I bought a used tmc gas trimmer. I can't get it started. I primed gas into the carb (it does not stream spray) but there's gas. I even sprayed started fluied in there and it won't fire up.

What do I do next

Is this a 2-cycle engine? Then you need a gas/oil mix usually 50:1. You can buy small cans that you add to 1 gal of gas.

NEVER use starting fluid in a small engine. NEVER! Use carb cleaner.

Also use high octane fuel.

Just with any other power tool. Remove the air cleaner temorarily. Check for spark (best to get a NEW plug and gap). Check for fuel. Look for a wet plug.


Now try the carb cleaner. If it spurts start looking at the fuel system.

If it doesn't, you may have burnt leaf valves.

Thank you for your reply

I'll tell you what I did.
1. I check for spark--there is spark, but how much spark is needed? I see the fire
2. I put 50:1 gas, I took carb apart and some gas squirts in when I push the prime. It squirts but not spray
3. I checked for compression-using by hand to cover the spark plug hole. I feel pressure but how much is needed? How may pounds?
4. Okay... sounds like you are saying spray carb cleaner. Does that mean if should fire up with the spark? Do I spray in spark plug hole?

THANKS

1. Fire will be stronger in the engine. Plugs are cheap. Remove air cleaner until you get it started. It removes another variable (dirty filter).

2. Well, that's a good start.

3. I've never done a compression test on a trmmer engine. Maybe I should. Compression gages have check valves and a release valve. Generally holding compression is what your looking for, not the final number.
With a 4-cycle (not a two) you can then inject oil and see if things improve. If it does, then rings. If it doesn't then valves. Probably true for 2-cycle engines as well.

4. The reason why carb cleaner is used is because it has lubercation in it. Carb spray does not.

2-cycle engines are difficult little buggers to start. Usually it's prime 4-5x, then choke, then pull a few times and move to run when it starts.

Spraying carb cleaner (spark plug hole or in air horn (filter removed) just gives you an idea that spark, timing and engine might be OK. It won't start the engine, but the engine should sputter.

If it does sputter, then you have to look at the carb and fuel system as being part of the problem.

If you start with a dry plug, choke and pull a number of times (don't prime) and remove the plug, the plug should be wet.

Carbs get messed up because old fuel is left in them without a stabilizer like Sta-bil.