Just like when you are playing billiards, never pass up an easy shot, while keeping in mind how will if affect your next shot. The fact that this trimmer is running with 55 psi compression and a badly scored piston is amazing. It's days are number, and wow down on power.
I would've just bent the grounding tab for the ignition coils kill switch just as you've done, with the Stihl leaf blower type of switch I've pulled them apart, cleaned the contacts then reassembled it and it has worked fine without having to replace the switch. As far as the hand grip goes,this will involve removing the shaft & slipping some suitable sized glue lined heatshrink (Raychem) over the grip, heat it up with a heat gun to shrink it onto the grip. I know my dad is like that with maintenance as he drove his cars which engines ended up being in the same condition as the Stihl line trimmer which is in the video. When I had to decoke the valves & seats in his Honda GX35 line trimmer due to low compression I just refitted the old piston rings into the 17 year old Line trimmer as they were still good,I have serviced his Honda lawn equipment. I had to order another air filter as it just fell apart over a few months of the trimmer not being used,oh & he didn't run an air filter in his old cars so he was asking for trouble !
For the foam handle I would suggest you can use the foam pipe insulation that is used to insulate plumbing pipes it comes in 1 metre leggnths with a split down one side so should easily clip over the shaft tube
Found one of these trimmers in the garbage and I am going to try to get it running, this will be a great help thank you. I would not remove clutch I will bend it.
Same here. Got it and two other newer STIHl trimmers out of a dumpster. The 36 didn't want to run, so tried it over and over until it hicupped, then sputtered, then ran crappy and then ran fine. Had to waken the carb up. But then it wouldn't die so i had to choke it. Pretty much did the exact thing that this video shows but wasn't sure if my suspsions were correct and didn't want to take it all apart so came looking and found this great video.
Good video... I have three of these I bought for about ten bucks each over the years. I got two of them running real good. I think they run pretty strong when they are adjusted right,,,, I had to use a guitar string for the throttle cable wire until I was able to find the right part... thanks for the tutorial on the kill switch.... one of mine doesn't work either. Before I start work on any of my small engines, I clean them thoroughly with carb spray and rags.. Dang man!!! the insides of your machine looks filthy and nasty... that may be part of the problem... but if not, please clean the housing and around the carb and especially inside the carb anyways!!!... it hurt my heart to see the gunk built up on that thing... That's an idea I would like you to consider since you are open to them.. LOL
I found that on really old equipment that still bogs no matter what you do, try taking out the adjustment needles, and spraying carb cleaner into the needle passages. That seems the make a difference. Sometimes gunk builds up in there.
For the handle grip, I would first suggest not using any kind of foam because of durability issues. I would suggest buying some handlebar grips that have the same inside diameter as the shaft. Remove the shaft, cut off the closed end of the grip, coat the inside of the grip with alcohol and slide it into place. When the alcohol dries, it will be firmly attached. I would take a shot glass, pour in some alcohol, stand the grip up in the glass, put my hand over the open end and shake it up.
I would point out that the foam is cheap and cheerful and more importantly will absorb better the vibrations from the machine handlebar grips are solid material and vibration absorption is minimal just my thoughts
I have this model. I got it from a garage sale-brand new old stock. I had to replace the primer bulb because it fell apart. Now I took it apart to get to the spark plug wire because it disintegrated. I can't figure out how to get to where it connects to the engine. Any advise?
I've got he same model...are the baseline setting for the carburetor like normal? 1/ 12 screw out from bottomed out screws..I can't even get it to hit...but it ran yesterday..I took the carb apart and cleaned it Thanks Randy
On olde Stihl, I think they used to advertise a baseline setting, But I don't know what it is. If you're having a problem, could I suggest getting a replacement carb, Just to test and make sure it's not a problem with the engine.
I've looked for one..but can only find a rebuild kit....I buy and resell 2 cycle stuff..so I do it alot..I've only bought 2 sthil..and they both have been garbage
sorry to Hear that. I would try a baseline of 1 turn out, from bottom on the screws, also make sure the engine isn't flooded from previous attempts to start it.
