Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): carborator adjustment, screw adjustment, weed trimmer

Question
i have a Poulan T & E 450 yr. 2000 weed trimmer that is sometimes difficult to start.  i started ok last two times but today..no luck. i don't use it every week. it has a throttle screw and a L/H screw adjustment.  i have made several turns of each so it is probably out of adjustment as i really don't know what i am doing.  any advice on setting it right will be appreciated.  no work ever done on trimmer.

thanks, joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

The high speed mixture screw is initially set at 1&1/2 turns out.  Then adjust it to give good acceleration and top speed while keeping the screw as far out as possible.  The low speed mixture screw is set at 3/4 turn out, then adjust to give a smooth idle.  The problem is most likely dirt or gummed fuel in the carb.  You may need to clean it out and add a rebuild kit.  Trimmers are hard to repair and unless new or of commercial quality it's best to replace them.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael