The past 2 weeks, the engine was cutting out, after a few minutes of running it would run OK. Started it Satursday, it was worse and then stalled completly, could not get restarted, I have changed the plug, cleaned the muffler. I would like to think there is no spark. I held the plug and cable and pulled the cord, thinking I would get shocked, nothing. Is this true with 2-cycle engines? Anyone have any ideas?

Kevin, June 2008

buy a craftsman

harb, May 2010

My first Troy Bilt trimmer broke, but lucky I got the ext. warranty. Now my new one broke but it is not covered so I took it apart. I found that at the drive shaft it had sheared off the indent because it was made out of cast aluminum so the whole starting assembly was free spinning on the shaft insead of turning it. So now I need a new part and it will probably happen again. Poor engineering.

Justin, August 2008

With 2 cycle the oil can leave deposits in the carb and cylinder causing problems. Sounds like the carb is gummed up.
You can undo the sprak plug, then reconnect the plug wire and leave the spark plug touching part of the engine (any metal) and pull the string. If you have spark you will see it. Doing this in the shade or dim area is easiest to see if it is sparking.

John, July 2008