I have some problems with a couple of pieces of equipment-thought I would try to get some free advice! First is my Stihl 250 trimmer. It is about 5 years old. It starts easily, has great power, but won't hold an idle. The other problem is with my Stihl backpack blower. I forget the mo number, but it is 15 years old and a commercial unit. Never a single problem until yesterday. It would not stay running when I went to use it. I fooled around with the jets and got it so it would start, hold an idle, but won't "open up"-just gets to about half throttle and no more. Ideas? Thanks.
On the blower turn the hi side jet out about 1/4turn should open up more I had to do that to a stihl weed eater this mourning it was my buddy's it also would not open up past 1/2 throttle now it runs fine.
My feeling is that if you have to make significant carb adjustments in order to get a piece of equipment to run there is a problem that needs addressing. As far as the trimmer; if it has one, I have seen primer issues cracked bulb or lines cause poor idle. Then again the idle jet could be partly clogged and the carb could need a rebuild or new carb. As far as the blower; What does the air filter look like? Or if it has the black fuel line, I have seen them get soft with age and start collapsing and choking off fuel to the carb. 15 years is a good run, I would say it is time to give it some tuneup love. Spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, fuel line,primer bulb if it has one, return line if it has one and possibly a carb kit or new carb. I did that with my 10 yo Husqvarna backpack blower last year and it runs like new again.
Both started having problems at the same time? How good is your fuel? Try some fresh high octane fuel before changing anything on the equipment... KaptJaq
High octane is not really necessary but fresh fuel...esp no ethanol would help with the fuel . Good point Kapt
The trimmer problem started last year. Both machines have always had treated gas, and have ethanol free gas for the last year. I'll take a look at the fuel lines-air filters are clean, spark plugs changed every couple of years- I think having the carbs rebuilt is probably the answer. Just wanted to hear from others before I get that done. Thanks all for the responses.
Just a thought check your exhaust ports. Remove muffler , look at the piston hole it may be clogged with carbon, if so lower your piston with plug out chisel it out and blow air threw cylinder
