carburetor.
- Remove carburetor - Take out the bolts securing the carburetor with a socket wrench. Detach throttle and choke linkages and lift off carburetor.
- Disassemble carburetor - Taking care to organize parts, disassemble the carburetor by removing gaskets, springs, needle valve, float, and jets.
- Clean carburetor parts - Use carburetor cleaner spray and small wire brushes to remove grime and varnish from all parts and passages.
- Install new kit parts - Referring to kit instructions, replace worn gaskets, needle valve, seals, and any jets with those from the repair kit.
- Reassemble carburetor - Carefully reassemble the carburetor with the new parts. Make sure to replace all gaskets and reattach linkages.
- Install carburetor - Mount the carburetor back on the engine, reattach fuel lines and throttle/choke linkages.
- Test edger - Add fresh gas to the fuel tank. Reconnect spark plug wire and air filter cover. Start engine to test for proper carburetor function.
3Edger Fuel Filter
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The problem could be that the fuel filter is blocked. This often happens because old fuel was left in the pole pruner. Over time, some of the chemicals in the fuel can evaporate. This leaves a thick, sticky substance. This sticky material can get stuck in the fuel filter. When the filter gets clogged, it stops the engine from starting properly. If you leave old fuel in the pole pruner, first drain it out of the fuel tank. Then replace the fuel filter. This should allow fresh fuel to flow correctly again so the engine will start up.
How to Replace Edger Fuel Filter
- Locate fuel filter - The fuel filter is typically found along the fuel line running from the gas tank to the carburetor. Note its orientation.
- Pinch fuel line - Use pliers to clamp off the fuel line on either side of the filter to prevent fuel from draining out when detached.
- Remove fuel line sections - Slide the fuel line off the filter nipples on each end of the old filter to remove it.
- Install new filter - Slide the fuel line back onto the nipples on each end of the new fuel filter, orienting it the same as the old one.
- Secure clamps - Tighten the clamps on the fuel line around the filter nipples using a screwdriver to prevent leakage.
- Check for leaks - Turn on the fuel valve and check for leaks at the filter connection points before starting the engine.
- Prime the system - Squeeze the fuel primer bulb to fill the new filter and purge any air from the fuel system.
- Start edger - Pull the starter cord to start the edger. Let it run for several minutes to confirm proper fuel flow.
- Change fuel filter regularly - Replace the fuel filter every 50 hours of edger operation or seasonally for optimal performance.
4Edger Air Filter
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The issue could be that the air filter is blocked or dirty. When the air filter gets clogged up, it prevents enough air from getting into the engine. Without enough air, the engine won't be able to burn the fuel properly. This can stop the engine from starting. If your air filter looks dirty or clogged, you should replace it with a new one. Putting in a clean air filter will allow the right amount of air to mix with fuel again. This will help the engine start up normally.
How to Replace Edger Air Filter
- Locate air filter - The air filter is housed in a plastic cover mounted on the side of the edger engine.
- Remove cover - Unscrew or unlatch the retaining clips that hold the air filter cover in place. Lift off the cover.
- Take out old filter - Gently pull the old foam or paper air filter element out from the cover.
- Inspect air filter - Check the condition of the old air filter. Replace it if it is excessively dirty or clogged with debris.
- Clean air filter area - Use a small vacuum or brush to clean out any debris or dust buildup inside the air filter cavity.
- Install new filter - Place the new air filter securely into the air filter cavity, making sure it is fully seated.
- Replace cover - Put the air filter cover back on and reattach the retaining clips or screws securely.
- Check sealing - Confirm the air filter area is properly sealed and aligned before operating the edger.
- Change regularly - Check and replace the air filter every 25 hours of use to maintain proper airflow to the engine.
5Edger Spark Plug
Common Solution
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Test the edger - Reconnect any other wires/cables that were removed. Try to start the engine to ensure proper installation.
6Edger Spark Arrestor
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The spark arrestor is a tiny mesh screen that stops sparks from coming out of the engine. It can get blocked up with carbon buildup called soot. When the arrestor gets clogged with soot, it can prevent the engine from starting. To fix this, take the spark arrestor off and scrub it clean using a wire brush. This should unclog it so it works properly again. If scrubbing doesn't get rid of the clog, the spark arrestor may need to be replaced. Putting in a new spark arrestor will ensure no soot blocks the exhaust again and allow normal starting.
How to Replace Edger Spark Arrestor
- Allow engine to cool - Let the engine cool completely before servicing the muffler/exhaust system. This prevents burns.
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Detach the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove muffler cover - Take off the muffler heat shield or housing using a wrench to access the spark arrestor screen inside.
- Extract old screen - Carefully remove the old spark arrestor screen from the muffler outlet using pliers.
- Inspect and clean - Check the old screen for damage or clogging. Use a wire brush to remove carbon deposits if it will be reused.
- Install new spark arrestor - Place the new spark arrestor screen into the muffler outlet opening and gently tap it completely into place with a rubber mallet.
- Replace muffler cover - Reattach the muffler heat shield or housing using the bolts/screws removed earlier.
- Reconnect spark plug wire - Attach the spark plug wire firmly back onto the spark plug.
- Start and test edger - With adequate ventilation, start the edger and let it run for several minutes to ensure proper exhaust flow and normal operation.
- Perform maintenance - Check and clean the new spark arrestor regularly as part of periodic edger maintenance.