Getting Ryobi trimmer started?
Dave
Help! Last year I bought a reconditioned/refurbished (mistake #1)
Ryobi (mistake #2), 4-cycle grass and weed trimmer. I used it about 3
times last summer and it never started that easily, but it did start.
However, after draining the gas and storing it for the winter, I can't
get it started at all now, even with fresh gas and spraying "quick
start" stuff in the carburator.
(As you'll realize when you read this message, I'm not much of a
mechanic. That's why I need your help!)
I don't know if this is related, but the rope is difficult to pull. It
never has been super smooth, but I think it's gotten progressively
more difficult to pull as it gets harder to start.
Since I can't even get it to fire with that quick start spray, I was
guessing that it was a sparkplug problem. Otherwise, you'd think it
would at least fire and sputter a bit.
I took the spark plug out, cleaned it and reinstalled it, but that
didn't help. I tried getting a new one, but it's such an odd size that
no store near me carries it. I'm not sure if it needs a new one.
Although it was a little dirty, it didn't look worn or anything.
That brings up another question: If you pull the spark plug out,
attach the wire and pull the rope, is the resulting spark big enough
that you should be able to see it? If so, then my spark plug isn't
sparking. I'm not sure if you're supposed to be able to see a spark,
or if it's so microscopic, that you couldn't see it in daylight with
your bare eyes.
Also, I used a circuit tester and the spark plug and it's wire is
getting current when I pull the rope, so the problem isn't with an
electrical switch that is stuck in the off position.
Once I have the spark plug out, the rope pulls easy. The manual says
it may pull hard if you're low on oil (it's not) or if too much oil
gets into where the spark plug goes (the piston chamber?). Once the
spark plug was out, I tried draining the oil from the hole, but none
came out.
Anyone have ideas on how I can test the existing sparkplug, fix the
hard-pulling starter rope and get the dang trimmer to start?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
****************************************************
Note: When replying to this message, please delete the word "DELETE" from my email address. This is a spam guard.
John McGaw
suffering from it. I bought a new one and have been regretting it severely.
Even after a trip to the repair shop about the only way I can make mine
work decently is to: apply full choke and pull rope until it makes a
"startup" noise, apply half choke and pull until it starts, wait for a LONG
time until it warms up enough to run under no choke but if that doesn't
work just leave it under half choke and use it that way. And to think that
I bought a 4-cycle because I thought it would be more reliable....
Next time I'm buying a Stihl!
--
John McGaw
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Dave <da...@DELETEcompanynewsletters.com> wrote in article
<3910a99b....@nntp.mindspring.com>...
David J. Bockman
Full choke
No throttle pressure on the 'trigger'
Pull cord until you get a good healthy splutter
half choke
Pull chord until it strats
then throttle, keep it running till warm, then choke to full off.
--
David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
Bunabayashi Bonsai On The World Wide Web: http://www.bunabayashi.com
email: d...@bunabayashi.com
John McGaw <no-spam...@usit.net> wrote in message
news:01bfb5c5$a890a620$8e9350d8@jmcgaw...
Dave
Is the rope ever hard to pull? Mine is, and I'm wondering if that is
related to the problem?
Dave
Rick Matthews
>
>Full choke
>No throttle pressure on the 'trigger'
>Pull cord until you get a good healthy splutter
>half choke
>Pull chord until it strats
>then throttle, keep it running till warm, then choke to full off.
That's the procedure that continues to work [every time] for my 5 year
old Ryobi 2 cycle 790r trimmer. The only maintenance that I've done in
those 5 years is to replace the spark plug this spring (just thought it
was time) and to clean the air filter 2 or 3 times.
I wouldn't buy a Ryobi 4-cycle any more than I'd buy a Briggs and
Stratton 2-cycle. On top of that, all-position 4-cycles are still
relatively new, aren't they?
Rick
Charles Self
>I wouldn't buy a Ryobi 4-cycle any more than I'd buy a Briggs and
>Stratton 2-cycle. On top of that, all-position 4-cycles are still
>relatively new, aren't they?
Dunno how new they are, but if the all run like mine, they should damned well
last forever.
