Why it won’t start and what to do about it.

What To Check

• The spark plug
• Air filter
• Fuel
• Carburetor

   a) Checking the  spark plug

Remove the spark plug, and if there’s gas on it, that’s good. It means the gas is getting through.
The spark plug may be getting coked up if your engine isn’t running at its best. Also, if your air filter is dirty, this will affect your spark plug. Clean it up with petrol to remove any deposits around the electrode.

The spark plug should be good for roughly 100 hours of use, so if yours is getting close to those hours, this is an easy and inexpensive fix. It’s a good idea to have a spare one so you can replace it and get cutting again.

 

b) Checking the air filter

The next step should be to check your air filter. It’s easy to think that cutting grass and weeds shouldn’t clog it, but if you’ve been working in a dry and dusty environment, it could be the problem. Tap out the dust and if yours is felt you can wash it in petrol. Leave it to dry completely before returning it to the machine.

By cleaning the air filter, this will stop that coughing and sputtering noise you may be experiencing with your machine. By periodically checking the air filter, you’ll be helping your machine work to its best. It’s an easy thing you can do as a preventative measure to avoid bigger problems.

 

c) Checking the fuel

Always check your fuel and ensure theirs enough to keep the machine running efficiently. Also regular checking of the oil, if its dirty  or has turned black you need to empty the tank and fill it with new oil.

If you’re done using the machine for the season make sure you leave the tank empty.

When using the brush cutter make sure you vary between low and high revolutions as using it only on low is likely to cause carbon problems and get coked up.

 

d) Carburetor problems in a brush cutter

One of the last things to check will be the carburetor; this could likely be the cause if your brush cutter has been left standing for some time as the gasoline may have clogged it up. As the gasoline begins to evaporate, a sticky residue is left behind.

The quality of fuel you use is important, and a higher octane (89 or above) is suggested by most manufacturers of brush cutters. When the octane is lower, you’ll get a pinging, and your machine will run less efficiently.