Just some whiskey guided thoughts:

It's old and was previously owned by my folks neighbour, who was also old.

I'm thinking about taking the exhaust off and soaking it overnight in diesel as it's quite mucky and probably has never been de-coked.....

Possible exhaust restriction?

I'll start with that, then back to fuelling;

I'm going to set the idle fuel (low speed) screw at 3/4 and give it 10 pulls, remove the plug and see if it is wet.

If it is then I'll go in a bit maybe.... if not then I'll set it to 1 and repeat.

I'll use 40:1 as that's what I've currently got in the mixing bottle.

Easy start will stay in the garage.

I'll update you soon 👍🏻

Thanks for the help people, I'm going back over it all again if this doesn't work 😣

Quote from: Mick on December 01, 2020, 06:17:53 PMNot sure what carb that machine has on it, but as you mentioned it runs for a second and the plug is wet when you remove it, there's a possibility one of the welch plugs has fallen out, and the engine is choking on excess fuel.  Check that all the welch (blanking plugs) are in lace, and not sitting in your sonic tank. 

Going to be brutally honest, the cheapy half crank machines with the carb bolted on the crankcase backplate will never be super reliable, they never were to be honest.

Thanks Mick,

Definitely still in tact and correct, I've checked it through three times.

I've set the low speed screw at 1 a 1/2 out (as it was originally set before the sonic tank)

Points at flooding for sure, but it's all together correctly.

I tried 1 turn out, and 1 and 3/4 and 2....

Tried different angles, tried warming the plug 🤪 did I mention the phrase
'professional pride'

It's almost a joke this thing, yes they're not the most well built thing, but my sons Chinese 47cc quad is by far less quality than the strimmer, and it goes second pull....

I use ethanol stabiliser and 97 Ron in everything, and never let stuff sit for too long.

Appreciate your help mate, I'll put my thinking cap back on and see where we get to 👍🏻🥃

Hi Kevin, many thanks for your message.

Yes I've tried starting it with the cap fully removed, still no dice.

It has to be said that I have quite literally tried everything Along with the bikes I am also Mariner OBM certified, from 4hp up to 300 non conventional 2T "Optimax" so I know my way around these things, it's almost like an impossible situation that shouldn't be....

Professionally I am a diesel engineer, with OEM service certification for CAT, MTU and Volvo Penta, plus the outboards too....

I've even considered a faulty kill switch but have tested it with a multimeter while trying to start the strimmer to see if the vibration is causing an intermittent open circuit, but all is fine.

This is a professional pride swallowing cry for fresh ideas, and I appreciate your input 👍🏻

Anything I can do just let me know.

Many thanks

Dave

Hey everyone 👋

Usual thing with an older 2T strimmer....

It's a Flymo Maxitrim

Stuff I have tried:

New plug.
Full carb strip, ultrasonic clean and rebuild using all new seals, gaskets, needle, gauzes and diaphragm.
New fuel lines.
New weighted filter in tank.

Starting on easy start but only for a second.

I'm a keen motorcycle enthusiast and have owned several two smokers....

Engine has good compression
Reed valve is doing the business
No reason to suspect crank seals
Spark is strong

I've tried 25:1 mix as recommended by the handbook, and 40:1 as I think 25 is a little oil heavy but still nothing.

Plug gap is 0.8 standard, I've tried 0.7 (advance timing) as this usually gives easier starting, and 0.9 but still nothing....

Any advice appreciated, I'm embarrassed to say I am stumped here....

Runs for a second as stated so points at fuel, but the plug is wet when removed.

I've triple checked carb and settings.

🤔🤪

Hello my name is Dave, just joined the forum 

Looking forward to discussions on here with you all.

Just got myself an allotment after 7 years on the waiting list!

Peace ✌️