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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: amphibian on May 12, 2006, 14:08:37

Title: starting 2 strokes
Post by: amphibian on May 12, 2006, 14:08:37
I have acquired a petrol strimmer, a new one, but for the life of me cannot start it, the instructions say to press the primer bulb X8 then open the choke and pull till it starts, it simply doesn't. Any tips?

It is a Ryobi PLT-3043YE.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: Sprout on May 12, 2006, 15:05:35
My 2 stroke rotavator would not start. In the end I took to to local garden machinery workshop who serviced it and told me that the carburetter needed cleaning out because the oil/petrol mixture was a little but too rich (too much oil) and that was why it wouldn't start.
If you've acquired it, it may just need a service.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: sjg12 on May 12, 2006, 15:41:56
I have a McCullough strimmer, my instructions tell me to try 6 pulls on full choke then 6 on 1/2 choke, if it doesn't start try another 6-12 without choke as the engine maybe flooded.

hope this helps... :D :D
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: Travman on May 12, 2006, 15:44:11
As it tried to fire at all? if not...
Remove plug and pour a small quantity of petrol (about a teaspoon) replace plug and pull.

Also remember chokes are usually not like a car which needs to on until warm. one cough and then take it off.on strimmers etc.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: amphibian on May 12, 2006, 15:57:08
Well, I got it started, by ignoring the instructions and squeezing the throttle while pulling the starter cord.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: tim on May 12, 2006, 16:37:05
1. You have, of course, switched 'on'??

2. Yes - do try the 'blowing out' as suggested  - with throttle wide open.

3. Yes to squeezing throttle as you pull.

4. Yes to checking the fuel mix.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: sarah on May 12, 2006, 16:55:05
my husband has a petrol mower which i am sure works on the same principle, here is what you have to do,
1.   take mower out of shed and turn it on its side and have a look underneath,
2.   turn the right way up and pull the cheesewire thing.
3.   do this a few times until you start to sweat
4.   turn it on its side again and tap with a spanner
5.   stand up, exhale deeply, pull cheesewire thing again.
6.   return mower to shed and take out spare mower
7.   repeat steps 1 - 5
8.   ring up your dad and ask to borrow his mower.

job done. this is a yearly task best undertaken in spring. ;D
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: Travman on May 12, 2006, 17:43:40
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: lorna on May 12, 2006, 21:02:50
;D ;D ;D Sarah I can almost HEAR the exhale part from here :) :)
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: compo clive on May 12, 2006, 21:26:24
I am very experienced with this kind of machinary... normally they start eventually, but if not try this:

Give it a good kick.. Swear at it for a while, then follow the instructions again. Next doubt your sanity and try again. If this fails, a good kick usually works.

If it is new, and all else fails, you could take it back and ask for a demo.. They were happy to take your money!

When they work, they are worth their wait in gold.. persevere! ;)
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: euronerd on May 12, 2006, 23:04:46
Mine's a Ryobi amphibian, and my manual's a bit hazy too. Given that you said it's new, the routine goes:- 5 to 8 pumps on the bulb, switch on, full choke, full throttle and after two or three pulls it coughs. Now choke fully 'in' (run position), full throttle, another pull and away it goes. Restarting it when it's hot is of course, another matter entirely. ;D

Geoff.
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: ACE on May 13, 2006, 08:18:30
Check the plug gap,
Title: Re: starting 2 strokes
Post by: RobinOfTheHood on May 13, 2006, 08:26:18
They all have their own foibles and every one probably needs a different technique to start it.
Now you have it working, just repeat what you did the first time it started... ;)


Oh, and remember that you will need to replace the old petrol after it's been stood over winter.