Homelite Weed Eater How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Homelite Weed Eater How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Homelite weed eaters are a great option for taming your weeds, grass, and shrubs. Not only are they reliable, but they are also easy to use and durable. However, they are also bound to break down from time to time.

Keep reading to learn how to fix your weed eater.

Why won’t my Homelite weed eater turn on

Before trying to replace or fix your weed eater, start by troubleshooting and see if it will start working.

Troubleshooting steps to follow if your weed eater won’t start

  1. Premix unleaded gasoline with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil into an approved fuel container. Use a mix ratio of about 40:1.
  2. Depress the rubber primer bulb10 times. It is usually located by the fuel tank on most Homelite weed eaters. Set the choke to its fully open position.
  3. Try starting the weed eater. If the engine pops, set the choke to the half-open position. Start the weed eater, and let it die. Set the choke to closed and start the weed eater. Let it idle for a few minutes before trimming.
  4. Use the screwdriver to remove the four retaining screws on the air filter cover if the weed eater won’t start. Remove the air filter. Clean it in warm, soapy water. Allow it to dry thoroughly before replacing it.
  5. Set the choke to the half-open position again. Look at the carburetor through the open-air filter slot. Spray a one-second blast of starter fluid into the half-open Carburetor neck.
  6. Try starting the weed eater with the air filter off and choke half open. If the weed eater starts and burns off a lot of thick, white smoke, you should have your carburetor cleaned. It is probably dried or old gas that was left in the carburetor.
  7. Try starting the weed eater with the air filter and choke half open. Then, when the weed eater fires the engine, spray a one-second blast of Carburetor cleaner into the open neck.
  8. Push down on the throttle and let the engine burn off any residue in the carburetor. Then, run the engine until the smoke dissipates before trimming.
  9. Dump out all of the gas in the tank into an approved container if the weed eater still won’t start. Then, clean the fuel tank with a rag and brush. 
  10. Remove and replace the fuel line and fuel filter. Next, ensure the check valve (the small hole on the underside of the gas tank) is open and unobstructed.
  11. Take out the spark plug and replace it with a new one. Set the new spark plug into the rubber plug connector. Hold both of them near a metal point on the engine. Pull on the starter cord and look for a spark across the gap.

Potential Repairs

If the steps above do not work, check to see if the components below are damaged and need a replacement;

Note: Take it to a professional mechanic to check out your weed eater if you are still having difficulties and are not in a position to handle the repairs yourself instead of damaging your weed eater.

Spark Plug

Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. For example, if the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. 

You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.

Carburetor

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged Carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the string weed eater for a long period. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. 

This sticky fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with Carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Carburetor Repair Kit

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged Carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the string weed eater for a long period. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance.

This sticky fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with Carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won’t start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it works properly.

When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract, and the rope should rewind on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working, replace it.

Recoil Starter Pulley

The recoil starter pulley winds up the starter rope when the rope is not in use. If the recoil pulley is broken or stuck, it won’t be able to rewind the starter rope. As a result, the engine won’t start. If the recoil starter pulley is broken, replace it.

Rewind Pulley and Spring

The rewind spring might be broken. When the starter rope is pulled and released, the rewind spring recoils the starter rope onto the rewind pulley. If the rewind spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to recoil onto the pulley.

As a result, the engine won’t start. If the rewind spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced individually, but replacing the whole rewind pulley and spring assembly may be easier.

Rewind Spring

When the starter rope is pulled and released, the rewind spring recoils the starter rope onto the rewind pulley. If the rewind spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to recoil onto the pulley. As a result, the engine won’t start. If the rewind spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced individually, but replacing the whole recoil starter assembly may be easier.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the string weed eater for a long period. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and prevent the engine from starting. If old fuel was left in the string weed eater, drain the old fuel from the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter.

Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor is a small screen that prevents the engine from emitting sparks. Over time, the spark arrestor can become clogged with soot. If the spark arrestor is clogged, the engine may not start. To unclog the spark arrestor, remove it and clean it with a wire brush. You may also replace the spark arrestor.

Air Filter

The air filter may be clogged. If the air filter is clogged, the engine will get too much fuel and not enough air. As a result, the engine may not start. If the air filter is clogged, replace it.

