Trash Picked String Trimmer - Will it Run?

Found this Ryobi trimmer in the trash. No idea why it was thrown away. Lets find out.
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[@40arpent]

Every time I watch your channel I find a new tool I didnt know I needed.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

I decided that it's easier to just go with the new carb than to waste time on the original. Even if you fix it, you rnd up with too much time in it. For some people there might be more satisfaction in fixing the original. You might want to consider a hole punching pliers for leather for the small holes. You can get one on Amazon for under $10 that punches 6 different size holes from 2mm to 4.5 mm.

[@samwdavis]

I was thinking the same thing. I would have gone with a replacement carburetor MUCH sooner. Otherwise, you end up working for about 3 dollars an hour.

[@eddiepatterson5025]

Back in the day this was my favorite thing to do find stuff like this in a trash pile and bring it back to life. Love it when you do stuff like this James. It’s so rewarding and satisfying accomplishment. Have a Blessed One Sir.

[@francisbailey3831]

Any gas powered piece of equipment with a problem, James can trouble shoot the item, whether small or large and put it back into full service. Well done James.

[@wotknot1757]

Back in '08 I made the mistake of buying a Craftsman "Incredi-pull" 4 cycle weedwacker. Learned my lesson - stay with 2 cycle on weedwackers. I renamed it Incredi-crap. Glad you posted another video, James, I was beginning to go into DT's.

[@douro20]

Unless you're willing to spend the money for a Stihl or Honda it's not worth it. The 4-stroke Ryobi designed back in the late '90s was a really good engine until it was decided they had to add a crankcase breather...

[@asgharnazautosmoterbaikewa7723]

how to do generator bearings kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3jKd6Z4lMiUm6s

[@mercmanwon]

I bought an electric and threw my gas in the garbage. Never looked back.

[@CSkwirl]

How to tell when the apocalypse is real? James cannot find any more generators....

[@chrisnorden8043]

He already fixed all of them!

[@davidfoulk3078]

I’m willing to bet the ignition coil on that weed whacker puts out 120 volts with 60 hertz….lmao

[@noidle22]

The head gearbox urgently needs lubricating, the high pitched whirring is some dry bevel gears. Stihl and Husqvarna make bevel gear grease, just squirt a bit into the port on the head, it usually has a screw or bolt covering it. Doesn't need too much.

[@johncourtneidge]

Nice tip!

[@robertfarino9020]

Hi James I use a Harbor Freight small hand leather punch tool to make the smaller holes you were trying to make with the drill bit. I think it retail for $6.99. I hope this helps. Robert

[@jcondon1]

I will pick one up

[@kevgermany]

Good job. Gaskets: oil one flange. Press the gasket paper to it. The oil marks perfectly. Cut with scissors or a sharp knife. Use punches as you're already doing for the holes. You can get eyelet punches that will do the smaller holes.

[@thethriftysuburbanite5251]

These small engines are particularly sensitive to fuel mixture. The air filter/housing sometimes causes enough restriction to richen it up a bit, especially at low RPM's. Most chainsaws have mixture screws, but some of the "consumer grade" engines don't have the screws now due to emissions standards. A cheap Harbor Freight 97715 leather punch makes small holes in gasket material without tearing.

[@xcalibre222]

Yup, Right on. Must be running lean due to no filter.

[@getyourkicksagain]

For neat small holes in gasket material, get yourself a telescoping antenna from an old portable radio or old TV set rabbit ears (remember those?). Take the antenna apart or cut into sections, obtaining different sized brass tubing, which you can then press against the gasket material while turning it in your fingers or lightly chucked in a drill. Usually they are sharp enough as is, but you can also sharpen them spinning them in a drill and using sandpaper or a small file on inside or outside edge, it works either way and makes perfect holes.

[@loz11968]

I know some of these 2 strokes need the exhaust cleaning some have a mesh that clogs with carbon might be worth a look

[@psi23k]

Yea I thought the same. Had that issue on my stihl. It's called a spark arrestor.

[@larrykelly2838]

Doc, that was an easy fix. I have a real old Ryobi, I'm going to check the carb out.

[@life_of_riley88]

We have one of these, my wife has seized it up a few times, and after that I quit running 50:1, and dropped it down to 32:1 for oil ratio. Still runs well. Considering pulling the muffler, porting it, and maybe putting a small chamber on the exhaust side.

[@butler386]

As usual fabulous diagnosis and repair. Great job. Thanks for the video.

[@fayiznalu8411]

You do know what you are doing..!! Good 👍 job

[@larrysmith3374]

James, I may have missed it, but I think there’s a spring missing in the fuel pumping section of the carb on the original carb. It’s the spring that works to oppose the vacuum from the engine. That would cut the fuel supply down to the carb. Hopefully I’m not sending you on a wild goose chase.

