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!
>
>
> ****************************************************
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I bought a Ryobi 4 cycle power head because the 2 cycle power head did not have the torque to operate the chainsaw attachment. The 4 cycle power head is a bit heavier, but it is a bear when it comes to power output. At first it started perfectly when the instructions were followed, After a couple of years it has become hard to start. Feels like the cylinder is flooded with fuel. I am becoming suspicious of to much oil in the crankcase. As soon as my son returns my equipment I check it out and post again.
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.