MikenLapaz... re your PM.

Hi Mike,

Not sure what I could add to what I already said. Fuel draw problems just need to be traced out like any problem. If a person is absolutely sure that his tank and lines are 100% air leak proof, then you look to the carb. If the screen and passages in the carb are good, and the diaphragms are in good shape with the inlet needle lever set properly, then you have to look at the pulse situation. First here is to make sure nothing has been done that could affect the pulse, such as accidentally closing off the hole, etc. If you turn the engine over briskly with the carb off, you should be able to sense a puff of air at the pulse hole. If there is a pulse problem, you have to look at what creates the pulse. If the seals are leaking, (or bearings with covers), or the compression is poor, it will affect both the ability to pump fuel with a good pulse, and the overall starting and operation of the engine. Remember, a two stroke has both primary and secondary compression; a worn engine will affect both, and fuel draw.

As far as getting a good prime to start, I have run across chokes that don't seal well, and then you can't get the engine "wet" to start. In this case, a finger securely closing off the carb while you prop it over works well. On your Ryobi, this would be difficult. I saw a picture here once of a popsicle stick with half of a small rubber ball glued onto the end. Looked like a good idea for a Ryobi choke to me!

For finding parts such as seals and bearings, it's like the guys said above. Here in Arizona, if I couldn't get parts from the OEM, I would first try Napa, then Merle's Auto Parts, then a bearing supply house. Bearings and seals are not as specialized as many people think. It is much cheaper, faster, and easier for the designer of an engine to spec an existing, common bearing and seal for his new engine, than make a new one from scratch. Just whatever you do, don't bother going to Autozone, Checker, etc. Those places are only good for normal, "look it up on the computer" applications, and the low paid personnel are generally uh.. not very astute nor motivated.

Good luck,
AV8TOR