I have a 5 year old Yard Machines 2800 string trimmer that always ran well, but now won't start. It's at the ex-'s house and she uses it most of the time, but she didn't drain or run the fuel out last fall :mad: so - guess what - it won't start - won't even pop.

In looking at the old gas before disposal - it really looked almost clear (no oil mix?! ) It will turn over, so I am hoping she didn't run it with no oil :eek:

I drained the fuel and refilled with fresh gas/oil (40:1) mix - no start. Removed the plug - it looked OK, but I cleaned and regapped. Still won't start.

I suspect there is still some "shellac" in the system somewhere, but I have exhausted (heh) my limited knowledge of small engines. I suspect a trip to the repair shop would cost more than the value of the unit so I would really like to avoid having to puchase a new one.

Can anyone give me a step by step of what measures I should now take to get this skunk working again? Spray some carb cleaner? Dip the whole thing in starting fluid? Make an offering to the power tool gods under a new moon? Help!

Thanks in advance -
Tim

I am considering buying a new 4 cycle trimmer and a blower because this problem is all to common with 2 cycle units. Gas evapporates fat and oil slow so you end up with a bad mix. The remaining oil can clump up and clog the carb. You are correct about the repair shop. The average repair cost is about 75% the cost of a new unit. Drain the tank, remove the plug, pump the primer bulb sveral times, at least 20. Add 4-5 oz of SeaFoam or other good carb cleaner to the now empty tank, pump the bulb until you get nothing but air in the bulb. Allow any remaining as and SeaFoam to drain out the plug whole, turningb the unit upside down so the plug opening is a low spot will help. Now refill the tank with freshly bough and mixed fuel with 1 oz of SeaFoam. Clean, regap the plug or replace. Hopefully you will now get even more than just a pop.