Homelite weed eater is on, but the head is not running

If the weed eater’s head doesn’t turn, the first place to look for problems is around the head. Stringy plant stems and roots may restrict it. In addition, they may be wound so tightly that you must cut them off with a knife. It’s also possible that the engine isn’t developing enough power to spin the head. This could be because the air filter or the spark arrestor is blocked. 

Both parts are easy to replace. To access the air filter, unscrew the louvered cover from the intake port. The spark arrestor is just behind the plate that covers the muffler — you can just pull it out.

Potential fixes

Repair or replace the clutch

The clutch engages one or more drive shafts that attach to the weed eater head. If the clutch assembly is worn out, it won’t be able to engage the drive shafts to rotate the weed eater head. You may be able to clean and repair the clutch assembly. However, since replacing the clutch is relatively easy and inexpensive, it may be easier to replace the clutch assembly.

Repair or replace the Drive Shaft

The drive shaft is a long, flexible shaft that connects the clutch to the weed eater head. The drive shaft engages the weed eater head. As a result, the string weed eater head won’t spin if the drive shaft is broken. Unfortunately, the drive shaft is not repairable—if the drive shaft is broken, you must replace it.

Repair or replace the Weed eater Head

If the threads on the drive shaft are stripped, the weed eater head will not stay on the shaft. If this happens, replace the weed eater head and the drive shaft.

Repair or replace the Throttle Cable

The throttle cable connects the throttle trigger to the carburetor. When the cable is pulled, it opens the throttle on the carburetor to accelerate the engine. If the throttle cable is broken, the engine will not accelerate, and the weed eater head won’t spin. If the throttle cable is broken, replace it.

Check for Drive Shaft Malfunctions

The drive shaft on straight- and all curved-shaft Weed Eater weed eaters is a flexible rod that connects the motor to the weed eater head. Unfortunately, this flexible rod can break; when that happens, the only option is to replace it. A centrifugal clutch connects the drive shaft to the motor. 

Check this too: Ryobi Weed Eater How to and Troubleshooting Guide

This clutch remains retracted while the motor is idling, but when the engine speeds up, centrifugal force moves it down the engine crankshaft until it engages with the driveshaft. Unfortunately, the clutch can stick in the idle position, which usually results from dirt buildup and wear in the engine housing.

How to restring a Homelite electric weed eater

Homelite weed eaters use 0.065-0.080-inch diameter monofilament string. Ensure you get a replacement string designed for their weed eaters for optimum performance.

Unplug the Weed eater

You don’t want the weed eater to switch on by mistake while working, so pull the extension cord off the plug on the weed eater handle. Set the weed eater on a flat surface with the weed eater’s head facing you.

Remove the Spool

Grasp the two tabs on either side of the weed eater’s head and squeeze them together. This will free the spool retainer and allow you to lift it off the weed eater head. Next, lift the line spool out and pull out any old string that happens to be there.

Prepare Two Lengths of String

Unravel about 12 feet of line from the package and cut them into two identical 6-foot lengths using a pair of scissors. It’s a good idea to cut the string at an angle to form a point, which makes it easier to insert the string into the holes in the spool.

Wind the Two Lengths Separately

The spool is divided into upper and lower sections by a plastic divider, and each section has an anchor hole in the hub. Feed one length of string into one of the anchor holes and wind it around the hub in the direction of the arrow on the spool’s rim. 

Leave about 6 inches at the end, then feed the string into the notch on the rim to hold it. Repeat with the other length and when you come to an end, feed the string across the notch in the plastic divider and secure it into the notch on the opposite side of the rim.

Replace the Spool

Feed the ends of the two lengths of string through the holes in the weed eater head and set the spool back on the shaft inside the weed eater head. Orient the retainer cover so that the tabs line up with the notches on the weed eater head, and then push it down until it snaps in place.

Free the Strings

The string won’t advance unless you remember to pull it out of the notches. To do this, grasp both lengths and pull them outward simultaneously until you feel them unsnap from the notches.

The deflector on the weed eater has a pair of blades that will cut the string to length when you operate the weed eater. Be sure to wear goggles when you operate the weed eater for the first time because the cut pieces of the string will fly around unpredictably when this happens.

