I have had a Stihl FS36 Whipper Snipper for many years with little use, Anyway after farting around for an hour or so trying to get it started, I got some fresh new fuel checked the plug was sparking and still no go. So I decided it was probably due to me leaving old two stroke fuel in it when I last put it away for storage.

I thought bugger this I will get it service by Stihl. I was advised it would most likely cost me about $150 but they thought I should know a new one only cost $200.

So what does one do?

Actually I decided to spend a further $100 on a Honda 4 stroke as I am very impressed with the Honda 4 stroke Mower I have plus none of that farting around with two stroke mixed fuel.

Redmond Neck wrote on Oct 1^st, 2014 at 3:25pm:

I have had a Stihl FS36 Whipper Snipper for many years with little use, Anyway after farting around for an hour or so trying to get it started, I got some fresh new fuel checked the plug was sparking and still no go. So I decided it was probably due to me leaving old two stroke fuel in it when I last put it away for storage. I thought bugger this I will get it service by Stihl. I was advised it would most likely cost me about $150 but they thought I should know a new one only cost $200. So what does one do? Actually I decided to spend a further $100 on a Honda 4 stroke as I am very impressed with the Honda 4 stroke Mower I have plus none of that farting around with two stroke mixed fuel.

The 'alarm trigger' there is when you say it's had little use.

Obviously I can't give an accurate diagnosis without having it in front of me, but it is possible
that some of the components in the fuel system have simply deteriorated.

These could include fuel-lines, fuel filter, primer-pump if fitted, and the diaphragm(s) in the
carburettor.

Well over half of the price quoted would be labour costs, as the parts themselves aren't usually
all that expensive.

Shame you aren't nearby, I could have a look at it for you, and probably save you most of that
$150.

That said, you shouldn't be disappointed with the Honda, they don't often build rubbish.

Thanks mate!

Actually I will try to fix it myself but was a little reluctant to pull the carby to bits but what the heck now, nothing ventured nothing gained!

Kat wrote on Oct 1^st, 2014 at 5:28pm:

Redmond Neck wrote on Oct 1st, 2014 at 3:25pm: I have had a Stihl FS36 Whipper Snipper for many years with little use, Anyway after farting around for an hour or so trying to get it started, I got some fresh new fuel checked the plug was sparking and still no go. So I decided it was probably due to me leaving old two stroke fuel in it when I last put it away for storage. I thought bugger this I will get it service by Stihl. I was advised it would most likely cost me about $150 but they thought I should know a new one only cost $200. So what does one do? Actually I decided to spend a further $100 on a Honda 4 stroke as I am very impressed with the Honda 4 stroke Mower I have plus none of that farting around with two stroke mixed fuel. The 'alarm trigger' there is when you say it's had little use. Obviously I can't give an accurate diagnosis without having it in front of me, but it is possible that some of the components in the fuel system have simply deteriorated. These could include fuel-lines, fuel filter, primer-pump if fitted, and the diaphragm(s) in the carburettor.

Avoid  fuel with ethanol with 2 strokes, the fuel lines, diaphragms etc are not usually compatible with e10.
Sounds like a carby rebuild with new fuel lines is needed.

kat- Do not use fuel with ethanol in boat fuel tanks made from fiberglass, avoid it in all older 2 strokes.

Thanks Baron

Actually I am a fairly handy mecho/techo so it should be OK even if I only get $50 for it it is probably worth  ago.

Have heard the same about using E10 in infrequently used motors, even cars

Baronvonrort wrote on Oct 1^st, 2014 at 5:50pm:

Kat wrote on Oct 1st, 2014 at 5:28pm: Redmond Neck wrote on Oct 1st, 2014 at 3:25pm: I have had a Stihl FS36 Whipper Snipper for many years with little use, Anyway after farting around for an hour or so trying to get it started, I got some fresh new fuel checked the plug was sparking and still no go. So I decided it was probably due to me leaving old two stroke fuel in it when I last put it away for storage. I thought bugger this I will get it service by Stihl. I was advised it would most likely cost me about $150 but they thought I should know a new one only cost $200. So what does one do? Actually I decided to spend a further $100 on a Honda 4 stroke as I am very impressed with the Honda 4 stroke Mower I have plus none of that farting around with two stroke mixed fuel. The 'alarm trigger' there is when you say it's had little use. Obviously I can't give an accurate diagnosis without having it in front of me, but it is possible that some of the components in the fuel system have simply deteriorated. These could include fuel-lines, fuel filter, primer-pump if fitted, and the diaphragm(s) in the carburettor. Avoid  fuel with ethanol with 2 strokes, the fuel lines, diaphragms etc are not usually compatible with e10. Sounds like a carby rebuild with new fuel lines is needed. kat- Do not use fuel with ethanol in boat fuel tanks made from fiberglass, avoid it in all older 2 strokes.

