Craftsman WS215 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

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Joshua MurphyAug 8, 2025
How to start a Craftsman WS215 Trimmer if it won't start?
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  samuel85Aug 8, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine won't start, there are several possible causes: * The fuel tank may be empty, in which case you should fill it with properly-mixed fuel. * You may not have pressed the primer bulb enough; try pressing it 10 times. * The engine might be flooded; press the throttle lockout, squeeze the throttle control, and pull the starter rope until the engine starts. * The fuel could be old (over 30 days) or improperly mixed; drain the tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. * The spark plug might be fouled, requiring replacement. * The choke lever may not have been flipped. Refer to the Starting Instructions in the Starting and Stopping section.
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Andrew JenkinsAug 13, 2025
Why does my Craftsman WS215 Trimmer engine lack power or stall?
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  Caroline SalazarAug 13, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine lacks power or stalls, it could be due to several reasons. The fuel might be old (over 30 days) or improperly mixed, in which case you should drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. Another possibility is a dirty air filter, which requires cleaning or replacement. Lastly, a fouled spark plug can also cause this issue, so consider replacing it.
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James FryAug 18, 2025
Why won't my Craftsman Trimmer engine idle?
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  Joseph ShawAug 18, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine will not idle, there are a few potential causes. The air filter may be dirty, so you should clean or replace it. The fuel might be old (over 30 days) or improperly mixed; in this case, drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. Additionally, the idle speed could be incorrect, requiring adjustment.
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Diana DrakeAug 22, 2025
What to do if the cutting line advances uncontrollably on my Craftsman WS215 Trimmer?
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  Julie BestAug 23, 2025
  If the cutting line on your Craftsman Trimmer advances uncontrollably, it's likely due to oil, cleaner, or lubricant being present in the cutting head. To resolve this, clean the cutting head thoroughly.
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Alex PrattAug 27, 2025
Why won't the cutting head advance line on my Craftsman WS215?
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  joneschristopherAug 28, 2025
  If the cutting head on your Craftsman Trimmer will not advance line, several issues could be the cause. 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, so clean the inner reel and outer spool. The cutting head may be dirty, so open it and remove any welded sections. The line could be welded, in which case you should rewind it. The line might be twisted; stop the unit, push the bump knob, and pull the line until 4 inches (102 mm) extends outside the cutting head. Finally, not enough line might be extended, so clean and thoroughly dry the cutting head.
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smithbrittanySep 1, 2025
What to do if my Craftsman Trimmer engine will not accelerate?
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  Tyrone GutierrezSep 1, 2025
  If your Craftsman Trimmer engine will not accelerate, it could be due to old or improperly mixed fuel (over 30 days old). Drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. Another cause could be the cutting head being bound with grass; stop the engine and clean the cutting head. A dirty air filter can also prevent acceleration, so clean or replace it.

Summary

SAFETY

SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE

Spark arrestor requirements for forest land and specific states.

CALIFORNIA WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING

Pre-operation safety checks and guidelines for operator and bystander protection.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

Critical safety precautions for handling flammable gasoline and preventing explosions.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

Maintenance and Storage Safety

Transporting and Securing the Unit

ASSEMBLY

INSTALLING THE CUTTING HEAD SHIELD (Model WC215)

INSTALLING THE CUTTING HEAD SHIELD (Model WS215)

OIL AND FUEL MIXING AND FUELING

Mixing the Fuel

FUELING THE UNIT

Safety precautions and steps for filling the fuel tank.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE UNIT

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

Detailed procedure for starting the engine, including primer and choke usage.

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Steps to safely turn off the engine by releasing throttle and using the on/off switch.

OPERATION BASICS

HOLDING THE UNIT

ADJUSTING THE TRIMMING LINE LENGTH

Method to extend trimmer line using the bump head while operating.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Schedule of required maintenance tasks and their frequency.

REPLACING THE TRIMMING LINE

Detailed steps for installing new trimmer line into the cutting head.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Removing Old Trimming Line and Obstructions

MAINTAINING THE AIR FILTER

Steps for cleaning and re-oiling the air filter for optimal engine performance.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

ADJUSTING THE IDLE SPEED

How to adjust the idle speed screw for proper engine idling.

MAINTAINING THE SPARK PLUG

Procedures for inspecting, cleaning, and setting the spark plug gap.

TROUBLESHOOTING

ENGINE WILL NOT START OR IDLE

ACCELERATION AND POWER ISSUES

CUTTING HEAD ISSUES