How to restring a Homelite gas weed eater

Follow these steps to restring a gas weed eater;

  • Turn the weed eater off and disconnect the wire on its spark plug. Then, turn the weed eater over to access the spool retainer.
  • Grasp the spool retainer and turn it counterclockwise to remove it, leaving the spring on the spool. Next, remove the old line on the weed eater’s spool.
  • Cut two 9-feet-long pieces of monofilament string with a sharp pair of scissors.
  • Push the end of one of the lines through the anchor hole on the upper portion of the spool. And wind the line around the top part of the spool in the same direction as the arrows. Leave 6 inches of unwound string, and place it in the slot on the side of the spool near the top. Wind the other string around the bottom of the spool in the same manner.
  • Place the spool over the spool retainer on the bottom of the weed eater. So the spring slides over the shaft. Press down firmly and turn to tighten. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

How to mix gas for Homelite weed eater

The Homelite gas weed eater runs on a 50:1 mix of unleaded automobile gasoline and two-cycle engine oil. That is equivalent to 2.6 fluid ounces (80 ml.) of oil to one gallon of gasoline or four tsp. (20 ml.) of oil per quart of gas, or 2 tsp. (10 ml.) of oil per pint of gas. 

Don’t use automotive or two-cycle outboard motor oil in your Homelite gas weed eater; they contain additives detrimental to weed eater performance. Instead, use mixed fuel within 30 days.

The manufacturer recommends using a two-cycle oil containing a fuel stabilizer to keep the mixture fresh if you are not using it immediately.

Autofeed not working on Homelite weed eater

Below are some reasons why your weed eater’s auto feed is not working;

Damaged Weed eater Head

Try removing the weed eater head and cleaning it thoroughly. If the weed eater’s head is worn out, replace it.

Wrong Weed eater Line Size

The weed eater line might be the wrong size. If the weed eater line is too thick or too thin for the weed eater head, the weed eater line won’t feed. Make sure you use the correct weed eater line for your string weed eater.

Damaged Weed eater Housing

The weed eater’s housing might be cracked, chipped, or broken. First, inspect the weed eater housing for damage. If the weed eater housing is damaged, replace the weed eater head.

How to Troubleshoot a Weed eater Line Feed

Follow the steps below to fix the issue;

  1. Clean the weed eater head to remove dirt, grass, and other debris interfering with properly feeding the weed eater line. Use a brush to remove debris from the holes in the weed eater head through which the line feeds.
  2. Remove the weed eater head for issues such as the line not feeding or advancing properly, the line welds or is stuck on the spool, or the line feeding too freely while trimming. Access the line spool by turning, or in the case of the FL20 or FL25, pulling the tap button to remove it.
  3. Check the line routing from the spool through the eyelets or holes in the weed eater head. Also, verify that the correct size of the weed eater line is being used. For example, if a model such as the FL20 or FL25 specifies a .065-inch diameter weed eater line, do not try to substitute a .080-inch diameter line.
  4. Pull the line spool from the weed eater’s head. Remove any dirt, grass, or debris from the spool or inside the weed eater head. Use a brush to remove the debris that may be interfering with the proper operation of the weed eater line.
  5. Check that the line is wound properly on the line spool. For example, ensure the line is concentric and wound tightly around the spool and that there are no areas where the line overlaps itself.
  6. Remove the line from the spool if it has become stuck or is kinked. Use scissors if necessary to remove the damaged line from the spool. Next, cut a new length of a line in the proper diameter per the manufacturer’s directions. For example, Weed eater models FL20 and FL25 weed eaters require an 18-foot length of .065 inch diameter line to be wrapped counter-clockwise onto the spool.
  7. Feed the line’s free end through the weed eater head’s eyelet and push the spool back into the head. Then, place the tap button back on the weed eater head.

How do you auto advance the string on an electric Homelite weed eater

You do not need to auto-advance your weed eater. It is equipped with an auto-feed head. Bumping the head to try to advance the string will damage the weed eater and void the warranty.

Why is my Homelite weed eater string stuck? 

Below are some reasons why your weed eater line is getting stuck;

Weed Jams

Weeds and tall grasses may wrap around the head and gearbox when cutting, causing your spool to stick in place. Sometimes these grasses may get sucked inside the gearbox and driveshaft if they weren’t removed immediately. Also, anything that causes the gearbox and driveshaft to stop spinning will cause the spool to stop working properly. 

