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Stihl Stick Edgers that won't start after they're hot

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DFW Area Landscaper

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I seem to get this over and over. It happens with line trimmers on very rare occassions and never happens with blowers. But it keeps happening with the FC-75's edgers really bad. So I started buying the FC-100's and they do seem to hold up a lot better, but they're still prone to do this.

Basically, the complaint from the workers is, after they mow 5 lawns or so, the FC-75's are hard to start.

A friend of mine told me that when this happens, it's a bad coil. I replaced a coil once, it was like $50 or so, if I recall, and it didn't solve the problem. I mean, you can easily throw a lot of money at these things on parts only to have it not solve the problem.

My M.O. for the last year or so has been to just replace the entire machine when this happens. I haven't tried replacing any more coils. The most I've replaced lately are throttle cables and rewind assemblies.

Anyone have any experience with this?
 
#2 ·
all my 4 mixes start first pull all day after they're hot. my 2cyle handheld blower is the pain for me.
 
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#3 ·
When they get hot they lean out, If like Shindiawa t-270 they have should a plug over the low side idle mixture , pop that and fatten up the mixture. Let machine idle until RPM's drop, this is telling you it has cooled and mixture fattened up. I put my machines on trimmer rack and use blower to cool fins as I warm up blower on hot days , tak s about 30 seconds.
 
#5 ·
Richening the mixture sounds like a promising fix. Maybe foul the plugs sooner, but with the use your edgers probably see it will extend their lives. I need to try this myself. I have an older FS80 that doesn't like to start when hot. I've mentioned it in a lot of threads lately but just wanted to let you know that lesco has the Kawasaki trimmers and edgers on clearance for $230-240. They have a full 2 yr commercial warranty.
 
#10 ·
What fuel mix is being used? What oil? At what mix ratio?

I had similar problems in past years, but spotty. I switched to synthetic oil, and that helped. This season, I'm using 75:1 mix, Amsoil, for my FS85, FC85, BG85, and 50:1, Amsoil, for my FS90R. The FS90R is new, but the others are older equipment. They all start very well, first or second pull.

This is no question that a different fuel mix helped the starting issues This is especially true for the FS85, FC85 and the BG85. I am now settled on this fuel mix because it has demonstrated to work best for me.
 
#11 ·
I have an FS85R that takes at least 25 pulls to start at the best of times. It's been to the dealer a few times, where they tell me this trimmer is "bulletproof," which only makes me want to shoot it.

I replaced a coil once, and it was not covered under any warranty. My carb has also been rebuilt.

I will never buy Stihl again, ever!
 
#12 ·
Roger said:
What fuel mix is being used? What oil? At what mix ratio?

I had similar problems in past years, but spotty. I switched to synthetic oil, and that helped. This season, I'm using 75:1 mix, Amsoil, for my FS85, FC85, BG85, and 50:1, Amsoil, for my FS90R. The FS90R is new, but the others are older equipment. They all start very well, first or second pull.

This is no question that a different fuel mix helped the starting issues This is especially true for the FS85, FC85 and the BG85. I am now settled on this fuel mix because it has demonstrated to work best for me.
Click to expand...
Changing the fuel mix to 75 to one fattened up your fuel mixture as oil displaces fuel. Like I said above running hot is usually a lean fuel mixture issue. The OP can fatten his mixture up the same way you did.
 
#13 ·
I have a FC-75 and I do a huge apartment complex with it every two weeks 10 buildings with about 1,000 yards of edging. I run it straight though 3-4 tanks or until my hands start to tingle. I had this same problem before switching to synthetic. I have a Craftsman Professional string trimmer new (go ahead and bash but my stihl stays in the truck) and I still run the good ol 40:1. It starts first pull every time usually 2nd cold. Here in OK it has been about 95 all summer and this baby does get hot but no problems. While I'm at it I'll mention I love the Crafty the hassle free III will take up to .130 and I can have .95 and .130 in my pocket ready to trim whatever comes up. I love the Maryuba or vortex trimline. It wears great and edges nice with thicker lines. When not edging I can do 2 small residentials with one piece and I never have to respool.
 
#15 ·
I have this problem with my 2-cycle handheld blower as well after about four yards.

As long as it still runs I guess
 
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