I took my Ryobi grass trimmer (with edger attachment) apart and cleaned the air filter, the spark plug and the muffler as best as possible. I sprayed some carb cleaner in the spark plug hole. After not using for a full year it started right off. It has a rough idle and won't stay running at times. It also sounds as if the power is struggling like it wants to go at higher rpm but just can't. Any suggestions?

Bob Kolasinski, July 2007

Try removing the muffler first and if it has a California pollution screen take it off and throw it away, that is if yoy don't live in California. The screen is between the muffler and exhaust port. If that is to no avail get a carb rebuild kit and install it. Use Berryman's Chemtool to clean carb after disassembly. WEAR GOGGLES when using this cleaner as it hurts like the dickens to get it in your eyes.
One other thing before carb is check sparkplug or better yet, replace it. Good luck

Larry McNeill, fixit@texoma.net, July 2007