I need some help with my Ryobi PTL 3043A line trimmer.

It was leaking oil badly then one day it conked out mid-use. I also noticed alot of fuel had disappeared from my tank - very unusual.

I took it apart and found the oil was leaking mainly from the muffler. I've put a fresh mix of fuel in (however the suction nozzle in the tank looks a bit brown - possibly clogged up?).

The throttle, primer bulb and choke are all operating perfectly. It is getting spark and perfect compression. I've cleaned and tested the spark plug and it sparks nicely. A check inside the piston chamber showed alot of black residue on the top of the piston but the sides are clean and well lubricated.

It is hard to tell if the carbie is getting fuel properly but pressing the primer bulb seems to move alot of fuel through it with no hassles.

I've left the muffler off and tried starting the trimmer and when I pull the starter cord, I can see small puffs of bluish smoke leaving the exhaust hole. I guess this is just some old oil that the spark plug is burning?

Perhaps the fuel nozzle in the tank is my problem? Not being able to suck enough fuel?

Perhaps its a buildup of gunk on the piston?

I did get the trimmer to start once after cleaning the spark plug - it operated ok for about 15 seconds on half throttle but then when I opened the throttle up a bit more, it conked out again and hasn't started since.

Does this sound like something obvious to anyone? Is there a spray or fuel additive or something I can use to clean the fuel lines through the engine?

I'm off to the hardware store now to see what is around. Any help would be great.

Cheers,

Quinny,
Australia.

Quinny, December 2007

Ok, i've had success! The trimmer now starts and boy does she cut.

On advice from friends, I replaced the spark plug anyway and added some Valvoline Carbie Cleaner to the fuel.

I also cleaned out the muffler to improve exhaust airflow.

Started first time. I've just done the front yard and the thing just hums.

I guess the main method of how it was fixed was the spark plug. Even though the old one seemed to be sparking ok, the build up of a thick black residue over where the spark arcs inside the chamber must has been causing irregular ignition (or none at all).

Hope this helps anyone else having similar problems with their whipper-snipper.

Cheers,

Quinny
Australia

Quinny, December 2007

Additionally, I have removed the muffler and soaked it in warm soapy water over night and dried it thoroughly to remove heaps of built up oil.

Is there something I can add to the fuel or spray on the carburettor to clear the fuel lines of blockages and impurities?

Cheers,

Quinny.

Quinny, December 2007