Stihl Hedge Trimmer Won’T Rev Up [Easy Troubleshooting]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

A Troubleshooting Guide

There’s nothing more frustrating than a hedge trimmer that won’t start. You’re trying to get your yard in shape, but the trimmer is just sitting there, idling. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but it just won’t rev up.

If you’re dealing with a Stihl hedge trimmer that won’t rev up, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, and there are a few simple things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Stihl hedge trimmer that won’t rev up. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

So if you’re ready to get your hedge trimmer back up and running, let’s get started!

Why Stihl Hedge Trimmer Won’T Rev Up

Why Stihl Hedge Trimmer Won’T Rev Up

Engine not getting fuel
Fuel tank is empty
Fuel line is clogged
Fuel filter is clogged
Carburetor is dirty or misadjusted

Engine not getting spark
Spark plug is fouled
Spark plug wire is damaged
Ignition coil is defective

Engine valves are stuck

Engine timing is off

Engine is seized

Hedge trimmer is overheating

How to Troubleshoot: Stihl Hedge Trimmer Won’t Rev Up

Symptoms

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Stihl hedge trimmer won’t rev up. These include:

The engine doesn’t start or starts but immediately dies.
The engine starts but doesn’t rev up to full speed.
The engine revs up but then dies.

Causes

There are a number of different causes that could be causing your Stihl hedge trimmer to not rev up. These include:

A dirty air filter.
A clogged fuel filter.
A bad spark plug.
A faulty fuel pump.
A problem with the carburetor.
A problem with the ignition system.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot the problem, you’ll need to start by checking the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to not rev up properly. To clean the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

If the air filter is clean, you’ll need to check the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, which can also cause it to not rev up properly. To check the fuel filter, remove it from the trimmer and inspect it for any signs of clogging. If the fuel filter is clogged, you’ll need to replace it.

If the air filter and fuel filter are clean, you’ll need to check the spark plug. A bad spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can also prevent it from revving up properly. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it for any signs of damage. If the spark plug is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

If the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug are all clean and in good condition, you’ll need to check the fuel pump. A faulty fuel pump can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, which can also cause it to not rev up properly. To check the fuel pump, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test the fuel pump’s voltage output. If the fuel pump is not producing the correct voltage, you’ll need to replace it.

If the air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, and fuel pump are all in good condition, you’ll need to check the carburetor. A problem with the carburetor can cause the engine to not rev up properly. To check the carburetor, you’ll need to remove it from the engine and clean it. If the carburetor is not clean, you’ll need to rebuild it or replace it.

If the air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, fuel pump, and carburetor are all in good condition, you’ll need to check the ignition system. A problem with the ignition system can prevent the engine from starting or from revving up properly. To check the ignition system, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test the ignition coil and spark plug wires. If the ignition coil or spark plug wires are not producing the correct voltage, you’ll need to replace them.

Solutions

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, you can then fix it. Here are the solutions for each of the possible causes:

To clean the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and rinse it with warm water. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.
To replace the fuel filter, remove the old fuel filter from the trimmer and install the new fuel filter.
To replace the spark plug, remove the old spark plug from the engine and install the new spark plug.
To replace the fuel pump, remove the old fuel pump from the trimmer and install the new fuel pump.
To clean the carburetor, remove the carburetor from the engine and clean it.
To rebuild the carburetor, remove the carburetor from the engine and rebuild it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To replace the carburetor, remove the old carburetor from the engine and install the new carburetor.
To replace the ignition coil, remove the old ignition coil from the engine and install the new ignition coil.
To replace the spark plug wires, remove the old spark plug wires from the engine and install the new spark plug wires.

Prevention

You can prevent your Stihl hedge trimmer from not revving up by following these tips:

Keep the air filter clean.
Keep the fuel filter clean.
Replace the spark plug regularly.
Maintain the fuel pump

Also Read THis: Black & Decker Hedge Trimmer Repair Stops Working Whenupside Down

FAQs: Stihl Hedge Trimmer Won’t Rev Up

Why won’t my Stihl hedge trimmer start?

There are a few possible reasons why your Stihl hedge trimmer won’t start. Here are some of the most common:

The spark plug is fouled: This is the most common cause of a hedge trimmer not starting. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and look at the electrode. If it is black and sooty, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

The air filter is dirty: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all. To check the air filter, remove it from the engine and inspect it for dirt and debris. If it is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The fuel filter is clogged: A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all. To check the fuel filter, remove it from the engine and inspect it for dirt and debris. If it is clogged, replace it with a new one.

The carburetor is out of adjustment: The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct proportions. If the carburetor is out of adjustment, it can cause the engine to run rough or not start at all. To adjust the carburetor, you will need to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified technician.

The engine is flooded: If you have flooded the engine, it will not start until the excess fuel has evaporated. To clear the flood, turn the choke to the off position and hold the throttle trigger open while cranking the engine. This will allow the excess fuel to evaporate.

How do I fix a Stihl hedge trimmer that won’t start?

Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can fix your Stihl hedge trimmer by following these steps:

Clean or replace the spark plug: If the spark plug is fouled, remove it from the engine and clean it with a wire brush. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Clean the air filter: Remove the air filter from the engine and inspect it for dirt and debris. If the air filter is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the fuel filter: If the fuel filter is clogged, remove it from the engine and replace it with a new one.

Adjust the carburetor: If the carburetor is out of adjustment, you will need to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified technician to adjust it.

Clear the flood: If you have flooded the engine, turn the choke to the off position and hold the throttle trigger open while cranking the engine. This will allow the excess fuel to evaporate.

What should I do if my Stihl hedge trimmer still won’t start?

If you have tried all of the above steps and your Stihl hedge trimmer still won’t start, it is best to take it to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.

How can I prevent my Stihl hedge trimmer from not starting?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Stihl hedge trimmer from not starting:

Keep the spark plug clean and in good condition: A dirty spark plug can cause the engine to run rough or not start at all.

Keep the air filter clean: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all.

Replace the fuel filter regularly: A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all.

Adjust the carburetor regularly: The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct proportions. If the carburetor is out of adjustment, it can cause the engine to run rough or not start at all.

Store your hedge trimmer properly: When you are not using your hedge trimmer, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the engine from becoming flooded.

What are the signs that my Stihl hedge trimmer needs to be serviced?

There are a few signs that your Stihl hedge trimmer may need to be serviced:

The engine is running rough or stalling.
The engine is not starting at all.
The engine is smoking.
The engine is overheating.
The engine is leaking oil.
The hedge trimmer is not cutting as well as it used to.

If you notice any of

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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