Fixing A Ryobi Trimmer That Starts But Won't Stay Running 

Thanks for posting this vid. My trimmer was doing this exact behavior at the end of last season so I stored it, leaving it for later and possibly replacing. Tackled this project to start this season and this was a great resource. Saved me buying a new head and accessories.

Yes i would use a cheap trimmer and yes i have. Years ago when i lived in PA, i used a ryobi trimmer with the attachments. Trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer , and the cultivator. It saved me a small fortune in equipment and it all fit neatly in the trunk of my car, which meant i didn't even need a truck and trailer. After 2 years i got the truck/ trailer and slowly bought individual machines.

I’ve had to many issues in the past with mixing my fuel so I only use pre mixed fuels now. Great fix and video

Nice video with the information that I need to diagnose my issue. Thank you.

Great video I use a cheap strimmer it was given to me by a friend not running and I stripped it down cleaning the carb out put fresh petrol in started first time the smile it put on my face when it was running brilliant and I still use it 4 years on still going strong. 👍

Love this video, thanks for taking the time in making it and explaining everything detail by detail. You explain, get to the point and boom it’s done. Others take their time talk about the cat, the dog, a pigeon flew over the house then will remove a screw to talk more and never gets to the point. I’ve had my Ryobi string trimmer for 5 years. It worked well and turned on every time. One day I was clearing out my yard (new homeowner) the. I started to smell like something burning then all of a sudden the timer just went clank clank and off it went. I tried turning it back on and I couldn’t even pull the recoils rope starters. I would pull and it’s locked in and just moved about 1-2 MM. I’m not a small engines mechanic or anything like that but I did buy another Ryobi string Trimmer. I was using it and it shut off on me 2 different times today. It would run for about 10-15 mins then it start sounding like it’s choking and running out of fuel at the same time. I have to check what’s causing this issue. They look the same just like 2 features changed. The attachment are is different and it has a butterfly head security feature that’s much easier to listen or tighten the attachment. And the choke lever is more sturdy and stays in place and not Like the old head that it moved on with vibration from accelerating the trimmers I don’t know the names of some of the parts so I tried my best hopefully you understand what I’m talking about. Thanks again and I’ll try to get it started

Great video!! I have had two occasions where I purchased carbs online and had production debris such as small shards of brass and aluminum in passages. Though this is rare, I would be aware of the possibility. I will say that the reproduction carbs are very well built and work well 99.9% of the time.Very thorough video, this will help keep these machines alive. 👍👍

reminds me of the ryobi trimmer i used growing up good to see they still run just as rough 15 years later when i started mowing lawns commercially the first thing i did was borrow $500 from my dad and buy a honda 4 stroke trimmer after i wound up mowing lawns i gave that trimmer to my dad who still uses it to this day

I have this exact trimmer and we’ve had it for about 5 years no issues except a broken primer bulb.😀

I liked the financial advice at the end, very good!

My favourite trimmer heads are the SpeedFeed that Echo sells. I even put one on my Honda 25cc straight shaft trimmer. The head like you showed there, albeit fast to load is incredibly wasteful and time consuming especially in commercial work where grit, asphalt and concrete wearing the line incredibly quickly, having you stop frequently to change it.

For mixing gas I like using those home depot 1 quart mixing containers with the graduated markings. Two teaspoons is about 10ml so 500ml makes 50:1 400ml makes 40:1. Fills up about one tank at a time. I don't like mixing extra either, especially when I got older machines that need lower ratios

Thanks for the information

That is a good backup machine. Sometimes engineered fuel loses its octain if very old. Other that that I use it all the time. Thanks for the video.

Great video

It looks like it'd be a nice Weed wacker Thank you for the video

Thanks! Sir, respectfully, my Ryobi 25cc will take on all challengers. Thank you for the inspiration.

Great video and good detective work on on finding the problem, Then having A FUBAR problem and logically then fixing that by replacing it. A lot of folks would have tried drilling that bit Out with the same size bit, But that would have caused it to Flood. Thank goodness for the Bone Yard!

They sell non ethanol gas at gas stations in my area, it’s the only way for these small engines to last long term, lasts a very long time in storage as well.