[@grahameida7163]

you must have ready my mind I have a Ryobi strimmer that is not working, inspired me to take a look at it !

[@jesterr7133]

When I am making gaskets, I just trace the carb directly onto the gasket material, then very lightly tap the carb with a hammer. This will make an imprint of the screw holes and other orifices in the paper. I work on a lot of stuff that is very old or in rough condition, so I rarely buy carb kits if I can avoid doing it. If I could only find a way to make bowl gaskets......lol.

[@docpalazola491]

Great content there, James. I like how you vary your subject matter....one machine at a time.

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, James. Another save. Nice work. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@54chevy33]

Can't tell ya how many times James' videos got my small engines back up and running.

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Nice work, I wish I had patience like you

[@johnclarke6647]

I just got through rebuilding the carb on a Stihl HS45 that I am restoring for my oldest daughter for Christmas. I put new bearings and seals in it only to find the piston and cylinder were junk. The only parts I am waiting on are new circlips for the piston. The new top end came without them. I ordered them from Stihl. It probably will not look like new but it will run like new. I got it for free, too and will only have about $70 in it when I am through. Better than spending $300+ for a new one.

[@wildefox1478]

Nice work on that trimmer James, it's amazing what people throw away when it was just a simple fix!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Great Fix James ! Runs like a new one.. ENJOYED

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Shawn!

[@finbah5706]

nice save! i love trash pick motors fixed.

[@btj1844]

Nice change James!

[@Patrick.Faricy]

Hey James, I really enjoy your videos. When making a gasket try the following: Cut a piece of gasket material that is slightly larger than what you need. Lay the material on/over the item it is needed to be used on. Gently tap the gasket material all over with a light hammer, wooden handle, etc,. all around the outside and all of the holes. A perfect stamped impression will show up on the gasket material and you can cut it out more accurately from there.

[@pinky2502]

Great video James, simple and well explained. I used to watch MUSTIE1 for small engine tips but it's you now!

[@nikhollister6620]

Just wanted to say really enjoy your videos, particularly like to watch the ultrasonic bath bit. 😊

[@adamasz54]

Thanks for diversifying your restorative interest. Not generators only must be fixed in this world - the list is much longer!

[@rancelynch6514]

Rance here, not only are you a great mechanic….,but also a great yard guy!

[@rayshutsa6690]

The content is great and enjoy all the video's have learnt a lot watching the channel thank you.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love this content would love to see more small engine content other then just generators and this is sweet thanks @James Condon

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. I do occasional get stuff besides generators.

[@leonardomigot4040]

@@jcondon1 the switch on of engine of trimmer is on or off

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@jcondon1 totally understand very entertaining

[@leonardomigot4040]

@@jcondon1 you are a jerk all engine 2 cycle need petrol oil mixed

[@MazichMusic]

I would imagine generators are the cash cow for James. Folks need power, not so much for trimming grass.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great repair sounds great acceleration is smooth since new carb that idle set screw is more important then most people realize good work @James Condon

[@MrJav69]

It sounds like a beast. Sounds like it's getting to much fuel at idle adjust the idle screw if there is one a it should be fine what a great find you are the man

[@davidfrank2824]

That gasket making material is absolutely a must have for anybody doing any sort of engine work. Like right now it's 4:00 in the morning I have been over in my garage working at this time of day only to stop since I did not have the right gasket to put the carburetor back on. And even after you order it you still have to wait for it to come in. So a long time ago I just decided to buy a whole bunch of different size gasket material and a hole punch kit for making gaskets. That has come and handy a bunch of times. Also when you need to make that little hole a push pin works fantastic. You can pick them up pretty much any place the dollar store is where I picked my up from but I know Walmart sells them. Sometimes when I need it to be just a little bigger I heat the pin up and quickly put it through the gasket material and that seems to work pretty good. As always I enjoyed watching your video and like always I always hit like and I look forward to your next video.

[@matho2980]

Easy way to make a gasket? Circut maker, flat bed scanner and Inkscape. Scan old gasket, convert scan to SVG file format, load gasket paper into the circut and let it cut you an exact copy.

[@itsallfabrication]

Thanks for the vid James.

