Stihl Question
Forums:
I’m looking at you, Stu!
Last Fall I was given a used FS55R trimmer. I used it once last year and it was great. It turns out, though, that the previous owner didn’t treat the gas, the fuel system went and it hasn’t worked this year.
It looks like a Huztl carb/fuel line replacement is only $16.
Here are my questions:
1. Do I also need to replace the fuel tank, or is that stuff lol fine? I’ve heard both yes and no.
2. I’m somewhat handy and have a decent tool kit. I also have a decent frustration threshold. Can I replace it myself pretty easily, or should I just pay a pro?
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Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sun so hot, clouds so low
Start with the cheapest part.
Start with the cheapest part. There is a fuel filter most likely in the tank. I’m sure it’s not more than 5 bucks. Fuel line can get old and weak causing it to collapse under load which pinches off the flow.... otherwise the carb could be clogged. Try the cheap fixes yourself. Check the spark plug.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
I'm not sure what the last
I'm not sure what the last owner ran in the tank. AFAIK Stihl (orange bottle) 2-cycle oil has fuel stabilizer in it. First dump out the old fuel into a glass pickle jar. Let it sit a while and see if there is water present (it separates). Add fresh 50:1 mix to the tank after checking fuel filter & line in tank.
Pull the spark plug and replace or clean. Check the air filter for dirt. (Although string trimmers don't tend to get clogged w/ sawdust). Sometimes you can pop them apart w/ a screwdriver and blow the dust off with an air chuck & compressor. If you see dirt on the air filter and have it apart, you can use carb cleaner or similar solvent to clean, then let it dry thoroughly in the sun on a piece of cardboard prior to reassembly.
I don't really mess with carbs, but usually the tiny jet gets clogged or the adjustment screws are out of range. You MIGHT be able to clean out the tiny hole(s) with a skinny guitar string like a .008 or so. And you have your can of carb cleaner. If you take off the carb and replace w/ new one, a pair of hemostats is handy to pinch the fuel line (if there is fuel in it) and some needle-nose pliers to coax the line off.
I don't really have the skills to install a new carb, so I bring those jobs to the shop. Like Trailhead says, do the easy stuff first. You can buy new air & fuel filters from your local Stihl dealer or check Amazon.
http://www.backyardboss.com/mfg_Stihl/FS55.aspx
That link has reviews of your trimmer. Some other people had carb and/or fuel problems. Maybe that model is prone to carb failure ?
Stihl inc. blames ethanol fuel. I like to use 93 octane for my 50:1 mix. Good luck !
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic
You MIGHT be able to clean
You MIGHT be able to clean out the tiny hole(s) with a skinny guitar string like a .008 or so.<<
Hope you play electric, BK
.
Than again, maybe light acoustic strings are that slim. Been playing mediums forever.