I have a craftsman weedwacker that may be up to 10-12 years old. I don't have any money to take it to a shop or buy a new one. I have put new mix and made sure it is measured right and cleaned the spark plug. It will start but only for about five seconds then it will quit. I can make the head turn and it is very powerful. Please give me instructions on how to fix it. Thanks.

potbunny, sounds like your carb needs a good cleaning, are you up to taking it apart? A can of carb cleaner from an auto parts store to spray everything with, compressed air can be a big aid also. See if you can read what carb it is probably zama or walbro.

I do not disagree with parttime but , at 12 years old, its also likely the fuel tubing has cracked. Alcohol is today's gas makes the tubing become brittle. I have had the same symptoms with several of my wackers and leaf blowers, each time it was a fuel tube. Open the tank and quickly dump fuel into a container watching for bits and pieces of tubing. Look inside with a flashlight and see if you see the intact tubing and clunker filter. Pain the rear to change this tubing but it can be done by a HO. This video is for a weed wacker but yours is similar. Weedeater Carburetor Rebuild & Fuel Line Repair Part 1 of 3 - YouTube

Inside the carb is a diaphragm that pulses with the compression stroke and pumps fuel from the tank. At 12 yrs old, it could very well be stiff, or the small ball check is partially stuck. As Bob says, also check the fuel line, fairly common to have them break off in the tank.

parttime I've never done it before but am willing to try. How do I do it?

Have you viewed the link I provided in post #3?

potbunny, the link ballenger posted show how much better than I could explain. Post any specific questions and we can help. Good luck and let us know how it goes.