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AR15.COM
5/20/2026 1:39:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: johnh57][Edited]
Thing runs fine once started - but it took probably 50-75 pulls to get it started a couple days ago.  From what im seeing this is probably hard diaphragms in the carburetor.  I'm not careful about using ethanol free fuel and this thing is probably 20 years old and has never been serviced beyond head grease, spark plug, and air filters.

Rebuild kit? Aftermarket carb?  OEM carb? If aftermarket - brands that are ok? brands to avoid?

I haven't opened it up yet to see what carb this has on it, most online stuff says its most likely a zama.

I've only rebuilt 1 small carb (echo backpack blower) and it is working fine.
5/20/2026 1:46:14 PM EDT
[#1]
Replace those diaphragms, I bet that’s the issue
5/20/2026 2:36:46 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raverill:
Replace those diaphragms, I bet that’s the issue
View Quote


And stick with OEM.
5/20/2026 6:50:16 PM EDT
[#3]
Took it apart far enough to figure out its a Zama CIQ - S83 carburetor.  I ordered a carb kit for it.  I'll try that before I go try to find a oem level carb.  Near as I can tell the build date on this trimmer was October 2006.
5/21/2026 4:25:23 PM EDT
[#4]
While you're at it check the exhaust spark arrestor screen.  Really common for those things to cake up with carbon if you don't run the motor wide open and constant.
5/21/2026 11:25:20 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Lapidary:
While you're at it check the exhaust spark arrestor screen.  Really common for those things to cake up with carbon if you don't run the motor wide open and constant.
View Quote
Ill try to remember to do that.  Saw that on several 'tube videos.  We have several hundred feet of chain link fence - running at 1/2 throttle works fine and is much easier on string life.


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