Has anyone actually thrown a rod from a Ryobi or is this a myth, it does not look that weak to me. Also can the original carby be machined out in the bore to increase flow.

I have never actually blown one up, but I am careful with them. There have been several reports here in the forum of them blowing up due to the rod letting go.

The original carb can be opened up a little bit, but a much better option is a new 11 mm venturi carb.

AV8TOR