Ryobi does not offer a replacement for the primer bulb on this particular model. That said, it is a pretty common primer bulb. I have used the Ryobi bulb, part #561635001, on many different Ryobi carbs. So far I haven't found one that it didn't fit.

I hope this helps,

-UtahAV
-Mark

Home Depot has bulb replacements in three sizes.

Hello Ghook73,

Unfortunately the manufacture does not supply the fuel lines for this model, so the complete Fuel Tank Assembly will have to be ordered. On the upside, you do receive a new cap and fuel filter with this also.

Hope this helps,
-WJA

you can replace thr fuel lines,,get them from any local repair shop ..cost about ..$2.50....

Hi Jeremy,

The correct string size is .080". The spool does not include string. Click on the "Accessories" tab at the top of the parts diagram for a complete listing of compatible string for your trimmer.

Thanks!

-Mark

Hi Chuck,

It sounds like a clogged carburetor to me. The carburetor can become clogged by dirt or other debris. The dirt may get by a damaged or missing air filter. It can enter through a crack in the fuel lines. Some tools use a foam air filter. Over time the filter itself will breakdown and create debris that will enter the carb and clog it. It is a good idea to replace the air filter at least once a year. If fuel is left sitting in an unused engine for more than a couple of months the fuel will begin to breakdown and go bad. As the fuel breaks down it will start to become gel like as well as begin to coat the internal parts of the carburetor with a varnish. The gel and varnish will plug the carburetor so that fuel can no longer flow through it. To get your engine running again you will need to either rebuild or replace the carburetor. When you replace the carburetor it is always a good idea to also replace the air and fuel filters. This helps ensure that more debris won't clog the new carburetor.

Ryobi does not offer rebuild kits for the carburetors on their trimmers so your best bet is to replace the carb. It is part #308054013.

Good luck with your repair!

-Mark

I don't know if this is your trimmers problem but, my trimmer is doing the same thing. I removed the string assy. and the housing (16)which has a hexagon shape to fit item (10) the string-head adapter, it was worn causing it to slip when it got under pressure from trying to cut grass. If you look on the following diagram you will see the parts I;m talking about. Ryobi RY29550 Page B
Items B10 and B16 and I would also get item B19
Don't forget, when you go to remove item-10 it's left handed threads.
Good luck

Hi Jack,

It sounds like the engine is not getting enough fuel. The purpose of the choke is to create additional vacuum in the carburetor to pull more fuel into the carb during a cold engine start-up. It sounds like your carburetor is likely plugged with dirt or old fuel and therefore can only pull enough fuel into the carb to operate when the choke is closed. You can try removing the carburetor and cleaning it. A full rebuild is more problematic as Ryobi does not offer a rebuild kit for most of their carburetors.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark

Hi Mike,

When old fuel sits in a carburetor it will create varnish on the insides of the carb. The varnish plugs the small openings inside the carburetor. You could try removing the carb and cleaning it. I full rebuild is difficult as Ryobi does not offer any parts for the carburetor. You might also consider simply replacing the carb. It is part #308054013 and is available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com .

Good luck with your repair!

-Mark

Mine acts similarly, never getting up to power. I tried new fuel and a new plug. It only has 2 hours on it. I have had it for over a year so it is out of warranty. Lowes says that they hear this a lot, but due to age, won't take it back. I bought it, but never used it so it was new in the box a year later. They say some just do it. My bet is a carb adjustment, but the EPA says no evidently.

Hi George,

Your machine has an "EPA" carburetor. Starting in 1997 The EPA placed requirements on how clean small engines are required to burn. As part of this restriction the carburetors are set at the factory. The carb then either has the adjustment ports capped or they use special adjustment screws so that the carb can only be adjusted by a tech trained in compliance with the EPA directives. The manufacture offers the special carb adjustment tools their authorized repair shops but not to the general public. The manufacture is liable to ensure that the equipment they sell complies with the EPA directive and therefore will typically not offer the adjustment tools for sale to the general public. You can learn more about the EPA emissions requirements for small engines at the following link...

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/f98025a.pdf

Before you adjust the carburetor you should determine why it needs adjustment first. A carb should only need adjustment when it is new and needs to be adjusted for altitude or after a carburetor rebuild has been performed. If a piece of equipment has been working fine and then starts acting up there will be more repair issues than a simple carb adjustment. The carburetor itself will not simply go out of adjustment. You will want to look at things like a tune up, a clogged carburetor, a plugged exhaust system, ignition problems, etc. Adjusting a carburetor requires some knowledge and experience with small engines. You can easily overheat and seize the engine if you are not familiar with the proper procedures. It is also a good idea to use an engine tachometer to be sure that you make the correct adjustments.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark

I took a Dremel tool and cut a slot in the adjustments so a small screw driver would fit, opened up the fuel a little and it's run great since.

