Why My Stihl Weed Eater Won’t Stay Running? (Solved) 2023
Stihl weed eater is a reliable tool that enhances the beauty of the lawn and promotes the healthy growth of grass.
But it can have problems, and one of the common ones is that the Stihl weed eater won’t stay running.
This happens when the machine runs out of fuel, the choke or carburetor has issues, air doesn’t circulate, and when you use the wrong fuel oil mix ratio or a clogged spark arrestor.
Luckily, you have come to the right place! This blog post is the solution to all of the problems.
So let’s get started!
Reasons & Solution Why Stihl Weed Eater Won’t Stay Running
There are multiple reasons why Stihl weed eater won’t stay running. To find out the exact one, you have to read our guide till the end.
Insufficient or Old Fuel
The very first reason that might be the cause of this issue is your weed eater has insufficient or old fuel.
Fuel powers the engine of the weed eater; if the machine doesn’t have a sufficient amount of fuel, it won’t work.
Another thing you need to check is whether you’re using old fuel or new one. You may have no idea, but the gasoline we add to the weed eater has an expiry date.
Old fuel can damage the engine and internal parts, which can create issues.
Therefore, check both things, the level of fuel and whether it’s expired or not. If none of these issues are with your weed eater, then check other possible reasons below.
Also Read: Best Weed Eater String Size? (How to Select)
Choke Doesn’t Work
The second main cause is the choke doesn’t work. This is the part that restricts the air intake to the engine during startup, which helps to increase the fuel concentration and help start the engine.
To solve this issue, first, check whether the choke is in the right position or not. If it’s not in the right position, the engine won’t start.
Once you’re sure the choke is in the right position and still not working, then it’s damaged.
The good thing is it’s not a serious issue; you can easily remove the faulty choke and install the new one by watching the video below.
Carburetor Issues
The carburetor is a crucial component of the engine that mixes the air and fuel in the right proportion for combustion.
When the carburetor is dirty or clogged with debris, it can cause disruption and lead to engine problems such as difficulty starting or staying running.
This isn’t a big issue; you only need to clean the carburetor, and the problem will be solved.
Also Read: List of Top 5 Stihl FS94R Problems With Their Solutions
In case the cleaning solution doesn’t work, and you’re sure all other parts of the weed eater are working well, then contact a technician.
Clogged Air Filter
Do you know the engine requires a proper balance of fuel and air to operate efficiently?
A clogged air filter can reduce the amount of air circulating through the engine, which can decrease power output, cause rough idling, and difficulty starting.
To avoid air circulation issues, it is important to clean or replace the air filter (when it’s damaged), as well as ensure that the exhaust system is free from obstructions.
Tip: Always operate the weed eater in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
Fuel Oil Mix Ratio
The fuel-oil ratio is a critical aspect of maintaining a two-stroke engine’s performance and longevity.
Two-stroke engines require a mixture of fuel and oil to lubricate the engine components and provide the necessary combustion for power.
If the fuel oil ratio is incorrect, it can lead to engine damage, poor performance, and sometimes the weed eater won’t start or stop after a few moments.
To get rid of all of these issues, you need to add fuel and oil following the right ratio.
Almost all newer models support a 50:1 ratio, but still, it’s better to check the manual to find out what manufacturers recommend.
Spark Arrestor Issue
The sixth and last common issue that might be the reason is the spark arrestor. It prevents sparks from escaping and causing fires while the engine is in operation.
Over time, carbon and debris can cause a blockage in the spark arrestor that can impede engine performance, and it might stop working.
The best solution to this issue is to remove the spark arrestor and clean it thoroughly by watching the video below.
Note: In some cases, the spark arrestor may need to be replaced if it is damaged.
Also Read: What’s Right Echo Weed Eater Fuel Mix Ratio?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my Stihl Weed Eater keep shutting off?
The common reasons why the Stihl weed eater keeps shutting off are when the fuel is insufficient, you’ve added fuel following the wrong ratio, and the choke doesn’t work.
The carburetor creates issues, or the air filter or spark arrestor gets clogged.
What is the fuel mixture for Stihl weed eaters?
The fuel mixture for a Stihl weed eater depends on the specific model and is typically indicated in the manufacturer’s manual.
However, as a general guideline, most Stihl two-stroke engines require a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil in a ratio of 50:1.
Is it safe to adjust the carburetor of the Stihl weed eater?
Yes, you can adjust the carburetor of the Stihl weed eater, and it’s safe, but only if you know the proper process.
Otherwise, you may have issues with the weed eater.
Conclusion
We understand that the Stihl weed eater won’t stay running is a serious issue that can frustrate anyone, but patience is the key.
For your help, we’ve discussed all possible reasons that might cause this issue above.
Now you only have to identify the problem and then watch the videos we’ve added in our guide to help.
Remember, if you’re not a technician, then we don’t suggest you make changes. It’s best to seek assistance from an expert for safety.