- Weed Wacker Oil Gas Mixture
- Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
- Toro Weed Wacker Fuel To Oil Ratio
- Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
- Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio Gas
- Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio For Mercury Outboard
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Gas weed eaters offer lots of power – unless they won’t start, that is. It can be so frustrating when a string trimmer won’t crank and the truth is, there could be a lot of reasons why. But there are a few simple checks that you should make before taking it to a professional or tossing it in the trash.
Weed Wacker Oil Gas Mixture
Handheld Equipment: 2-Cycle Oil Mix Ratio; Use our 2-Cycle/2-Stroke Ratio Chart to mix the proper Gasoline-Oil Blend. Many string trimmers, chain saws, polesaws, brushcutters and leaf blowers run with a 2-stroke engine. Two-stroke (or 2-cycle) engines require a mixture of fuel and oil be added to the fuel. That ratio translates to 2.6 fluid ounces of oil for every gallon of gasoline; if you're mixing 5 gallons of gas, you would add 12.8 ounces of oil. You seldom have to measure out the oil - most two-cycle oil comes in calibrated containers, and you can determine the amount you're using by reading the scale on the side.
If your gas weed eater is not starting, the most common causes are:
- View and Download Troy-Bilt TB2044 operator's manual online. Electric Start Capable 2-Cycle Trimmer. TB2044 lawn and garden equipment pdf manual download. Also for: Tb2044 xp.
- Gas-to-Oil Ratio for a Homelite Weed Trimmer. Homelite brand string trimmers are powered by small two-cycle engines that require lubricating oil to be premix.
- Fuel-related issues
- Malfunctioning spark plug
- Dirty carburetor
- Air filter blockage
- Recoil starter
- Flooded engine
Depending on what is preventing your weed eater from working correctly, troubleshooting is a fairly simple process.
Let’s have a look at how to identify, isolate, and solve the issue so that you can get back to work on your lawn.
Gas Weed Eater’s Common Issues And Solutions
Often after being stored over winter or just by luck of the draw, a gas-powered weed eater will need a little maintenance to work correctly again. But when you get right down to it, they have a simple two-stroke engine that you can troubleshoot with basic tools and a little DIY knowledge.
Fuel Related Issues
Fuel related issues are the most common problems you will need to solve over the life of your weed eater. Here are a few of the more common fuel issues that may be causing a problem:
- The fuel is running low
- The tank is full, but with old fuel. Oxygen and moisture can damage the fuel over time.
- The gasoline and oil have separated, preventing the engine from getting enough fuel.
Troubleshooting Fuel Related Issues
To solve fuel-related problems, proceed with these steps:
- First, check the level of fuel in the tank. If it is empty or low, the weed eater will not start.
- If there is enough fuel and it is fresh, lightly shake and swirl the weed eater to ensure that oil and gasoline are not separated.
- If you are using the weed eater for the first time after several months, you should swap the old fuel for a new mixture. Many string trimmers require a 40:1 or 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio. (Check your owner’s manual for your model’s requirement).
- It is extremely important that you use gasoline with only 10% alcohol or an ethanol-free variety and oil designed for 2-cycle engines. This allows for the piston and crankshaft to stay lubricated.
Learn why ethanol can cause significant damage to gas-powered outdoor yard tools.
Spark Plug Issues
If you have tried to turn the engine on and it is not giving you any sign of life, the problem might lie in the spark plug.
A fouled spark plug won’t be able to deliver electric current from the ignition system, which is necessary to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber of your weed eater. In this case, the possible issues are:
- A dirty spark plug
- A cracked or faulty spark plug
Troubleshooting Spark Plug Related Issues
If the problem involves a dirty spark plug, you can quickly solve it by cleaning it with a spray-on plug cleaner (source).
To remove any extra debris, proceed by scraping the spark plug with a knife. For the best maintenance, you should clean the spark plug every season and after prolonged use (around 25 hours).
If the spark plug is cracked or faulty, you will need to replace it altogether. These are inexpensive and easy to buy in your local DIY store. To check for a damaged spark plug, you should:
- Disconnect the lead and clean the surrounding area
- Remove it using a spark plug socket
- Check the porcelain for cracks and scratches
Assuming it isn’t cracked, it probably just needs a good cleaning. Once cleaned, replace the spark plug, ensuring that it is not too tight and try to restart the engine.
Carburetor Issues
The carburetor is the heart of the engine. It is responsible for controlling the engine’s speed and the ratio between fuel and air.
If your carburetor is amiss, dirty, or cracked, your weed eater won’t work. Some common telltale signs of a fault carburetor are:
- Black smoke
- Backfiring
- It is hard to start or bogs down and dies when the engine is throttled
Troubleshooting Carburetor Related Issues
The first thing we want to do is to clean the carburetor. It’s a fairly easy task and doesn’t require a lot of tools.
Depending on your weed eater model, start by removing the filter cover and the filter. Then proceed by unscrewing the screws that hold the primer bubble in place. Once you have opened your carburetor, you can clean it thoroughly and unclog the filter.
You may be able to clean the carburetor without needing fresh gaskets but as a rule, it’s best to have an inexpensive rebuild kit like this one (link to Amazon) handy. If this one doesn’t match your weed eater’s engine, just search for your brand.
This YouTube video from eReplacement Parts walks you through the process of cleaning the carburetor and has a lot of handy tips.
Carburetors are one of the more common fuel-related issues for 2-stroke engines. Someday, someone is going to invent a better version that isn’t prone to clogging. In the meantime, though, do yourself a favor and use quality fuel.
Air Filter Issues
The air filter is another essential part of a 2-stroke engine. It allows fresh air (oxygen) to enter the combustion chamber. This is necessary for the ignition process to begin.
At the same time, air filters ensure that no external and potentially damaging debris enters the engine while delivering a clean flow of oxygen.
The air filter can become blocked or dirty after prolonged use or if you have stored your weed eater for too long. A common sign that the main issue with your string trimmer lies in the air filter is the engine starting and then stopping abruptly after a couple of minutes.
Troubleshooting Air Filter Related Issues
Air filter problems can be solved quickly by cleaning or replacing the filter.
- Start by removing the screws that hold the air filter in place, usually near the rear of the engine.
- Clean the air filter with warm water and dish soap
- Once cleaned, you can soak the filter in lukewarm water
- Rinse and squeeze it various times to get out all the remaining water and soap in the pores.
- Let the filter air-dry and place it back only once it is fully dry.
It’s often better to just replace these. They are very inexpensive.
Flooded Engine Issues
If you tried to fix any of these issues without knowing how to do it, the chances are that you kept trying to restart the engine. As a result, you now have a weed eater that won’t start and has a flooded engine.
Similar to an older car, the engine of your weed eater can be “flooded” with a too-rich blend of fuel and air.
Troubleshooting Issues
![Ratio Ratio](/uploads/1/2/7/7/127777761/348620348.jpg)
Thanks to its simple engine, it is easy to unflood a weed eater. Usually, all you will need to do is:
- Ensure that the on/off switch is on the “on” position
- Position the choke “off”.
- While holding the throttle trigger, pull the starter recoil several times quickly. This may take a lot of pulls.
- Keep holding the trigger while black smoke leaves the weed eater.
- Release the trigger
If you are having trouble visualizing this, here is a great YouTube video from Steve’s Small Engine Saloon where he intentionally floods the weed eater then goes through the simple process of unflooding it.
This process of repeatedly pulling on the starter recoil while holding the throttle down allows the weed eater to get rid of any extra fuel that has filled the combustion chamber. It’s common to see black smoke resulting from the engine. That’s the weed eater burning off the excess fuel.
When To Bring Your Weed Eater To A Repair Shop
Recoil starters can be a little tricky to replace if you don’t have any experience with small engine repair. If the recoil spring has snapped, it will be impossible for you to start the weed eater altogether.
In this case, I’d recommend just bringing it in for a professional servicing. While you can repair it at home in about 20 minutes, it’s not something I’d recommend doing unless you know your way around an engine.
Tips For Keeping Your Weed Eater Running
Once you have it running again, there are a few best practices that you should implement to make sure your weed eater running at top performance:
- Use fresh, ethanol-free fuel. I highly recommend buying a premix. It costs more upfront but you never have to worry about improper gas-to-oil ratio mixtures or accidentally using two-stroke oil that has gone bad.
- Replace the spark plug and air filter at the beginning of every season. It’s super-inexpensive and will keep your engine running trouble-free.
The majority of issues that you’ll encounter with a 2-stroke yard tool’s engine can be avoided with just a little preventative maintenance and good choices, especially when it comes to the quality of fuel that you use.
Conclusion
If your gas weed eater won’t start, these are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps that should be taken. With just a little maintenance and TLC, a weed eater can keep running season after season.
To solve most issues that can result in a malfunctioning weed eater, you only need a few tools and little DIY knowledge. Yet, if you have already checked the spark plug, air filter, carburetor, fuel tank, and unflooded the engine without a result, a quick visit to your repair shop may be needed.
In the market for a new weed eater? Read my head-to-head comparison between Stihl and ECHO, two of the largest manufacturers out there.
And if you are just sick and tired of your gas-powered yard tools needing repair and maintenance, be sure to read Gas vs Electric: 6 Reasons To Use Battery-Powered Yard Tools.
Recommended Gas Trimmer:
- Echo GT-225 2 Cycle 21.2cc Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer (Link to Amazon)
Recommended Electric Trimmer:
- Ego 56-Volt Lith-ion Cordless Electric 15 in. String Trimmer (Link to Amazon)
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Finding the correct gas to oil ratio for a string trimmer is not as easy as it should be. Although the industry is moving slowly toward a consistent 50:1 ratio recommendation, there are still variations between manufacturers.