Hey, just a question, are there types of trimmers that cannot edge grass, or can all trimmers edge, as mine seems to loose power when on it's side, and then when it's up right, it's goes back to normal
Just found one with rotted fuel bulb and all gummed up...have put the new diaphragm in, replaced bulb and spark plug. Now i got a mismatch with the new fuel lines being too skinny for the tank grommets🤔That odd kill switch is sort of how the whole thing is designed. Seems to be a minimalist approach here, with things like the way the 2 long screws hold the cover and the carby, and that kill switch as examples of maybe an attempt at cheaper cost on the manufacturing processes?
I have this weed whacker and it was running the other day then suddenly stopped. No spark now. If i removed that plastic kill switch, should the engine run, but not be able to stop? Or would the engine not run at all. I'm not sure the kill switch works?!?! Does the wire have to touch something all the time to have engine running, or does sliding the stitch then cause the metal contact to touch somethingt o ground it out and stop engine??
the black plastic switch makes contact with a metal piece that grounds out, and stops the spark. you can try and remove the plastic piece and hopefully it will un-ground the coil and allow the spark to return. Otherwise the ignition coil failed.
I have the same trimmer. Was given to me by dad, I made the mistake of loaning it to my brother but, he never gave it back. 4 years later My older brother ended up with it. I eventually got it back from him, sadly I can't get it to start. Going to hit up my dad, ask him to look at it and with some luck take it to get serviced 🤦🏽♀️
Not unless it was totally necessary I also have found wires cut and bad connections on but connectors of on/off switches that did not work. Thats piston looks pretty bad but as they say its not the space shuttle its a weed wacker!!!
Leave it to Stihl to over complicate the engineering. I have never seen one with the half crank design with the pull start on the front of the engine like a $79 Ryobi. Someone probably paid twice that much or more just because it’s a Stihl. Their residential line is cheap quality and overpriced.
Just like when you are playing billiards, never pass up an easy shot, while keeping in mind how will if affect your next shot. The fact that this trimmer is running with 55 psi compression and a badly scored piston is amazing. It's days are number, and wow down on power.
you are absolutely correct
I would've just bent the grounding tab for the ignition coils kill switch just as you've done, with the Stihl leaf blower type of switch I've pulled them apart, cleaned the contacts then reassembled it and it has worked fine without having to replace the switch.
As far as the hand grip goes,this will involve removing the shaft & slipping some suitable sized glue lined heatshrink (Raychem) over the grip, heat it up with a heat gun to shrink it onto the grip.
I know my dad is like that with maintenance as he drove his cars which engines ended up being in the same condition as the Stihl line trimmer which is in the video.
When I had to decoke the valves & seats in his Honda GX35 line trimmer due to low compression I just refitted the old piston rings into the 17 year old Line trimmer as they were still good,I have serviced his Honda lawn equipment.
I had to order another air filter as it just fell apart over a few months of the trimmer not being used,oh & he didn't run an air filter in his old cars so he was asking for trouble !
Thank you Russell Booth for the information I appreciate it
I have the same exact weed whacker and for the first time it runs perfectly. Thanks for the lesson! Subscribe!
Thank you for the subscription I appreciate it
For the foam handle I would suggest you can use the foam pipe insulation that is used to insulate plumbing pipes it comes in 1 metre leggnths with a split down one side so should easily clip over the shaft tube
thank you Keith St. Peter
2nd this!
You made this very old trimmer alive!
thank you I appreciate
Found one of these trimmers in the garbage and I am going to try to get it running, this will be a great help thank you.
I would not remove clutch I will bend it.
Good luck Martin Anderson
Same here. Got it and two other newer STIHl trimmers out of a dumpster. The 36 didn't want to run, so tried it over and over until it hicupped, then sputtered, then ran crappy and then ran fine. Had to waken the carb up. But then it wouldn't die so i had to choke it. Pretty much did the exact thing that this video shows but wasn't sure if my suspsions were correct and didn't want to take it all apart so came looking and found this great video.
