How to Start a Stubborn Weed Trimmer With a Thimble and Some Gas

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Weed trimmers can be a pain to start at times, and when they start to get old, sometimes they need a little help to get some gas into the cylinder head. Some use starting fluid for this, but a small amount of gas can work as well, as explained in this article.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-1.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do a quick check to satisfy yourself. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-2.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take off the spark plug with a spark plug wrench .
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-3.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The rim should be silver and not black, and the point should not have build-up on it either. If the rim needs to be cleaned, scrape off the deposits with steel wool or a use small flat head screwdriver . Be careful not to break the white ceramic insulator. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-4.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-5.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-6.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-7.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It should rev up a little then stop because choke is still on.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-8.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • If the engine does not start, replace the spark plug with a new one, as this could be the problem. (The old spark plug has a number on it, so write it down before going to the store).
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-9.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If it still does not start, it could be the carb is gunked with deposits, in which you will need at this point, some carb cleaner. [3]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-10.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To clean the carb, remove the carb cover and spray off the jets, making sure that they are clean and unobstructed. [4]
    • Then take off the primer cap from the line and spray carb cleaner down the tube where the cap was attached and replace the primer.
    • Press a few times, forcing the carb cleaner in the line into the carb.
    • Repeat this process a few times.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-11.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is a screen that prevents hot particles from escaping the muffler, which can cause a fire . If it is blocked, remove it and scrape with a wire brush or a piece of wood, then replace it. [5]
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-12.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Also note whether after you have put a few drops of gas in the cylinder, and replaced the spark plug, it fires up for a little but does not run. If so, this could mean the carb is blocked, because gas is not getting from the carb to the cylinder, and the only thing that's making it run for a bit, is the little gas you put in the cylinder. If it does not run at all, it is usually because the spark plug is either spent or dirty.
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-13.jpg\/aid1550028-v4-728px-Start-a-Stubborn-Weed-Trimmer-With-a-Thimble-and-Some-Gas-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press primer bulb a few times forcing excess gas in line to run into carb, and then pull starter rope a few times forcing all the gas out. Excess gas sitting in the line and in carb over the winter causes blockage, so always empty and clean when not in use for extended periods.
    14. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can cause the trimmer to stall after pulling the trigger?
    Community Answer
    Bad air/fuel mixture. Dirty gas, often water in carb. Clogged muffler screen. Clogged air filter. Spool head could be binding from long weeds wrapped around.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Today's ethanol gasoline is a big problem for small engines, two-stroke and four-stroke, especially engines that are not used every day or two. Ethanol will separate and go to the bottom of the tank. It will also leave a gummy residue or "varnish" on carburetor parts and ports. Some say this is the cause of most small engine problems today. These small carburetors have small ports, needle jets, screen filters, and holes that can be blocked or partially blocked by the smallest impurities.
        Thanks
      • Replace the weighted filter in the gas tank on weed trimmers. These filters are easy to remove with a small hook on the end of a "coat hanger" wire. The weighted filter is on a length of tubing in the gas tank and allowed to reach the bottom of the tank no matter how you hold the trimmer. The filter can easily become clogged with all kinds of debris.
        Thanks
      • To prevent this problem in your engines, use a gasoline additive in every gas can before you fill any small engine gas tanks. Some additives will prevent the problems; some will help remove the varnish and gum. These additives are inexpensive and cheap insurance.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don't try this if the engine has been running and hot. If you spill gas, it could ignite if it contacts the hot engine.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Spark Plug Wrench
      • Trimmer
      • Thimble
      • Butane Lighter
      • Gas

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Replace the Line on a Black and Decker Trimmer
      How to
      Get Rid of Onion Weed
      How to
      Use a Weed Whacker
      How to Make Weed Killer with Vinegar, Salt, & Dish Soap
      How to Get Rid of Bamboo in Your Yard
      How to Get Rid of Ant Nests in Potted Plants
      How to Drive Away Gnats for Good: Easy DIY Methods
      How to Remove Frogs from Your Home or Garden
      How to Kill a Tree with or without Chemicals
      How to
      Start a Weed Whacker
      How to
      Get Rid of Snakes
      How to Remove Ticks In and Around Your House
      How to
      Identify Stinging Nettle
      How to
      Get Rid of Crows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thedailygardener.com/weed-eater-wont-start
      2. ↑ https://www.thedailygardener.com/weed-eater-wont-start
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJL8uEZbRnw
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJL8uEZbRnw
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlC8jrLPPOo

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 218,183 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Kevin Noy

        Jun 21, 2020

        "Good info. I forgot a couple of steps to make it happen, but this hit my memory button. Thank you."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement