Trying to get a Free Bolens BL100 Trimmer working again.
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- čas přidán 3. 03. 2022
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Thanks for watching. This trimmer was found free on the curb from Craigslist and unfortunately it won't start. The fix for was was very involved from cleaning the carb to replacing the fuel lines.
Great video.
I was just given an BL100 and a BL110.
Friend said neither works.
I pulled the BL110 about 10 times, and it fired up.
I ran it... Works well.
I will fiddle with the BL100 tomorrow.
I also got a FREE Bolens 1986 Mulcher Self Propelled mower running today.
Gotta love FREE yard tools. LoL.
ok.
Just added gas to the BL100
Fired up on 10th pull...
But; I'm tired from a long day; and I'm not that strong.
very nice!
it's understandable
Personally if Im working on a carb I like to deep clean it as best as I can simply because I wanna give my self the best chance of getting it running first time around and the extra time doesnt bother me. Also makes me feel better if it isnt running good after a deep clean I feel like nothing more can be done and its off to amazon for the china special carb.
you got a good point
I have an ultrasonic cleaner; my daughters got me one for Christmas 2 years ago. I have not used it on 2 stroke carbs, just because I have not done many 2 strokes. But doing it your way is great, also. The aftermarket carb quality as been bad since Covid started, and your machine has a nice Walbro on it, I would try to retain that carburetor, if at all possible. It has more potential in clean/ rebuild than a new China carburetor has, even if cost is the same.
I completely agree with you haneyoakie14.
I have this same trimmer and love it. It's simple and easy.
Good to hear!
A few years back, I purchased a very similar Bolens trimmer from Lowe's. Returned home, removed it from the box then followed all the required setup procedures. It was very very difficult to start and when it finally started, it would not stay running. I did what I could do to adjust the carb, but I finally gave up and returned it back to Lowes. I purchased a TroyBilt, not that it is really that great of a unit but it has served me well up to now. I did end up replacing the carb recently with an aftermarket. Seems to run fairly well. I do not do that much trimming so, I will hold onto it a long as possible.
wow, thanks for sharing your experience with us.
@@stellarproductions8888 agreed. Like I said I don't have much to trim so keep using until it dies. I purchased an Echo blower which is great. Then I replaced my Poulan Pro chain saw with an Echo. Glad I did.
Great video! I have one of these that needs repair. Thanks for showing the fuel lines!!!!!
thanks again ProfSteveITCC
I find using Aspen Alkylate petrol on these solves so many problems, and you don't need to winterize your garden equipment. Great video thanks.
I wish I could get some of the fuel here. Thank you Rod Todder.
What's been provided here is the most thorough explanation of string trimmer fuel line routing and fuel system function that I've seen to date. A very professional and articulate presentation! Only one point that I'd take exception to the degree of internal engine wear. The piston (as observed through the exhaust port) is deeply scored and while the rings move freely, they may have lost some tension due to lack of lubrication. I scored a straight-shaft Bolens curb find last week and went through the same process. A new carb that included fuel lines, gaskets, an air filter and spark plug was $11 and so therefore a no-brainer to go that route. My impression is that even when tuned properly, these are a PITA to start...not my favorite machine!
thank you James Turnure I appreciate.
I would of gave the carb a deep clean and if that didn’t do the job, then I would of replaced it. I do believe you got lucky with it clearing itself out. Another awesome video.
I know right, I do apologized, I never really clean these carbs very well, so yes it was lucky that it started and worked out. Thank you William Snow.
Nice job, looked like someone was using to much two-cycle oil. Thanks, I have a large ultra-sonic cleaner but use my smaller one for little jobs, as it saves cleaner fluid. Sometimes on a really dirty carb I will put some solution is a plastic zip lock bag and then submerge it in the ultra-sonic to save on cleaner. Sometimes running them will get the old fuel and oil out and then run better.
I know right? looks like about 1:2 mix.
I have Echo SRM 2620 weed trimmer runs awesome and I use it everyday for my lawn care business Echo power equipment is heavy duty. If use Bolens for for lawn care business it’ll wear out easily. Good for homeowners
you are absolutely correct.
