Thread: Ryobi trimmer/brushcutter

Anybody have one of these? The model is bc30? I actually like the machine a lot when it is running properly as it did for the first 3 years I've had it. Unfortunately now I can't get it to run at top speed in anything other than 1/2 choke. Even then, it seems to be under powered. When I try taking the choke off and pulling the trigger it stalls immediately. My internet searching indicates that this is a common problem that isn't easily fixable by the consumer (ie. me) because Ryobi has dumbed these things down and removed the adjustment screws. I pulled the carb apart and checked for any easily identifiable blockages in the fuel line....nothing I could see.

I figured there has to be a maggot that has an answer........anyone?

I have the same trimmer with the same issues as you. I was too lazy to fix it and bought an Echo.

Since you reminded me, tomorrow I will try and get it running again. I think the answer may be on page 20 having to do with the exhaust port and screen.

http://ipl.ordertree.com/ipl/338/ry30060b_manual.pdf

Yeah, it seems like a common problem. I guess it is time to take apart the exhaust side. This should be fun.

I have a cheap Craftsman-branded trimmer that's about 8 years old. About once a season, it loses compression and dies. I know it's coming when it won't run with the choke ("starting" position) off; it also gradually loses power as it loses compression.

The problem on mine is that the cylinder head loosens from the vibration (it's a tiny 1-cyl 2-stroke motor; it vibrates a lot). I have to disassemble the plastic housing to the point where I can crank down the 2 head bolts, then it fires right up again.

This happened again this past weekend. I finally realized I could make this a lot easier on myself by cutting holes in the plastic housing to be able to access the cylinder head bolts without disassembling the housing, so I did that. Should be easier now...

Dunno if this helps, but it's what I had to do on a trimmer with similar-sounding issues to yours. Also, FWIW, everything on my trimmer was fixable with hand tools -- all allen key screws/bolts, with a couple of flathead screws.

Thanks. Sounds like I should just take it all apart and clean/tighten everything up.

Yep, sounds like the spark arrestor screen. You can either just remove it or clean it. The easiest way to clean it is to burn it out with a blowtorch.

What does a spark arrester screen do? I am a small engine novice, but I like fucking with them.

a baffle in the exhast system to keep exhast sparks from starting a brush fire so you may want to clean it and put back \

they get gunked up with 2 stroke oil & carbon which plugs up the exhast like ZZZ sez the way to clean them is to burn off all the shit

if you don't have a torch maybe gunk engine cleaner or something chemical ?

Well, I took the exhaust side apart and checked out the muffler and spark arrestor screen. Nothing seemed all that dirty and I cleaned it up where possible. Put it back together and still have the same problem. I really wish I could adjust the carb screws.

Mtcham, any luck with yours?

Finally got around to taking mine apart tonight and the exhaust port and screen looked clean. I'll probably throw in a new plug and just run it on 1/2 choke if that's where it runs.

I know this an old thread, but this is what I found with mine. I noticed it had an oily substance collecting on the back and on the gas tank. It would only run on half choke. I took it apart and found that the head was loose from the body, and therefore losing compression. I made another gasket for it with a roll of FelPro gasket material instead of ordering one. I replaced it with the gasket I made, tightened the bolts, replaced the spark plug and presto....LIKE NEW! I will try and post a video of it on YouTube in the next few months. I just need to find the time to do it. But the head seemed to vibrate loose, so check it out first and replace that gasket before tightening the bolts. Good Luck!