Hey I just wanted to ask you how you learned how to work on small engines? I have a lot of respect for you because you are able to fix stuff and explain the process. I have learned a lot from you myself.

I’ve used trufuel in the past and never had issues with it although I’ve also heard horror stories about it too. In my area if you want ethanol free fuel then “canned” fuel is my only option. Just pour & go and you’re set. Especially useful before hibernation of your power equipment because you don’t have to empty your fuel tanks during the off seasons. I empty my 2 cycle equipment between uses but I keep the fuel in my mower all year long. I’m currently using VP Racing 50:1 mix, VP Racing 4 cycle fuel, Stihl motomix and Aspen 2.

Heck,nice running back-uo,I'd always have a second or a favorite though

I have ran into this same problem with this same exact trimmer for the 6 years I’ve owned, fixed the problem three times, Even run it dry before storage. I’m also tempted to buy a Husky trimmer with a pole saw attachment since I’m in the need of one.

Fellow Simpleton here. As a homeowner I only have three 2 stroke machines. I mix my fuel directly into the gas tank of each machine. They all take roughly 400 ml of fuel. I use a children’s medicine cup which has all the measurements on it. Pour in 8ml of oil. Add fuel and shake. 400/50 = 8 or 50:1 Never had an issue with fuel. I don’t work commercially but I have used low end trimmers in the past. Cheers

what is your favorite grease cleaner keep up the vids very informative BILL

You get what you pay for. I prefer my Echo srm225, use red armor oil plus seafoam . Never have a problem with old fuel from season to season.

I use that brand of syrup, too!

Excellent video, you did a tremendous job. I have the exact same problem with my Ryobi trimmer. I replaced the carb. it ran twice and now has the same problem. I am going to see if the jet is clogged too. Thank you again!

I used a srm-261t echo high torque not sure if it is a commercial branded but it gets the job done

Is there a trick to getting the brass jet out? Its stuck on my carb so can't inspect it. Great video!

Nice video

well as a back up one and of course mainly residential usage etc.

Love the video.. did everything you said still not starting.. when I look at the air filter hole I don’t see a spark.. what you think it can be?

I have inherited 2 honda mowers there brilliant job I have a question is there a repair for a holed deck

I had issues with mine and my dads ryobi trimmers leaking gas. Both fairly new and low time. Fuel lines in new/ good condition. Disassembled and inspected. Found all 4 carburetor assembly screws loose on both trimmers. Tightened up and purring like a banshee now. Hope this helps you out.

Yes, I have and would use a trimmer like that and cheaper, as long as it ran and one thing I've found out about Tru-fuel is that if you were using ethanol gas before, the Tru-fuel will cut the crud loose from the previous and you'll have to do some readjusting on your stuff. Seems like I've had to reset the Stihl blower 2ice since Tru-fuel but it's been fine for several years now. No more ethanol and the Echo needs a bit of adjusting but is good enough for who owns it. Blessings

I like that style trimmer head. My Poulan Pro uses 0.115 line which is very hard to find. So I usually use 0.105 crisscrossed over so it doesn’t get pulled out if it gets caught. My trimmer is 13years old. I have trouble keeping it running, which video do you recommend rewatching? Thanks for all the great education.

Good fix. I would use one commercially for a while, & service it after use, until finances allowed for better equipment.

I find this to br a good trimmer for a home owner but have seen some commercial guys using it too.

My craftsman weed eater had a head like that years ago where you put pre-cut strings in it. For me I personally hated as as I was changing it multiple times when doing my yard. I switched out to the craftsman bump head. I also put a video up on the easiest way to rewind the craftsman bump head on my page as the instructions are useless.

Is that carb for a four-stroke trimmer? Four Stroke carbs have that little spring inside of them. Steve'sSmallEngineSaloon did a vid a few weeks back on those springs. I have a residential trimmer as a backup, a cub cadet cc2000 with a ryobi kombi shaft on it; I used it as my primary until the curve shaft head wore out, then I bought my Echo.

