OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Trimmers and Brushcutters Ryobi Trimmers & Brushcutters Carby - recessed wire mesh filter & diaphragm

I've noticed every time the recessed wire mesh filter inside the carby is mentioned on the site, it is also said to renew it. I like to get things going (at least rough at first), to be sure they are worth investing further money in parts.

Is there a reason you cannot simply remove, clean & replace the old one?

Also, if I understand it correctly, the diaphragm goes hard over time, and stops flexing, which prevents the pumping of fuel.

Is there a cheap and nasty way to rejuvenate the diaphragm? Like soaking it in degreaser, wax & grease remover, acetone/nail polish remover, etc.?

And... What is the average life of a diaphragm? Can it's life be extended somehow, like emptying the fuel tank after each use and running on straight petrol for 30 seconds... that kind of thing?

Thanks for reading.

justallan,

If you don't want to replace the screen you can do what some shops do and leave the screen out which is not recommended unless you want more work. Myself I replace them as it is not worth the risk just to save a couple of dollars.

The diaphragms can be bought through the online store at reduced prices compared to the local mower shop.

If you run straight fuel through a two stroke you will not need to worry about the extending the life of the diaphragms as you will stuff the machine very quickly.

Thanks Bruce...

Yep, I knew running fuel only would ruin the engine long term... But would that still apply for such a short run? You see, I have (yet another) Ryobi that I completely pulled apart, and it has an oily residue inside the bore. I had a rag nearby with some degreaser on it, so I ran my finger inside the bore as an experiment - and it wiped off easily. So obviously it's oil left on the bore surface from the two stroke mix they run on.

So I was thinking that a short run (in seconds) on fuel only before storage might stop the diaphragm hardening (by flushing any fuel/oil mix left in the carby.

Also, I don't mind replacing the mesh screen. I guess I was just wondering why folks don't just clean/wash it and return it into position. Does it get damaged, or does the mesh close up over time, or something?

Remove and back blow the screen but never run the unit without the screen Its there for a purpose and not just to filter rubiss etc but helps to atomise the fuel Cheers joe

Ok, thanks Joe.

justallan,

If you run a 2 stroke motor on straight petrol even for a short time you will damage the cylinder/piston. That film of oil is needed to lubricate the cylinder, before storage I let the motor run out of fuel idling.

cheers gmax