Muffler full of carbon

[LwnmwnMan2]

Not a vehicle, but thought the mechanics here might be of some help.

Weed trimmer. Guys feather the throttle instead of running full throttle to keep the heat up.

Carbon buildup in the muffler has caused the muffler to become plugged with carbon.

Is there anything I can soak these mufflers in to erode this carbon without having to buy new mufflers?

It's not that much ($16 / muffler) but rather than we're waiting for the dealer to order in mufflers and I'd like to get these up and running.

They are a bit loud to run without mufflers.

[Macgyver55]

Throttle body cleaner and brake clean both cut carbon to a point. Scraping off the bulk first makes it easier.

Preventing it would help more!

What kind/brand of oil are you using?

[LwnmwnMan2]

Throttle body cleaner and brake clean both cut carbon to a point. Scraping off the bulk first makes it easier.

Preventing it would help more!

What kind/brand of oil are you using?

I use Amsoil Sabre 100:1.

It's not an oil issue, it's an operator issue.

Not keeping the engine hot is what causes it.

I can use a trimmer for 5 years and never have an issue. My guys have them and within a year they start having carbon issues.

Echo trimmers have a screen that gets plugged, along with the exhaust port.

Those are easy to clean out.

The Redmax trimmers fill up the muffler.

[john.wells]

One of the problems these days is that the manufactures have been forced to restrict the exhaust to comply with emissions. It is a crummy way to deal with it, as engines need to breath fully yet have enough back pressure to run effectively. By restricting the exhaust output, the amount of emissions "seems" to be less, kind of like the old "smog pumps" that automobile manufacturers slapped into cars to dilute the exhaust with fresh air in the early days of this nonsense. One thing you could do is get rid of that screen- they have it there for spark arresting. Just don't run the thing in dry tinder. You could also experiment with drilling holes for better flow, depending on the design of the muffler. I KNOW that this is all PROBABLY not on the up and up, but cripes, what is a guy to do???

[Macgyver55]

Alright, the oil choice is good and should reduce carbon, but if the carbs are adjusted too rich that will also contribute to buildup. An air filter that is even a little dirty will richen the mixture so make sure they are cleaned frequently.

Even running at a a slower but constant rpm the motor should build enough heat to keep them cleaner. I think your assessment of the throttle feathering is probably the main cause and retraining the "help" to use them correctly may lengthen the time between cleanings. Maybe rotating the equipment to different users on the crews so they don't have the same type of operator all the time may also help. Good luck!

[CAMAN]

Do like the police do and gun it a couple times each shift and before putting back on the trailer.

[hitthebricks]

We used to have that problem with our cutoff saws. removed the screens in the exhaust port and have not had that problem since.

HTB

[LwnmwnMan2]

We used to have that problem with our cutoff saws. removed the screens in the exhaust port and have not had that problem since.

HTB

I used to do that with the Echo trimmers.

We run Redmax now and either the screen is IN the mufflers or there are none to remove.