Poulan Trimmers

The fuel-oil mixture ratio for all Weed Eater products is 40:1. You can obtain this ratio by mixing 3.2 oz. of oil with one gallon of regular gas. If you have other brands of equipment that require different fuel/oil ratios and you don't want to mix separate fuel cans, you should use the lowest numerical ratio. For example, if you have products requiring 40:1, 50:1, and 32:1 ratios you should use the 32:1 ratio for all products. This may cause slight smoke increase in the exhaust in the 40:1 and 50:1 products due to more oil in the fuel, but it won't damage either of the engines.

All Weed Eater two-cycle products require oil to be added to the gas. Unlike engines that have separate gas and oil reservoirs, two-cycle engines run on a gas/oil mixture that keeps the engine lubricated at all times. Never use straight gas in a two-cycle engine as straight gas will ruin the engine within minutes.

All units will run on 87 octane unleaded gasoline. Do not use anything over 92 octane because it will build up excessive heat that could damage the unit. Alternative fuels are not recommended. Ask your Weed Eater dealer for more details.

To avoid engine or fuel system problems, empty the fuel system when the unit will not be used for 30 or longer. Drain the gas tank,start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Alcohol blended fuels(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can be used, BUT do not store the unit with this mixture. These blended fuels attract moisture and form acids which can damage the fuel system.

Starting most two-cycle engines is quite simple. Use the procedure outlined in your operator's manual if it differs from the following:
1. Move the choke lever to the full position.
2. Hold or lock the throttle in the on position(the throttle must be held or kept locked until the engine is warmed up).
3. If the unit has an on/off switch, move it to the on position (usually indicated by the symbol "I", not "O").
4. Set the unit on the ground or hold it firmly in your left or right hand, whichever is more comfortable.
5. If the unit has a primer bulb, depress it 4-5 times(the bulb should be at least 1/2 full).
6. Make sharp, brisk pulls on the starter rope until you hear the engine attempt to run. This should happen between 1-6 pulls, but no more than 10 pulls. If the unit doesn't respond, it may be flooded or have another problem. See "Why won't the engine start?"
7. Set the choke lever at the half position and resume pulling the starter rope. The engine should start after 2-4 more pulls. If not, repeat step 1.
8. Once the engine starts running,continue to keep the trigger depressed and let it warm-up for 30-60 seconds, then move the choke to the off position. The unit should idle without stopping and run smoothly when the throttle is depressed.
9. When the unit is warmed up, it should restart with the choke in the off position. If the unit is allowed to cool down, you may have to repeat steps 1-8.

Several things would make an engine difficult to start:
1. If you have an on/off switch- make sure it is on.
2. Check the spark plug: -if the tip is wet, the plug may be fouled and should be replaced -make sure it is gapped at .025.
3. If the air cleaner is dirty, clean it with soap and water.
4. Do you have a fresh fuel mixture; Weed Eater recommends fresh fuel each season and the use of a fuel stabilizer.
5. If you smell fuel after following the starting procedure, assume the engine is flooded. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the fuel to vaporize before starting over. If after checking these items the unit will not start, there may be a more serious problem. An authorized service center will have to examine the unit.

Trimmer line usually breaks because of line crowding. This occurs when the trimmer head is held too close to hard objects that can break the line such as brick, cement, rocks, or fencing. Keeping the line at full extension, and not crowding it, reduces line feeding problems.

There are four ways to change trimmer line depending upon the style of trimmer head on your unit.
The first style has a locking tab on the side of the trimmer head that must be depressed while the lock ring is turned counter-clockwise. This will remove the cover and give access to the spool which can then be pulled out, rewound with the line (winding in the direction of the arrows on the spool), and re-installed.
The second style requires lining up the marks on the bottom of the spool tap/button assembly and firmly pulling straight out on the tap button. This pulls the spool assembly out so it can be re-wound and inserted back into the hub assembly.
The third style requires pushing in and down on the two locking tabs on the side of the trimmer head. This will remove the cover and give you access to the spool.
The fourth style of trimmer head is the Centrex.Remove the cap on the bottom of the head by unscrewing it. Remove the guide ring and remove the spool from the unit.Cut a length of 30ft of line and insert one end into the center cavity of the empty spool. Feed the line into the spool, leaving 4-6 inches unwound from the center of the spool. Reinstall the spool, guide and cap, making sure the notch in the guide is facing away from the spool and the line is in the notch. Cutting line or pre-wound spools are available at most retailers that sell Weed Eater product.

The trimmer head will not turn on a gas trimmer if the drive shaft is not fully engaged. Follow the steps below depending on which model you own. If the throttle is not mounted on the shaft, loosen the two nose cone screws that hold the shaft into the engine. If you have a non-clutched unit, firmly push the shaft toward the engine while pulling the starter rope slowly. If the unit has a clutch, the shaft must be pulled out and the flex shaft lined up with the clutch drum and re-inserted until it seats. Rotating the cutting head while inserting the shaft makes shaft engagement easier. Then, fully insert the shaft and tighten the nose cone screws. If the throttle is mounted on the shaft, loosen the screws that hold the throttle handle one turn each and push the handle down the shaft about 2-inches. Once this is done loosen the clamp that holds the shaft in the engine and firmly push the shaft into the engine while pulling the starter rope slowly until it seats. Reverse the steps to tighten the handle. If the problem is with a Twist 'n Edge gas unit, we recommend taking the unit to the nearest Weed Eater service center. The handle assembly must be removed to reset the shaft, and this would involve numerous small pieces. If all else fails, check to see if the flex shaft is broken. If this is the case, you will need to replace the flex shaft itself.

