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Discussion
Discussion for the Weed Eater PE550 Type 2 Gas Edger
Is changing the ignition module very hard? It looks like the blade, gaurd, housing all have to come off first. What is the proper procedure for this job? I'm hoping you can save me a little time because I hope I don't have to completely disassemble the edger. Thank You
We do have an article and video on How to Install an Ignition Coil on a Lawn Trimmer. Which should give you a good example on how to install it on your unit. The gap between the coil and flywheel should be .014
the housing supplied has a slightly smaller diameter for the space where the flywheel part is located - it is about 1/8 " too small. I have a type 2 PE 550 edgre trimmer.
The only thing I can come up with is to make sure you are using the 530015828 spacer washer and the 530036927 flywheel spacer. Other than that I'm stumped.
What direction is the blade supposed to turn? Should it be turning away from me in the direction in which I'm walking? Mine turns backward toward me. That doesn't seem right.
The threads on the nut and bolt for the blade are reverse threaded. Clockwise to loosen, counter-clockwise to tighten. Use a screwdriver, or better yet, an extension for a 3/8" ratchet/socket to place against the blade in order to hold for removal or installation.
NOTE: The blade will be tight on the shaft/bolt. Tap gently to help loosen or you may need to use penetrating oil to free the blade from the shaft.
How do I replace the fuel tank on my Weed Eater PE 550 Edger, Serial# 02323D400310-2? The company so far has not been very helpful. They said to remove the 5 screws on the shroud and the shroud should pull right off. From there you can remove a few more screws and get to the tank for removal. I removed the 5 screws but the shroud does not pull off. It appears to be one piece and appears to surround the carburetor. It appears that I would have to remove the spark plug and carburetor in order to remove the shroud. Is this correct? That to me would be a MAJOR project in order to just replace the gas tank and fuel lines. The info and video on the internet site was not helpful as the Ryobi doesn't have a shrod to remove like the Weed Eater.
Any help you can give would be helpful and appreciated.
Gary
Remove the tank from the other side. Remove the shroud over the blade side. Then the starter recoil assembly should come right off along with the gas tank when the gear box comes off.
If the same thing happened as with mine, the plastic parts inside the recoil assembly melted and have fused everything in place. You will need to disassemble the entire recoil assembly and gear box. Check the parts diagragm to see which parts are missing and broken, then replace.
The have the rope spool and the all the dog, along with several wraps of rope had all melted into each other. Fixed for less than $10 in parts. and an hours time.
I would like to know the same thing! Took the 4 screws off the handle. removed the arm and was able to pull the broke cable out but there's a star shaped plastic guide sleeve, the cable goes through, in there that is not shown on the drawing.
It seams that the other broke end is stuck in this sleeve.
Trying now to figure out how the dust cover, nut on end where head attaches, comes off?
How do I get to the ignition module? I removed the right cover but the ignition module is under the left cover. Looks like I have to remove the gas tank, wheels, gear assembly, etc. to remove the left cover to get to the ignition module. There must be an easier way? Appreciate any advice.
We have an article and video that covers replacing fuel lines on 2-cycle engines. I think it will help you with your repair. You can find it at the following link...
The tank is full, it ran about 5 min after trying to start for 20 min. The spark plug is dry and I pressed the primer several times. There are 2 fuel lines going to the carburetor and I can see bubbles move when the primer is pushed. Is there a fuel filter and where is it? What are the 2 fuel lines for? Fuel in for one but what is the 2nd one for. The lines are different sizes. Any suggestions?
The symptoms you mentioned could be caused by a couple of different problems. Either the carburetor is clogged with dirt or varnish from oil gas or there are cracks or other damage to the fuel lines. To repair you will need to rebuild the carburetor or replace the fuel lines or both.
The two fuel lines are the supply line and the return line. When you prime the carburetor the fuel flows in from the supply line and then the excess fuel from priming flows back into the gas tank in the return line.
I hope this helps with your repair!
-Mark
Reply: Weed Eater Power Edge Pe550 Will...
Don
Tried everything, no luck. Replaced carb. Runs fine now.
I am having trouble replacing starter dog, wire and cam in my Weed Eater PE550. When I disassembled it the starter, pulley, and dog were all melted together, starter dog wire was missing, and cam was just laying loose. Any help on how to assemble these parts would be greatly appreciated.
I had the same exact issue and symptons. After spending an hour trying to secure the starter dog wire I was sure something was not right because it should not be as hard as it appeared. I did some more research and found the following video, which shows me the shaft on the fan housing has also been broken/melted. link removed
Copy and paste the above You Tube link and go to about 5:25 in the video and you will see what it should look like.
Reply: STARTER
Bradleytb
It appears this site does not like video link postings.
