Ryobi blower issue

[Wayne02]

I've got a Ryobi Model 280r blower (older unit) that will idle but not run on full throttle. The primer bulb was split so I replaced that but it will still not run on throttle. It starts fine, idles ok, and will throttle up for about 15 seconds or so, then dies down. If I choke it I can get to remain idling and if I leave it idling for a while it will throttle up for another 15 second run. Almost as if it is running on the fuel in the float bowl and then it runs dry.

Can you get carb rebuild kits for these older units? Can I buy individual carb parts or is that not worth it? In the short term, is there anything I can take apart and clean that may help?

Thanks
Wayne

[xcopterdoc]

Make sure the fuel tank vent is clear.. might be in the fuel cap.. also make sure the spark arrestor screen in the muffler is clear and clean.

[dcondon]

Originally posted by xcopterdoc
Make sure the fuel tank vent is clear.. might be in the fuel cap.. also make sure the spark arrestor screen in the muffler is clear and clean.

just what I was thinking

[dcondon]

also check the air filter, may have to blow it out

[vipermanz]

get the carb's model number and go get a rebuild kit, about $10

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I saw a post here the other day on a ryobi trimmer.Not sure what all the symtoms were but that guy did a rebuild on the carb and all and in doing that found out he had a bad fuel line, may want to check the fuel lines too

[vipermanz]

Originally posted by grass_cuttin_fool
I saw a post here the other day on a ryobi trimmer.Not sure what all the symtoms were but that guy did a rebuild on the carb and all and in doing that found out he had a bad fuel line, may want to check the fuel lines too

thanks for that addition, being an older model like he has that is very possible

[fixer67]

Originally posted by Wayne02
Can you get carb rebuild kits for these older units? Can I buy individual carb parts or is that not worth it?

Thanks
Wayne

Just one gasket out of that kit will cost you 3/4 of what the whole kit sells for. It is not worth it.

[Bitter]

I've got a Ryobi Model 280r blower (older unit) that will idle but not run on full throttle. The primer bulb was split so I replaced that but it will still not run on throttle. It starts fine, idles ok, and will throttle up for about 15 seconds or so, then dies down. If I choke it I can get to remain idling and if I leave it idling for a while it will throttle up for another 15 second run. Almost as if it is running on the fuel in the float bowl and then it runs dry.

Can you get carb rebuild kits for these older units? Can I buy individual carb parts or is that not worth it? In the short term, is there anything I can take apart and clean that may help?

Thanks
Wayne
I have been having the same issue for the past couple of seasons! its really getting on my nerves because i use the blower to clean the gutters the easy way. im lazy :p

its always been really hard to start from "cold", even new out of the box.

ok, so the 1st time i had the problem it was just dieing at WOT... so i sprayed a lil carb/choke down the carb and that cleared it. then a fuel line ( the one to the primer) went rotten. i replaced that and it was ok for a little while. then i had a hell of a time getting it to start (that tiny lil pull blistered my hand) so i pulled the carb and pulled it apart, cleaned the little screen in it and soaked the whole thing in cleaner, dried it and make sure it was all spiffy clean. put it back on and it was all good. now the son of a gun will only run on full choke! heck i can cover that tiny little pinhole with my finger and it still runs! i think its leaking in air somewhere and that the carb diaphram is shot. frankly, im done dealing with it because i got a "new" blower now. its a homelite that i found broken in the middle of the street. i superglued the carb spacer back together and it runs like a champ, starts on the 4th pull every time! anyone want to buy a 280R for $20? :D

[Lawn Masters]

Bitter,

What model Homelite do you have? is it a BX90? thats what one of mine is, and I hate it, it vibrates like a v8.

[Bitter]

Bitter,

What model Homelite do you have? is it a BX90? thats what one of mine is, and I hate it, it vibrates like a v8.
hmm i dont remember right now, its been on loan to a friend for a while. but i remember that it idled just fine. have you tried adjusting the idle speed up a little bit? the homelite i have just has carb mixture adjustment screws on it, try leaning or richening the screws a lil bit to see if that smooths it out. does the BX90 have a trigger throttle or is it like mine where it just has choke and run which are selectable by a lever? vibration could also be caused by a broken impeller blade. check in the blower casing to make sure none of the blades are broken.

[Lawn Masters]

mine has a throttle trigger, the vibration is just how this model is, mine is in perfect condition mechanically. theres no antivibe mount between the engine and the housing/handle which is why it vibrates so much.

[Bitter]

hmm...considered wearing antivibration gloves? once the rpms climb vibrations should smooth out. the homelite i have just has the choke, 1/2 choke, and run settings on the throttle body and runs smoothly. it couldnt hurt to run a lil carb cleaner through it.

i put a little bit of Carb-o-Sol into the gas when i have a rough running engine, i run some of that with gas through there and it seems to smooth it out. its a very strong and nasty solvent used in dry cleaning. it combusts well in the engine and in 2 strokes really cleans out the inside of the engine and the carb. this is some nasty stuff tho, just use a little bit and try not to breathe the exhaust fumes from it.