Clear all tangles of weeds around the spool, head, and gearbox as soon as you notice them. These clogs can cause other, more serious damage to the weed eater.

Jammed Line

The line, if installed poorly, will jam up on the spool, causing it to stick and stop spinning. The line must be wound tightly around the spool, with even rows and layers. If the line overlaps and criss-crosses itself or comes loose while the spool is spinning, the spool will also stop spinning. 

Open the head cap, pull out the spool, and remove all cutting lines. Replace the cutting line using the diameter line specified in your operator’s manual, and wind it according to the operator’s specifications.

Broken Spool

If the spool cracks or breaks from excessive tapping, it can also cause the spool to get stuck inside the head. The spool needs to spin smoothly and without friction around the gearbox. Chips or cracks will cause the spool to stick. These spools can also get warped or bent from over-tapping, which will cause the same effect.

Broken Spring

The spring underneath the spool is responsible for pushing out more cutting line. If this spring gets bent, it won’t connect to the spool properly; in turn, the spool won’t spin correctly and may get stuck.

Springs will also lose their springiness over several seasons and need to be replaced about the time you replace two to three spools. Ensure the spring is always properly installed in the cutting head before reinstalling the spool to ensure proper spool movement.

Problems in Your Gearbox

If the gearbox gets clogged with weeds or stops spinning, your spool will also stop spinning. Gearboxes need proper lubrication on a regular basis, according to your model’s operator’s manual.

How to Fix a Weed eater’s Stuck line

Follow the method below to fix the stuck line;

Items Needed

  • Phillips or Torx screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Thin cord
  • Recoil spring
  • Needlenose pliers

Installation tips

  1. Turn off the string weed eater and let it cool down if it’s been running. Then, pull the wire off the spark plug.
  2. Remove the engine from the weed eater shaft. You must do this in most models to gain access to the starting mechanism. The procedure is a little different for each make and model, but it involves unscrewing the screws holding the shaft to the engine and disconnecting the wires. 
  3. Depending on your weed eater model, you may need a Phillips or Torx screwdriver. Also, don’t forget to disconnect the throttle wire from the carburetor.
  4. Unscrew the spark plug and insert a length of thin cord through the empty hole to bind the piston, then unscrew the single screw holding the clutch drum and remove it. Next, unscrew and remove the clutch plates. Finally, you may tap their rims with a hammer and flathead screwdriver to loosen the screws holding them.
  5. Disassemble the motor housing by unscrewing the screws holding it together and prying the two halves apart. Next, turn over the half containing the starter pulley assembly.
  6. Access the pulley by removing the cap and the spring underneath it. You can now lift out the pulley and untangle the rope. 
  7. If the rope isn’t tangled but doesn’t retract, you should replace the recoil spring. Lift out the pulley to access it. You should be able to lift out the old spring and drop in a new one.
  8. Remove the cord from the pulley and place the pulley back on the spindle. Align it so that the spring is underneath the recess in the back. Wind it through six or seven turns, then hold it in place.
  9. Feed the starter cord through the hole in the housing with needlenose pliers, tie a knot in the end and seat the knot in the pulley hub. Replace the spring and cap on top of the pulley, then gently release the pulley and let it slowly wind up the cord.
  10. Screw the housing back together and replace the clutch plates. Swivel each plate until it locks, then tighten the screw to hold it. 
  11. Put the clutch drum back on, tighten the screw to hold it, and then remove the rope from the spark plug hole and replace the plug.
  12. Reattach the shaft to the motor housing by connecting the throttle cable and wires and replacing the screws.

Note: Leave some cord hanging out of the spark plug hole when you bind the piston. You’ll need it when the time comes to remove the cord.

Check your manual before beginning; some procedures may be slightly different. In particular, the recoil spring may be under tension. If so, you should take the unit to a qualified repair person.

How to put a blade on a Homelite weed eater

Below is the procedure for installing a blade on your weed eater.

