Sml Eng Repairs on a trimmer

[kyrsyan]

I have an old Ryobi 890R 4 cycle weed trimmer. When we got it fired up this season, it was leaking gas unless is was running. So I ordered a carb kit that was more a mini seasonal overhaul kit (with the wrong size fuel lines). Anyways, I'm at the point of just replacing the fuel line and filter to be done but I have a few questions.
1. Is it worth it to try to rebuild the old carb or should I just order a backup new? I got the kit for $12. It's okay. The fuel lines included and one of the fuel filters are pointless for me. But the spark plug, carb, one filter, and gasket were good. And there are 2 primer bulbs but I've honestly had fuel lines and carbs go bad more frequently than bulbs.
2. From a random comment, I think I may be storing my weed trimmers wrong. I was taught to store them with the engine/gas tank down and the head above it. Should it be reversed or flat? It doesn't matter what I do for storage each winter, I always have a fight to get them restarted in the spring. So any advice on storage and winter maintenance is appreciated. The best success I've had is to run them dry at the end of season and store them. Well, that's the method that generally leads to the least repairs and headache.
3) This one has an adjustable throttle but I've never had to adjust one before. On my other one (parts on order) I can't adjust the throttle without a special bit. I set the throttle bolt on the new carb as close as I could to where the one on the old carb was. Can someone advise me on how to adjust this to keep the weed trimmer running if that becomes a problem? On the old carb it took a bit to get running and keep running but once it got warmed up it would idle fine. Until then it would stall out randomly (and annoyingly).
And yes, I'll be overhauling the other, slightly younger 2 cycle Ryobi as well. Now that the carb isn't $80 but rather $25. It is actually in worse shape and I don't think there will be any salvaging that carb.
Thanks all.

 

[imaginative]

IMO, unless you are a landscaper about the only thing that those string trimmers are good for is the creation of new and colorful curse words. And they always fail on the hottest days of Summer and just before the big BBQ.

I few years ago I bought a cheap Ryobi 18v battery operated trimmer. I will never own another gas powered trimmer. Ever. All you need to do is squeeze the trigger and keep string on the spool. Take the plunge- you wont regret it

 

[kyrsyan]

Umm, not in my yard. Between the raised beds, mini orchard and son's play equipment a weedeater is a must. And with the continual baby trees that try to pop up and wild berries, a strong one. I have an electric mower for the backyard just because it is lighter and more maneuverable. But if I miss a time, it can't handle the taller grass/weeds. And I can use it for part of the outer yard if I get moving too early on a Saturday/Sunday morning. But otherwise, gas power it is. Just too many ares to keep down that a mower has problems with.

 

[byronandkathy2003]

i have had this weed beater for a couple of years and as far as i am concerned it cant be beat..

it uses extension cords , i run it on 200 feet of cord no problem .. it eats weeds for snacks it is a Remington brand weed eater ..

 

[Millwright]

I run mine dry in the fall.

For carb repairs, I'd get the whole thing if it's under $20. You still need the little kit with several carb adjustment tools tho.

 

[Knight_Loring]

I recently bought a Portland brand 13" electric trimmer from Harbor Freight for $28. That's right only $28. I received more coupons by email 30 mins after I bought and they offered the same one via coupon for only $21. Got refunded the difference.

I am extremely happy with it. I am done with small engines and all the hours of repairing and trying to start them.

Very happy to drag 150' of extension cord for a weed whacker that works so easily.

Hope that helps someone.