Good video... I have three of these I bought for about ten bucks each over the years. I got two of them running real good. I think they run pretty strong when they are adjusted right,,,, I had to use a guitar string for the throttle cable wire until I was able to find the right part... thanks for the tutorial on the kill switch.... one of mine doesn't work either. Before I start work on any of my small engines, I clean them thoroughly with carb spray and rags.. Dang man!!! the insides of your machine looks filthy and nasty... that may be part of the problem... but if not, please clean the housing and around the carb and especially inside the carb anyways!!!... it hurt my heart to see the gunk built up on that thing... That's an idea I would like you to consider since you are open to them.. LOL
Thank you for sharing your experience. I also appreciate the comment.
If the cylinder and entire trimmer was in better condition, I would remove the clutch. On that unit, no you did the right thing. Many thanks
Thank you Waterman One for the comment. I appreciate it.
I found that on really old equipment that still bogs no matter what you do, try taking out the adjustment needles, and spraying carb cleaner into the needle passages. That seems the make a difference. Sometimes gunk builds up in there.
thank you for the tip!
0:55 Tip: if the off/stop/kill switch isint working try injecting in some fuel like he is it shoud turn of after pressing it once
For the handle grip, I would first suggest not using any kind of foam because of durability issues. I would suggest buying some handlebar grips that have the same inside diameter as the shaft. Remove the shaft, cut off the closed end of the grip, coat the inside of the grip with alcohol and slide it into place. When the alcohol dries, it will be firmly attached. I would take a shot glass, pour in some alcohol, stand the grip up in the glass, put my hand over the open end and shake it up.
ah, that's a great idea!
Yes good response
I would point out that the foam is cheap and cheerful and more importantly will absorb better the vibrations from the machine handlebar grips are solid material and vibration absorption is minimal just my thoughts
Bent it. Getting close to time to upgrade trimmer anyway. 1 more season.
You are probably right.
Great job. Time to sell it while it still runs. This is definitely a $60 trimmer.
I would sell it too buts its too cool.
@@HomeGaragechannel You're right. It's helped you make videos.
@@999thenewman exactly
@@HomeGaragechannel Pssst! Hey Home Garage, time to resurrect that old Toro Personal Pace you have! :D eBay item number 133363076416
Stihl charged someone $179 for this.
For a grip try a MTB or BMX grip if the tube is the same dia.
Thank you Aldo Clausi for the comment I appreciate it
I believe in the right tool for the right job if you have the right tool you don't have to work
I can respect that
Nice video! If you keep the trimmer for yourself I would definetly consider a new piston and jug
Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.
My FS44 pull cord pulls and retracts but it only catches during the pull periodically or not at all. Please tell me what needs replaced.
the pawl spring(s) need to be replaced or at least try spraying some wd40 on them
Do you know where I can get a trimmer head for this. I found one on the side of the road, it runs but has no head. Thanks
not off the top of my head. have you considered a universal heaf from lowes or home depot?
Home Garage no I haven’t, but maybe I should
@@colesteffens5402 let me know if you try a head from lowes or home depot. I'd be interested to know how it went.
Hire some landscaping goons. I hate my Stihl FS-36.
Great video, thank you 🌞
thank you KingTesticus.
I have this model. I got it from a garage sale-brand new old stock. I had to replace the primer bulb because it fell apart. Now I took it apart to get to the spark plug wire because it disintegrated. I can't figure out how to get to where it connects to the engine. Any advise?
besides this video I have very little experience with it, so I won't be of much help without seeing it.
I've got he same model...are the baseline setting for the carburetor like normal? 1/ 12 screw out from bottomed out screws..I can't even get it to hit...but it ran yesterday..I took the carb apart and cleaned it
Thanks
Randy
On olde Stihl, I think they used to advertise a baseline setting, But I don't know what it is. If you're having a problem, could I suggest getting a replacement carb, Just to test and make sure it's not a problem with the engine.
I've looked for one..but can only find a rebuild kit....I buy and resell 2 cycle stuff..so I do it alot..I've only bought 2 sthil..and they both have been garbage
sorry to Hear that. I would try a baseline of 1 turn out, from bottom on the screws, also make sure the engine isn't flooded from previous attempts to start it.
Yea 1 1/2 turn is standard for everything else...this one takes about 5 turns before it's trys to start..think it's just low compression
I do what I have to do to fix stuff. If the clutch had to come off, off it'd come. Thanks and Blessings
thank you Lewie McNeely
@@HomeGaragechannel U2!
