"Jim Talley" wrote in message
...
I have a Ryobi gas string trimmer, and I need to fix the recoil starter.
I removed the shaft and now I need to split the housing to get at the
recoil mechanism, but the CLUTCH is holding me up.
How in the world is it removed? It probably is on a threaded shaft,
but the exterior of the clutch spins freely. I need to somehow unscrew
the entire thing, but how?
Can someone please enlighten me?

You need a special super-secret tool. I had the same problem, took it in to
a Ryobi authorized service center, and had it fixed. I believe it cost
something around $50, which seems to be the going rate for any repair
whatsoever. When I asked to see this tool, or where to get one myself, the
guy at the shop instantly forgot all English. This forgetfulness continued
when I pointed out the little mental ring that protects the pull cord was
still loose.

I had a lot of problems with my trimmer. It had great features, such as the
ability to use attachments like an edger and blower, and a 4 cycle engine.
The only feature it's missing is an engine that runs worth a damn.

I 'fixed' it by going to Sears and buying a Craftsman 4 cycle string trimmer
that still uses all the attachments I bought. It cost about $250 after the
extended warranty and all, and so far starts on the second pull and runs
great. It even has a bigger engine. My only complaint is the cheap plastic
forward handle, which doesn't stay all that tight. On the other hand, Sears
is good about repairing their products, and they honor their warranties.

Sounds like a lot of money to replace something that can be 'repaired', but
I spent at least that much hauling this thing back and forth to the shop.
According to Mr. Forgetfulness, pretty much nothing is covered under
warranty. It was hard to start, didn't have much power after a few hours of
use, and didn't last more than six months or so before yet another $50
repair was needed.

Pagan