Charlie Self
Word Worker
John Barry
Irrelevant. It's the carburetor that's "all-position". Nothing to do with
# of strokes/cycle (ports, valves, cam timing, whatever.)
Consider that carbureted aircraft recips have worked in all manner
of orientation for many years.
Regards,
John
"Rick Matthews" <K5...@SpamCop.net> wrote in message
news:8F2A6FC4EK5...@192.168.44.3...
> >Here is what I do:
> >
> >Full choke
> >No throttle pressure on the 'trigger'
> >Pull cord until you get a good healthy splutter
> >half choke
> >Pull chord until it strats
> >then throttle, keep it running till warm, then choke to full off.
>
> That's the procedure that continues to work [every time] for my 5 year
> old Ryobi 2 cycle 790r trimmer. The only maintenance that I've done in
> those 5 years is to replace the spark plug this spring (just thought it
> was time) and to clean the air filter 2 or 3 times.
>
> I wouldn't buy a Ryobi 4-cycle any more than I'd buy a Briggs and
> Stratton 2-cycle. On top of that, all-position 4-cycles are still
> relatively new, aren't they?
>
> Rick
>
>
Rick Matthews
>Irrelevant. It's the carburetor that's "all-position". Nothing to
>do with # of strokes/cycle (ports, valves, cam timing, whatever.)
Yeah, that's right.
OK, here's my story and I'm stickin' to it:
The Moke Monster
> Sorry to hear about your problem but glad to hear that I'm not the only one
> suffering from it. I bought a new one and have been regretting it severely.
Same here, I'll never buy another because it is so hard starting. I'm
intentionally rough on it so something will break and i'll have to replace it
sooner.
--
Moke
(remove the "X" for private)
bsmntdave
again
In article <3918B2A2...@Xxfoxinternet.net>, The Moke Monster
Rick Matthews
>Mine is also a nightmare to start. I'll never touch another Ryobi
>product again
>
I think all of the starting problems have been with Ryobi 4-cycle
engines, not the 2-cycle.
My 5 year old Ryobi 2-cycle starts just like it did when it was new.
Tor Langvand
Choke and pull 3-4 times it tries to start, then choke off, next pull it
starts, every time.
--
Tor Langvand
Torlo Solutions
http://torlo.dynip.com
Rick Matthews <K5...@SpamCop.net> wrote in message
news:8F2FEC4A1K5...@192.168.44.3...
Jim
to run without any additional lubrication. A 4 stroke engine burns
straight gas and requires a means of lubrication, usually done with a
wet-sump system, like a car engine. Running a wet sump system
upside-down would require modifications to the oiling system (and the
fuel system). Even a dry sump system not designed for inverted flight
would need to be modified to prevent damage.
Doing a roll or loop is very different than level inverted flying..
With rolls or loops you're pressed into the seat, with level inverted
your hanging from the straps.
Having said all that, I'm not familiar with how Ryobi has set up their
4 cycle engines... I'm fairly certain they're not using a dry sump
system however. My 5 year old 2 cycle Ryobi starts fine.. even with all
the lack-of-maintenance I've given it.
Jim
John Barry wrote:
>
> Hi, Rick.
>
> Irrelevant. It's the carburetor that's "all-position". Nothing to do with
> # of strokes/cycle (ports, valves, cam timing, whatever.)
>
> Consider that carbureted aircraft recips have worked in all manner
> of orientation for many years.
>
> Regards,
> John
>
> "Rick Matthews" <K5...@SpamCop.net> wrote in message
> news:8F2A6FC4EK5...@192.168.44.3...
> > >Here is what I do:
> > >
> > >Full choke
> > >No throttle pressure on the 'trigger'
> > >Pull cord until you get a good healthy splutter
> > >half choke
> > >Pull chord until it strats
> > >then throttle, keep it running till warm, then choke to full off.
> >
> > That's the procedure that continues to work [every time] for my 5 year
> > old Ryobi 2 cycle 790r trimmer. The only maintenance that I've done in
> > those 5 years is to replace the spark plug this spring (just thought it
> > was time) and to clean the air filter 2 or 3 times.
