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.

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. 👍👍

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.

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

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. 👍

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

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

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

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.😀

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.

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

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!

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.

Thanks for the information

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

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.

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.

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