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I got a free string trimmer from a buddy who couldn't get it to start.

I did a compression check by pulling the pull starter and the compression seemed good. Next I pulled the spark plug, put it back on the boot, grounded it to something metal. I then pulled the cord again and saw no spark. I kept doing this and some times I'd get a very weak spark, but most of the time I'd see no spark at all.

I haven't had time to look at it again for a few days, but I will be pulling it out again probably tomorrow. What things would you check and in what order?

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    Is the spark plug clean? Is the gap set properly?
    – Tester101
    Apr 24, 2013 at 14:48
  • I agree with tester, spark plug should be checked first, then the compression and or carb, the filters (air and fuel)...if you aren't getting a spark then the spark plug needs replacement have the dudes at your 2 stroke engine repair place show you the correct gap, how to clean the thingys that make the gap as they get gooed quickly, only use NO ETHANOL gas! Sure sounds as if you need a new spark plug. A FREE line trimmer is usually NOT free, know what I mean? You might not even have the correct spark plug and that is why you got your line trimmer for free...
    – stormy
    Jan 24, 2017 at 23:46
  • Just to update everyone (it has been a few years). Turns out it wasn't the spark at all. The answers below helped me figure that out. The silly carb tuning screws has some limiter caps on them. I couldn't turn them to where I wanted them, so I cut them off to give full range of motion. Got it tuned to where it needed to be and it has worked great ever since.
    – mikeazo
    Jan 25, 2017 at 1:05

4 Answers 4

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Use a Spark tester (which can be found at any automotive supply store), to test the spark.

Spark Tester

To use it:

  1. Remove the boot from the spark plug on the trimmer.
  2. Plug the end of the tester with the metal probe into the boot.
  3. Connect the other end of the tester to the spark plug.
  4. Give the trimmer a couple pulls, while watching the testers spark chamber.

No Spark

If you don't have a spark, you probably have to replace the ignition coil/module. There's a good YouTube video that shows how to replace a lawn trimmer ignition coil. Your model may vary, but the procedure will be similar.

Weak Spark

If you have a weak spark, try cleaning, regapping, or replacing the spark plug.

How a trimmer ignition system works

The ignition system is made up of 3 major parts. A magnet (located on the flywheel), an ignition coil, and a spark plug. When you turn the engine (pull the cord), the flywheel rotates. When the magnet on the flywheel spins past the ignition coil, a current is induced. This current travels through the ignition wire to the spark plug. The electrons want so badly to return home (ground), they jump the gap in the spark plug. As they jump, they produce an electric arc (also known as a spark). This arc ignites the fuel air mixture in the chamber, and the trimmer starts.

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  • Superior answers here. Everyone should know the simple basics to these little engines. Keep the dirt out of them, only use non-ethanol gas, replace filters and they will last indefinitely. I am still using a sweet little Red Max I got from a pawn shop. I only use direct heads not the bump and go!! I also take the shield off because it is false security and you gotta see what you are doing. And be aware. And always wear safety glasses. These answers are wonderful...
    – stormy
    Jan 24, 2017 at 23:51
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On top of Tester's excellent answer, here are some quick and easy ways to get it working without going through the trouble of replacing the ignition system or buying special diagnostic tools.

Clean the Spark Plug

Take a bit of fine sandpaper and try to rub the grime and dirt off of the spark plug. Give it a little bit of a shine and try again. You can also try a small amount of carb cleaner, but just let it dry out before attempting to start it again.

Clean the magneto

Over time small rust spots can form on the magnet in the ignition system. It may not look like much but this rust can greatly interfere with the electrical current generation needed to form a spark. This can also be fixed by taking fine sandpaper and rubbing the rust spots off of the magnet.

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You can test the spark using a short test lead with alligator clips. Remove the spark plug, reconnect the plug wire and using the test lead, connect the plug ground electrode to a good engine ground point. Turn on the ignition switch and pull the starting cord quickly. You should see a spark in the plug gap. Since the spark may be faint, it may help to do the test in a dark area. If there is no spark, check for a broken or shorted (bare) lead wire or bad switch. I've had to replace the switch on my edger twice. It uses the same switch as many other edgers and trimmers. If it's not a lead wire or switch, replace the coil.

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just had similar problem on a pals 240, turned out to be a bare wire going to the switch, very easy sort!

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  • Can you please add more details to your response? It would help this user and others immensely
    – JStorage
    Aug 9, 2016 at 18:18

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