The choke is normally off when the engine warms to keep it running. However, now your string trimmer will only run with the choke lever in the on position. Check the items listed below to find and fix your trimmer problem.
A Troy-Bilt string trimmer only runs with the choke on when the engine is getting too much air or too little fuel.
This may be the result of a fuel restriction due to a dirty carburetor, plugged fuel filter, clogged fuel line, plugged fuel tank vent, or old fuel; or the result of excessive air due to a punctured fuel line or a bad carburetor gasket.
Remove the spark plug wire prior to making any repairs. Be cautious and follow all safety procedures in the Troy-Bilt operator’s manual.
This post may include affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
6 Reasons a Troy-Bilt String Trimmer Only Runs With the Choke On
1. Old Gas
Old gas can cause many problems to develop in a string trimmer including having to use the choke because of a reduction in fuel flow.
You may find the only way you’re able to keep the mower running is by using the choke to correct the fuel-to-air ratio needed for combustion.
Gas can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase. Most gas sold today includes ethanol.
This alternative fuel attracts moisture to the fuel system. Water does not mix with gas. The water and ethanol mixture will separate from the gas and oil mixture. It leaves behind varnish that can restrict fuel flow or cause component failure.
Ethanol is not good for a small engine. Never use fuels with high ethanol content. Avoid fuels sold as E15 and E85 as they contain up to 15% and 30% respectively.
A Troy-Bilt string trimmer requires an unleaded gas that has a minimum 89-octane rating that contains no more than 10% ethanol.
- Troy-Bilt 2-cycle string trimmers: Require a gas and 2-cycle oil mixture at a ratio of 40:1.
- Troy-Bilt 4-cycle string trimmers: Require gas only (No oil is mixed with fuel. A separate fill port is used for engine oil.).
Read more about choosing and caring for the gas at This is the Gas and Oil Troy-Bilt String Trimmers Use (2 & 4 cycle).
SOLUTION: Remove old fuel from your string trimmer. Mix fresh fuel in a fuel container with an additive like Sea Foam or STA-BIL to stabilize the gas, clean the fuel system, and reduce moisture.
Add the fuel mixture to the fuel tank. Start your Troy-Bilt trimmer and allow it to run for about 5 minutes to run the treated fuel through the system.
If the trimmer doesn’t begin to run well without the choke on, continue checking the items below.
2. Clog or Puncture in the Fuel Line
The gummy deposits left behind by old fuel can stick to the fuel line narrowing the passageway. This restricts fuel flow.
You may also find the fuel line has developed a crack or has been punctured allowing air to be pulled into the fuel line.
A clog or puncture in the fuel line can result in needing to use the choke to correct the fuel-to-air mixture needed to keep the engine running.
SOLUTION: Remove and replace a clogged or punctured fuel line.
3. Plugged Fuel Filter
Another item that can restrict fuel flow is a plugged Troy-Bilt fuel filter. A fuel filter is used to prevent dirt and other debris from running through the fuel system and engine.
When the filter isn’t changed regularly or you’re running very dirty fuel, it can become plugged not allowing sufficient fuel to pass through the filter. It’s best to stay on top of your fuel filter maintenance by changing it out annually.
SOLUTION: Replace a plugged fuel filter. The filter is located inside the fuel tank. Wipe around the fuel tank cap before removing it to keep dirt from falling into the tank.
Take note of the location of the fuel filter inside the fuel tank to ensure the new filter is installed in the correct position. Pull the filter out of the tank.
A clean bent wire works well to hook the fuel linen to pull the filter out of the tank. Remove the old filter and attach a new fuel filter to the end of the fuel line and place it back inside the fuel tank. Reinstall the fuel cap.
4. Bad Carburetor Gasket
The gasket that sits behind the carburetor can deteriorate and become worse over time. When this happens, it no longer seals properly allowing additional air into the system causing it to run lean.
This is when there is a higher concentration of air and less fuel than required by the engine.
SOLUTION: Gain access to the carburetor and carefully remove the linkages and bolts attaching the carburetor. Remove the carburetor and gasket.
Reinstall a new gasket and reattach the carburetor, bolt, and linkages. You may need to clean the carburetor while it is removed from the Troy-Bilt trimmer.
5. Dirty Carburetor
The carburetor’s function is to regulate the amount of fuel that is mixed with air to form combustion to start and run the string trimmer.
A buildup of varnish and deposits can make the carburetor not function right so it isn’t able to get fuel to the engine.
SOLUTION: If you are a little mechanical you should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor. Clean the carburetor by taking it apart and using a carburetor cleaner to remove deposits left behind from old fuel.
If the carburetor does not function after being cleaned, you may need to be able to find a rebuild kit to rebuild the carburetor or you may have to replace it.
6. Plugged Fuel Tank Vent
The fuel tank must have a vent so air can pass into the tank to equalize the tank pressure and air pressure. Without a vent, the fuel tank will create a vacuum that will restrict the amount of fuel getting to the engine.
This may cause you to have to run the trimmer with the choke on. A good indication you may have a fuel tank vent problem is when your Troy-Bilt trimmer runs for a while before it starts to run sluggish or shuts down.
The engine only starts to run better once the fuel cap is loosened to allow air into the fuel tank.
SOLUTION: Place the string trimmer on a level surface. Loosen the cap and don’t allow gas to spill. Start the trimmer. Place the choke in the off position.
If the trimmer runs well with the choke in the off position, tighten the cap and allow it to continue to run with the choke off. If it dies, you may have to replace the plugged fuel tank vent.
Most Troy-Bilt string trimmers vent from the fuel cap. Replace a bad cap.