Bolens BL160 User Manual (English)

Other manuals for Bolens BL160

Questions and Answers:

L
lisa12Jul 26, 2025
Why my Bolens BL160 engine will not start?
- D
  Darryl GutierrezJul 26, 2025
  If your Bolens Trimmer engine won't start, it might be due to several reasons. The fuel tank could be empty, so refill it with properly mixed fuel. You may not have pressed the primer bulb enough; try pressing it 10 times or until fuel is visible. The engine could be flooded; in that case, move the choke lever to Position 3, squeeze the throttle control, and pull the starter rope until the engine starts. Old or improperly mixed fuel can also be the culprit, so drain the tank and add fresh fuel. Lastly, the spark plug might be fouled, requiring a replacement.
M
Mr. John JohnsonJul 31, 2025
What to do if my Bolens BL160 engine lacks power?
- D
  Debra AndersonJul 31, 2025
  If your Bolens Trimmer engine lacks power or stalls, the issue might stem from old or improperly mixed fuel; in this case, drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly mixed fuel. Another potential cause is a dirty air filter, which should be cleaned or replaced. Lastly, a fouled spark plug could be the problem, and replacing it should resolve the issue.
C
Charles CampbellAug 4, 2025
Why Bolens Trimmer engine will not accelerate?
- J
  Jennifer JacobsAug 5, 2025
  If your Bolens Trimmer engine will not accelerate, it could be due to a few reasons. The fuel might be old or improperly mixed, so drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly mixed fuel. The cutting head might be bound with grass; stop the engine and clean the cutting head. Also, check if the air filter is dirty and clean or replace it as needed.
M
Misty JonesAug 10, 2025
How to fix Bolens Trimmer when engine will not idle?
- J
  Jennifer HopkinsAug 10, 2025
  If your Bolens Trimmer engine won't idle, there are a few things you can check. First, the air filter might be dirty, so clean or replace it. Also, old or improperly mixed fuel can cause this issue, so drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly mixed fuel. Finally, the idle speed might be incorrect, so try adjusting it.
E
Emily JohnsAug 15, 2025
What to do if the cutting line advances uncontrollably on my Bolens Trimmer?
- J
  Jorge BakerAug 15, 2025
  If the cutting line on your Bolens Trimmer advances uncontrollably, it's likely due to oil, cleaner, or lubricant in the cutting head. To fix this, clean and thoroughly dry the cutting head.
K
Kari TurnerAug 20, 2025
How to fix Bolens BL160 cutting head that will not advance line?
- N
  Nathan BrownAug 20, 2025
  If the cutting head on your Bolens Trimmer won't advance the line (for bump heads only), several issues could be at play. The cutting head might be bound with grass, so stop the engine and clean it. The cutting head could be out of line, requiring you to refill it with new line. The inner reel might be bound up or the line twisted, so rewind the line. Also, the cutting head might be dirty, necessitating cleaning of the inner reel and outer spool. The line could be welded, requiring you to open the cutting head and remove the welded section. Finally, not enough line might be extended; stop the unit, push the bump knob, and pull the line until 4 inches (102 mm) extends outside the cutting head.

Bolens BL160 Specifications

General

Engine Displacement	25 cc
Engine Type	2-cycle
Cutting Swath	16 inches
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Weight	12.3 lbs
Shaft Type	Straight
Cutting Width	16 inches
Type	String Trimmer

Summary

Safety

Important Safety Instructions

Read and follow all safety instructions to ensure operator and bystander safety.

Safety Warnings for Gas Units

Essential safety precautions for operating gas-powered units, emphasizing fuel handling and fire prevention.

While Operating

Guidelines for safe operation, including personal protective equipment and proper handling.

Trimmer Safety

Specific safety rules for using the trimmer, including line type and cutting head safety.

Other Safety Warnings

Important safety advice for maintenance, cleaning, storage, and general unit handling.

Safety and International Symbols

Explanation of safety and international symbols used in the manual for product identification.

Know Your Unit

Specifications

Assembly

Installing the Cutting Head Shield (Curved Shaft)

Instructions for attaching the cutting head shield to curved-shaft trimmer models.

Installing the Cutting Head Shield (Straight Shaft)

Steps for installing the cutting head shield on straight-shaft trimmer models.

Connecting the Upper and Lower Shafts

Procedure for connecting the upper and lower shafts of the trimmer unit.

Installing and Adjusting the Handle (Type A)

Guide for installing and adjusting the handle on Type A models.

Installing and Adjusting the Handle (Type B)

Guide for installing and adjusting the handle on Type B models.

Oil and Fuel

Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions

Detailed instructions on correctly mixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil for the unit.

Fueling the Unit

Step-by-step guide for safely fueling the trimmer unit with the correct fuel mixture.

Starting and Stopping

Starting Instructions

Procedure for priming, starting, and warming up the trimmer engine.

Stopping Instructions

How to properly stop the trimmer engine and turn off the unit.

Operation

Holding the Unit

Correct posture and hand placement for operating the trimmer safely and effectively.

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

Method for releasing more trimming line using the bump head mechanism.

Tips for Best Results

Techniques and advice for optimal cutting performance and line management.

Decorative Trimming

How to trim around trees, posts, and fences at a 30-degree angle.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance tasks and their frequencies for optimal unit performance.

Replacing the Trimming Line

Instructions for replacing the trimmer line.

Maintaining the Air Filter

Procedure for cleaning and maintaining the air filter for engine health.

Adjusting the Idle Speed

How to adjust the engine's idle speed if it is not running properly.

Maintaining the Spark Plug

Steps for inspecting, cleaning, gapping, and replacing the spark plug.

Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the exterior of the trimmer unit.

Storage

Guidance for short-term and long-term storage of the trimmer unit.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common reasons and solutions for the engine failing to start.

Engine Will Not Idle

Diagnosing and fixing issues with the engine not idling correctly.

Engine Will Not Accelerate

Solutions for problems preventing the engine from accelerating properly.

Engine Lacks Power or Stalls

Troubleshooting steps for loss of engine power or stalling.

Cutting Head Will Not Advance Line

Fixes for when the trimmer line fails to advance from the bump head.

Cutting Line Advances Uncontrollably

Addressing issues where the trimmer line advances unintentionally.

Related product manuals

Bolens BL26C0, BL26SS, BL26BC

104 pages

Bolens BL160 User Manual

Table of Contents