Yes, you are right, ethanol can be very hard on diaphragms etc, and will eat a fibreglass tank quite quickly.

It causes problems in cars that aren't designed for it, or specifically modded to cope, for the same reasons
as the Baron mentioned, it destroys any seals, gaskets, O-rings etc that it can find..

My car is e10 compatible but I prefer not to use it, however I will run a  tank through when I am going on a long trip.  The fuel can suck up any moisture in your system and pass it through injectors with no problem.  I also believe that it does  clean an engine though happy to be corrected.

Datalife wrote on Oct 1^st, 2014 at 6:30pm:

My car is e10 compatible but I prefer not to use it, however I will run a  tank through when I am going on a long trip.  The fuel can suck up any moisture in your system and pass it through injectors with no problem.  I also believe that it does  clean an engine though happy to be corrected.

Firstly a lot of 2 stroke oils are not compatible with alcohol/ethanol fuels, read the labels before buying oil.

E10 is crap i don't use it unless there is nothing else.

The energy content in SI units will be Mega joules per KG,ethanol and methanol have lower energy levels so you have to use more of it to provide the same heat energy.
The E10 waters your fuel down with a lower energy substitute, you will increase fuel consumption using a lower energy fuel.

E85 is another story, the car needs to be setup for it with bigger injectors,fuel pumps etc and it can usually be tuned with more ignition advance and is safer for engines tuned to the limit.
You will burn a lot more of it as the energy in MJ per Kg is much lower than petrol yet it will make more power in turbos, high compression big cammed engines etc.

Diesel has a higher energy content compared to petrol,of course the higher compression ratios in diesels improve efficiency, this is why diesels get better economy.

Baronvonrort wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2014 at 8:39pm:

Datalife wrote on Oct 1st, 2014 at 6:30pm: My car is e10 compatible but I prefer not to use it, however I will run a  tank through when I am going on a long trip.  The fuel can suck up any moisture in your system and pass it through injectors with no problem.  I also believe that it does  clean an engine though happy to be corrected. Firstly a lot of 2 stroke oils are not compatible with alcohol/ethanol fuels, read the labels before buying oil. E10 is crap i don't use it unless there is nothing else. The energy content in SI units will be Mega joules per KG,ethanol and methanol have lower energy levels so you have to use more of it to provide the same heat energy. The E10 waters your fuel down with a lower energy substitute, you will increase fuel consumption using a lower energy fuel. E85 is another story, the car needs to be setup for it with bigger injectors,fuel pumps etc and it can usually be tuned with more ignition advance and is safer for engines tuned to the limit. You will burn a lot more of it as the energy in MJ per Kg is much lower than petrol yet it will make more power in turbos, high compression big cammed engines etc. Diesel has a higher energy content compared to petrol,of course the higher compression ratios in diesels improve efficiency, this is why diesels get better economy.

Agreed, a big difference in fuel consumption between e10 and a premium, not crunched the numbers to see if the more expensive fuel is cheaper per mileage.  I use it occasionally just to get rid of water and clean the engine.  After doing some checking e10 is supposed to be able to clean varnishes from surfaces and dissolve some combustion and heat products.

What is a 'lawn mower' ?         ;)







The roo's come in [into my yard] at night.

They are almost as good as sheep.

But for sheep, in the past, had to put up temporary fences.

Use fresh fuel & try Aerostart:


http://www.workshopconsumables.com.au/images/products/chemicals/large/5051.jpg



Also - always use the motor mower until the petrol runs out so
no old petrol is left in the system.
Fill up with fresh petrol every time you use it.

