12 Causes Why Homelite String Trimmer Won’t Start

When you keep pulling on the starting cord, but the engine still won’t start, it may be quite aggravating. In the case that this occurs, you will need to search for anything that may block the air, fuel, and spark that are necessary for combustion.

The inability to start a Homelite string trimmer may be caused by a clogged air filter, a defective spark plug, the incorrect fuel mixture, a clogged fuel filter, a filthy carburetor, a faulty fuel cap, a malfunctioning recoil, a clogged spark arrestor, a flooded engine, or a dirty spark arrestor.

Continue reading for more information that may shed light on the initial trouble you’re experiencing. Before making any repairs or conducting any maintenance on your Homelite, you must always remove the wire from the spark plug.

The first step is to inspect and, if necessary, replace your Homelite’s maintenance parts.

If you find that your Homelite string trimmer will not start, the most important thing for you to do is to rule out the possibility that the air filter, fuel filter, or spark plug are to blame for the problem. If you are successful in doing so, you can move on to the next step of troubleshooting the problem. These are components that need routine maintenance and ought to be replaced at least once each year.

There Are 12 Possible Causes for the Beginning Trouble with Your Homelite String Trimmer

1. If the air filter on a Homelite string trimmer is clogged, the machine will not start.

It is quite essential to have an air filter in order to stop dirt and dust from getting into the engine, which would otherwise cause the engine to get damaged. If the air filter is not maintained on a regular basis by being either cleaned or replaced, it is possible for it to get so clogged up. In this particular scenario, there won’t be enough room for air to pass through it.

It is conceivable that starting the engine will be difficult as a result of this. At the beginning of each new year, it is highly recommended that you switch out the old air filter in your Homelite unit with a new one. If you want to be sure that it is still in good working condition after you have used it for five hours, you should check it over and give it a thorough cleaning.

You are obligated to purchase a new filter if you discover that the one you are using has been compromised in any manner. Take out the filter, and if it’s just slightly filthy, give it a quick cleaning with some soap and water.

Under NO circumstances should you use your Homelite string trimmer with an air filter that is very unclean or without an air filter at all. It’s easy to give in to the temptation of speeding up the process of completing your trimming job by removing a blocked filter and continuing to use the trimmer while you wait for a new filter to be installed.

The engine is susceptible to harm from even a minute quantity of dirt.

SOLUTION: Take out the filter, and then follow the instructions below to clean it. If you notice that it is broken, brittle, or has a rip in it, you should go out and get a new filter and then install it.

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

• Take off the cover of the air filter, then remove the air filter itself.
• Remove any loose debris that may still be present in the filter housing and lid using a clean cloth.
• Warm water and a very light detergent should be used to clean the foam filter.
• You should use warm water and a gentle cleanser to clean the foam filter.
• Remove any extra water from the filter by squeezing it. Do not squeeze it since you risk ripping the filter if you do so.
• Let the filter dry naturally in the air.
• The foam filter should have a thin layer of clean motor oil covering it. Remove any extra oil from the filter by squeezing it. You do not want it to have oil leaking off of it.

2. If the Spark Plug in a Homelite String Trimmer Is Defective, the Device Won’t Start.

Another component of the Homelite string trimmer that has to be maintained on a yearly basis is the spark plug, which should be changed out after the trimmer has been cleaned.

Once some time has passed, the spark plug may get dusty, the porcelain may shatter, or the electrodes may become worn, which will cause the plug to misfire or to stop working entirely. Because of this, you could have trouble getting started.

A spark plug wire that is not properly secured or a spark plug that does not have the necessary gap might also lead to a difficulty with starting the vehicle.

SOLUTION: Before removing the spark plug from your Homelite string trimmer, you should clean the area surrounding the plug to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. Take out the plug, and inspect the condition of it.

If a spark plug has a particularly dark color, shows symptoms of wear and tear, or is broken, you should replace it.

You may try to clean a spark plug that is just slightly filthy using a wire brush, and then you can reuse it. It is better for me to replace it. It is a very affordable component that plays a significant role in ensuring that your Homelite string trimmer continues to function properly.

After ensuring that the gap on your spark plug is set according to the specifications provided by the manufacturer, place the spark plug, and connect the spark plug wire in a secure manner (boot).

3. If the Fuel Filter on a Homelite String Trimmer Is Clogged, the Trimmer Won’t Start.

The gasoline tank on a Homelite string trimmer is where you’ll find the fuel filter that’s utilized on the machine. Before the gasoline enters the fuel line, it passes through this filter, which strains the fuel. Its purpose is to prevent dirt and other particles from entering the fuel system.

When it isn’t changed out on a regular basis, much like the air filter, the fuel filter runs the risk of being clogged. I would suggest changing the gasoline filter at least once per year in addition to monitoring it on a more regular basis.

If you discover that the fuel is contaminated, you will likely need to flush the fuel system, refill the tank with clean gasoline, and change the fuel filter.

