spyder0069
It also seems like the ryobi doesn't prime well by just covering the exhaust. Even if you use uncap the one outlet and use the bubble pump to prime and get fuel to the carb it doesn't seem to pump into the engine without it spinning with the starter. So it looks like I'll be in the market for a gear reduced starter.
1) Try covering the carb instead of exhaust. I believe you want to create a suction/vacuum on the carb (choke)
2) The primer bulb, which I which I use on 5 different engines, is designed to fill a carb full of gas, just to save a bunch of cranking to draw fuel from tank. I like the ability to see the air escaping in that return line to tank. That same line with a T fitting becomes the tank fill.
3) You may save some $$$ by trying a 2nd 12VDC battery hooked up to give you 24VDC to supply your present starter. Borrow a friends battery and give it a trial run. Yep, 24vdc generates a bunch more heat when it is running but how long does it take to spin an engine? 5 seconds +-.