Go to You Tube and search: Lawn Edger Pull Start Cord-Recoil Spring Repair
Reply: STARTER
UtahAV
We also have an article and video available that will show you how to rewind a starter spring. You can find it here...
How does the starter dog wire attach to the dogs? I have tried many different ways and after two or three pulls the cord is all the way out and when I disassemble the dogs and wire have come loose. This is driving me crazy... PLEASE HELP
What is the difference between the carb repair kit and carb assembly kit? There isn't much describing the assembly kit. Also, the reason I'm looking for a carb rebuild is because I had trouble starting the thing and decided to clean out the carb since it has been sitting with the gas all winter. I put it back together and the carb does not pump gas anymore. I'm not sure if I need just the gaskets or the other parts as well. Lastly what else might I need to do maintenance to get it started if this doesn't work?
The carb repair kit is a rebuild kit. It will include the gaskets, a new diaphragm, a new needle, etc. The Carb Assembly Kit is actually a new carburetor.
I think that either replacing the carb or rebuilding it will solve the problem you are having. I would suggest also replacing the air filter, fuel filter and the spark plug.
It is a left-handed thread. It might be stripped... ours was.
Reply: Gear Removal
Pete
It is a left handed thread; turn it to the right to remove it. I just did it today but I used an air-powered socket wrench; it comes right off.
Reply: Gear Removal
Curt35759
I was able to remove the larger of the two gears as you suggest but the smaller gear the one that is stripped is much more difficult. I hate to put a clamp on the cyntriphical (sp) clutch housing but that appears to be the only place to get any leverage. Anyone have suggestions on how to remove the smaller of the two drive grears?
The spring is probably shot. I just took one apart, and it was broken in at least 3 pieces. You only remove 3 screws, one nut, and one retaining pin. Dis-assembly and reassembly both take about 5 or 10 minutes using one allen wrench or torx driver and a 13 mm wrench. You may need a shot of WD-40. You will get your hands dirty, so wear gloves or have some go-jo hand cleaner for personal cleanup. The spring is less than 4 bucks.
I have a weed eater P550 edger that has developed a leak in the gas tank. Has anyone replaced that tank assembly. It is easy to remove the tank but I am unsure of how the fuel lines would be removed and reinstalled into the new tank.
I AM TRYING A CONTINUITY TESTER , SET ON A.C. POS TO THE PLUG WIRE AND NEG TO THE BLOCK, I AM GETTING SOME RESPONSE BUT NOT ENOUGH TO CALL A HOT SPARK, ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS
I have a Poulan Weedeater PE550 Edger and I can't tell what TYPE it is. The sticker is worn off. Is there any other way to tell? I'm trying to order a piston assembly.
Thanks so much!
I have looked over all of the breakdowns for the various Type numbers. I found a few bit of info for you but I don't know if any of it will help enough to get you the correct piston assembly. First, Type 0 and some Type 1 use piston kit #530069987. Type 1 and 2's are a bit of a problem. I found a few notes on the PDF version of the parts breakdown which is linked on our website. The notes advise that a group of trimmers where sent out with Type 1 tags but where actually Type 2.
Quote:
ALL UNITS built with a serial number beginning with 01365N and earlier are type 1’s.
ALL UNITS built with a serial number beginning with 02001D and greater are type 2’s
The piston kit for a Type 2 is part #530071357. It looks like there may be some availability issues with the Type 2 piston kit.
Type 3,4,5 edgers all use piston kit part #530071476.
I tried to find any difference that would differentiate the Types from each other but I couldn't find any concrete changes that would tell us for sure.
I hope any of this leads you in the right direction.
I have a Poulan Weedeater PE550 gas edger and I'm trying to buy a piston assembly kit. The sticker is worn off and I can't tell if it is a TYPE 1, 2, 3, etc. Is there any other way to tell what TYPE I have?
Thanks!!
I have looked over all of the breakdowns for the various Type numbers. I found a few bit of info for you but I don't know if any of it will help enough to get you the correct piston assembly. First, Type 0 and some Type 1 use piston kit #530069987. Type 1 and 2's are a bit of a problem. I found a few notes on the PDF version of the parts breakdown which is linked on our website (PE550 Diagram on PDF). The notes advise that a group of trimmers where sent out with Type 1 tags but where actually Type 2.
"ALL UNITS built with a serial number beginning with 01365N and earlier are type 1’s.
ALL UNITS built with a serial number beginning with 02001D and greater are type 2’s"
The piston kit for a Type 2 is part #530071357. It looks like there may be some availability issues with the Type 2 piston kit.
Type 3,4,5 edgers all use piston kit part #530071476.
I tried to find any difference that would differentiate the Types from each other but I couldn't find any concrete changes that would tell us for sure.
I hope any of this leads you in the right direction.
Lawn Equipment Parts 