I do yard work as a side job in the summer for extra money. I have about 60 lawns I do weekly/biweekly. I will tell you that having a cheap home owner grade homelite weed eater on my truck as a back up has saved my butt more than once. The commercial grade stihl and Husqvarna trimmers they make these days aren’t all that great, and have a tendency to stop running mid job. It’s happened to me more than once just this summer alone. You definitely want to have good solid equipment for commercial use, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a good old $50 back up.

Welding tip cleaning wire sets work good to clean jets

Use it as a backup

My Ryobi trimmer of late has been hard to start i figured it was flooded after waiting i finely get it started i was trimming for about 20 to maybe 30 minutes and it stoped running and i could not get it started again i checked the spark plug and it was clean i just recently changed it but it still seem like it's not gotting a spark what do you think i need to do

The jet inside the carburetor on the top, where the barrel is, how many turns from the close position should I turn it to to make the trimmer run perfectly?

Nice fix, thanks. I have this model, given to me used. Runs fine but the vibration is severe and after a few minutes, my hands really feel it. Surprised that it vibrates so much because it is "Full Crank." Noticed at about the 11 minute mark that your unit was also shaking a lot. Maybe it is just a feature/flaw for this Ryobi model. Did you notice the vibration?

What is your favorite degreaser for cleaning equipment

I tried everything to fix mine and after hours I had enough and decided to toss it in the trash and bought a DeWalt 20v brushless trimmer instead no more pulling string BS and it works every time electric is the way to go for this kind of work.

I work on thus stuff much like yourself. And I would sooner use a cheap light trimmer then a heavey one

I got a question i have a feather light and it starts ok but when it cold i have to keep it half choke for 1to2 mins then after that i can open it all the way and runs good very powerful but i try to let it idle it will for a short time then start to die down and quit but will start right up and if let it sit for 5 or ten minutes i am not sure why it has to be choke again when it hot out

Thank you for the help. God bless you.

Hello, I have a Case 222. I got it running and I am looking for a mower deck. Do you know maybe where I can find one?

I've never seen a spring located in the center body of the carburetor like the one in your carburetor. The carb I'm working on is a Ruixing, model H639-00-02. It looks identical to yours but doesn't have that spring. I'm curious to know what numbers are etched on the body of your carb. I'm concerned that the spring may have escaped during disassembly but also don't know if my carb should even have that spring. I did an extensive search for rebuild kits for my carb and others that looked identical and none of the kits contained that spring. I'd appreciate any explanation of the purpose of that spring and if you have an idea of how I can confirm whether on not my carb should have a spring. Thank you....

If the head of my ryobi same weed eater as this one wont spin but starts up what do you think it might be?

Never cared much for the canned fuel. My chainsaw seemed to never run right with it. I always use non ethanol gas mixed at 50:1 and always run it dry if it doesn't get used for a while

6:54 What about an interdental toothbrush? Would that fit?

Hey @homegarage I was using my weedeater yesterday and turned it off for something and when I went to start it back up it wouldn’t start back up do you got any ideas on how to keep it from happening again

Ryobi is a good week trimmer

You use what you can to start your business, as it grows you save and pay cash for a newer commercial unit and keep this one as a backup or when the new guy needs to use a trimmer….lol. I have nothing but commercial equipment now, and all I do is my own personal home. I know it will last, but all of it was stupid expensive especially since I purchase Stihl products. That old style ryobi, is a good trimmer though, I had one for years and sold it for the newer commercial trimmer.

The owner should watch the video so he doesn't have to bring this piece of crap back 😆 I would never use this for commercial use not even for back - up buy a Stihl buddy 👍 Well explained you should teach classes !!!

For home use, the 18” line works fine. Great job on the jet swap.

I run them all. From antique Echo's to new Stihl 4 mixes. The little Ryobi's are fun. I haven't killed one yet, and I run those hard. I would rather blow up a Ryobi than one of my nice machines in challenging situations.

Be careful with the knock off small black colored zama fuel filters. The paper inside the filter breaks down and fills the inlet screen.

I would use it commercially why not.👍🙏👍🙏

Is good idea to leave no gas in the tank of the trimmer?

