Fixing A Ryobi Trimmer That Won't Start

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark PLUG TESTER. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
Tygon Fuel Line. amzn.to/3oX5JbA
Carburetor Adjustment tools. amzn.to/3k7cgxe
Primer Bulb. amzn.to/3bwLLxj
Fuel Filter. amzn.to/3dCKasx
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Thanks for watching. This trimmer, belongs to a friend of mine and doesn't start. I have a suspicion, that it spent a lot time, sitting, in a shed with fuel in it.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@jeauxj.5954]

Because of your videos I've been able to save several small engines from going to the landfills. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Jeaux J. and you're doing a great job too.

[@kroghjohn]

This year I have had every motorized gardening tool die on me. This video has at least saved one. Thanks a ton for sharing.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@user-ve4nl1gd9x]

I didn't intend to watch this video (as I'm researching buying a pre-owned Ryobi (s)trimmer multi tool for my daughter) but that has to be one of the best video guides I have ever watched. I also have a better understanding of adjusting any two-stroke engine carburetor myself. Beautifully explained and considered video. Thank you from across The Pond.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you Kim Wheeler-Mallows and good luck with your research

[@brekeen8162]

This has to be one of the best and most informative videos I have watched in a while. Thanks.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@thom_lapatate4842]

What I've always done to anything with small motors is simply running them out of fuel. Near the end of the season I usually try not to add gas unless I need to and my 15 yo mower still has no issues still. I've also been changing the oil once every 4 years at the latest, even if it still looks good. Love your videos by the way :3 verry clear and detailed

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Thom_LaPatate, I really appreciate that .

[@M.TTT.]

8:35 screwdriver trick is a good one, easier than holding the rope while tying the knot lol

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes, I thought so too.

This video was real life saver. I have all these RYOBI attachments did not want to buy another trimmer. Got my old one working in just a few minutes. Very helpful video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Glad it helped

[@emersoncampbell2661]

Thanks I now feel confident to effect those repairs I now saw.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Glad I could help

[@forrestdavis7581]

Thank you for this video, I followed your instructions and my trimmer is purring nicely

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and you did a great job fixing it!

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

I’ve bought ryobi tools back when they first hit the market and I hated them. Everything was plastic back then, but now I’ve noticed they step up their game.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

do you still use them?

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE oh no I threw all of them away eventually. I have never bought ryobi again

[@qfdforme]

@@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead I just resurrected a 1998 vintage Ryobi 790R. It only needed a new metering pump gasket, fuel line, primer bulb and filter. Everything else was fine. Runs like new. It is predated current Expand It version. They called it the Click On line. All of the recent Expand It lineup works with it. That said, I have the original Click On trimmer, blower, 3 point blade, reciprocating pruning saw. I threw away the snowblower attachment years ago. It was pretty worthless.

[@mkole3262]

The best video I have seen. Very comprehensive. Great job!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rbarr775]

I started using canned (engineered...) fuel exclusively when I bought an Echo GT-225 brand new. I'm convinced that's a good approach -- start with a new, decent quality machine and take care of it. I'm also convinced that it's less expensive in the long run; even if I'm wrong, it's less frustrating and less effort. I leave a full tank of fuel in it over the winter, and it takes maybe 3 extra pulls in the spring before it runs like new again.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes me too, I think the canned stuff, is a much better choice.

[@jpol3808]

To elaborate on stabilized fuel. There is actually a product called STABIL fuel stabilizer plus several other brands that I'm not familiar with. I use STABIL in every gas engine that I store. I've even used it in a van that sat for over 3 years and once I installed the new battery it took several cranks to get the fuel rail primed again but it fired right up and drove fine with the treated fuel that was left in it because of evaporation. I did double dose the stabilizer every year and haven't had a problem yet and it's been on the road now for 2 years since then without a fuel issue. It really works.... Just make sure that after you put it in the tank you run the engine for a few minutes to get the treated gas through the whole fuel system. That's my tip! Good luck.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@smallengines1018]

I haven't commented in a while. Great video. Ive watched all your new videos for the past year.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Small Engines 101 I always appreciate your comments.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro awesome video. I guess that we are all a little delinquent at times when it come to properly storing our equipment. It also happen with me so I guess that we only learn our lesson when it is a costly one.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

me too, sometimes I have good intentions and I eventually just forget. thank you Ramadin Sookhoo.

[@Michael_eagle99]

youre the most detailed and helpful guy on youtue!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks, I appreciate that.

[@gommechops]

This has answered several questions I had, thank you so much.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You're very welcome!

[@williamsnow1531]

I properly store my equipment at the end of every season. I also use premium gas in all my equipment.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that helps out a lot, you should never have problems, thank you William Snow.