I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner either, what I normally do is take the carb apart, get a metal container, fill it with a strong mix of dish detergent and water and set it on my wood stove in the shop covered with some tinfoil with the carb in that mix and let it get hot, sometimes I’ll let it soak all day and night in that and it does a great job of removing old gunked up gas and corrosion.
excellent vid!
wow, that's a really good idea, I might have to try that out. Thank you Illusion X
I have 2 Ryobi 790r trimmers with the same 31cc engine that this Bolens has, they're interesting in their engine setup to say the least, but I do say despite their complicated fuel line setup (especially finding a proper replacement for inside the tank, as well as setting the filter inside said tank), these seem to be pretty easy trimmers to work on.
yes, I can agree to that, thank you Grayson's Vacs and Mowers.
Another strategy is to use the splice and about 5” of line and put the filter on the opposite side.
Ryobi has a super-low-profile 2-piece filter that I can’t find at a decent price. The hose nozzle on that OEM filter gets brittle and snaps in two.
Would do just what you did first. Give the card s chance before replacing it. Great detailed carb adjustment tutorial. Appreciate your time and effort once again!!
thank you Mr G.
I just found one of these. I’m 99% sure it was used and had ran out of gas, hence that is why it was left abandoned. Fortunately for me it was at least in a shed. I took it apart and the piston looked fine and same with the rings. The only issue that I ran into so far is the fuel lines had turned to hard plastic that shattered as soon as I touched them. I found all of the parts on eBay no problem. All I did was copy and paste the part numbers and found their Ryobi counterparts that are the same. If I get tired of using this for yard work it has a great design for a mini go kart.
nice thank you Top List Crew.
I have the same machine just a bit older with the fully adjustable carb. It was a bit pricey where I ordered the OEM fuel filter when I rebuilt the carb even with my dealer cost from my supplier but it has been a very reliable trimmer for 8 years now. Mine came with a blade on the curved shaft but it works extremely well. It has a very odd torque curve like the port timings are very wacky so it's a bit lazy to rev up but that doesn't stop it from working hard.
thank you patthesoundguy, Yes even though I complain about it, it's still a really good trimmer.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE believe me I cursed at the one I have putting the fuel lines in with the OEM kit. Your fix is so much easier and less expensive than the older version than I have. You definitely saved folks time and money on this one 👍
thanks I appreciate that.
I just picked one of these for free. Im going to do the same things you did and flip it.
good luck with it
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE thanks 😊
I have revived quite a few trimmers and chainsaws over the years. Although I picked up and ultrasonic cleaner a year or so ago I haven't attempted to use it on a small two-cycle carburetor yet. I try to clean the major parts out of the carburetor just like you did and then run it for a little while. I think I've taken the Welsh plug out of one carburetor I've ever worked on but I don't remember if I was able to clean that carb and get it back together or what. Usually after I get one of these working I just go around my yard and use it and have the adjustment tool in my pocket to make adjustments as I go if it isn't running right
thank you Chad Rebuck. these really aren't that bad, just don't prefer them.
Not too complicated. Good job!
Thanks!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE You too!
Excellent video. Yeah the new carb is 15 bucks. I’m going that route.
Good choice!
The best is to learn (thatś me) and the (side-effect) is just that you are slow in the beginning BUT getting faster and faster in the near future, the experience has a cost in time and dollars but it is like that always. I think the knowledge is the very most important thing. The feeling to get a mashine running is indescribable. I will get a ultrasonic because it is not that expensive and do the work very good. Also when you get a new carb. on an old mashine I find it hard to find that old version again on the market and it could be costly. I think you have to have the engine model-nr. There are carbs that are very cheap that are not original but just check for exact the right one then it has to have very good angles with the pictures for you to know it is the right one. The gaskets is very good to check on because of any leak can bring your engine going bad. For me I have issues finding the right one to all places on the engine with the gaskets..so I think you have to go to an internet site with the original ones. But can't you make your own and what are they made of?
It all depends what the goal is for you. If you don't want the technical know-how buy a new one. If there is a cost issue just put in some time and effort and learn and earn the knowledge..
thank you Henrik Johnsson
I keep a sewing needle stuck into a piece of closed cell foam with my tools. I use it to remove tiny filter screens for cleaning. Most of the carbs I’ve worked on have a filter screen hole which a 19/64ths drill bit fits into nicely. My next tool will be one of those drill bits inserted into a short section of wooden dowel so the butt end of the bit is sticking out, ready to be used to push the filter screen back down into place after cleaning. I can figure out how to install replacement welch plugs which are round but have yet to source tools for installing the triangular and ovoid ones.
you know, that's a really great idea, I'm going to have to use the same thing.