Hi Kent,

It sounds like the engine is not receiving enough fuel. Probably due to a carburetor that is plugged with dirt or old fuel. You can try removing it and cleaning it. A complete rebuild is difficult as Ryobi does not offer any parts for the carb. You might consider simply replacing the carb. It is part #308054013 and is available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com .

Good luck with your repair!

-Mark

I just bought a new RY29550 and have the same problem. When I hold the carb at half choke, it runs at what I would expect at full speed. No idle, No Running without manually manipulating the choke. Its new, less than two hours on the motor! Tired of messing with it.

Today, link removed site is down. No Service nor help links.

Not happy purchasing my first Ryobi and considering returning it as a lemon.

DonM

I am having the same problem. I took mine apart and the screw that holds it all together has come loose. I have purchased a new screw and new housing, but the problem still exists. The screw comes loose when the electric start is engaged.

Hi Marty,

I am guessing that you are referring to where the lines pass through the tank? If so the best bet is to just simply replace the lines. Over time the fuel line will break down and sometimes even shrink a little. Since the line forms its own gasket at the tank it may begin to leak fuel when the line becomes old and damaged.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark

I can't figure out how to access the starter assembly. Can you please help?

Hi Gary and Stan,

Removal of the clutch drum isn't too hard of a project at all if you know a few tricks first. We have prepared an article and video that will provide you with all of the information you will need to remove the clutch drum. You can find the article and video at the following link...

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/article/1771/How_to_Remove_a_Trimmer_Clutch.html

I hope this helps you with your repair!

-Mark

Hi Roger, The choke lever is sold as part of the carburetor. The carburetor is part #308054013. The string eyelets are included with the trimmer head housing assembly. It is part #308827002. Both of these parts are available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com. Good luck with your repair! -Mark

Hi Brian, You are correct. The fuel tank assembly will come with the needed fuel lines. It is item #16, part #308181012 and is available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com. This should be a pretty straight forward repair. Make a note of where the fuel lines are connected so you can replace them in the correct locations. Good luck with your repair! -Mark

You are correct C16 is exactly the part your looking for! You can definitely do this one on your own! Just remember the fuel filter on the end of the pickup line!



Patrick

Hi there! Unfortunately the part in question is not sold separately, and is part of the lower straight shaft assembly. Ive included the part number you will need if you would like to order the lower straight shaft assembly.

Part number 308035011


Hope this helps!

Looks like B5 I also need the same part if that is the clamp we need!!

Hi dmmahone,

With the trimmer being brand new I would guess that the carburetor needs to be tuned. The manufacture sets the carb to operate at sea level. The higher in altitude your house is from sea level, the more likely you are to need the carb adjusted. I would suggest having a small engine shop, such as a lawn mower repair shop, take a look at it. Most will only charge a small fee or might even make the adjustment for free. If you don't already know how to tune a carb it probably isn't something you want to do yourself as you can easily damage or even ruin the engine if you adjust carb and run the engine with the mixture too lean.

If you end up returning the trimmer I would suggest looking at a new trimmer from a local lawn and garden equipment dealer. You will pay a little more than what you will find at the home center but you will likely get a better trimmer and much better service. Most lawn and garden equipment retailers cater to the pro's but most also have a few models geared towards homeowners. You will usually find entry level models manufactured by the same companies that manufacture for the professional lawn care market. A good shop will help you find a trimmer that fits your budget and needs. They will set it up and tune it before it leaves their shop. In fact I often tell our customers that if you bought a gas powered tool and it was still in the box when you took it home, you bought it from the wrong place...

Good luck!

-UtahAV
-Mark

I forgot to mention that the shaft which supports the rod (and bearing) to the piston was also ground into by loose metal pieces and those same or additional pieces jammed the piston which in turn locked up the pull cord for manual starting. note: they jammed between the rod end (and bearing) and the crankcase cover.
Reading other peoples' problems, I would rate this trimmer as poor.
Sept 1, 2010

RY29550 trimmer ran very loud from the moment I first used it, July2008. I replaced it with an electric trimmer and didn't use the Ryobi until this season. Couldn't pull the cord to start. It was stuck or jammed. Took the crankcase cover off and found the pieces of metal. Appears to be ball bearings from the crankcase cover bearing support. Called Ryobi, they said "you're out of the 2 year warranty, sorry. Nothing we can do."
Me too, except tell my story and effect their sales. Sept 4, 2010