In the first part of the series on String Trimmer Maintenance – Part Two, I discussed some of the maintenance issues in which you will get
(Courtesy: San Mi at flickr.com)
involved as you maintain your string trimmer. Topics covered include:
· Replacing the Trimmer Line
· Fueling a Gasoline-Powered String Trimmer
· Checking and Replacing the Air Filter
· Adjusting the Idle Speed
· Cleaning or Replacing the Spark Plug
In this article, the third in a series on string trimmers, I will discuss how to add and change oil.
Checking and Adding Oil
A 4-cycle engine is usually used to power many gasoline-powered string trimmers. This particular style of trimmer does not use a combination of fuel and oil like a 2-cycle engine would. Moreover, if your trimmer features a 4-cycle engine, then you are required to check the oil before every use.
Here are steps to follow to check the oil in your trimmer.
· Step One – Make certain that the trimmer is off and all moving parts are stopped.
· Step Two – Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
· Step Three – Place the trimmer down level on a workbench with the cutting head hanging over the edge of the bench.
· Step Four – Check the oil level. Your trimmer may have an oil level window that will allow you to see the amount of oil in the machine. If not, then it may have an oil fill plug with a dipstick on it. If your trimmer has neither, then you may have to use a flashlight to check the oil level inside the reservoir. If there is a plug present and you need to remove it, then clean debris that might be around the plug before pulling it out. Be careful when handling interior parts of the trimmer, the engine, muffler and oil may be hot.
If after inspecting the oil reservoir you discover that more oil is needed, then:
· Step Five – Add the proper amount of the type of oil the owners’ manual recommends to the oil reservoir. Don’t overfill.
· Step Six – Make certain that the O-ring is sealed properly on the oil fill plug and then replace the plug.
· Step Seven – Reconnect the wire to the spark plug.
Changing the Oil
The steps required to change the oil of your string trimmer are:
· Step One – Run the trimmer engine for about 1 to 2 minutes so the oil can become slightly warm. Make certain that you are in a ventilated area while running the engine.
· Step Two – Turn the trimmer off and make certain that all moving parts are stopped.
· Step Three – Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
· Step Four – Wipe away debris from around the oil fill plug.
· Step Five – Remove the plug.
· Step Six – Tip the trimmer over a used-oil container so that the oil in the reservoir pours into the container. Be careful because the engine, muffler and oil may be hot.
· Step Seven – When the oil compartment is empty, wipe off the engine and clean up spills in the work area. Make sure that you dispose the used oil in accordance to local recycling laws.
· Step Eight – Place the trimmer down level on a workbench with the head hanging off the edge.
· Step Nine – Pour the type of oil recommended by the owners’ manual into the reservoir.
· Step Ten – Check to verify that the O-ring is properly in place on the oil fill plug and replace the plug.
· Reconnect the wire to the spark plug.