[@jamess.putman1779]

I got a John deere trimmer been using 100%gas in it for ten years. No issues at all store it will fuel it starts up the next spring .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice!

[@curiosity2314]

Nice work on this video and great visuals. Since there would not be a real way to shut off the fuel I would say fill it to where you will be close to running out each time you use it and do run it out of fuel each time you use it. You would get a sense after time what running the unit out of fuel would be like. I'm officially all battery powered now with the Greenworks 21 pro 60volt, EGO hedge trimmer, two 530 blowers and the basic trimmer. My 2013 B&D trimmer 36V is still hanging in there...

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Curiosity for your input, do you have a small or medium sized yard to work on?

[@curiosity2314]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Sorry for the delay, Not urban size but not farm sized, about 30 yards x 30 in the back and the same in front. Opinion on battery operated, EGO over charges for it's machines and batteries. Not crazy about Greenworks but the mower I did get a good deal on and battery replacement is much cheaper. It did come with two 60V batteries that look like they will do the 70 minutes runtime that they claim. Takes me about 40 minutes to mow back and front. Saving the Greenworks for next year and use the Craftsman through this year and put it up for sale next year. The main consideration I think when buying a battery powered unit is the battery replacement cost, the mower itself will last a very long time but not the battery. < That last statement could be debatable as my 2013 B&D trimmer battery still does what it did back then. The main thing with battery operated equipment is that once charged remove from the wall outlet and let it creep down in voltage and charge when needed. Batteries don't like being continually topped off. Probably more information then you were looking for but I think it will help some.

[@electroddxful]

Great repair my friend 👍🙏👍🙏

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thank you RayFpv.

[@alexadam628]

Thank you. Clear, helpful and informative.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@kammhron]

Very good, clear video. Thanks.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you

[@troythegardener]

Amazing video, thanks for uploading. I used this to fix my ryobi trimmer which would start intermittently and cut out after 10 seconds. Quick question though, should the trimmer head definitely not be spinning at idle? Mines does but didn't realise it wasn't meant to.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

if the trimmer has a clutch, the trimmer head WILL NOT spin, at idle. To find out, see if you can turn the head a full turn, without having to fight the engine. IF you can turn it freely one way, the trimmer has a clutch and Should not be spinning at idle.

[@StrengthNoBounds]

You, sir, are a legend thank you

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

No problem!

[@luanpossentimelnekj7984]

excellent as always friend congratulations

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Many thanks!!

[@Turningwrenches85]

Nice repair on this ryobi trimmer

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Turningwrenches85

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE your welcome 🔧

[@gmachine8478]

I do properly store My equipment but I don't drain any gas until winter

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you G Machine

[@zekemowat1560]

I hadn't ever thought about properly storing small engines, but then again I don't really store any of them long term. A chainsaw might get two weeks of downtime every other month. Other than that I'm using my tools weekly at a minimum.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice, I appreciate it Zeke Mowat.

[@sarnold1277]

Great repair video!!!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you S. Arnold

[@ScorpioxA1]

People forget to check the mufler mesh well atleast mine have one and it was almost totaly blocked i cleaned it and its running again luckely i did not have to strip my carbutetor so check that first if you still have the factory mufler fitted

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you are correct

[@edwincolon4219]

Nice have one of these I want to fix thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@waynemo7913]

I'd like to know if the gear head can be removed and replaced on this model please? I have a similar model Ryobi Grass Ranger 22cc and would like to give it a try

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure can, they had to have a way to put it on there in the first place

[@rickthelian2215]

May be due to ethanol fuel that caused the lines and Carburettor parts to prematurely become damages. I do think about storage, but sometimes I have forgotten.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes I do believe you are correct.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would simply replace the carby. I have an old Ryobi grass ranger here. It has a carby issue, & the line holder retaining screw is stripped. The engine is still good. I might put it in a radio controlled plane, or radio controlled helicopter.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

now that would be pretty cool

[@jjjuarez312]

Good Job..

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you JJ Juarez.

[@ClintCollins920]

I have the same trimmer (CS26) and I just replaced the carburetor. It was running like a dream until I ran out of fuel and had to refill. I'm wondering if maybe I over filled it? It cranked a few times and died and now it won't start. Should I drain the fuel out or just try removing the spark plug and cranking it like you said in this video?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes on attempt to start a 2 stroke trimmer that do not succeed, you have to assume that there might be too much fuel in the engine. Try to start it tomorrow by first squeezing the trigger and using NO choke. Pull about 7 times and if that doesn't work then start it normally with the choke. you don't have to take out the plug.

