Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mcculloch Gladiator 550 petrol hedgecutter, recoil starter, stroke fuel

Question
QUESTION: My hedgecutter engine kept cutting out recently and now won't fire up.
There's a lot of resistance when I use the pull cord, someone mentioned it
might be the piston ring that needs replacing.
Can you shed any light on whats happened, and more importantly how to fix
it please? The maching was also serviced back in November last year and then
put away over the winter empty of fuel. Also where can I locate a repair
manual for this hedgecutter?

Many Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Tahir:

Are you Using 2 Cycle Fuel in the Engine? 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. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Hedge Cutter, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Also I need to Know if this is a US Product or EU Product. The McCulloch Brand is Distributed by Husqvarna in the EU and by MTD in the US. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John, thanks for the reply, yes I'm using 2 stroke fuel in the hedgecutter. It
is an EU product distributed by Husqvarna. The model name is Gladiator 550
and the model type is HT 020.  If you can give me any further info/advice on
this would much appreciate it.

Thanks

Tahir

Answer
Hello Tahir:

Have you Removed the Muffler Yet? If Not, then Please So So. Look Inside the Exhaust Port and you can See the Piston and Inside the Cylinder/Jug. Is the Piston and Cylinder/Jug Smooth like Glass or Scarred and Scratched. If the Piston is Scarred and Scratched, then the Oil Ratio you are Using is Too Low on Oil and Needs to be Incressed. The Scarring and Scratches are Indicators of this. Remove the Recoil Starter and Then Turn the Engine. If this Does Not Help, then Remove the Cutter Bar and Blades and Turn the Engine. If the Engine Still Turns Tight, then then the Engine is Damaged. Can you Locate the Actual Model Numbers? The HT020 Gladiator Seems to be a Series Model. You can View the Husqvarna Model List at this Site Addy, http://www.partstree.com/parts/ and Click on the Husqvarna Logo. Now Enter the Name Husqvarna in the Search Box on the Left and Click Go. Then Select the Hedge Trimmer File. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John