I have a Homelite TrimLite string trimmer that's three years old. It worked without any problem for more than a year, and, believe me, I put it to the test! However, after letting it sit without using it for maybe six months, I could not get it started again. There was a cracked fuel line from the fuel tank, and on further checking, I noticed what looked like taffy in the fuel tank and fuel filter. At the same time, I attempted to clean the carburetor, because it was also pretty gummed up, but I still could not get it started. So, in desperation several months ago, I replaced the carburetor, gas tank, fuel filter and fuel lines. After doing that, it worked fine for several weeks, but since then, it has refused to start again.

I should clarify that it never would just idle. It never accelerated smoothly, and I always had to give it some throttle, but if I would give it too much or not enough, it would die.

I have changed the spark plug, replaced the fuel mixture, making sure it is the exact mix (50:1, with fresh 87 octane gasoline, per specs). The air filter, fuel tank, filter and carburetor are all clean. The spark plug is getting spark, but I don't know how to tell if it is getting enough, and I have cleaned what appears to be a type of magneto for generating the spark, which was dirty with dust, but even then it will only occasionally even try to start. I have turned the main mixture and low speed adjustment screws back and forth, hoping that this would let it start, but I can't even get it started in order to adjust them. Also, how do I know which is which, and which direction to turn each of them?

I live in southern Mexico, and although we occasionally see a string trimmer, they are still a novelty here. So, unfortunately, finding someone to work on it is going to be a little difficult. As a result, I am pretty much on my own to figure out the problem. What would you suggest that I do?

Yipes! A couple of things. Why?

Simple. Don't use 87 octane. Use 89 or more. Don't let fuel sit for more than 3 weeks without a fuel stabilizer in it. You must add it to FRESH fuel. That's causing your taffy.

You have to clean the carb by taking it COMPLETELY apart. No cutting corners.


I should clarify that it never would just idle. It never accelerated smoothly, and I always had to give it some throttle, but if I would give it too much or not enough, it would die.

Assuming air filter is OK, then squirting a LITTLE bit of carb cleaner in the air cleaner while it's running should fix the hesitation.

Why are their two screws? Low speed and high speed, so one won't do anything when you try to adjust it. Adjust one at idle and the other at full throttle.

If there is a larger screw, it's the high speed one.

This is a guess - but not based on that brand.

Turn both screws till they seat and then back out 1.5 turns. Prime engine. Set choke. Try to start Try adjusting 1/2 turn in and/or out and contine to try to start it.

Then adjust sweet spot for low and high speed SEPARATELY when idleing and at full throttle.

Replacing the rings and piston took care of the problem.

Hmm, a little expensive but not too bad I don't guess.

Replaced the starter grip on a Homelite UT20002 trimmer, when I went to start it the string head would not rotate as fast as it was idling