How to Replace the Reed Assembly on a Ryobi Trimmer

String trimmer out of whack? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a legendary landscaper or a weekend weed whacker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The reed assembly is a valve that allows air to transfer in and out of the crankcase as the piston goes through its cycles. Eventually, the reed valve will fatigue and break. Replacing the assembly is very easy to do.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the reed assembly on a Ryobi trimmer.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE REED ASSEMBLY [top] 1. Remove the rear cover.

Remove the (4) screws from the rear cover.

Remove the rear cover from the engine.

  2. Remove the carburetor.

Drain any excess fuel from the fuel tank prior to servicing the carburetor or the fuel lines.

Remove the (2) screws from the carburetor assembly.

Remove the choke plate and choke assembly from the carburetor.

Disconnect the throttle cable from the carburetor (this is accomplished using a lift-and-twist motion).

Remove the (2) fuel lines from the carburetor. These lines should pull away from the carburetor inlets relatively easily (by hand); however, small pliers may be used as necessary to disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor.

Remove the carburetor from the engine.

  3. Remove the carburetor mounting assembly (and the fuel tank).

Remove the (4) screws from the carburetor mounting assembly.

Slide the end of the throttle cable through the opening in the carburetor mounting assembly.

Remove the carburetor mounting assembly from the trimmer (this assembly includes the fuel lines and the fuel tank.

  4. Remove the reed assembly.

Remove the (1) screw from the reed valve.

Remove the reed valve backing plate.

Remove the reed valve from the carburetor mounting assembly.

  INSTALLING THE NEW REED ASSEMBLY [top] 5. Install the reed assembly.

Install the new reed valve onto the carb mounting assembly.

Install the new reed backing plate over the reed valve (there should be a gap between the valve and the backing plate).

Secure the reed assembly with the (1) screw.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 6. Reinstall the carburetor mounting assembly (with fuel tank).

Verify that the rubber tank isolator is properly positioned on the engine.

Install the fuel tank onto the engine.

Install the second tank isolator (rubber) onto the tank-side of carburetor mounting assembly.

Verify that the crankcase gasket is still positioned on the bottom of the carburetor mounting assembly.

Install the carburetor mounting assembly onto the engine.

Secure the carburetor mounting assembly (and the fuel tank) to the engine with the (4) screws.

  7. Reinstall the carburetor

Install the carburetor gasket (if necessary).

Install the throttle cable onto the throttle linkage of the carburetor.

Install the incoming fuel line to the lower carburetor inlet.

Install the (primer) fuel line to the upper carburetor inlet.

Install the carburetor mounting screws onto the choke plate and lever.

Secure the carburetor (and choke plate) to the engine with the (2) screws. Note that the choke lever and the wavy washer must be properly aligned before tightening the upper screw.

  8. Reinstall the rear cover.

Reinstall the rear cover onto the engine.

Secure the rear cover with the (4) screws.

You don't have to leverage your savings to level your lawns. As you just learned, repairing your own equipment is easy when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you restore trimmer functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off of future repairs, wherever you may find them.

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