Items needed

  • 1/4-inch hex wrench
  • Brush cutter blade
  • Socket wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver

Installation steps

  • Lay the weed eater on a flat surface and disconnect the spark plug wire.
  • Block the drive shaft to prevent it from turning by inserting a rod into the hole just behind the weed eater head. A 1/4-inch hex wrench works well, or use the tool supplied with the weed eater for this purpose if you still have it.
  • Turn the weed eater’s head clockwise to unscrew it. If a nut holds it onto the drive shaft, turn the nut clockwise with a socket wrench. Note that this is the opposite direction: you usually turn something to unscrew it. This is because the weed eater shaft has reverse threads to prevent the cutter from loosening while the shaft is turning.
  • Remove the deflector. It may be screwed to the end of the shaft with Phillips screws or tightened to the shaft with a collar. Remove the screws or loosen the collar to detach the deflector.
  • Replace the deflector with the one supplied by the manufacturer for use with metal cutting blades. It should attach to the shaft the same way you removed it.
  • Place the blade on the thrust plate of the drive shaft, fit the thrust washer over it, and put the rider plate over that. The rider plate is shaped like the weed eater head and has a flat top that rides along the surface of the ground when you’re using the cutter.
  • Place the nut on the shaft bolt and tighten it with a socket wrench. When you’re finished, remove the blocking rod so the blade can turn freely.

Note: Brush cutter blades usually are symmetrical, so you don’t have to pay attention to blade direction when installing one.

Warning:

Wear goggles, gloves, safety shoes, and protective clothing when operating a string weed eater with a brush-cutting blade.

How does Homelite weed eater feed line without bump feed

This is done using an automatic feed electric weed eater. The automatic advancing mechanism sends out more lines when the string gets too short. Importantly, if you have an automatic feed electric string weed eater, the last thing you want to do is tap the head on the sidewalk because it will break it and negate your warranty.

The advantages of automatic feed

The great thing with an automatic feed weed eater is that instead of focusing on the length of the string, you can pay attention to where the grass ends and the prize daffodils begin. Also, since you don’t have to pause to tap the head on the ground, you can finish trimming faster.

The drawbacks of automatic feed

The motor in an automatic feed electric weed eater is bound to break or malfunction at some point. If the motor still works but doesn’t feed the string properly, you may spend a lot of time trying to fix the line feed jam. In addition, fixing the motor on the automatic feed may be more difficult and expensive than replacing the whole unit.

Why is my Homelite weed eater noisy?

A whipping sound that occurs when you pull the cord is perfectly normal. However, squealing, rattling, or grinding sounds signify a possible internal problem in the starter unit. 

Possible Problems

Below are some culprits that may be causing the noise;

  • A frayed, torn, or broken starter cord may be at the bottom of the problem. 
  • A broken or bent spring or a crack or break in the plastic pulley the starter cord winds around. 

Replace the Starter Assembly

Once you have the starter assembly of the machine, replacing it with a new one isn’t a problem. First, remove the new starter recoil from its packaging; align it properly on the side of the string weed eater, and attach it with the screws that held the old starter assembly. Next, pull the string to start the weed eater and ensure it’s noise free.

Note: Unusual sounds that occur when you pull the starter cord or emanate from the starter unit during trimming indicate that you may need to repair it.

How to clean and maintain your Homelite weed eater

Your Homelite weed eater will need maintenance once in a while to keep it in good working condition. This will also increase its lifespan.

Follow these steps to clean your weed eater;

  • Turn the weed eater’s fuel cap to the left to open it.
  • Pour any fuel remaining in the tank into a gas can, using a funnel to ensure you don’t spill any gas.
  • Pull off the spark plug cap at the top of the weed eater’s engine.
  • Set a spark plug wrench over the top of the spark plug, and turn the wrench to the left to remove the spark plug. Homelite weed eaters require a 5/8-inch-deep socket wrench.
  • Insert a spark plug gap tool between the thin metal protrusion at the top of the spark plug and the round section below it. Homelite string weed eaters require a gap between these two parts of 0.025 inches. First, slide the tool until it fits snugly between the two sections and determines how much gap is currently there. Next, tap the metal protrusion lightly with a hammer to reduce the gap, or press it upward to increase the gap by pressing upward with your tool. You’ll know you have the right gap when the tool fits snugly between the two parts and is lined up with the “0.025” mark.
  • Slide the new spark plug into the hole and turn it to the right by hand. Further, tighten the spark plug by turning it to the right with the spark plug wrench.
  • Replace the spark plug cap you took off before replacing the spark plug.
  • Pop off the air filter cover by snapping off the latch. The air filter cover, located near the weed eater’s engine, should have the words “air filter” on it, making it simple to locate.
  • Pull out the existing air filter and discard it.
  • Set a piece of paper towel in your hand, and then lay the new air filter over the top of that. In the other hand, hold an open bottle of SAE 10-30 oil. 
  • Press the air filter over the top of the bottle, tip the bottle and allow a small dot of oil to settle on the air filter.
  • Set the bottle of oil to the side and squeeze the air filter and the paper towel into a ball, allowing the oil to distribute throughout the filter.
  • Replace the air filter and the air filter cover.
  • Lubricate any squeaky or stuck parts, such as the throttle, with a small dot of all-purpose lubricating oil.

