Makita long reach hedge cutter

[Acerforestry]

I have a Makita long reach 4 stroke hedge cutter, which was fine initially for lighter work but after about a year it took to cutting out once warm, and then refusing to start until cooled. Has anyone had a similar problem with one of these units, its either an EN49500H or EN4951SH, its doing my head in and I can't find any troubleshooting solution anywhere, cheers

[billpierce]

I have a Makita long reach 4 stroke hedge cutter, which was fine initially for lighter work but after about a year it took to cutting out once warm, and then refusing to start until cooled. Has anyone had a similar problem with one of these units, its either an EN49500H or EN4951SH, its doing my head in and I can't find any troubleshooting solution anywhere, cheers

I'd check the piston for wear for starters. Sounds like it may be losing compression when hot, I.e when cylinder has warmed up. Has it got plenty oil in?

[openspaceman]

42 minutes ago, Acerforestry said:

I have a Makita long reach 4 stroke hedge cutter, which was fine initially for lighter work but after about a year it took to cutting out once warm, and then refusing to start until cooled. Has anyone had a similar problem with one of these units, its either an EN49500H or EN4951SH, its doing my head in and I can't find any troubleshooting solution anywhere, cheers

First thing I'd check is that the valve clearance  wasn't too small if it runs when cold but not when hot

[Khriss]

Fuel filter n diaphragms would be my next call, a year of work won't wear a piston out if it's been looked after sensibly. K

[Acerforestry]

Yes to be realistic this has not done a lot of work full stop, so I seriously doubt piston wear - oil level is fine. A mower engineer mate is going to have a look, will report back

[GardenKit]

Testing saves time and frustration. The first thing I would do is run it until it cuts out, then do a spark test. Failed coils give exactly these symptoms and are the quickest to diagnose.

 

[maybelateron]

3 minutes ago, GardenKit said:

Testing saves time and frustration. The first thing I would do is run it until it cuts out, then do a spark test. Failed coils give exactly these symptoms and are the quickest to diagnose.

 

I had exactly the same symptoms with a stihl long reach hedgecutter. Took it to the dealer, new coil sorted it