Recommended gas to oil ratios for the most common string trimmer brands:
It’s important to note that some brands have models that use different ratios than those stated above. It gets ridiculous with some brands that have two or three different recommended ratios depending on the model of your equipment.
As such, it’s always best practice to check the owner’s manual but these represent the bulk of each brand’s offerings.
Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
Stihl doesn’t mix words when it comes to mixing gas and oil. They maintain a consistent 50:1 ratio with all of their 2-stroke equipment (source). I appreciate this level of consistency.
Note that older owner manuals for ECHO products recommended strange, sometimes impossible gas to oil ratios such as 32:1. But in 2019 ECHO revised their recommendations to allow for a 50:1 ratio for all ECHO two-stroke engines using their branded two-cycle oils (source – see page 23).
** Husqvarna’s older manuals used to call for a 40:1 ratio. I contacted Husqvarna for clarification and they verified that newer models all use 50:1 but some older models do in fact require 40:1. I did not receive any specific guidance on the year that this change occurred so I recommend checking your owner’s manual if you have an older model string trimmer just to be sure.
McCulloch equipment uses 40:1 per the Husqvarna website (source).
Virtually every model of Craftsman string trimmer that I looked at used 40:1 gas to oil ratios, though I was unable to find a definitive source that could confirm that this is true of all of their equipment.
Ryobi, though best known these days for their battery-powered tools, does still maintain a few gas model trimmers. They currently recommend a 50:1 ratio for their 2-stroke trimmer engines (source).
Does Gas To Oil Ratio Really Matter?
Two-stroke engines are designed to run on specific gas to oil ratios. Straying from the manufacturer’s recommendations can result in various engine problems and potential damage.
Examples of problems that can be encountered from inaccurate gas to oil ratios include:
- Trouble starting
- A trimmer that starts but then dies when the throttle is engaged
But these are just symptoms. The real issue is the potential damage that can be caused to the engine itself.
A two-stroke engine requires lubrication directly in the fuel since it does not have a separate oil compartment to draw lubrication from. Using an inaccurate gas to oil ratio means you are either not providing enough lubrication, or you are giving it too much.
Either way, the motor will not run as efficiently as it is designed to if you alter fuel ratio from the manufacturer recommendations.
Can I Use 4-Stroke Oil Instead Of 2-Stroke?
You should never use 4-stroke oil in a 2-stroke engine. 4-stroke oil will gum up over time when mixed directly with the gas, causing longterm motor issues and potential damage.
Some people have claimed success with using 4-stroke oil but short-term testing does not allow for adequate evaluation of longterm impact. There is absolutely no reason that you should place your 2-stroke equipment at risk with this unproven theory.
Should I Buy Premixed Fuel Or Just Mix The Gas And Oil Myself?
Toro Weed Wacker Fuel To Oil Ratio
For ease of use, premium ingredients, and precise gas to oil ratios, commercially-prepared premixed fuel is a better solution than mixing the gas and oil yourself.
I spent years mixing my own fuel, priding myself on money saved in the short term. In the end, I was being penny-wise but pound-foolish. The gas I was using was from the pump at a local station. Pump fuel contains ethanol which can damage small engines.
In my case, it caused the inner lining of the fuel lines to dissolve resulting in a lot of work rebuilding the carburetor and trying to get the darn thing to run again.
I made the transition to premixed fuel and have never looked back. There are several quality products available on the market and I’ve already done a lot of the research by comparing the best premixed fuels so have a look at that before buying.
And yes, premixed fuel does cost more when you look strictly at price but you have to factor in that you are getting ethanol-free gas mixed precisely with 2-stroke oil and extended shelf life that far exceeds a homemade mix.
Where Can I Find My String Trimmer Manual Online?
The first place to look for a string trimmer manual online is the manufacturer’s website. Companies generally provide a directory of owner manuals in PDF format available for download.
Here are the direct links to owner manual directories for several leading string trimmer manufacturers:
If your brand is not listed, try a simple Google search. Any reputable manufacturer will have an online directory that is usually searchable. You can search for your specific string trimmer model and view or download the owner’s manual.
This manual will provide a definitive answer on the correct gas to oil ratio for your specific string trimmer model.
Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
Conclusion
Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio Gas
String trimmer gas to oil ratios vary by manufacturer but most are moving toward a 50:1 ratio. It is likely that in the years ahead this will become the defacto gas to oil ratio for 2-stroke yard tools.
Toro Weed Wacker Fuel Oil Ratio For Mercury Outboard
In the mean time, it’s important to make sure that you are abiding by the recommended mix ratio specific to your brand and model. This will ensure that your string trimmer runs as efficiently as possible and receives the proper amount of lubrication, preventing damage and poor performance.