Use color bread ties to keep lines in correctly

May I ask what Full Crank means because it doesnt make sense to me. ( I tried to explain it myself but my brain didnt do its job that well. )

Hey bro, what's up? It was very suspicious how the fuel jet became clogged even with a filter on the fuel line. Surprisingly enough, I was expecting to see a bad metering diaphragm but that one was still looking new.

there is nothing wrong with cheap equipment if it works. at least it doesn't sting as much if it gets damaged and it is less likely to get stolen. the only machines i would avoid are the very cheap ones without a clutch. i find these can usually be more of a pain when they start having issues.

May I ask what degrease are you used?

When changing a carb but can’t find an exact replacement what do you need to consider.

Can that make it run hot in cut off

Everybody says the same thing, they get about 1-1/2 years out of the carburator, so a 2 pack carb kit can last 3 years, if you empty it after each use and make sure the primer bulb is empty you might get a bit more out of the carb, when it's not the diafram its the outlet needle both parts ruin fast.😮

I have the same Ryobi . The problem I’m having is when I pull the string I hear a metal sound

Hey what site do u get your free stuff off of please tell me because I fix things to please ❤

What degreaser do you use?

True fuel has premium gas, I also wonder why the fuel issues

My lord, the number of Ryobi crappy units that come into the shop is staggering. They are really poorly made, and we are at the point now when busy season hits, we don't even take in Ryobi or Weedeater machines. The only thing I would use a Ryobi trimmer for is a paperweight to hold down my crossword puzzle in the wind while I do some yard work between breaks.

Its not a fuel issue. Its what that nasty ethanol does to all the parts in your fuel system. I gave up after 35 years of keeping things running for years without any adjustments. Now my makita outdoor power tools will make a mockery of your old school ICE engines . No plugs air filters fuel filters special fuels rebuilding carbs noise smoke and hoping you engine starts and keeps running until the pull rope breaks or you spend more time getting your engine to run than the job you are trying to finish.

I use a wire took on a wire brush to clean tiny jets..

Best thing for these small 2 stroke engines is ethanol free - much better than Trufuel and the like.

Have you ever looked into the bottom of a oil bottle ? It will surprise you the trash in it

I had one of those hunks of junk. It would run good for 10 mins then suddenly stop and run like poo. I changed the carb, fuel cap, fuel lines, filter, cleaned the exhaust screen, adjusted the carb 50 times and it still wouldn't go properly. I Ended up cartwheeling it down the yard and left it there until someone stole it 😂😂😂 Ryobi is not what it used to be.

I have the same trimmer. Someone left it outside with engine end down. Does not start and hard to pull. I replaced the rusty pull start assembly on the back of the unit, did the entire carb, and pulled it apart. Sprayed with carb cleaner, . New plug, fuel lines, Fuel filter. Primer bulb. New fuel mix. Still hard to.pull. (continued)

Premix gas sucks I have used and burned a fs131kobi trimmer up never again

I took the carb apart on my robi and couldn't figure how it went back hello amazon 25 bucks new carb after i put a new coil in 30 bucks i was in to far to go back then fuel lines grr oh ya i got the lines mixed up

Sounds like the carburetor needs a ajument to me 😂👂

Wait a minute, this sounds familiar

Mine floods while trying to start.

Use a snippet of a guitar string to clear the carb jet.

Poulin chainsaw, all new parts, still won't run like to it should

I wouldn’t use tru fuel your gonna miss out on 700 to 800 rpm’s

Fixing A Ryobi Trimmer That Won't Start 🤔 First thing you do is : throwing the "Ryobi Trimmer" in the garbage . Nr 2: Stop wasting time and get a real quality item👍

These things are junk from the factory...not worth your time...If you want a cheap/free trimmer that's worth fixing, check yard sales for an Echo...they frequently show up for cheap or free at yard sales, or sometimes a the local landfill or a scrap yard, and often all they need is a new carb and fuel lines/filter...and unlike the Ryobi, they are worth the effort...

Man could have just used compressed air. 😢

Thumbnail title: “Ryobi won’t start”… First 30seconds: “I’ll be looking at a trimmer that will start but won’t stay running”… 🤷‍♂️

First

That brand name is just trash

Could you please message me? Thank you.