[@JDLarge]

Excellent, AND at my favorite price… FREE! I lost count at how many whackers I have now out in the carport lean to. It’s amazing how many people treat equipment like it’s disposable. Won’t start? Then throw it away and buy a new one right?! I recently grabbed a new lawnmower that was bought and only used last year then put away AFTER the owner replaced the plug and changed the oil for this season. He said he tried and tried but it just wouldn’t fire. First thing I did was pull the plug and low and behold, there was a film of cellophane over the end. I didn’t even know they sold plugs wrapped like that, but soon as I cleaned it up and put it back in it fired right off, thank you fb marketplace! Thanks for taking us along, nice score!

[@jcondon1]

Unfortunately the cost of repair is not worth it to most people. But if you can do it yourself, then why not.

[@ItllBurnOff]

Great as usual. I have an echo 210 giving me issues, just replaced the carb and it was running great.... Then it stalled after 10 minutes of cutting. I'll look at it again later today. Thanks James!!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Sometimes a hidden fuel filter screen gets plugged up. They’re under the pressed-in fuel inlet tube. One KZbinr recommends removing and not replacing them. Easy enough to get out with a pick and clean anyhow. Hope that helps! 👍🔧🧰

[@davidfoulk3078]

I’ve always been told about Weedwhacker’s that if it has a curved end or a knuckle end where the spool connects to the shaft is the difference between a cheap machine and a better built machine and yours has the knuckle type end on it making it a better built machine.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I do the same with these line trimmers for friends. Saves messing around with kits. Here in Australia, those carbs are about the same cost. My old Ryobi grass ranger needs a new carb, but due to me having arthritis in my spine, I've got a battery powered line trimmer. I just can no longer swing those petrol engine ones.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

I had faith in you! This was an easy repair!

[@paulmoffat9306]

I use Premium grade fuel (91 octane, E0) to run my small engines such as my Chain Saw, Trimmer and Snow Thrower. Here in Canada, the 91 octane Premium is pure gasoline, and is far less prone to deterioration over time. I have had push lawn movers run fine on 2 year old gas. Also, for the 2 strokes, I add a little Sea Foam.

[@generessler6282]

Really nice, and it wasn't even a generator! Seriously, it was enjoyable to see a 2-cycle repair. They always seem so finicky. My dad was a mechanic and machinist (carpenter and electrician and...) for many years. I watched him make a gasket once using a bit of white latex house paint thinned with water. He painted the metal surface and pressed it on the dark gasket material. The outline was sharp. The metal cleaned up with a damp cloth. I doubt the paint hurt the gasket. Also you can cut small holes in sheet materials with brass tubing. Sharpen to a knife edge by running a box cutter or pointy xacto around the _inside_ a few times. Push and twist by hand to cut a hole. Dissect an old-style telescoping antenna for a whole collection of tubing sizes. Very precise and inexpensive.

[@workshopbuilder]

Others have good ideas for making the gasket hole. I recently used a small piece of acrylic scrap, placed over the gasket material. Held in place by weights or hand, its easy to see the proper placement for the drill. Various sized holes can be made accurately and easily. Good job on your videos.

[@nisiunavoce1264]

Nice video as usual. FYI try the metal tip of a used ballpoint pen as a micro punch. I've used everything from de-primed shell cases to broken telescoping antennas to use as punches.

[@Maurice1151]

Good job mate!👍👍

[@tonygrimes4125]

Interesting as always . I think you like the brand name.lol. great video. Thanks james. Well done.😎

[@Icecold0505]

That Ryobi looks like the Murray one I own. Bought it new for $60 in 2014. Mine won’t idle properly but runs with some throttle. Carb has never been cleaned.😂

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

I love it , Prime for a Good time . good video . Always check the freshness of the fuel , before starting a strange engine .

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@bborkzilla]

I pulled an old Ryobi from the trash several years ago and got it working. Surprisingly, it was made in America!

[@jcondon1]

Really?

[@nicholasdellamorte4626]

Great job ... Nice change up. Nice to see you not working on your knees... No pun intended lol...

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

Great video.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@Lulanda93]

I’m impressed and you got pretty lucky this one actually was a runner. For the most part this particular Ryobi unit is filled with problems from top to bottom. It got so bad with piston, cylinder and rod bearing failure we couldn’t replace short blocks fast enough so TTI had to do full unit replacement on not thousands but millions of these units back at its first release. They Have revised them a bit since but still not anything that’s gonna last more than 1-2seasons without needing anyother carb or other parts. Let me suggest also anytime a 2 stroke unit comes in you guys shops and the air filter is contaminated or missing, go ahead and get a compression reading on a gauge and then pull the muffler to check the piston and cylinder. Parts for these units can be substantial now days and you don’t want to get burned by ordering parts to them find out you have sub par/simi borderline compression readings and a scored P/C. Remember a 2 stroke needs high compression to run, it will run on low compression but will never reach its full potential if the compression is down. Lastly let me says this and I say it time and time again to technicians on 2 stroke and 4 stroke. When you rebuild or replace a carburetor Please for the love of god swap out your fuel filters, air filters and completely clean and flush the fuel tank. Doing anything less is identical to shitting your pants, showering off and then putting back on your shitty underwear! 😂 come on guys.

