SOLVED! There Are a Dozen Causes Why Your Toro String Trimmer Won’t Turn On

Whether you refer to it as a string trimmer, weed eater, or something else entirely, this instrument will assist you in achieving a beautifully maintained lawn. It looks beautiful when trimming is done around plants, trees, and fountains. till it quits operating altogether.

If the Toro string trimmer’s engine isn’t getting enough air, gasoline, and spark, it won’t start.

Take care to observe all of the security measures outlined in your Toro’s handbook. For instance, take the spark plug’s protective boot off before you try to fix it.

Reasons why your Toro string trimmer won’t start:

1. A source of obsolete energy
2. Mismatched fuel
3. Aspiration filter obstruction
4. Due to a faulty spark plug
5. Unclean carburetor
6. Because of a clogged fuel filter
7. Broken primer bulb
8. Congestion in the gas line
9. No air can get into the gas tank since the lid is closed
10. Ineffective recoil starter
11. Spark arrestor with a plug
12. Water in the engine

When troubleshooting, repairing, or operating machinery, be sure to read and follow all directions in the equipment’s operator’s manual. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to conduct the repair safely due to a lack of experience, training, or health, you should get some help from a specialist.

Causes Your Toro String Trimmer Won’t Activate

1. Incorrect Toro String Trimmer Fuel

A Toro string trimmer’s gasoline should not be let to sit for extended periods of time. That’s because rusty gas might hinder your engine’s ability to burn gasoline.

The ethanol added to most modern gasoline is mostly to blame for this phenomenon. Because of its chemical structure, ethanol may absorb moisture from the atmosphere and be used as a fuel alternative.

Separation of the ethanol and water solution from the gas results in the formation of varnish and deposits that might impede flow. Inability to start due to blocked gasoline supply caused by obstructions.

Due to gasoline’s rapid degradation after purchase, you should only stock up on as much petrol as you can use within 30 days.

Adding a fuel stabilizer will extend the fuel’s shelf life if you won’t be able to utilize it within this time frame. There is a fuel stabilizer in some 2-cycle lubricants. Sea Foam Motor Treatment is another option.

Two-cycle Toro trimmers need a 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio for proper operation.

SOLUTION: If your string trimmer still has fuel in it, drain it and replace it with fresh gasoline. To prevent fuel from being rancid, use a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam Motor Treatment or STA-BIL.

2. Toro String Trimmer With Wrong Blend of 2-Cycle Oil

If you put regular gas into a 2-cycle Toro string trimmer, you’ll ruin the engine and have to replace it sooner rather than later. An easy method to destroy your string trimmer is to fill the tank with straight gas.

A 50:1 mixture of gas and oil powers a 2-cycle Toro string trimmer. A mixture of 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil is an example of a common mix ratio.

To properly fuel your Toro string trimmer, you should only use unleaded gasoline with a mid-grade (87 octane) octane rating and no more than 10% ethanol. Put in some ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD approved 2-cycle premium oil.

Blend it in a gas can that meets safety standards before adding it to your string trimmer. Use Toro All Weather 2-Cycle Oil or this 2-Cycle Oil from Kawasaki, both of which work well.

SOLUTION: Empty the fuel tank and refill it with the proper gas/oil ratio. Whether the problem persists, take it to a small engine technician to see if fixing it will be cost-effective.

What kind of fuel works best in your Toro string trimmer is discussed further here.

Fuel for a Two-Cycle Engine

Using an ethanol-free fuel blend is an excellent way to lessen fuel-related issues and maximize engine longevity. Ready to use in your string trimmer’s fuel tank, this oil and gasoline combination does not include ethanol.

In contrast to the fuel part, you won’t have to cope with the drawbacks of ethanol. It’s also helpful to have fuel on hand so you can quickly refuel your vehicle if it runs low. There is a high quality 50:1 premixed gasoline available from TruFuel.

Using a 50/50 Gasoline/Oil Blend in a Toro 2-Cycle Engine

3. The Toro String Trimmer with an Installed Air Filter

Your string trimmer’s air filter is necessary to prevent engine damage from dust and debris. Avoid engine damage and keeping your warranty intact by only using your string trimmer with a clean filter.

Maintaining a healthy environment requires routine inspection and cleaning or replacement of the air filter. If you don’t, dirt and debris will accumulate in the filter, preventing the engine from receiving the air it needs to ignite.

Not enough air may get through when the filter is filthy. Lack of air prevents the engine from starting and running. You could believe that if you just take the filter out of the air intake you won’t have to worry about the air filter being clogged.

The typical homeowner should get a new air filter once a year and clean it multiple times during the lawn care season, according to my recommendations.

SOLUTION: Remove the filter and clean the air filter housing of any leftover dirt. If your air filter is unclean, you should get a new one.

4. Toro String Trimmer with a Faulty Spark Plug

Every year, you should change the spark plug in your string trimmer to maintain it in top condition and functioning smoothly. Carbon deposits on the spark plug make it less effective over time. Because of this, the spark plug may misfire, resulting in sporadic starting issues.

Incorrect spark plug gap, loose spark plug wire, and cracked porcelain or burned electrode should also be checked. Your Toro may have trouble starting due to these factors as well.

