Last Updated on February 4, 2023
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of experiencing a hedge trimmer that won’t start, then you know how frustrating it can be. From having to cancel appointments with clients to being stuck in an endless cycle of checking fuel and spark plugs – no one wants their weekend gardening plans ruined because their trusty hedge trimmer won’t get going. Don’t worry though, there are several simple troubleshooting steps you can take if your hedge trimmer just won’t start. We’ll explore some common issues why your hedge trimmer may not have kicked into life yet so let’s get started by asking the question: “why won’t my hedge trimmer start?
Table of Contents:
- Check the Fuel
- Inspect the Spark Plug
- Clean the Air Filter
- Check for Blockages
- FAQs in Relation to Why Won’t My Hedge Trimmer Start
- Conclusion
Check the Fuel
Checking the fuel is an essential first step when troubleshooting a hedge trimmer that won’t start. Without fuel, your machine will not be able to power up and get you trimming again. To check the fuel level, remove the cap from the tank and look inside. If it’s empty or stale, then you’ll need to top it up with fresh two-stroke oil mixed with petrol at a ratio of 25:1 (25 parts petrol to 1 part oil).
If there is some fuel in the tank but it looks old and discoloured, then this could be causing your engine problems too. Old fuel can cause clogging within the carburettor which can prevent your engine from starting properly. The best thing to do here is drain out all of the old fuel and replace it with fresh two-stroke mix as mentioned above.
When refilling your tank, make sure not to overfill as this can cause spillage when running which isn’t great for either you or your machine. Also take care not to spill any onto yourself or nearby surfaces – wear gloves if necessary and wipe away any spills immediately using paper towels or rags soaked in warm soapy water before they have time to dry on their own.
Finally, remember that two-stroke oil has an expiry date, so always check this before use; expired oil may damage both your machine and its performance.
Inspect the Spark Plug
Spark plugs are essential components of any lawnmower, and it’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. To do this, you should first remove the spark plug from the engine. This is usually done by unscrewing it with a socket wrench or pliers. Once removed, examine the spark plug for any visible damage such as cracks in the porcelain insulator or corrosion on the metal parts.
If there is no visible damage, then check that there is still a gap between the electrodes at either end of the spark plug – this gap should be around 0.6mm wide when measured with a feeler gauge. If it’s too small, then you will need to adjust it using an adjustable spanner; if it’s too large then you may need to replace your spark plug altogether as gaps wider than 1mm can cause misfiring and poor performance in your mower’s engine.
Next, take some time to clean off any dirt or debris from around the base of your spark plug before re-installing into its housing in your mower’s engine block – just make sure not to over tighten. Finally, once reinstalled, start up your mower and check that everything runs smoothly without stuttering or jerking movements which could indicate an issue with one of your other engine components instead (such as fuel filters).
Inspecting and cleaning (or replacing) your lawnmower’s spark plug regularly can help ensure that they continue running efficiently throughout their lifespan, so don’t forget to include them in your maintenance checks.
Clean the Air Filter
Cleaning the air filter is an essential part of maintaining a hedge trimmer. The air filter helps to keep dirt and debris from entering the engine, which can cause it to overheat or malfunction. Without regular cleaning, your hedge trimmer will not run as efficiently and may even break down completely.
Fortunately, cleaning the air filter is easy and takes just a few minutes of your time. First, you’ll need to locate the air filter on your hedge trimmer – usually, it’s located near the top of the engine cover. Once you’ve found it, use a flathead screwdriver to remove any screws that are holding it in place.
Once you have removed all screws and clips from around the edges of the air filter casing, carefully lift off its lid or cover so that you can access its contents inside. You should see some foam material within – this is what needs to be cleaned regularly for the optimal performance of your machine. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) dipped in warm water with detergent added if necessary; gently scrub away any dust particles or other build-up until clean again before rinsing with fresh water and allowing it to dry completely. Once dry, reassemble everything back together again securely using new screws/clips if needed.