I THINK these vidio could show how to align the switch lever with the top of the coil to operate property
impossible to film with the design of the cover. But it seems like you found a way to do it.
I think the problem is in the oil rings on the crankshaft and getting air from there and you can not adjust the carb because of that :)
That is a good possibility. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
@@HomeGaragechannel air under presure wil show you where is the leak if its have :) sorry for my bad english i am from bulgaria
Hey, just a question, are there types of trimmers that cannot edge grass, or can all trimmers edge, as mine seems to loose power when on it's side, and then when it's up right, it's goes back to normal
The answer is No, they should all edge but it depends if yours is a 2 stroke or 4 cycle? You should not turn the 4 cycles on their sides.
Just found one with rotted fuel bulb and all gummed up...have put the new diaphragm in, replaced bulb and spark plug. Now i got a mismatch with the new fuel lines being too skinny for the tank grommets🤔That odd kill switch is sort of how the whole thing is designed. Seems to be a minimalist approach here, with things like the way the 2 long screws hold the cover and the carby, and that kill switch as examples of maybe an attempt at cheaper cost on the manufacturing processes?
Yes I totally agree with you on the cost savings.
What happened to the kill switch?
Just bent out of place
Just bent out of place
I would have definitely bent the meatal tab to save 45 minutes to pull the clutch off
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
I have this weed whacker and it was running the other day then suddenly stopped. No spark now. If i removed that plastic kill switch, should the engine run, but not be able to stop? Or would the engine not run at all. I'm not sure the kill switch works?!?! Does the wire have to touch something all the time to have engine running, or does sliding the stitch then cause the metal contact to touch somethingt o ground it out and stop engine??
the black plastic switch makes contact with a metal piece that grounds out, and stops the spark. you can try and remove the plastic piece and hopefully it will un-ground the coil and allow the spark to return. Otherwise the ignition coil failed.
thanks! @@HomeGaragechannel
Do you know where I could get a coil for an FS 36 like that?
yes on amazon,
I'm having a hard time finding one do you know what can help me find it easier? like a part number or something?
no you must find.
Ah yes! I found it, thank u so much!
A zip tie or two ?
maybe
Do you still have the Toyota Supra
Yes I do. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
❤❤❤❤
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
pipe insulation will work better for grip
thank you John Gassett
check the spark arrest
Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Hooray 👍🏽
thank you Casidee Treens
I have the same trimmer. Was given to me by dad, I made the mistake of loaning it to my brother but, he never gave it back. 4 years later My older brother ended up with it. I eventually got it back from him, sadly I can't get it to start. Going to hit up my dad, ask him to look at it and with some luck take it to get serviced 🤦🏽♀️
@@casideetreens2177 hopefully it works out for you. If I load out tools, I just expect not to get them back unless it's broken.
Yes i would
Thanks for the comment Alan Lake appreciate it
Not unless it was totally necessary I also have found wires cut and bad connections on but connectors of on/off switches that did not work. Thats piston looks pretty bad but as they say its not the space shuttle its a weed wacker!!!
Excellent comment. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.
Stihl ought to be ashamed of the kill switch design.
I know what a weird way of designing a kill switch. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
I would have honed and replaced the piston and fixed the switch at the same time.
that's a lot of work, but yes that would be an option
maybe you can use tennis racquet grip tape ? just an idea :)
that's a pretty good idea, thank you
Tennis Racket grip tape would have worked better than duct tape. One warm day and the glue will soften on the tape. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
I hear you. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it
Tried it. Ultimately threw it away. Your video was obviously edited as reassembly was a nightmare!
Absolutely no problem
bike handle bar tapethe over foam
thank you for the tip
Leave it to Stihl to over complicate the engineering. I have never seen one with the half crank design with the pull start on the front of the engine like a $79 Ryobi. Someone probably paid twice that much or more just because it’s a Stihl. Their residential line is cheap quality and overpriced.
I believe you are absolutely correct. Thank you for the comment I appreciate it
Thing is i'm pretty sure this series (36, old 40 and 44) were designed by either IDC or ryobi, both of which use the same sort of design principles
Bent it
me too. thanks for the comment I appreciate it