[F]:) I have a Home Lite Weed Eater, it's about 5 years old. Been in shop one time, the mechanic said that it was that the exhaust just needed to be cleaned. Got it home, and it worked good for a while, now it's acting the same way. It looks dirty at the back and around the motor. Can I use a paint brush and clean it without taking it apart? Spark plug good. Might need the carburetor cleaned?
Thankx, Bg.:)

The problem here lies in the spark arrestor of the exhaust system. The small screen like material gets clogged with carbon buildup and restricts the flow of exhaust gases making it seem as though the unit is choking out. Actually I think it would be best to remove the old spark arrestor and install a new one. Or just replace the whole exhaust system. But if you have a homelite weedeater that is 5 years old, I am guessing you already spent $15 to $30.00 at the shop the first time depending on where you live. And you must remember that you can purchase units for as low as $69.99 plus tax. Look at the cost to repair vs units worth.