As the fuel filter gets clogged with dirt, the quantity of fuel that is able to pass through the filter and into the fuel lines will be reduced. This is because the filter will limit the flow of fuel. This may prevent the engine of your Homelite from receiving the gasoline it needs to start and continue running.

SOLUTION: Find the fuel filter that is located within the gasoline tank, and then replace the filter if it is clogged. If you notice that the gasoline is unclean as well, you should replace it.

• It is important to remove any loose dirt from the area surrounding the fuel cap before removing the cap from the gasoline tank. Wipe it away with a damp cloth.
• Get permission to use the filter. To “fish” out the filter and remove it from the tank, a clean wire that has been bent works quite well.
• It is necessary to remove the old filter from the fuel line.
• Replace the old fuel filter with the new one.
• After reinstalling the gasoline cap, you should also replace the fuel filter within the fuel tank.

4. An improper mixture of 2-cycle oil in a Homelite string trimmer will make it difficult to start the machine.

If you add straight gas to a Homelite string trimmer, you will very certainly cause the trimmer to become inoperable. Gasoline is highly dry and cannot provide the lubrication that is necessary for a 2-cycle engine to function properly.

As you are putting fuel into the tank, you need to be sure that you are using a combination of gas and oil.

Homelite string trimmers use a mixture of gas and oil as its fuel. For more information, see that section.

Homelite Gas to Oil Mixer for 2-Cycle Engines

A string trimmer with two cycles from Homelite needs a gas-to-oil ratio of 50:1, meaning that it has to be combined with 50 parts gas and 1 part oil.

When producing the oil and gas combination, use unleaded gasoline with an octane value of at least 87 and an ethanol concentration of at most 10%. Including a 2-cycle premium oil that has certifications from both ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD.

Before putting the gasoline and oil to your string trimmer, mix them together in a gas can that has been authorized. It is recommended by Homelite that you use a 2-cycle oil such as Ethanol Shield. Moreover, Kawasaki 2-cycle oil is an excellent alternative to consider.

Premixed Fuel for a Two-Cycle Homelite

Using a gasoline blend that does not include ethanol is a fantastic choice that may cut down on fuel-related issues and increase the life of an engine. This oil and gasoline mixture does not include any ethanol and is already prepared to be poured into the fuel tank of your string trimmer.

You won’t have to worry about the negative consequences of ethanol, which were addressed in the section about gasoline earlier. When you need it, having gasoline already on hand on your shelf is not only helpful but also handy. The 50:1 premixed fuel known as TruFuel is a solid choice.

SOLUTION: First, the fuel tank should be drained, and then it should be refilled with the appropriate ratio of gas to oil. If you are still experiencing issues after adding the incorrect gasoline, you should have a small engine technician analyze the issue for you and decide whether or not it is possible to make a repair that is economical.

Using stale fuel in a Homelite string trimmer will make it difficult to start the machine.

If you continue to use old gasoline in a Homelite string trimmer, it will not only create fuel limits, but it will also cause damage to the carburetor and the engine.

It is important to use recently purchased gasoline that has a low percentage of ethanol in it due to the fact that ethanol is present in the majority of varieties of gasoline and the fact that gas starts to degrade as soon as 30 days after it has been purchased.

Alcohol is harmful to the little engine that is utilized in your Homelite trimmer, therefore you should avoid using it. This product has a natural propensity to draw moisture from the surrounding air, which may lead to premature corrosion as well as fuel constraints.

Not only does the combination of ethanol and water leave behind varnish and sticky deposits, but it also has the ability to separate from the gas over time, which might potentially cause harm to the engine.

Because of this, you should only ever use unleaded gasoline that has a minimum of 87 for its octane rating and a maximum of 10 percent ethanol in it (E10). Never put E15 or E85 in the engine since doing so may cause damage to the engine and will likely invalidate any warranties provided by the manufacturer.

I am aware that it might be difficult to estimate how soon you will use up the gasoline. It’s like attempting to predict how much rain and sunlight will fall, both of which have an effect on how rapidly the grass grows.

You should add a gasoline stabilizer so that you can maintain a clean fuel system and decrease the harmful impacts that ethanol has.

When it comes to gasoline stabilizers, I like Sea Foam Motor Treatment. There are certain 2-cycle oils that also contain a fuel stabilizer; however, you will need to read the information that is printed on the bottle of oil in order to understand how long the product will keep the fuel stabilized.

SOLUTION: When you have used all of the gasoline that is currently in your string trimmer, you should refill it with new fuel. This is a blend of oil and gasoline for the 2-cycle engine that is found on your Homelite trimmer.

6. Poor Primer Bulb in a Homelite String Trimmer

A string trimmer that won’t start because of a broken Homelite primer bulb that won’t fill up with gasoline won’t start since the primer bulb won’t operate properly to provide fuel to the carburetor.