It is important not only to clean out any built-up dirt but also to replace these filters every year or two, depending on how often they are used; otherwise, they will not be able to do their job properly. Doing this simple maintenance task will help ensure that your hedge trimmer runs smoothly without interruption for many years into the future.
Cleaning the air filter is an important step in ensuring your hedge trimmer works properly, so make sure to do it before moving on to checking for blockages.
Check for Blockages
One of the most common causes of a hedge trimmer not starting is blockages. Blockages can occur in several places, including the exhaust port, fuel lines and air filter.
Exhaust Port
The exhaust port is located at the back of your hedge trimmer and should be checked regularly for any debris that may have become lodged inside it. If you find any debris, use a brush to carefully remove it from the port before attempting to start your trimmer again. Be sure to wear protective gloves when doing this, as some debris can be sharp or hazardous if handled without care.
Fuel Lines
Fuel lines are responsible for carrying fuel from the tank to the engine, so they must remain clear in order for your hedge trimmer to run properly. Check these lines periodically for any signs of clogging or obstruction which could prevent fuel from reaching its destination. If you notice any blockage, use a pipe cleaner or other suitable tool to carefully remove it before restarting your machine.
Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep dirt and dust out of your engine by trapping them within its mesh-like material, so it’s important that you check this regularly too. Over time, dirt particles can build up on the filter and cause blockages which will stop air flow into your engine – preventing it from running correctly. To clean an air filter, simply hold it under running water until all visible dirt has been removed, then allow it to dry completely before reattaching it back onto your machine’s bodywork.
FAQs in Relation to Why Won’t My Hedge Trimmer Start
What causes a hedge trimmer to stop working?
A hedge trimmer can stop working for a variety of reasons. Common causes include worn or broken parts, such as the blades, spark plug, air filter, and fuel lines. Additionally, dirt and debris buildup in the engine can prevent it from running properly. Lastly, insufficient lubrication or incorrect oil levels can cause the motor to seize up and cease functioning altogether. To avoid these issues and keep your hedge trimmer running smoothly, be sure to regularly inspect its components for wear and tear as well as clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the engine compartment.
Why is my Stihl electric hedge trimmer not starting?
If your Stihl electric hedge trimmer isn’t starting, it could be due to a few different causes. Firstly, check that the power cord is securely plugged into an outlet and the machine itself. If this doesn’t solve the issue, then you may need to check if there is any damage or blockage in the air filter or spark plug. Finally, make sure that all of the safety features are properly engaged before attempting to start up again. If none of these steps helps get your trimmer running again, contact Stihl’s customer service team for further assistance.
Why won’t my Homelite hedge trimmer start?
If your Homelite hedge trimmer won’t start, the most likely cause is a lack of fuel or an issue with the spark plug. Make sure you have fresh fuel in the tank and that it is mixed correctly with oil. Check to see if the spark plug is connected properly and that there are no signs of damage or corrosion. If all looks good, try replacing it with a new one. If these steps don’t resolve your issue, contact Homelite customer service for further assistance.
Why won’t my Kawasaki hedge trimmer start?
If your Kawasaki hedge trimmer doesn’t start, it could be due to a few different issues. Firstly, check the fuel tank and ensure that there is enough fuel in it for the engine to run. If there is not enough fuel, fill up the tank with fresh gasoline. Secondly, check if the spark plug has become fouled or damaged and replace it if necessary. Lastly, make sure that all of the connections are secure and that no wires have come loose from their terminals. If these steps do not resolve your issue, then you may need to take your trimmer into an authorized service centre for further inspection and repair.
Conclusion
No matter the issue, if your hedge trimmer won’t start, it can be a frustrating experience. But with these troubleshooting tips, you’ll have your hedge trimmer running in no time. Remember to check the fuel, inspect the spark plug, clean the air filter and look for blockages when trying to figure out why your hedge trimmer won’t start. With some patience and know-how, you’ll soon be back trimming away – so don’t let a pesky problem stop you from getting that perfect garden.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.