Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Yard Machine Gas Trimmer, piston damage, jaw puller

Question
Hi John,

My Y28 Yard Machine Gas trimmer will not start. I have changed the spark plug made sure the gas/oil mixture is accurate. I am getting spark at the spark plug and it seems to be getting gas into the carburetor. Any other ideas? Dave.

Answer
Hello David:

1- Remove the Muffler and Inspect the Exhaust Port for Carbon Blocking the Exhaust Port. Check the Muffler and Spark Arrestor Screen (in the muffler) for Blockage Also. 2- If the Muffler and Exhaust Port are Clear, the Plug is Firing and you are Sure the Carburetor is Allowing Gas Into the Engine, then  Check the Flywheel Key. **Remove the Cover that Houses the Starter Assembly. Use a Bolt the Same Diameter and Threads as the Spark Plug and About 3" Long. Thread the Bolt into the Spark Plug Hole Until it Engages the Piston. Slowly Tighten the Bolt Until you have Locked the Piston and it Does Not Move. **BE CAREFULL  A LOT OF TORQUE IS NOT REQUIRED PISTON DAMAGE CAN OCCUR IF TO MUCH TORQUE IS USED ON THE STOP BOLT** Now **Remove the Flwheel Nut. Use a 3 Jaw Puller and Attach the Puller to the Flywheel. Look for a Puller with Flat Jaws. These Slide Under the Flywheel and Allow for Easier Removal. Tighten the Puller and then Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Tighten and Hit Again Until the Flywheel is Loose and Can be Removed from the Crankshaft. Note the Key that Aligns the Flywheel to the Crankshaft. This Key is Most Likely Sheared or Bent and Causing the Plug to Fire Slightly Out of Time and Causing a Compression Lock. There is Not Enough Compression to Kick Back But Enough to Cause the Engine to Seem to Have High Compression.**  Send me the Model Numbers Off the Unit, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Y28 is the Series Model. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John