If you own a trimmer that is designed to accept a blade, follow these steps: To remove the head, align the hole in the dust cup with the indention in the gear box casing. Insert a hex wrench into this hole and unscrew the trimmer head by turning it clockwise. Remove all washers above the trimmer head, but leave the dust cup on the unit. Then, remove the plastic shield. Next, install the metal shield by one of two methods, according to your gearbox. If your gearbox has threaded bolt holes, install the four screws through the bottom of the shield directly into the gearbox. If your gearbox does not have threaded bolt holes, place the screws through the top of the gearbox, through the shield, and screw them into the retention plate. Install the blade, the retention washer, cupped washer and the retaining flange nut. Finally, line up the holes in the dust cup with the indentation in the gearbox and insert the wrench. Tighten the retaining nut until it is very tight (turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten). Make sure all appropriate handlebars, straps, and warning signs are in place and properly used.

The spark plug gap on all products is .025-inch.

The size of the plug varies from unit to unit. On trimmers, blowers and hedge trimmers is RCJ-8Y or RCJ-6Y. Follow the spark plug recommendation and replacement procedures in the operator's manual if you are doing the work yourself.

There are two ways of doing this, depending on which unit you own.
On a curved shaft unit, the drive shaft housing must be removed from the engine to give you access to the flex shaft. The shaft is then pulled out, wiped down, and Weed Eater shaft lubricant applied. The shaft is then put back into the housing, and the housing is reassembled to the engine.
On straight shaft units, the gear box is removed from the lower end of the shaft by removing the screws. The shaft is then pulled out from the bottom and lubricated in the same manner.

All gasoline engines have a fuel filter on the end of the fuel line in the fuel tank. Weed Eater recommends changing the fuel filter yearly. To remove the filter,
1. drain the fuel from the unit,
2. Pull the filter from the tank through the gas tank opening and remove it from the line,
3. Install the new filter on the fuel line and drop back in tank.

The air filter should be cleaned every 5 hours. A foam air filter can be cleaned by washing it in warm soapy water. Then rinse in clean water and let dry. On gasoline edgers, add a few drops of oil to the filter before installing.

When attaching blower or vacuum tubes, make sure that the engine/motor is not running.To connect the vacuum attachment, the blower tubes must be removed. Depending on which model you own, you either connect the vacuum bag directly to the blower outlet of the unit or slide the elbow tube through the vacuum bag opening and then connect it to the blower outlet. Next, open the door on the bottom of the unit and connect the upper vacuum tube (on some electric models the inlet restrictor must be removed first). On newer gas blowers the upper vacuum tube is held with a bolt and knob which you can hand tighten. The lower vacuum tube slides into the bottom of the upper vacuum tube until it is tight. On the EBV series electric blowers, the upper vacuum tube hooks and swings into place. On GBI and SB gasoline and 2500 electric series of blowers, the vacuum tubes twist and lock into place. When you hold the top handle, the blower vacuum tube should touch the ground.

No, the gutter kit will not work with the following models: RB90,FL1500,FL1500LE, or the Vroom.

The maximum height of the gutter kit is 10 feet.

Use your unit as a vacuum to pick up dry material such as leaves,grass,small twigs, and bits of paper. DO NOT vacuum stones, gravel, metal, broken glass, acorns, ect., to avoid severe damage to the impeller. DO NOT attempt to vacuum water or any type of liquid.

On electric models, do not cut a stem thicker than 3/8". On gasoline powered models, the maximum diameter is 7/16".

Most likely there is a sap build-up between the blades. Spray a light coating of machine oil on the blade strap to loosen the sap.

Gasoline edgers will cut up to 2". Electric edgers will cut up to 1".

No. Use only one extension cord the proper length. See "What size extension cord do I use?"

Refer to your owner's manual for the proper extension cord. Remember: A smaller AWG rating equals a heavier duty cord.

All lawn and garden items(trimmers,edgers,blowers, and hedge trimmers) carry a 2 year warranty agianst manufactuers defects when used for household purposes.

The warranty covers manufactuers defects. Parts and labor are covered under the warranty.Some items that ARE NOT covered include; improper maintenance,old or stale fuel, or the use of accessoies or part not specifically recommended by Poulan Weed Eater.

**Please Note: Ordertree is a Factory Authorized Distributor for Husqvarna Outdoor Products & their associated brands (Poulan, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater & more) in both the U.S. & Canada. U.S. customers (& international customers) should select the “PWE” part for Poulan & Weed Eater handheld products & “AYP” for wheeled goods. Canadian customers should select “HOPC” for both handheld & wheeled products. This allows us to order the correct parts from the correct factory partner to reduce lead times on parts not in inventory.