I rekitted the carburetor in my brothers Honda GX35 powered Line trimmer for $4.99 AUD when the metering diaphragm became petrified & I even had a spare fuel pump diaphragm Left over to fix my dads Honda GX35 powered Line trimmer up as well.
They're both straight shaft trimmers !
very nice!
I would clean the carb the same way you did, but I would also get that adjusting needle out completely and cut the line in the head of it, so I can use a flat screwdriver to adjust it later. Havig a D or double D or whatever spec screwdriver it takes is even more rare than having an ultrasonic cleaner (I use the one my wife bought for cleaning jewlery).
you make a good point.
This looks like a Ryan engine. They have been around since the 1980s.
This one is the best sounding one I've heard. Many are really rough.
I remember the Ryan Brand, My dad had one.
I have an old Ryobi dating from 89 with a Ryan 31cc engine and Tillotson carburettor. Still going strong with plenty of compression.
Noisy bugger though.
Very nice, what kind of fuel and oil do you use?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE 95 octane premium unleaded and blue fully synthetic 2 stroke oil 25:1 mix.
This is down under in Australia, so our octane ratings systems are slightly different. Our standard unleaded is 91 octane which is like your 89 octane. Our E10 (which I avoid) is either 91 or 94 octane. I choose 95 because I've been advised it doesn't go stale as quickly.
thank you for the information
Great video. Keep 'em coming. I tend to tune a carb with the air filter installed since it slightly restricts the incoming air flow. Did you find that it ran a little more rich after reinstalling the back cover? I agree that this engine design with the tank on top is far from ideal.
thank you madsnarebeav, and no. Filter and cove, offer very little air restriction.
I have a ryobi 725r and it is complicated to put the fuel line in but it runs but leaks fuel somewhere near the carburetor got a new one to put in it so hopefully that solves the problem
hopefully so, let me know.
I like it, its compact and easy to fuel. I however would prefer it to have a gravity fed carb to avoid future diaphram issues (especially as trimmers usually are operated the right way up anyway)
I think this might be the first comment for gravity feed.
Option 2, funny enough I have one or two of these, there not bad similar to Ryobi trimmers of the time.
You are absolutely right about that Rick Thelian.
I have a Ryobi weed eater similar to this they are not very fun to work on but they are pretty fun to use
Hey how's it going, Yes I watched your video with the colds starts, I'm a big fan of cold starts.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Glad to hear it.. there will be a lot more cold start videos I will be uploading in the meantime
fantastic!
I actually think these are pretty good trimmers, especially the engines. The design of the fuel tank however is not the best if you are willing to put up with it. So I can understand why you don't like them, but they are worth fixing since they can run for a long time.
I agree with you, they are very long lived, and are very powerful
Oh I would be running the cobwebs out of it myself, but I would like to have one of those nifty Sonic cleaners just in case I feel the need to bring a dead motor back to life LOL
very true, thank you Dwayne Collins.
Oh my somebody gave me one of those for free also and it is upside down and backwards Plus it weighs a ton.. I actually gave the shaft part of it away , however I couldn't resist fixing it just to see if I could 😁
I know the feeling too Dwayne Collins
Hey bro. Cool video. I think that this particular brand of equipment is the most troublesome when it comes to repairing it.
I have to agree with you Ramadin Sookhoo.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I think that who ever came up with the design of the equipment made some bad choices. I think it probably was designed this way so once you get problems with it that you'll probably throw it away and get a new one?🤷♂️🤷♂️
When you put it that way, IT makes a lot of sense.
I've never really gotten a knack for making adjustments, So I prefer to just do the deep cleaning since I have an ultrasonic
nothing wrong with that plan
Yep a deep cleaning first and once it's all good that's grouse unless the carburator is defective then that's when I would replace it etc.
thank you Patrick Stapleton.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE my pleasure mate we here in Australia have very similar engines including Ryobi for starters that are called Weed Wasps and they are much better in design than the stuff made now days etc.
