Honda String Trimmer Won’t Start: 8 Troubleshooting Steps

The string trimmer isn’t giving you the same amount of power as before. Read on to learn what causes the engine to lose power when pushed to its limits.

You may notice a decrease in performance from your Honda string trimmer if any of the following are present: a clogged air filter; a filthy spark plug; a blocked fuel filter; a clogged fuel line; a dirty carburetor; a defective fuel tank vent; a plugged spark arrestor; outdated gasoline.

Wait for the engine to cool down and for all moving components to halt before attempting repairs. For your safety, unplug the spark plug.

Why Your Honda String Trimmer Isn’t Getting Any Work Done
Damage to a Honda String Trimmer from Old Gasoline

Old gas is usually at blame when a string trimmer starts losing power. As early as 30 days after purchase, gas might start to degrade and lose some of its effectiveness.

Ethanol, an alternative fuel used in most gas, helps reduce emissions and is thus ecologically preferable. The reason for this is because ethanol originates from plants.

While ethanol has environmental benefits, it is not suitable for the Honda trimmer’s little engine. This is due to the fact that water vapor in the air is attracted to the fuel system.

Fuel limitations and component problems may be caused by the varnish left behind by the water and ethanol combination. Over time, this combination will likewise separate from gas.

New gasoline with an octane value of 87 and no more than 10% ethanol is optimal for a Honda tiny engine since ethanol is detrimental to the engine.

• Motors with four cylinders and a cycle need to use regular gas. STRICTLY NO OIL MIXING.

Never put into your vehicle gasoline labeled “E15,” “E30,” or “E85,” which indicates a greater ethanol percentage. These may range from 15% ethanol to 30% ethanol to 85% ethanol.

Within 30 days, all gasoline must be used. If you don’t drive your Honda at consistent intervals, it might be difficult to predict how much gas you will need.

If you aren’t sure when you’ll be able to use the gasoline, you may make it last longer by adding a fuel stabilizer to it. Here you may learn about the correct fuel for a Honda string trimmer.

SOLUTION: Empty any leftover gas from your string trimmer. Put plain gas and a fuel stabilizer in a Honda four-cycle engine, such Sea Foam Motor Treatment.

This chemical does more than just steady the gasoline; it also removes moisture and disinfects the fuel system.

To circulate the new gasoline and fuel stabilizer through the fuel system, start the string trimmer and let it run.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to Clogged Air Filter

An air filter removes debris from the air entering the engine. Filters may get clogged if they aren’t cleaned or changed frequently, reducing the quantity of air that can travel through them.

A Honda string trimmer will lose power and operate slowly if not given enough air.

Once a year, as well as many times throughout the year, you should clean and then replace the air filter. More frequent cleaning and replacement will be required if you use your trimmer in dusty circumstances or more often than the typical homeowner.

To get your string trimmer functioning smoothly, you may be tempted to run it without the air filter. Even if you need to do it for only a minute or two, please don’t.

Doing so risks introducing dirt and debris into the engine, which may accelerate engine wear and damage.

SOLUTION: If the Honda’s air filter is broken or very unclean, clean it or replace it.

How to clean the air filter on a Honda FOAM string trimmer:

• Take the air filter out of its housing.
• Use water and a mild detergent to clean the foam air filter.
• Allow the filter to air dry after rinsing thoroughly.
• After the filter has dried, it should be lubricated with filter oil. Oil should be squeezed out of the filter. (Pre-filters need no oiling.)
• Put the filter back in.
• Fix the air filter cover back on.

For information on how to clean different kinds of air filters, please refer to the relevant operator’s handbook.

A Honda String Trimmer’s Loss of Power Is Caused by a Dirty Spark Plug.

Power loss and erratic sparking might be caused by carbon accumulation on the spark plug. Take out the spark plug and inspect it carefully.

SOLUTION:

A new spark plug should be installed if the old one is broken or has a particularly dark color.

A little wire brush may be used to clean a plug if the dirtiness is minimal. To ensure that my Honda trimmer continues to function properly, I always start by replacing the plug.

The electrode gap should next be examined. The Honda requires this to be gapped to their exacting standards. The spark plug wire, likewise, has to be fastened firmly. The power might be lost if the spark plug wire is loosened if the gap is not right.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to Clogged Fuel Filter

Inside the gasoline tank is a little cylinder-shaped component called the fuel filter. It is connected to the gas supply.

