On Sat, 20 May 2006 17:02:33 GMT, Gunner
wrote:
On Thu, 18 May 2006 20:38:00 -0500, Wayne Cook
wrote:
On Thu, 18 May 2006 07:42:17 -0700, Eric R Snow
wrote:
Last night I heard the death rattle from my beloved Ryobi 4 stroke
trimmer. After hundreds of hours of abuse it seems that a valve head
came off. The spark plug was smashed but intact, the piston not holed,
and the crank and connecting rod are all in good shape. Since it was
always run with the air cleaner on it seems that the only thing that
could cause the horrible rattle and compression loss is a valve coming
apart. The valve stems still go up and down so that makes it seem like
the only thing that could be rattling around inside the cylinder
smashing things is the valve head.
Looking on the web last night for a replacement I find that Ryobi no
longer sells a 4 stroke engine. But wait! Didn't MTD buy Ryobi? and
Troy Bilt? Yes! And now Troy Bilt makes a 4 stroke trimmer that looks
almost exactly like the Ryobi. And the parts that matter appear
exactly the same. So the split shaft that allows me to change from the
line trimmer head to the carbide blade head without turning off the
engine (Don't try this at home kids!) means I only need to buy the
string trimmer model and my old stuff will work with the new engine.
Cool. I'll post reports about the Troyobi when I buy it.
That trimmer was made by MTD. MTD owned the Ryobi outdoor power
equipment name from 2000-2004. Then Ryobi decided that they wanted it
back. Thus MTD was forced to move that product line to another name
and so you get the Troybilt.
Now onto the parts problem. It's actually very simple. MTD still
supplies parts for the trimmers they made back then. If you'll go to
the web site below you'll find that they even have a parts breakdown
for your trimmer so you can get the part numbers you need and order
the parts from them or your nearest MTD distributor.
http://mtd.arinet.com/scripts/Empart...n%20&LoginPWD=
If that link doesn't work then go to MTD's home page, click on
"parts and accessories", and then "launch illustrated search engine".
http://www.mtdproducts.com/webapp/wc...rate/index.jsp
Btw..they are made in Chandler/Mesa Arizona.
Want the number for the plant supervisor or Sr. Engineer, so you can
bitch about the early failure? G
Yeah Gunner, I do. I don't think the valve head shoulda dropped off. I
took good care of that trimmer. But even more of a bitch is when I
went to buy a new one. The Troy-Bilt web site lists Lowe's as the only
retailer. I did find other sources but they were all mail order. On
top of that, Lowe's doesn't carry all the models listed. I wanted to
get an exact replacement but the trimmers with the 26 cc motor at
Lowe's didn't come with the two part shaft. The web site shows one
though. So I bought the 29 cc model. It may have a little more power,
but not 30 bucks more. And finally, the Troy-Bilt web site says to
call the retailer for more info about the trimmers. There is no number
given to speak to a Troy-Bilt employee. I did try calling Lowe's for
info. Three times. And each time I got their "expert". None of these
guys knew jack about the 4 stroke trimmers. One even contradicted the
web site info. And the web site info was correct. Still, I bought
another one of the things because they seem to be the only 4-stroke
trimmers available that burn straight gas. Stihl makes a 4 stroke
trimmer but it uses 50:1 gas
il mix. I guess this is to avoid oil in
the crankcase. But if you gotta mix gas and oil why not just get a 2
stroke? The 4 stroke does get better mileage but it's not like a weed
trimmer is gonna burn much gas.
ERS
Gunner, vendor to MTD
"If thy pride is sorely vexed when others disparage your offering, be
as lamb's wool is to cold rain and the Gore-tex of Odin's raiment
is to gull**** in the gale, for thy angst shall vex them not at
all. Yea, they shall scorn thee all the more. Rejoice in
sharing what you have to share without expectation of adoration,
knowing that sharing your treasure does not diminish your treasure
but enriches it."
- Onni 1:33