I have an ultrasonic cleaner and would have ran the carb through it, but I would not have removed the welsh plugs as I have no experience with installing or de-installing them. I assume you cleaned out the air filter before re-installing it? Otherwise it would have the carb running rich, right? Thanks for the informative video.
Yes, I did clean the filter, I didn't bother mentioning it, but I guess I should have. Thank you Jeff Snodgrass.
I noticed that you open the throttle when you crank a 2 stroke engine. The instructions with the ones I’ve seen say don’t touch the throttle when cranking. Thoughts? You can also get an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight. I have one and it works great! I use Purple Power in it. Just empty it when not in use.
Bolens owners manual, page 4, line 5, ... "crouch in the starting position and squeezed the throttle control. pull the starter rope briskly 5 times''.
I guess we must be reading different manuals?
I had one of these trimmers gifted to me that was missing both mixture screws. I was wondering if someone fiddled with it and took just one in your case.
I knew the one mixture screw was a possibility, but missing two meant tampering. I just scrapped that carb and after replacing… good to go. If yours was just missing the H, it wouldn’t run well at all and likely spew gas from where the H screw was.
some have only 1 screw, even though it looks like the other is missing.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE - I just got a Ryobi trimmer with a “cylinder under” design today. Unfortunately, it’s locked up.
I keep an eye out on Craigslist and saw it there for free.
Mine just started but won’t stay so maybe a couple of adjustments to the carb. Thanks
good luck to you.
Inside House Garage have you ever Echo Red Armor 2 stroke oil before?
no I haven't but I've heard some great stuff about it.
Interesting design with the tank on top and lol I bet it is pain before I even watch the whole video.
you understand why I don't care for these, yes it's unnecessary
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE wonder if it was because of patents or some engineer figured out it was cheaper that way lol
I wish I knew, because it would explain a lot. If I had t guess, the company that made them, wanted to be different.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE good point, could very well be that also
This is one of the easiest designs in terms of the fuel system.
I don't know what to say to that.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE This was easy. It wasn't a Craftsman blower you worked on. Just look at what my channel started with. Two Ryobi trimmers. It is an old design that evolved from the Ryan trimmer, which is also photographed.
I remember the Ryan, My dad had one, That was first experience with a what shear frustration was.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Making CZcams videos is therapy for your childhood trauma. You get to experience the anxiety twice.
In your opinion, is it better to buy a machine from a. Dealership or from a big box retailer, and which one have you done, both or do you choose one over the other.
I hate to tell you, I've never bought a trimmer from Either, I've only ever bought used, or found them for free. But as to which I would buy from.. hmm.. I would think dealership, because the big box stores sell other items to make money, while the dealers only make money on sales and repair, so let's help them out.
Does the tab on the muffler gasket go to or away from the muffler?
I wasn't able to tell from the video.
I have a Trimmer llike that (ryobi type) but unfortunately when I moved to where I'm at now I will kind of misplace all the parts to it to put it back together but i agree with you I'm not a big fan of the way the engine setup on that one
thank you Turning_wrenches85, I guess it's just going to be used for parts then?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE it is . I think I use the shaft on it to replace on another trimmer .
Any reason why you don't like the spark plug? Had problems with them?
I don't like the way they are designed, and I also believe in using the factory plug.
Believe me, this engine is nothing compared to several walk behind edger engines I’ve had to work on. You have no wiggle room for the spark plug and carburetor on those things
really, what size engines are you talking about? 149cc and up?
I tought there was a missing adjusting screw on this one....
me too at first.
thank you Nick
If you lose the spring just use one from a click pen. If you cannot find parts and they say they are discontinued search the part name and number and alternate brands will show up that share the same parts. I rebuilt mine just like this and the diaphragm is brittle and seems to be the problem.
thanks for the tip
if I came across a trimmer like that , I might pick it up for free, but not sure I would fix it, it seems overly complex. I know in newer models MTD who makes Bolens has changed the design some which seems easier. with a fuel filter like that can you turn the trimmer upside down to edge with it?
no you can't, do you use your Trimmer upside down sometimes?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yes alot to do edging. I don;t use a Edger. I can get the job done with a trimmer. Every trimmer I have had I was able todo with because the weighted fuel filter followed the lowest part of the gas tank.
that makes sense. I edge by turning my on it's side, but my neighbor uses his like you do. Nothing wrong with it, I just don't do it that way.