SOLUTION: You may reuse a filthy spark plug by cleaning it with a wire brush. I’d rather get a new one. It’s a low-cost component that plays a crucial role in the string trimmer’s functionality.

Make sure the spark plug wire boot is properly secured and the gap is set according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

5. Worn-Out Toro String Trimmer Caused by a Filthy Carburetor

Controlling the ratio of fuel to air for combustion in the cylinder is the job of the carburetor. Carburetors can become gummed up and ineffective from using old gasoline.

SOLUTION: If you’re handy with tools, you should be able to clean your carburetor. Take apart the Toro carburetor and clean it using carburetor cleaner.

Cleaning the carburetor is only the first step; if it still doesn’t work, you may need to have it rebuilt or get a new one.

It may be more cost-effective to buy a new string trimmer than to replace the carburetor on an older one, depending on the type you use and the carburetor’s pricing.

6. Toro String Trimmer Fuel Filter Blocked

The gasoline filter is housed within the fuel tank. The gasoline line has a little filter that looks like a cylinder.

Its duty is to filter incoming gasoline for contaminants before it reaches the fuel system. Once again, dirt may do irreparable damage to the engine by wearing it down.

Reduced fuel flow is the result of a clogged fuel filter, which can happen if you don’t replace the filter on a regular basis or if you’re using fuel with a lot of sediment. Due to a lack of gasoline, the engine of your string trimmer may refuse to turn over.

SOLUTION: Locate and replace the gasoline filter within the fuel tank.

• It’s a good idea to wipe out the area surrounding the gasoline cap to get rid of any dust or debris that would otherwise get sucked into the tank when the cap is removed.
• Learn how to use the filter. To disconnect the gasoline line and remove the filter from the tank, a clean, bent wire works nicely as a hook.
• Take out the worn out fuel filter. The retaining ring secures the line to the filter, so be cautious not to loose it.
• Put in the replacement fuel filter, making that the fuel line is properly secured to the filter with the retention ring.
• Return the filter to its original location within the gasoline tank, then replace the cap.

7. Worn-out Toro String Trimmer Primer Bulb

Cracked or pierced primer bulbs prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor when the bulb is depressed.

SOLUTION: Get a new priming bulb.

8. String Trimmer from Toro Has a Blocked Fuel Line

For the carburetor’s sake, it’s best to avoid using old gasoline, since it may leave behind sticky deposits that prevent fuel from entering the system.

SOLUTION: Replace a damaged, kinked, or blocked fuel line on your Toro string trimmer.

9. Toro String Trimmer with Blocked Fuel Tank Vent

Air can enter the tank through a vent in the fueling system. If the fuel tank doesn’t have a vent, a vacuum will form within and prevent gas from entering the string trimmer.

If your string trimmer runs for a few minutes and then turns off, and won’t start again unless you remove or loosen the fuel cap, this might be a sign of an issue with the fuel tank vent.

If the string trimmer dies while running after the cap has been tightened, and won’t start again until the cap is removed, the fuel vent is probably clogged.

SOLUTION: Replace the gasoline tank vent so that air may flow into the tank. If you have a Toro string trimmer, the fuel cap also serves as the fuel tank vent.

10. Toro String Trimmer with a Broken Recoil Starter

The engine of your Toro string trimmer is started with a recoil. An ineffective recoil may be the result of a damaged clip, a faulty pulley, a missing or loose spring, or a lost spring.

SOLUTION: You can try replacing the spring and restringing the recoil. If the pulley or clips in your recoil are broken, the whole system should be replaced rather than trying to fix it.

11. Toro String Trimmer with Blocked Spark Arrestor

If you own a Toro string trimmer, you’ll find a spark arrestor in it. A spark arrestor is a little screen attached to the muffler that prevents sparks from escaping during trimming.

To avoid burns or flames, this safety measure has been included. It’s important to keep the spark arrestor clean and inspect it often during the season to avoid any clogging that might make the engine operate poorly or refuse to start.

SOLUTION: Remove the spark plug boot. Verify that the car’s engine is not too hot. The engine cover and exhaust cover need to be removed.

Take off the spark arrestor and scrub the soot off using a wire brush. A new spark arrestor should be used if the old one is damaged beyond repair, has a hole, or cannot be cleaned properly.

12. Toro String Trimmer Gets Wet

It’s possible that you flooded the engine of the trimmer, rendering it inoperable. It’s all right. This can be quickly remedied.

In the event that the choke was left closed and the starting rope was pulled many times, allowing too much gas into the carburetor, the engine might flood.

You may also cause this by repeatedly pushing the priming bulb or pulling the starting rope when the switch is off.

SOLUTION: If your string trimmer won’t start because the engine isn’t getting enough air, “unflood” it by following these steps.

Repairing a Toro String Trimmer With a Frozen Engine

• Choke lever should be in the RUN position to run.
• Maintain constant pressure on the throttle trigger while repeatedly drawing the starting rope. Five to fifteen pushes may be required before it begins. It will start with your string trimmer’s motor sputtering. One more tug, maybe two, and it will fire up.

Read more: String Trimmer