Tuning up for Spring – Trimmer and Blower

Written by grandpa in Fix It

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In another post, I detailed what I did to get my mower ready for the yard maintenance season. I’ll do the same thing here, but for my trimmer and blower, since both have 2-cycle engines. Here’s the checklist:

  • Change the fuel filter
  • Check, clean and gap the spark plug
  • Check and (maybe) replace the air filter

Change the Fuel Filter

Unlike the lawnmower the trimmer or the blower have a fuel filter inside the fuel tank attached to the fuel line just dangles from the end of the line and filters the fuel immediately as it exits the fuel tank.  You’ll need a long pair of needle-nose pliers to pull that fuel line and filter up out of the fuel tank. Open up the fuel tank and drain it into a container. Reach into the tank with the needle-nose pliers and gently pull the line and filter up to where you can work with the filter. Once you’ve got the fuel line up where you can reach the filter, pinch the line behind the filter with the needle-nose, grab the end of the filter and pull. The barbs will let go as you pull.

Putting a new one on is pretty simple. Grab the end of the line and insert the barbed end of the fresh fuel filter into the line, drop it back into the tank and put the fuel/oil mixture back in. You’re done with this step. 

The Spark Plug

The spark plug needs a proper gap between the two electrodes in order to provide the spark that ignites the fuel. You;ll need a few more tools for this task. Deep well socket (preferably with a spark plug insert), wire brush, feeler gauge(s) of the needed thickness, needle-nose pliers. Remove the wire, then remove the plug with a deep well socket. Once it’s out, take a look at it. It will be a little dirty, but should be intact. Look at the threads and the condition of the electrodes. If they look damaged, or if the porcelain is broken, replace the spark plug. If not, clean the threads and electrodes with a wire brush.

Check the required gap in the manual and use the feeler gauges to see if the gap between the electrodes is proper. The feeler gauge should just barely fit in between the electrodes. If it’s too loose, use the needle-nose to bend the ground electrode toward the center one. If it’s too close, bend it away. Once the gap is correct, make sure the ground is directly over the anode. Screw the spark plug back into the engine, then reattach the wire.

Air Filter

The air filter is easy compared to the spark plug. Simply remove the air filter, rinse it out and squeeze it dry. Some require a little oil to be worked into the filter; as usual, check your owner’s manual.  Reinstall the filter if it’s in good condition or install a new one.

Summary

That’s all there is to it! Your trimmer (and/or) blower is ready for another season.  We’ve changed the fuel filter, cleaned the air filter, and cleaned and gapped the spark plug.  Just make sure to mix the fuel and oil correctly for your engine (40:1 or 32:1 or whatever), fuel it up, and you’re ready to go.

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