How To Clean Carburetor on Hedge Trimmer?

If you are having issues starting your trimmer, a blocked carburetor can be one of the biggest reasons.

In fact, one key component that requires regular maintenance is the carburetor, which can become clogged with debris and affect the engine’s performance. 

There’s a possibility that it’s causing the trouble to increase with the fuel age in the gas tank!

Generally, old fuel leaves deposits in the fuel lines that impede the gas flow to the carburetor’s combustion chamber. 

Not just this, but if your tool is old enough, its carburetor may even need rebuilding.

You’ll be amazed to know that replacing it is more cost-effective than cleaning the old one again and again.

But that shouldn’t be the case if your trimmer is not old. You can simply give your carburetor a good tiptop cleaning without removing it from the machine.

Don’t let a dirty carburetor ruin your trimming game!

A clogged carburetor can cause engine performance issues, but fear not – our guide on how to clean carburetor on hedge trimmer without hindrance will show you incredible ways to clean it and keep your tool operating at its best. 

Let’s start, shall we?

Step-by-step Guide on How to Clean Carburetor on Hedge Trimmer

Before starting the process, keep everything ready! 

Here are the tools you need:

• Carburetor cleaner fluid
• Cotton swab
• Screwdriver

Step #1. Remove & Clean the Air Filter

The air filter cover is generally held in place by a screw that needs to be turned in the counterclockwise direction to release the cover. 

Once its cover is removed, the air filter can be easily taken out.

This step is paramount because it enables you to access the hedge trimmer’s carburetor & clean it thoroughly.

Step #2. Remove the Carburetor Cover

The cover is usually located on the side of the trimmer and can be efficiently removed by losing the screws that hold it in place. 

Now, you can access the carburetor & its components once the cover is removed.

Step #3. Clean Choke Valves and Carburetor Mechanisms

Spray a considerable amount of carburetor cleaner into its air intake port, and then depress the throttle trigger to work the cleaner through the internal mechanisms a few times.

Close and open the choke in order to clean all the choke valves.

Step #4. Prime the Carburetor & Start the Engine

Simply prime the carburetor by pushing its priming bulb 3 to 4 times, and close the choke & pull the cord to start its engine.

When the engine finally starts, set the choke to the specific “run” position. 

Spray 2-3 short squirts of quality cleaning fluid into its air intake port. Eventually, the carburetor will draw the fluid through chamber fuel ports to clean them. 

When you do this, the engine will effectively surge.

Step #5. Reassemble and Test the Hedge Trimmer

After all the carburetor components have been perfectly cleaned, they can be assembled again in the reverse order where they were removed.

Ensure that you reconnect any electric connections and fuel lines before replacing the cover. This step is necessary to make sure that the trimmer runs efficiently and smoothly.

Important Tip: If you have decided to disassemble the carburetor, you need to clean and rebuild it. For this, you’ll have to buy a good carburetor rebuilding kit. A new carburetor costs only a few more dollars and eliminates the requirement for rebuilding.

Related: How to Clean Hedge Trimmer Blades

Signs That The Carburetor Needs Cleaning

Acknowledge the warnings that your hedge trimmer’s carburetor needs cleaning and can extend, but there are multiple common signs to be mindful of. Being aware of these signs enables you to find the issue correctly and take suitable action to settle it. 

Look out for the following common signs that suggest the need for carburetor cleaning:

Difficulty starting

When your hedge trimmer experiences struggling to start or fails to start altogether, it could point out a clogged carburetor. The carburetor plays a crucial role in mixing fuel and air in accurate proportions. 

If it becomes jammed, the fuel-air mixture becomes wrong, resulting in challenges when starting the engine. Additionally, a clogged carburetor can cause the engine to crank without starting, serving as a clear indicator that cleaning chainsaw carburetor without removing the carburetor is essential.

Poor performance

If your hedge trimmer’s performance has reduced from its general standard, it could be a symptom of a dirty carburetor. A clogged carburetor can cause the engine to run roughly, resulting in a loss of power. 

Further, you may note the engine running hotter than usual, which is a possible sign of carburetor failure. In that case, cleaning the carburetor is a wise decision to reinstall optimal performance and ensure the proper functioning of the hedge trimmer.

Engine stalls

If your hedge trimmer engine normally stalls during use, it may indicate a clogged carburetor. The absence of adequate fuel supply from the obstructed carburetor can cause the engine to stall. In such cases, it is significant to terminate using the hedge trimmer immediately and check the carburetor.

By being attentive to these signs, you can recognize issues with your hedge trimmer’s carburetor and initiate the necessary cleaning process. 

Cleaning the carburetor effectively can restore optimal performance to your hedge trimmer, enhancing its overall durability and lifespan.