[@joehead1294]

Should really do pressure/vacuum test on the crankcase to start out. That can be the heart of the problem and everything else will not correct it.

[@Lulanda93]

@@joehead1294 very true, most 2 stokes you definitely want to do a vac pressure test however most do not have the tools or knowledge to even attempt it. This particular trimmer I don’t think the engines are durable enough to even run long enough to wear out a crankshaft seal or anything of that nature though 😂

[@davidkarath6549]

Liked the hand hole punch idea....my hole punch has 6 different punches that revolve....there by making it easy to get the right size...nice video again...

[@jcondon1]

I am going to get one of those revolving punches. Would be better for the smaller holes.

[@40arpent]

@@jcondon1 Came here to say that also. I got the knipex hole punch off amazon. it was the best quality I could find at a decent price.

[@YukonHawk1]

Great video and craftsmanship on the gasket making. I love arts a crafts.🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍 I was guessing about 2 years old. It was in great shape overall. Hope you made out okay with your trailer too.

[@jcondon1]

Have the Jacks removed for now.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

After you cleaned the carb sounds a little better still struggling a bit under load and hard acceleration @James Condon

[@billkrause4585]

Good video friend.

[@larrymayberry2312]

James, you made another trash to treasure. Great video.

[@wazza33racer]

The best form of recycling ;)

[@mushroombeast5092]

For small gasket hole I find a nail the same size as hole in old gasket, and grind off the point so it's flat straight across. Then I punch hole in new gasket, using scrap wood as backup. Then I keep homemade nail punch for the next time I might need it; now I have several sizes.

[@leeblough9017]

for small holes in gaskets used a leather hole punch for belts. it has many different sizes.

[@deangentles4966]

Hi James great little find mate and a easy fix Just the carb is a bit small for me a bit fiddly good job

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dean!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice punch set and I think a drill is better then a exacto knife nice work on making a gasket @James Condon

[@charliehatmaker6480]

Small tubing sharpened makes a nice punch for those small holes. Try your local model airplane shop for various sizes.

[@beezalbub7325]

Thank you James for another nice video. I would have loved to see you make a fix for the broken idle screw, say a small bit of aluminum sheet or angle. Then tap it for a new screw, affix with a couple of screws or rivets. Just a thought.

[@jcondon1]

Thought about it, but did not see it working very well.

[@paulravitsky2898]

I have found that if these little two strokes sit for a long time with fuel in them, the volatile part of the mix evaporates leaving oil behind. Since this isn't a diesel it won't start. Cleaning the carb usually fixes them. Also, you may want to stock up on that Hobo Freight degreaser. According to the manager of the only store out of three in my area that carries it says it's being discontinued....

[@m60mgman]

I’ve not had good luck cleaning these tiny carbs and getting them to run again. My Stihl chainsaw needed a $30 NOS carb to work. Poulan Pro trimmer got a clone carb, but wouldn’t run reliably.

[@mrodriguez5259]

Magnific

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice, well done! Much lessfearsom than the Briggs-powered mouse house! I wonder if a harness is available.

[@benjaminhedderly4495]

Do you hear that " SIZZLING " SOUND?.... the " gear box" for the head is SCREAMING for lube...... Good save james🍻

[@jameslarson6555]

If you have some spent cartridge cases handy, they can be used to cut precise holes in gaskets.

[@nisiunavoce1264]

Likewise have used the same. I always de-prime in case the idiot (me) makes a mistake. .22 up to 20MM all work.

[@resourcetrafficking5819]

thats blasphemy. shell castings.... the blood of Jesus

[@jcadult101]

Just after school season Walmart clears out the garden center for holiday merchandise. I quite often see new in box weed wackers for $50 or $75. Really limits the resellability if parts are needed. Though a few years ago I picked up the different removable attachments for a low, low price and am slowing adding dedicated engines.

[@kevinklassen8199]

Great

[@andyhamilton8940]

I see two stroke machines on the curb and I keep on driving!😉

[@jim-cm2qp]

Hay James, the easy way to make gaskets, is to lay the gasket material on the piece you are making the gasket for, then lightly tap the gasket material around the edges with a small ball peen hammer, keep working it around the holes and all the edges, it will start cutting the gasket material perfectly, I learned this in small engine class and it works great,

[@jcondon1]

Yes, need to buy one of those.