> >
> > I wouldn't buy a Ryobi 4-cycle any more than I'd buy a Briggs and
cvi...@ccpace.com
I looked at the Ryobi web site. The instructions...oops, did I say
the "I" word were posted. They are a little odd, that is why I decided
to post them here:
5. How do I start my 4-cycle product?
Check the oil level in the crankcase. Fill the fuel tank and put the
ignition switch in the "RUN" ( | ) position.
Fully depress and release the primer bulb 5 to 7 times.
Place the choke lever in the full "CHOKE" position.
With the unit on the ground, pull the starter rope quickly until the
engine sounds like it wants to run (no more than 5 pulls)
Place the choke lever in the "PARTIAL" position. Pull the starter rope
quickly until the engine starts (no more than 5 pulls)
If the engine does not start, repeat steps 2 to 5.
Run the engine for 30 seconds, with the throttle lever fully squeezed
to warm up. Place the choke lever in the "RUN" position.
NOTE: in colder weather, run the engine for 2 to 3 minutes to warm up.
To stop the engine, put the ignition switch in the "STOP" ( 0 )
position.
In article <3910a99b....@nntp.mindspring.com>,
da...@DELETEcompanynewsletters.com (Dave) wrote:
>
> Help! Last year I bought a reconditioned/refurbished (mistake #1)
> Ryobi (mistake #2), 4-cycle grass and weed trimmer. I used it about 3
<snip>
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
Rick Matthews
>5. How do I start my 4-cycle product?
>
>Run the engine for 30 seconds, with the throttle lever fully squeezed
>to warm up.
Sure! That's the way I warm up my car, don't you? NOT!
Like I said, don't buy a Ryobi 4-cycle or a Briggs and Stratton 2-cycle!
To...@astro.net
>Mine is also a nightmare to start. I'll never touch another Ryobi product
>again
I just bought the 875r and like it. Works great. Takes a bit of
getting used to starting but mine works just fine.
I put it in choke, pull 3-4 times then throw it on the middle setting
and she starts right up. I leave it in the middle setting for a few
minutes (while weed wacking) and then throw it in run. I just wish it
used ONE line instead of the dual lines.
ikant
bitch to start (same experience as the other postings here) and occasionally
sent clouds of half-burned oil out the exhaust. I am saying "was", because
the trimmer's gearbox (it's a straight-shaft design, with a gearbox at the
end) fell apart after about 5 hours of usage.
My wife took it to the Ryobi-referred dealer in my area. Here is what she
found out:
a) The counter person was surprised to learn that they were a Ryobi dealer,
and had to call around to verify that.
b) They asked her if she got it on sale for 1/2 price.
c) They voiced an opinion about this product that I will not repeat here.
d) They had no clue how to repair it and what may be broken. In 3 weeks
they may take a look, and possibly order some parts (if they can figure out
which).
e) They are keeping the engine together with the defective trimmer
attachment, so I can't use the other attachment that I have for this thing
for the next 6 weeks or so.
I am going to contact Ryobi directly and ask to send me a free trimmer
attachment (or at least a new gearbox). I'll let you know the outcome.
-- IK
To...@astro.net
>On Wed, 10 May 2000 02:38:44 GMT, nos...@nospam.net (bsmntdave) wrote:
>
>>Mine is also a nightmare to start. I'll never touch another Ryobi product
>>again
>
> I just bought the 875r and like it. Works great. Takes a bit of
>getting used to starting but mine works just fine.
>I put it in choke, pull 3-4 times then throw it on the middle setting
>and she starts right up. I leave it in the middle setting for a few
>minutes (while weed wacking) and then throw it in run. I just wish it
>used ONE line instead of the dual lines.
I forgot to add I pull the trigger while pulling to start....
Used mine again last night, starts right up with the procedure I wrote
above...
Tom
ssaund...@gmail.com
> Help! Last year I bought a reconditioned/refurbished (mistake #1)
> Ryobi (mistake #2), 4-cycle grass and weed trimmer. I used it about 3
I am also designing a stand for the machine that will hold it in place on the floor while I pull the cord while I hold it sown with my foot. I've had open heart surgery and starting that thing feels like I'm doing something bad. If my stand works I will publish a drawing with dimensions.