How to clean the carburetor

The carburetor on a Homelite weed eater helps deliver the fuel and air mixture to the internal combustion engine. After several seasons, gas and oil impurities will gradually deposit buildup on the carburetor’s jets and the walls of the cylinder.

These deposits will choke the air and fuel cylinder, leading to sluggish acceleration, poor idling, and no power under load. The carburetor must be removed, disassembled, and cleaned to get the weed eater running well again.

Steps to clean the carburetor;

  1. Unhook the air filter housing cover and take the air filter out of the box. Next, undo the two hex nuts with a socket wrench and a 3/8-inch socket. Then take the air filter-housing box off the carburetor’s two mounting studs.
  2. Unplug the two gas lines from the carburetor’s elbow connectors using your fingers. Next, unscrew the two mounting screws holding the carburetor to the intake manifold. Finally, pull the carburetor and gasket off the manifold.
  3. Disassemble the carburetor carefully. Draw a diagram of all parts as you remove them to help with their reassembly. 
  4. Unscrew all the outer screws holding the gaskets and diaphragms to the carburetor. 
  5. Then unscrew the needle valve retaining screw and remove the needle valve assembly from the carburetor. Next, undo the Carburetor adjusting screws and remove them.
  6. Soak all parts in a Carburetor cleaner bath overnight. Scrub off all deposits still left with a brush. Then, blow out the two jets with compressed air. Don’t clean the diaphragms and gaskets if you don’t have a replacement carb kit with new diaphragms and gaskets.
  7. Reassemble the parts in reverse order. Pay close attention to replacing the needle valve assembly. Insert the small spring into the hole and place the needle valve with the valve lever on top of the spring. 
  8. Replace any parts with the Carburetor kit as needed. Reinstall the carburetor in the engine following the reverse of disassembly.

Homelite Weed eater Won’t Stay Running

Below are the main reasons why your weed eater won’t stay running;

Gas Supply Cut

Most engine problems on a Homelite weed eater occur in the fuel system. Whenever old or bad gas is used or left in the engine, it will stick to the fuel system parts and cause havoc on fuel flow. This restriction, even if small, will create a deficiency in fuel and shut down the engine. 

A thorough fuel system inspection and cleaning might be required to get the engine running at full power again. First, drain all the fuel in the tank, and clean it with a brush and a rag. Next, pull out the fuel filter and hoses if you suspect they are clogged.

Air Supply Cut

For the fuel to ignite inside the cylinder, it must first get mixed with the right amount of air. If the fuel can’t mix with the right amount of air, the fuel mixture will be wrong, and the engine won’t stay running. Therefore, the air filter on Homelite weed eaters needs regular cleaning, usually after every eight to 10 hours of operation. 

Wash the filter in soapy water and rinse it under cool water. Let it sit out overnight to dry thoroughly. Replace the air filter if it can’t be cleaned.

Loss of Spark

The spark plug must deliver a high enough charge of electricity to ignite the fuel at the right temperature to keep the piston and crankcase moving. The loss of this charge will interrupt and stop the combustion process, shutting down the engine. 

Check this too: Craftsman Weed Eater How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Unhook the rubber boot from the end of the spark plug, and remove the spark plug from the cylinder. Check the spark plug’s tip to ensure it isn’t oxidized or fouled. Replace the spark plug at least once a season.

Other Possible Issues

While these elements cover the basics of engine problems, a wide variety of other problems may occur inside the engine. However, these problems usually relate to fuel, air, or spark loss. Other problems can occur with dirty Carburetors, dirty exhaust systems, bad ignition timing, and air leaks inside the engine. These problems generally require substantial knowledge of small engine repair. For this reason, these repairs are better left to a professional.