[@martonwapper]

Have you seen how Salvage Workshop makes his gaskets? It seems pretty effective and accurate, basically you take a ball pin hammer and place your gasket material on your part. Then all you do is tap around the whole part and in the ports.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Every trimmer I have is trash picked, all 10 of them. Mower, too. There is a screw down in the brass barrel. You'll need a small "D" tool to adjust it. Nice job

[@bretthibbs6083]

I have had 2 trash picked mowers and both ran perfect one I sold for 90 bucks and the other one I still have and this was 11 years ago and it's still running great.

[@danielesilvaggi]

Next time clamp the gasket between 2 pieces of wood it will drill it better. Thanks for the videos bro.

[@chrislee7817]

You might want to try putting parts in a glass jar inside the ultrasonic cleaner. Just have water in the main tank and cleaning solution in the jar. Saves a bit on consumables.

[@stephenbridges2791]

When you have to use a drill to make little vent holes, burn the edges with a lighter. Depending on the material, of course. That usually squares away any suspect edges. Not much, just burn a little. Nice job by the way.

[@DYLANTRIES]

When I was 18 I worked at a hardware store locally that had a mechanic shop down stairs, we always just replaced the carbs when they started to act up, but when it was my stuff I always try to just rebuild and clean it but alot of the times cleaning won't fix it for me at least (no ultrasonic)

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Looks like you need to change your channel to Small Engine Repair Jim! Nice work!

[@paulstaf]

I nab mowers off the curb once in a while. I take them home get them running and if they aren't better than my current mower, I sell them. I usually make $50~$75 profit on each one.

[@jcondon1]

Same here.

[@roscoe454]

some engines like the airfilter box on them to restrict the airflow so they will run properly, without it some wont run, idle, or just start hard :)

[@marcelcanuck]

picked a Ryobi S430 4 stroke off the road a few days ago , broke the handle in half first pull lol , but all it needed was a diaphragm and tuning , it won't run with an air filter strangely , pretty strong unit tho.

[@graymodeler]

I have found that the needle valve diaphragm at 5:34 can harden and prevent running. I just order about ten of them so I am ready when this happens.

[@somerandomguy3868]

I recently came in to a homelite chainsaw from the 70's very narrow chain, no brake and plastic dog, haven't had a chance to look any closer yet, but it was stored properly I'm guessing for about 15 years maybe more

[@frankmahon931]

That looks like garlic mustard in your yard at the end of the video. Invasive stuff, I have it too.

[@aarrontaylor1222]

Carbon copy paper would make for a easy transfer. Lay gasket material down then carbon copy paper on top then press part on top of the lot

[@mikespain8655]

2-strokes are made to run at WOT. Take a ball peen hammer and tap the gasket material on top of the carburetor for an impression. Drill bits also work for making holes.

[@johnclarke6647]

I use my leather punch to cut holes in gaskets. It will punch different size holes.

[@dragonmaker1541]

Ok I have made some gaskets. So much unnessasary transfers. Cut the paper like you did. Align it over the carb. Hold with a finger. Then take small rachet end, just gently tap around the edge. GENTLY your just creasing paper. Yes you have to be careful and not move it. You could put a nail through paper and into screw hole, To help align and hold it. Me I pinch it. The pressure makes the bore imprint and I can turn and tap it. Bam imprint. Oh yeah with the exacto don't cut the tiny holes. Place it and gently turn /spin it. Don't rip the paper but remember even the factory gaskets have built in error. Look at the old one look at factory tollarence. Great videos I have watched idk 60 hrs so far.

[@scottl485]

To make a hole in a gasket, find a proper size bolt or nail and heat with a torch then burn your hole through the gasket. Works great.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice save and nice try to combine the barrel from 2 diff carbs to get the idle screw that was MIA. Def more valuable as a straight shaft unit too. The market has been very soft here compared to last year so I haven't bought a single piece of of 2 stroke equipment this year. Mowers and generators only for me this year. I did a fair # of 2 strokes last year where that whip would have gone for $80-$100 here. Hope you can get a decent # for it up there and keep em coming JC!

[@jcondon1]

They do not fetch much money. Only got $70 for it. Probably could have got more, but got to keep the stuff moving.

[@ericvaughn1126]

@@jcondon1 Yeah I wondered if you might even get less than $80 for it. I've been so busy with work I've not done near the side work as I did last year. That's ok though. Still feels like fun and an escape vs a part time job!

[@Z3n1tHL0rD]

A gasket can be made by placing some gasket material over where it needs to be and gently hammering around the edges with the ball end of a ball pein hammer