Datalife wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2014 at 8:50pm:

Baronvonrort wrote on Oct 2nd, 2014 at 8:39pm: Datalife wrote on Oct 1st, 2014 at 6:30pm: My car is e10 compatible but I prefer not to use it, however I will run a  tank through when I am going on a long trip.  The fuel can suck up any moisture in your system and pass it through injectors with no problem.  I also believe that it does  clean an engine though happy to be corrected. Firstly a lot of 2 stroke oils are not compatible with alcohol/ethanol fuels, read the labels before buying oil. E10 is crap i don't use it unless there is nothing else. The energy content in SI units will be Mega joules per KG,ethanol and methanol have lower energy levels so you have to use more of it to provide the same heat energy. The E10 waters your fuel down with a lower energy substitute, you will increase fuel consumption using a lower energy fuel. E85 is another story, the car needs to be setup for it with bigger injectors,fuel pumps etc and it can usually be tuned with more ignition advance and is safer for engines tuned to the limit. You will burn a lot more of it as the energy in MJ per Kg is much lower than petrol yet it will make more power in turbos, high compression big cammed engines etc. Diesel has a higher energy content compared to petrol,of course the higher compression ratios in diesels improve efficiency, this is why diesels get better economy. Agreed, a big difference in fuel consumption between e10 and a premium, not crunched the numbers to see if the more expensive fuel is cheaper per mileage.  I use it occasionally just to get rid of water and clean the engine.  After doing some checking e10 is supposed to be able to clean varnishes from surfaces and dissolve some combustion and heat products.

Modern cars have sealed tanks to prevent fuel vapors leaking into the atmosphere, they do not absorb water in the fuel like a vintage car, if it makes a whoosh sound when removing cap the system is sealed.

You could always buy 1L of metho and stick it in your full tank if you are worried water in the fuel.

E10 does not clean anything, if you want to remove carbon/varnish/crap buildup go into Subaru spare parts and buy a can of Upper engine cleaner, about $20, follow directions on can, it is a foam that will bring everything back to bright shiny alloy,cleans inlet manifolds, clears sticking valves and piston rings, i squirt some down spark plug holes and it cleans piston crowns back to bright shiny alloy.
Subaru use this when servicing WRX, the carbon buildup on piston crowns can become incandescent resulting in pinging or sometimes called death rattle.

Bobby. wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2014 at 7:11am:

Use fresh fuel & try Aerostart: http://www.workshopconsumables.com.au/images/products/chemicals/large/5051.jpg Also - always use the motor mower until the petrol runs out so no old petrol is left in the system. Fill up with fresh petrol every time you use it.

Good idea, not sure why I didnt think of that.

I actually have a can of "Start Ya Bastard" which I suspect is the same type of stuff

Use it a lot on my old Alfa project car to give the motor a run

http://www.nulon.com.au/files/images/aerosol/SYB350-medium.jpg

Bobby. wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2014 at 7:11am:

Use fresh fuel & try Aerostart: http://www.workshopconsumables.com.au/images/products/chemicals/large/5051.jpg Also - always use the motor mower until the petrol runs out so no old petrol is left in the system. Fill up with fresh petrol every time you use it.

Yep "Start Ya Bastard" did the trick, not revving as high as it  used to, will put a full tak of fuel through it and see what happens

Mmm Now have two whipper snippers!

>:( >:( >:(

I have been trying to figure out how to start my whipper snipper for the past few years. Once I got it started, the nylon would retract, and I would have to stop the snipper every few minutes, just to pull the nylon out to a usable length. Eventually, I decided to spend an afternoon digging a barrier around where the grass grew and where I couldn't mow. Then I just ripped the grass out from under the fence line by garden-gloved hand.

You're not dealing with morons here.

Redmond Neck wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2014 at 12:52pm:

Bobby. wrote on Oct 3rd, 2014 at 7:11am: Use fresh fuel & try Aerostart: http://www.workshopconsumables.com.au/images/products/chemicals/large/5051.jpg Also - always use the motor mower until the petrol runs out so no old petrol is left in the system. Fill up with fresh petrol every time you use it. Yep "Start Ya Bastard" did the trick, not revving as high as it  used to, will put a full tak of fuel through it and see what happens Mmm Now have two whipper snippers! >:( >:( >:(

On the side of your whipper snipper will be two holes marked H and L, insert a small flat screw driver L and turn the screw in and out to obtain best idle, once that set move to H and do the same for best high revving.