How to Fix a Ryobi Weed Trimmer

The small engine that a Ryobi string trimmer uses is a two-cycle, gas-powered engine. These simple engines require the proper mix of gas and oil for fuel. If old gas or improperly mixed fuel has been used, you can seriously damage your engine. Also, storing your Ryobi with gas still in the tank or carburetor will leave dried deposits in the fuel line, carburetor and engine, causing power loss and engine failure. Luckily, these small engines have been designed for simplicity and require only a basic understanding of small engines to fix.

Toothbrush

Rag

Gas

Needle nosed pliers

Fuel line

Fuel filter

Screwdriver

Socket wrench

Dump out any old gas still in the tank into an approved fuel container.

Pre-mix a 40:1 gas to oil mix, using only unleaded gas and high-quality, small engine oil. Fill the tank with fresh gas.

Try starting the trimmer following the manufacturer's starting guidelines. Use the different sections of this article to diagnose the different problems and fixes required.

Dump the freshly poured gas back into its container. Look inside the gas tank for any debris or dirt that could be clogging the fuel filter or fuel line. Clean the inside of the tank with the toothbrush, rag and gas.

Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor with the needle-nosed pliers. Hold the engine upside down and look for fuel dripping out of the carburetor. If there's no fuel inside the carburetor, pull out the old fuel line and fuel filter. Replace them with new parts. Refill the tank with fresh gas.

Pop off the spark plug boot attachment with the screwdriver. Remove the spark plug with the socket wrench. Replace with a new spark plug. Reattach the new spark plug to the boot plug. Don't connect them to the engine, but hold them close to a metal point on the engine block. Pull on the starter rope and check for a spark across the points.

Inspect the boot plug and wire, working all the way back to the ignition module, looking for any damaged or loose connections. Replace any cables or parts as necessary.

Make sure the "ON/OFF" switch is properly working. Check the ignition module for loose or damaged wires. Make sure the system is properly grounded. Replace any wires and parts as necessary. Take the Ryobi to a mechanic if the trimmer still won't start. Your problem is likely in the carburetor, which will need to be cleaned and serviced by a professional.

Use the screwdriver to remove the air filter/muffler cover's four screws. Pull off the cover and remove the air filter.

Wash the air filter in warm, soapy water. Wait until it is thoroughly dried before putting it back in. Replace if you can't clean the dirt off.

Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler. Use the warm, soapy water and brush to scrub off the black carbon deposits on the screen. Replace the screen if it's too dirty to be cleaned.

Check the exhaust port and muffler for any cracks, holes or clogs in the airway. Try starting the trimmer. If it starts, adjust the carburetor screws to set the fuel/air mixture in the carburetor.

Take it to a professional to have the carburetor serviced and cleaned if the problem still persists. Have the professional install a carburetor kit.