2-stroke small engine tips?

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:49 pm

I have a small circa 2005 Toro 2-stroke engine that is causing me issues. It idles fine and takes minimal throttle but any load or prolonged (>3 secs) full throttle causes it to die. New muffler, new fuel system (tank, tubing, filter assembly etc). Full tank of fuel to minimize starvation. Only a simple screen for an air filter which did not look dirty or clogged. The carb seems like a simple venturi-type draw through that I shot a bunch of carb cleaner into, not really interested in taking it completely apart unless required. The last thing on the list was spark plug, but removal and inspection showed no obvious issue, correct gap so I cleaned it and it fired up immediately.

I'd like to keep it working as I have a tiller and edger attachment that fits the engine output shaft, so replacement would be pretty $.

It's my only 2-stroke engine so I am pretty ignorant as to usual problems with these...What else am I missing? Thanks!

Jordan Normark · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 2:30 pm

I have several 2-strokes, edger, trimmer, blowers, chainsaw etc I use for maintaining our rental properties. I had the problems you describe in the past and learned that small engines, especially 2-strokes do not cope well with ethanol. Last year I found a Shell station near my house that sells ethanol free 89 octane and since switching over, everything runs as it should. I also use fresh fuel if the equipment has been siting for more than a month or so.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 2:35 pm

good to know! Address?

I was smart enough to use new fuel, but had no idea about the ethanol. Thanks!

Jordan Normark · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 2:50 pm

210 E. Six Forks Rd. The pump nearest the store entrance dispenses ethanol free 89.

Here's a site that lists a half dozen other stations in the Raleigh area that sell ethanol free fuel.

http://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=NC

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 5:46 pm

If it's a diaphram carb, then most likely the ethanol hardened the diaphram.

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 8:07 pm

Jordan Normark wrote:

210 E. Six Forks Rd. The pump nearest the store entrance dispenses ethanol free 89.

Here's a site that lists a half dozen other stations in the Raleigh area that sell ethanol free fuel.

http://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=NC

It's not on the list but Taylor's BP on Six Forks just north of I-540 is advertising ethanol-free gas now.

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:54 pm

The Exxon on Strickland near Six Forks also has ethanol free fuel.

Matthew Ryan · **Posted:** Sat Apr 30, 2016 1:28 pm

the carb has 2 jets you can adjust, high & low if you look up "jetting HPI 5B" you will find lots of threads on how to dial them in, the same basic design is used on rc toys like the 5B

On modern 2 stroke home depot stuff they make them non adjustable so the EPA will be happy, I use a Dremel to slot them so they can be adjusted with a flathead screwdriver

Brett_Murphy · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 355

I'll second what Chad said. I had that happen to a boat motor.

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Tue May 03, 2016 12:23 pm

Brett_Murphy wrote:

I'll second what Chad said. I had that happen to a boat motor.

Happened to a Craftsman chainsaw I have. It would run but not at full power and stumbled a lot. I took the carb apart and the rubber diaphragm was no longer pliable at all.

Turned out I couldn't get a rebuild kit but a whole new carb from Craftsman was like 25 bucks.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Tue May 03, 2016 7:34 pm

The easy button for long life of my 2 stroke stuff is to just buy the canned Stihl brand premix. It's ethanol free, already mixed, etc. No more than you use, the price premium seems well worth it to me.

--Donnie

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue May 03, 2016 9:41 pm

Yeah I think the carb needs replacing. Will just tear it all down and inspect first...

Thanks for the tip in the premixed fuel. Good idea!

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Wed May 04, 2016 10:05 am

There's a Shell station in Cary where the kroger is off 64 close to the auto parks that sells ethanol free gas.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue May 17, 2016 2:55 pm

So after more tear down and pricing of replacement carb and assorted pieces it was not worth repairing. Spot on about the ethanol comments, so thanks for that. BTW having not shopped for these in a decade Ihad no idea that in addition to fuel stabilizers and 2-cycle
Oil one must also add an "ethanol conditioner" for easier starting and improved reliability. Well, duh :stick:

Since I was kind of over using Toro and I have the ExpandIt attachment edger, tiller and blower I went with Ryobi this time, as a 40v rechargeable. It may suck or be awesome, who knows. But it is one less 2-stroke ICE to maintain!

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2-stroke small engine tips?

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