[@andrews5019]

I have same problem with a two year old S430 4cycle Ryobi. I cannot see where to adjust the fuel on this model. Can you help me?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unfortunately no

[@lisanash258]

Would you be able to answer a question for me. I recently brought a petrol strimmer from Sgs and never used it. I return the strimmer to them unused condition when they looked at it they said as there was fuel in the priming buld i had added fuel and attempted to start it, which i did not. My question is would there still be fuel in the buld from them testing the strimmer as surely they would have tested it first. I would really appreciate your thoughts. Many thanks.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

depending on how much time you're talking about, yes there could be

[@alexginzo1246]

My ry28140 will not start if you don’t engage the releases too and bottom. How did you get it to start just pulling the cord? I thought you couldn’t do that.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's hard to see but I should be doing what you're saying.

[@astorssons]

Thank you for the video! What kind of tool (name of it) are you using to adjust the screws when the enginge is running. To get more/less gas to the engine. Can't find anything like it and dont know what to search for :)

[@astorssons]

Found your link :) Thanks!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you for finding it!

[@rossguidotti8341]

Can you estimate how many turns the high and low settings should be set at for this unit?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no I cannot and besides these settings might no even work for your machine

[@jameslawnmowerrepair]

Those cheap engines have a screen over the intake instead of an air filter I out a little foam air filter in there when I fix these ones along with the homelite and ryobi blowers mostly found at home depot

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you are correct.

[@alexginzo1246]

What tool is that that you are using to adjust the hi and lo? Some purple use a needle nose but I can’t get in there with pliers. Can you tell me the tool and size?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's a special carb tool, from a kit you can get online.

[@petefroud5308]

Very nice fix.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks 👍

[@edrodrigues5623]

For a few years now I either get all the gas out of the machines before storing and just use ethanol free gas. I have a snowblower that still has gas in it but will fire it up and let it run for a while in the summer and fall. Question... I fixed a trimmer with new lines etc.. Heres the thing, can the motor be going too fast? it's loud as hell. When I have the lever all the way pulled it's just way to loud and just seems to be too much. It idles nice but it just wants to take off. Thank you.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

The don't think the engine for a 2 stroke, could ever Over rev, because they don't typically have governors on them, they simply Rev to the max, and that's it.

[@M.TTT.]

5:20 wow, I've maybe had one diaphragm that was that dry.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh yeah, this was pretty bad. hadn't seen one like this in awhile.

[@watermanone7567]

Nice job; Is there no foam filter in that model trimmer? Thanks for the video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no unfortunately these don't come with one.

[@jayjones8424]

I've finally reached a problem I can't solve, I have a trimmer that has new fuel lines a brand new carb spark plug and I'm sure the compression is great but will not start at all , it seems like it wants to start but will not no matter how many pulls

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'd confirm with a compression test and then go from there.

[@j.p.n5431]

Really appreciate your video. I have the same model. Looking to fix mine up and flip it as it’s not starting and then buy a battery powered one. How much do you think a Ryobi model like this is in good condition worth these days? I was going to buy a $20 kit with new fuel lines, a carb, filter, and spark plug. Debating if it’ll be worth it or not.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unfortunately not much, prices for trimmers hasn't gone up like it did for mowers, so, 40-60 maybe

[@j.p.n5431]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I was able to follow your steps and replace the carb, spark plug, fuel filter, and fuel lines and get mine running after at least 5 years. After adding some fresh fuel, it was running great again! You saved me over $100 from what the shop quoted me. Just sold it today for a $50 profit today as well. Thank you again for the help!

[@stonecrazy3]

I have a weedeater exactly like this one and have had nothing but issues with it right after about the first yesr of use. I had the carb rebuilt and it gave me about a month's worth of use then started acting up again. I had issues with it starting and when it did start it would bog down on acceleration. Its just been sitting in my shed ever since. Which is probably around 7-8 yrs if not longer to be honest. I hated the idea of throwing it away because its a powerful weedeater and wanted to get the pole saw attachment for it but dropped that with it not working properly. With it being old and possibly not even having parts available for it, is it worth trying to fix?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

the parts are still available and yes it's worth it. Just replace the fuel lines, fuel filter and carb and you should be fine. They sell the entire kits for about $20

[@stonecrazy3]

@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I'll look into it. I did a quick search yesterday and most things came up out of stock. I did see eBay having a carb for around $45. So that kinda threw me off

[@lucasbergfors9446]

Is it just me or did i just notice that the trimmer was missing the air filter 😅😂

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

believe it or not, this brand, didn't come with one.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE that's the most weirdest thing i ever heard of 😅😂 there are replacement air filters available so you can buy one that way you don't need to worry about destroying the piston rings by running it on unfiltered air 😄

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you're right, it might be a good idea to add one to it. To be honest, they really didn't want to last more than few years before replacing them.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE speaking of air filters since the ryobi has a foam filter, is it nessecary to oil a foam filter when using a mower or trimmer which has one ? I got the 1988 norlett mulch mower which has one, the 2000 Jonsered RS44 and then the 1999 Husqvarna 252RX but it has a foam prefilter included which doesn't need to be bathed in oil 🤔

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes foam is a terrible filter media so oil is definitely required.

