Anyone got a Makita petrol Strimmer?

[magentus]

I found a Makita RST 200 petrol strimmer in our allotment shed. We have contacted the council to tell the previous plot holder but they do not want it. It looks in good nick but I can't start it. 'That's probably why it was left in the shed Mags' is what you might be saying! I hope it can be fixed though - it would be very useful.

It has fuel (the correct mix) and I think I have been using the correct method to start it so I'm wondering if the spark plug needs cleaning/replacing. Is there an obvious way to tell?

If anyone has a manual they could scan and send me I would be very grateful.

Here are some pics of the pertinent parts, showing the clutch and fuel bulb, and the start/stop switch:
WP_20161127_006 by magpie2112, on FlickrWP_20161127_007 by magpie2112, on Flickr

[Smashie]

If it's been sat there for any length of time then the petrol will have turned to sludge gumming up the fuel line and the carb. New plug wont do any harm though.

[Don Pablo]

<Redundant> Don't petrol and oil and suchlike degrade with time? </Redundant>

Cleaning the lines and tank sounds good to me, if Smashie agrees. 

[magentus]

Cheers Smashie - is it just a matter of emptying it and cleaning the fuel line out?

[SteveC]

I would start with cleaning and gapping the spark plug and fresh fuel. It could also be the start stop switch/ loose connection.

[magentus]

Thanks Steve - I will take my tools to the lotty next time I go and have a good play with it.

[Smashie]

Has this engine got the primer pump near the choke and the starting handle, I've never used a Makita, only Stihl

[magentus]

Has this engine got the primer pump near the choke and the starting handle, I've never used a Makita, only Stihl

Yeah, there's a bulb (just above the choke) in the pic:
WP_20161127_006 by magpie2112, on Flickr

[Josh613]

Best bet is stripping it down and cleaning the carb etc plus a bit TLC won't do it any harm.

[Kev D]

There's the manual for the RST210 here.... https://www.manualslib.com/manual/921805/Makita-Rst210.html?page=3#manual

I'm not sure how different they are though.

[Kev D]

The full exploded diagram and parts list for the RST200 is here....

http://lastmanuals.com/manual/MAKITA/RST200%20REMPLACEMENT%20PARTS

[magentus]

Cheers Josh and Kev  I'm going to check out the RST210 manual against the strimmer and go from there. I will give it some TLC - a nice meal, some wine and then spooning in front of an open fire.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I agree with all of the above.  It may also be the result of an improper mixture from the previous owner.  Cleaning the carb and plug should solve any/all issues you may have with this.

I hate 2 stroke motors and having to mix the fuel often causes these kinds of problems if your mixture is off.  But, if it is free, then I suppose it is worth the effort. 

Def

[twiliter]

Also check all rubber parts, the gasoline here has ethanol in it which rots the parts, not sure if they add the stuff out your way. Sometimes the rubber parts will get gummy and develop air leaks so fuel does not get pulled into the engine, same with fuel line. Might have to disassemble the carby to check, most have a rubber diaphragm inside which has to be in good condition for it to run properly. Also the primer bulb can develop unobvious leaks. As others mentioned, new plug properly gapped and solid ignition connections are a must. 

It is a Makita, so it should be made to run! 

[magentus]

During a quick visit to the lotment yesterday I took the air filter apart and the sponge filter is all gummed up - I will wash and dry it and check the plug next time I'm there.

Thanks for all your help peeps 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have/had the same problem with an old Honda generator, except that the filter was so old and gummed up that the foam disintegrated at the slightest touch. Luckily Honda supplies replacement parts for thousands of years and I was able to get a new one for just a few dollars right from the dealer despite the unit being over thirty years old.

Def