gas trimmer self feeder

[stl]

I just aquired a Ryobi 780r gas trimmer. I did some carb work on it and got it running pretty good. The thing that is drivin me crazy is I can't seem to get it to feed more line when I bump it on the ground. It seems like a simple mechanism, but I cant figure it out. I found a manual on the net and downloaded it. I followed the instructions on how to rewind the line. Everything is clean inside the reel, the spring appears to be in good shape. Anybody have any thoughts?

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

When you push up on the spool while pulling lightly on the line it should feed out. If not, it's binding. <br /><br />- Make sure the string is the right diameter for the model.<br />- Make sure the string is not wrapped too tight and wrapped the right direction on the spool.<br />- Generally, the line exits the spool directly, not over or under the sides of the spool.<br />- If it is a dual line trimmer, make sure the double spool is wound in opposite directions and the line is not binding between the edges of the spool and housing.<br />- Make sure the spool can be pushed in far enough to clear the lock and rotate.<br />- Sometimes it's easier to debug the problem with an empty spool to ensure that it rotates properly when pushed in. If it's working empty, then wind it up and try it half full, etc.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

On my dual line trimmer both lines get wound in the same direction. <br /><br />It's a battle for sure. Sometimes the spool or spring get a little messed up and need to be replaced. The spool for my homelite complete with new spring and retainer nut (and string) is under $20 at home depot. I seem to go through about one every season or two.

 

[BRG25]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

I had that exact problem when using the wrong diameter line.

 

[ED21]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

I have a 15 yr old homelite that I've never replaced the head on & it still works fine.<br />If mine is filled too full it won't work right.

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

Originally posted by Stiff Nibbles:<br /> On my dual line trimmer both lines get wound in the same direction. <br /><br />

You're right. I was having a brain seizure when I wrote that. Hope i didn't mess anyone up.

 

[jlshields]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

Try revving it up before you bump it.

 

[stl]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

I have the right diameter line and I have tried to wind the thing according to the instructions about 20 times. Surely I would have gotten it right at least once out of twenty. Do you think thre inner spool could be warped or something?

 

[gewf631]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

You should be able to bump and pull the line with the head in your hands. It will have a SLIGHT tension to it but you'll get the idea.<br /><br />Also, have you checked an exploded view to see if all the parts are there and in the right order?<br /><br />Finally, spray all that plastic with some silicone, or cooking spray. If something's binding it'll help,

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

The problem I have often with a sears unit is that the string gets off the spool and prevents it from being pushed in when bumped. <br /><br />Does the empty spool move right by hand?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

Man I hate those conventional bump-and-feed heads! I finally just bought a new head at Home Depot where you just manually put a new line on. It only takes a second to change the line and they even sell them pre-cut or you can just cut it off a spool. It cost like $15 for the head. That was a few years ago and I haven't wasted a minute wrestling with it since.

 

[stl]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

Ralph, I was actually considering doing that. I saw one for about 20 bucks. The guy at Lowes told me you have to buy the pre-cut replacement line. He said if you cut your own from a spool it won't hold. The pre cut replacement lines seemed kinda expensive. So I decided against it.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

No you don't have to. Just cut your own line to roughly the same length. It works just fine. I do it all the time... The line should be about the same diameter as the precut stuff. Look at how it goes in the head and you'll see that there is no problem with spool line holding (actually it seems to last longer for some strange reason) The centrifugal force makes it impossible for the line to get loose.

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas trimmer self feeder

My big string trimmer came with the conventional 2 line head that cuts a 17" diameter circle. It also came with a steel blade about 10" diameter that looks like it's off a table saw <br /><br />Holy crap! What were they thinking selling that to the general public? The whole point of string trimers is they don't cut off your feet by accident! This thing would look at home in a cheap slasher flick.