Related: How To Remove Scabbard From Ryobi Hedge Trimmer

Tips For Maintaining Your Hedge Trimmer’s Carburetor

To maintain your hedge trimmer’s carburetor and ensure long-lasting flawless function, consider the following productive tips and tricks:

1. Using fresh fuel is an important feature of carburetor maintenance for your hedge trimmer. Collecting deposits from old fuel can certainly clog the carburetor, making it essential to make use of fresh fuel each time you operate your hedge trimmer.

2. Choosing high-quality fuel is an active measure to block deposits from building up in the carburetor. Select a fuel that boasts a high octane rating and is free from ethanol to maintain optimal carburetor performance.

3. When preparing to store your hedge trimmer for a long time, employing a fuel stabilizer is an advisable practice. In that case, you can cover against fuel deterioration, which can lead to the development of deposits that may potentially clog the carburetor.

4. Continuously cleaning the air filter is required to maintain proper airflow to the carburetor. A dirty air filter can hinder airflow, precisely affecting the carburetor’s performance. 

Ensure that the air filter is clean on a regular basis, so that you can optimize airflow and advance the smooth operation of the carburetor.

5. To prevent the mixture of deposits and subsequent blocking of the carburetor, it is suggested to clean it on a daily basis. Cleaning the carburetor at least once a year is a good practice, but if you often utilize your hedge trimmer, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. 

By carefully cleaning the carburetor, you can certify its flawless operation and maintain the performance of your hedge trimmer.

6. Over time, fuel lines can become breakable and create cracks, leading to fuel leaks and adverse effects on the carburetor’s performance. It is recommended to regularly examine the fuel lines and replace them as required to maintain maximum functioning. 

Inspecting the fuel lines routinely is a wise practice to ensure the smooth operation of the carburetor and prevent possible issues arising from fuel leaks.

7. Ensuring the secure storage of your hedge trimmer is important to protect the carburetor from damage. When storing your hedge trimmer, it is recommended to place it in a cool and dry location.

In addition, a protective cover can effectively shield it from dust and debris, preserving the carburetor’s condition. 

By following these storage practices, you can maintain the longevity and performance of your hedge trimmer’s carburetor.

Related: How To Maintain Hedge Trimmer

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I know if my carburetor is clogged?

Here are four revealing signs that your carburetor needs attention:

• It’s constantly flowing. An engine “runs lean” when the stability of fuel and air gets repelled. 
• It’s overflowing.
• It just won’t start. If your engine tip over or cranks but doesn’t start, it could be due to a muddy carburetor. 
• It’s running rich.

2) What spray cleans a carburetor?

The WD-40 Specialist® Carb/Throttle Body & Parts Cleaner with a fixed clear straw is an extensive spray particularly designed for cleaning carburetors, throttle bodies, and unpainted metal parts. With this all-in-one solution, you can clean these parts without the need for various products.

3) What are the bad fuel & clogged carburetor symptoms?

Rough Idling: When your engine fails, you may observe it becoming unstable, shaky, or confront spattering when you let go of pressure from the gas pedal. This problem often specifies an insufficient air-fuel mixture in the motor.

Hard Starts: If your vehicle is struggling to start, especially when the engine is cold, it could be a result of an inaccurate air-fuel ratio. This can make the starting process uncertain or inactive.

4) Is it OK to clean a carburetor with water?

To clean your carburetor parts, soak them in a bucket of clean water and make sure they are thoroughly washed out. Subsequently, it’s necessary to allow them to air dry completely. For smaller holes and vents, you can utilize a can of compressed air to effectively extracts any remaining moisture.

5) Where do you spray carburetor cleaners?

While operating the choke valve manually, apply the spray to both ends of the choke valve shaft. This will help grease and clean the shaft properly. Additionally, spray around and inside the carburetor throat to eliminate deposits from the area where the throttle plate is present. 

It is essential to note that you should avoid spraying down the carburetor’s throat when the engine is turned off. Moreover, make sure not to spray below the throttle plate.

6) What household items can you use to clean carburetors?

Soaking carbs is a very good method for cleaning them, and boiling can quicken the procedure. A popular approach is to use vinegar or lemon water as a boiling solution to clean carbs efficiently.

Read Also: How To Avoid Cutting Hedge Trimmer Cable?

Conclusion

If you own a hedge trimmer and want to perform regular maintenance, like cleaning a carburetor, you may need to get familiar with the basic information on how to clean carburetor on hedge trimmer stihl.

A dirty carburetor can undeniably lead to poor performance, reduced power, and even cause the engine to stall. Therefore, it is essential to know the right steps to take to clean the carburetor effectively.

Follow the above steps outlined in this guide, and you can clean your carburetor efficiently and effectively, ensuring your hedge trimmer operates smoothly every time you use it.