Man these SUCK to work on lol! As you're working on it, and that horrible fuel line configuration, i'm having PTSD for all the time i spent working on my Ryobi's and fighting those fuel lines. UGH lol. Awesome job though! I probably would have just Ordered a carb honestly. I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner either.
I can feel your pain, thru the monitor, and yes PTSD, is a good description of the situation
I did one of these engines and it was so much work I took of the carb and cleaned it up tried to start it and then it ran wide open so I took it of and recleaned everything and it runs on half choke and sounds like a chainsaw
sounds like you had an interesting time with it.
Yeah i would clean as best I can, if still no good, replacement carb. Cheers
thank you Aussie nebula
I saw that the wrong spark plug is in that trimmer. That plug E310 is for the flathead Briggs & Stratton mower engines. Correct plug is a Champion DJ7Y or E3.16. Excellent video as always. Enjoy your presentations very much. Have a blessed day!
I really appreciate that you researched the correct plug, for this trimmer.
👍👍👍👍
thank you Task Big
Good job. Too bad they all can't be this easy. No: ultra sonic cleaner. But I also don't use carb cleaner; I use gasoline. For engine components I use kerosene. The specialty stuff wasn't available in my youth and I never encountered the necessity for them. So many things could be responsible for the engine running improvement other than the carb 'clearing out': such as the piston rings having been slightly sticking.
hm.. I'll have to look into kerosene, thank you 65CSX.
I would have done exactly what you did and sold it. I would then go buy a Stihl FS-94R or Husqvarna 525L.
lol.. yes that's a fantastic idea.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE both trimmers are professional series and are very powerful. I have one of each and both are awesomeness
Have tb25bp and ran great then after useing it try to start it 30 minutes later want start . Has spark
thanks for the question, what kind of fuel did you use?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE regular with stable added
what about oil? what kind of mixture are you running?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE 50 1
let me get this straight, you were using your blower, stopped it, 30 later, you tried to start it, and it won't start? Did you go thru the normal "Cold" starting procedure, of did you do a "hot" start procedure?
The fuel line is probably worth more than the trimmer. You would probably only get $10 to $15 dollars for the trimmer on market place. The only way I would fix that trimmer is if I knew somebody that needed one and just give to them.
I actually feel the same way about it.
I would simply replace the carb. Much easier.
you got that right.
I don’t have a ultrasonic cleaner & I wouldn’t buy one especially for that weed eater🤣
I hear what you're saying Mike Jones
We have the 160 for $47 on clearance at my local Lowes I work at.. Well nobody's buying them so the garden manager said she'd do 75% off the clearance price so I got 2 of them for $12 each brand new..
I do dislike that it doesn't have a cluth, my cheap hypertough Walmart trimmer i got last year honestly seems better build than this.
great purchase
I know it’s cheaper at Walmart super tech you don’t have any problems with it
thank you Heath Wilson.
I would’ve just bought a new carb honestly
thank you CFB Flash.
I have ultrasonic cleaner but faster to clean myself.
Lol, .. very well said M Gomez.
Because weedeater brand makes them
thank you Scott Russell.
@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE your welcome.. I am a 2 stroke mechanic and small engine... been doing it for years.. I used to build race saws... the newer cub cadets are made by the same company as sears... Murray and box store John deers... the box store Husqvarna is also made by poulan.. poulan bought Husqvarna several years ago
very nice credentials, Does Husqvarna have a commercial line up of tools?
@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE yes they do... the XP series is professional grade.... they are more money but they are real chainsaws...the weedeaters the best is straight shafts.. they are professional grade.. the low cc curve shafts are the cheaper poulan in orange color.. they are good bit won't hold up like the straight shafts
thanks again Scott Russell.
The cylinder is scored and not much life left in that trimmer. I would pull the muffler again and look at piston, rings, and cylinder closely. It is an old Bolens with no real value for resell.
that much is for sure, I don't know what I'll do with it.
I despise those engines. Some of the worst 2 stroke engines ever made to power lawn equipment in my opinion.
they have their merits but yes, I don't care for this design at all