Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - Homelite String Trimmer - Can't pull rope starter

Hi All,

I have a Homelite straight shaft string trimmer that is just over a year old. Last season the trimmer worked fine. It started and ran the way it was supposed to. This season, I could only get it to run in half choke. If I moved it to the run position, it would stall. The last time I used it (running in half choke), it stalled when I let go of the trigger and when I tried to restart it, I couldn't pull the rope starter at all. Trying to pull on the rope made a noise like metal hitting metal. I gave it a couple more yanks and it freed up, but didn't turn over. Then, it got stuck again and has been stuck since. I removed the spark plug and tried to pull the rope, but still get the same result. Do you think the engine seized up or is this a fixable issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Phil

Take the muffler off,and check the cylinder for scoring.Also check the piston for any scratches.Hope this helps.

Jerry

Your starter spring may have jammed.
Is your pull handle in front or rear of unit?

The pull handle is in front of the unit (closest to the shaft).

I hate to ask this question, but, my mechanical skills are minimal at best. Would I be able to see the piston and cylinder just by removing the muffler?

Thanks,
Phil

I don't know--maybe cheese will pop in & tell us.
I love taking things apart--I would get owners manual & check exploded view of unit & take it apart until I found what is broken. Sometimes I do have a few parts left over-but what the heck :D :D