It filters gasoline as it flows through it to remove debris and other pollutants that might otherwise enter the fuel system and wear out the engine.

For optimal performance, replace the fuel filter once a year. When clogged, it reduces the quantity of gasoline that can travel through it.

If gasoline is cut down on the engine, performance may suffer.

SOLUTION: If your gasoline filter is clogged and preventing fuel from flowing properly, you should replace it.

Instructions for Changing the Fuel Filter on a Honda String Trimmer

• Remove the fuel cap and wipe the area around it to get rid of any dirt.
• The gas tank should be emptied into a fresh fuel container.
• Put the cutter down on a level surface.
• With the help of a clean, bent wire, remove the gasoline filter from the tank. You might also try using needle-nose pliers.
• Grab the gasoline line firmly and then remove the filter out of the fuel line.
• Replace the old fuel filter with a new one.
• Reinstall the gasoline filter inside the tank.
• Put in new gas
• Cover the tank with the gasoline lid.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to a Clogged Fuel Line

Gummy deposits left behind by old petrol might clog the fuel line. If the gasoline line becomes clogged, the quantity of fuel that can flow through it is less.

SOLUTION: Check for obstructions in the fuel line that might prevent gasoline from flowing. If your gasoline line is blocked, bent, or cracked from age, you should get a new one.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to a Dirty Carburetor

A Honda string trimmer’s carburetor controls the ratio of fuel to air during combustion. Carburetors may stop working properly if they have been used with old fuel, which gums up the system and causes the microscopic internal components to stick.

SOLUTION: You should be able to clean your carburetor if you have a basic understanding of mechanics. Take apart the carburetor and clean it with special carburetor cleaning.

You may need to repair the carburetor (if a rebuild kit is available) or get a brand-new Honda carburetor if cleaning it does not restore its functionality.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to Blocked Fuel Tank Vent

A little plastic piece at the end of the gasoline line leading from the Honda’s fuel tank serves as a vent.

If this portion is blocked, the gasoline tank won’t be able to vent, creating a vacuum within. The carburetor isn’t receiving enough gasoline because of the suction.

Put the string timmer on a level surface, remove the fuel cap, and let air into the tank to see whether the vent is working. Avoid letting any gas leak from the tank.

The fuel tank vent may be clogged if the engine no longer bogs down when the throttle is depressed.

You may double-check whether the fuel cap is loose by starting your Honda trimmer. A faulty fuel cap is likely to blame if the engine sputters after being operated for a time and recovers when the cap is loosened.

SOLUTION:On certain models, the gasoline tank vent is located in the fuel tank cap, whereas on others, it is accessible through a fuel line leading directly from the tank. It is necessary to replace the fuel tank vent.

Honda String Trimmer Loses Power Due to Blocked Spark Arrestor

A spark arrestor is a tiny screen that is fastened to the muffler to prevent sparks and flaming debris from blasting out of the exhaust system.

Carbon buildup on this little screen may severely reduce airflow. There’s a chance your electricity may go out.

SOLUTION: spark plug wire must be disconnected. Take off the hood and the exhaust hood from the engine. Take off the spark suppressor screen very cautiously. Brush it off with a little piece of metal.

A new screen must be installed if the old one is too dirty, too damaged, or has a hole in it to be repaired.

When Should You Take Your Honda String Trimmer to a Mechanic?

If the preceding troubleshooting steps fail to restore power or if you lack the confidence to make the necessary repairs, it may be time to have your tiny engine inspected by a professional.

A reliable small engine repair business may be within driving distance, and you may have been told about one by a friend or neighbor. The Honda dealer finder website is another place to look.

When I have a serious problem, I take my car to the dealership to get help from the factory’s skilled technicians. They have all the tools they need to conduct the tests that are required. Furthermore, they sell original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and can handle warranty issues.

If you need repairs, make sure you include in the cost of the mechanic’s time to diagnose the issue before making the trip. In most cases, you should expect to pay a set sum for the first diagnosis, and then additional costs for labor and materials.

If you’re using a cheap but aging Honda trimmer, it may not be worth it to pay for a diagnosis, new components, and a technician’s time.

You should weigh the price of repairs against the age, quality, and dependability of your present string trimmer. Consider if a new Honda string trimmer would be more useful to you.