[@Patrick4959]

well for me it does vary and i do advise using good quality fuel whether it,s 2 stroke aka 2 cycle or 4 stroke aka 4 cycle fuel varying on the season etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

to bad most people aren't going to go, out of their way, to get the good stuff.

[@Patrick4959]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yep that,s for sure luckily i have mine and i look after it and it lasts me a good long while until some tune ups are needed for the uses etc.

[@mwand89]

I have a question, sir! Can I use TruFuel 50:1 premixed fuel for any Ryobi weed trimmer models?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you can, but I think you meant, "Should you". I do believe Ryobis are 40:1 so I would not use the 50:1

[@mwand89]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE thanks for answering, but I can't get the old Ryobi 725re to start with using premixed 50:1 fuel because since the original mix ratio is 32:1, I put in the wrong mix ratio of 50:1.😞

[@mwand89]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE at least I'm happy that the premixed 50:1 fuel worked for the Ryobi SS26 trimmer.😊

[@brennandunn3985]

I have the ex26 that I’m trying to get working. I tore it down, but now the throttle cable is all of a sudden too loose to engage the carb. What happened? I can’t find anything on it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I haven't any idea.

[@JustMe541kf]

Is there any way to show how to swap the spark plug coil?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I can do that, but I'm going let you know, it's not easy on this particular trimmer.

[@ALBIE1950]

Does this trimmer have an air filter to clean?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

this engine has no filter

[@qfdforme]

What carb gaskets, pumps, etc do you buy in bulk and where do you buy them?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I get them from amazon. I simply look at the pics and say " I don't have that king" and order them. Right now I have 4 different styles, with different length stems.

[@qfdforme]

Amazon is a vital buying source. I bought a couple of their replacement carbs. One dropped right in, started right up and I was able tuned to perfection on a 20 + year old Homelite ST145. The other was not even close. No hassle returns is a real plus of buying from Amazon Prime. I wish they had competition. Walmart + is a joke.

[@qfdforme]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Wish there was an assortment of those four which could be purchased. Do you have links to the four different types? If so, could you post a link?

[@nosferatu3475]

What did you use to clean the fule filter

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

brake cleaner.

[@robertblackjr8778]

Cool

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks

[@dontump2286]

Haha I got this same trimmer in the basement and it hasnt cranked in like 15 years. Still looks good and I saw it today and thought I should fix it. I simply THOUGHT ABOUT FIXING IT then this video pops up in my feed. Is 5g internets reading our thoughts now? This seems to happen more often now. I mean, I could understand if you said something out loud around your phone or device or even if you took a photo and it was in your phone, but I just think about things now and it pops up in my feed. Whatever, it doesnt really matter.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I've had the same questions myself

[@heyhowsyourday1890]

I got my ryobi gas back pack blower

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice, do you like it?

[@heyhowsyourday1890]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ye it's wonderful it has 760 cfm 175 mph

[@carlosulloa7904]

Can we convert this machine to use lp gas ?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes but you would need to find a way to lubricate it as well as spraying LP gas.

[@suprafst4465]

I had one of these ryobi trimmers, it sucked.

[@angelle6529]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@aidanasmr5099]

Can we still get trimmers like this?

[@MazichMusic]

That is an older unit with yellow trim. Newer models at HD have green trim.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no, not this size engine, because of emissions regulations.

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

I can’t test if my diafram and gasket is good BECUASE ITS MISSING. Why you may ask. I don’t know

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

interesting, i would replace the carb then.

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I ordered a rebuild kit for real cheap

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I ordered a rebuild kit for real cheap

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

let me know how it goes.

[@eathans_small_engines8665]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE sure I will

[@haneyoakie14]

There’s no replacement for displacement.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You got that right.

[@Vipex_134]

Before 5 mins pal

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

what do you mean buddy?

[@Vipex_134]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE watched it 5 mins after it was posted :)

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

ah,, I see, thanks for clarifying.

[@lorettacaputo6997]

I just acquired a very similar Ryobi trimmer and it has carb problems. Did a diaphragm replacement but I may have to go further into it. What tool did you use to adjust the high and low screws on the carb?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

from the looks of the video, I'm guessing the Splined too.