If the priming bulb seems to be in fine condition but the tank still won’t fill, you can check for a blockage in either the gasoline filter or the fuel line.

SOLUTION: Examine the priming bulb to determine its state of repair. Check to see that the gasoline line is fastened firmly and does not have any leaks. When you see any wear, replace the priming bulb with a brand new one.

7. The Homelite String Trimmer Suffers from a Clogged Fuel Line

Your string trimmer’s gasoline tank may get clogged with a gummy, sticky residue if you let it sit for a long time if you use old fuel. This might cause the fuel line to get clogged and impede the flow of gasoline, making it difficult for your string trimmer to start.

SOLUTION: If the fuel line on your Homelite string trimmer has broken, kinked, or become blocked, you will need to replace it.

8. A Homelite String Trimmer with the Fuel Tank Cap Loosely Plugged

The gasoline tank has a vent that lets air enter the tank from the outside. If the gasoline tank does not have a vent, a vacuum will be created within the tank, which will prevent fuel from escaping the tank and reaching the carburetor.

When your Homelite trimmer runs for a few minutes, then shuts off, and won’t start again until you remove or loosen the fuel cap to allow air into the fuel tank, this is a good indication that you may have a problem with the fuel tank vent. If this happens to you, you may have a fuel tank vent problem.

It is most possible that you have a problem with the fuel vent if, after you have tightened the cap and let the string trimmer to run, it suddenly stops working and won’t start again unless the cap is relaxed.

SOLUTION: Inside of the fuel cap of a Homelite is where you’ll find the vent for the fuel cap. Replace a faulty fuel cap.

9. The carburetor of a Homelite string trimmer is clogged with debris.

Before the mixture in the cylinder is subjected to the process of combustion, the carburetor is in charge of regulating the amount of gasoline that is mixed in with the air in that space. Gasoline that is beyond its expiration date will gum up and obstruct the carburetor, leaving it unable to perform the functions for which it was designed.

This is a problem that often arises while working with carburetors and old gas.

SOLUTION: If you have any mechanical ability, you should have no problem taking care of the cleaning of your carburetor. Carburetor cleanser should be used after the device has been disassembled and reassembled in order to be cleaned.

If, after being cleaned, the carburetor still does not perform properly, you will either need to repair it or buy a new carburetor to replace it.

Depending on the model and age of the string trimmer you use, as well as the cost of a carburetor and the cost of labor, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new string trimmer rather than put money toward replacing a carburetor on an older trimmer. This is because the price of a new carburetor can range anywhere from $50 to more than $100.

10. An issue with the string trimmer’s recoil starter on a Homelite

The starting recoil may not function properly if there is a defect in the pulley, the spring may be loose or absent, or the clips may be damaged. By doing this, the starter on your Homelite string trimmer will not get caught on the crankshaft when you attempt to start it.

SOLUTION: You have the option of replacing the spring and restringing the recoil mechanism. If it does not function because other components in your recoil, such as the clips or the pulley, are broken, it is best to simply replace the recoil assembly rather than trying to repair the individual components.

11. A Homelite String Trimmer with a Spark Arrestor That Is Wired In

Your Homelite string trimmer is equipped with a spark arrestor that may stop it from starting in the event that it is accidentally triggered. A spark arrestor is a tiny screen that is attached to the muffler. Its purpose is to prevent hot materials from being discharged from the muffler, which might result in burns or even a fire.

It is recommended by Homelite that the spark arrestor be cleaned every fifty hours to prevent the screen from being clogged with soot, which might result in problems with operating or starting the machine.

SOLUTION: Before cleaning the spark arrestor, remove the spark plug boot and wait for the engine to reach operating temperature.

Take the spark arrestor screen from the muffler and set it aside. Carbon deposits may be removed from the screen by using a tiny wire brush to scrub the surface.

Replace the spark arrestor screen with a new one if you are unable to clean it to an acceptable level, if it is damaged, or if it has a hole in it.

12. Flooded Homelite String Trimmer

It’s possible that the engine became flooded because you pulled the starting rope an excessive number of times while the choke was closed. When the priming bulb is depressed an excessive number of times, it may potentially flood.

Because of this, none of these processes will allow the engine to start since they will let an excessive amount of gas into the carburetor. Don’t be concerned; this is not a major issue, and it is something that can be fixed.

SOLUTION: Follow the steps below to “unflood” your Homelite string trimmer and ensure that the engine receives the ideal ratio of gasoline to air that is necessary for it to start and continue operating.

How to Take Care of a Homelite String Trimmer That Has a Flooded Engine

• Adjust the choke lever so that it is in the start position.
• While simultaneously pulling the starting rope repeatedly, you should press the throttle trigger. The number of pulls required to get this going might range anywhere from 5 to 15. Your Homelite string trimmer will splutter until it finally starts working. Pull it again and again for another two or three times, and it ought to start.