June 01, 2015

How to tune up a grass line trimmer video

How to tune up a grass line trimmer video.
How to tune up a grass line trimmer video.

This video shows how to tune up your grass line trimmer so it operates reliably and at peak efficiency. If you're having problems with your line trimmer, see our grass line trimmer repair help.

It’s best to tune up your trimmer engine once a year. Following the service schedule in the owner's manual reduces the need for costly repairs later. The tune-up procedure we will show today is applicable for most trimmers.

For repair advice for appliance, garden equipment and more, check out all of Sears PartsDirect’s DIY repair help.

Supplies you might need

Only two parts are needed to do the tune-up: a spark plug and an air filter cover. Besides the tools, you need a lubricant such as WD-40, shop rags or paper towels, a small amount of SAE 30 weight oil for the air filter, fresh gas and two-cycle fuel mix with fuel stabilizers. Nitrile gloves can be used if you have any concern about your skin coming in contact with fuel.

Before you start

Be sure there are no open flames or ignition source in the area, because you're working with fuel.

Drain the fuel

If you store the trimmer over the winter with fuel in the tank, drain the tank. Stale fuel mix is one of the leading causes of trimmer failure. To drain the fuel, remove the fuel cap and poor the old fuel mix into an approved container. 

Once the fuel is drained, cap the container and set it aside so it doesn't accidentally spill.

Old fuel is considered hazardous household waste. Be sure to dispose of all fuel in accordance with applicable law. Most cities or counties have some type of hazardous waste recycling facility.

Replace the spark plug

After the fuel is drained, you can replace the spark plug. First, remove the spark plug wire and tuck it out of the way. Then remove the spark plug with the spark plug wrench.

Before installing the new spark plug, set the gap with the spark plug gapping tool.  Check the gap setting for your model in the owner’s manual. Once the spark plug is gapped, thread the spark plug in by hand. Then use a wrench to tighten the spark plug. Once the plug is tightened, reconnect the spark plug wire.

Clean or replace the air filter

The air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 10 hours of operation. Access the air filter by removing the air filter cover. The cover on this model does not require tools to remove the filter. Some models have screws that must be removed.

The new foam filter needs to be oiled before installation. The oil improves the filter’s ability to trap dust before it enters the engine. To oil the filter, apply a small amount of clean motor oil to lightly coat the filter. Then squeeze the filter in a paper towel to equally distribute the oil and remove the excess oil.

Once the filter is oiled, reinstall the filter and cover.

Lubricate and refuel

Pull the trigger to ensure the throttle is operating smoothly. If it doesn't spring back quickly, lubricate it with a little WD-40.

Refuel the trimmer with fresh fuel mix. Using a fuel mixed with fuel stabilizers helps keep the trimmer running trouble-free.

Symptoms for gas line trimmers

Choose a symptom to see related grass line trimmer repairs.

Main causes: stale fuel, clogged fuel filter, faulty spark plug, clogged air filter, cracked fuel lines, clogged carbure…

Main causes: stale fuel, cracked fuel lines, dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, worn piston rings…

Main causes: cracked fuel lines, bad carburetor seals, leaky fuel tank cap, damaged fuel tank…

Repair guides for gas line trimmers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your grass line trimmer.

How to rebuild a line trimmer carburetor

How to rebuild a line trimmer carburetor

If the line trimmer engine won't start even though there's fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a line trimmer carburetor

How to replace a line trimmer carburetor

If the line trimmer won't start even though there's fuel in the tank, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a line trimmer fuel line

How to replace a line trimmer fuel line

The fuel line on a grass line trimmer deteriorates with time and eventually can split or crack. You can replace it yours…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for gas line trimmers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your grass line trimmer.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Solving 3 common problems with line trimmer cutting lines

Solving 3 common problems with line trimmer cutting lines

Follow these tips to prevent the cutting line on your grass line trimmer from breaking or feeding out too much or too li…

How to replace a line trimmer fuel line video

How to replace a line trimmer fuel line video

Follow the steps in this video to replace a leaking fuel line in a line trimmer.…