[Lardman]

Its that time of year again - try as I might I can't get the lovely thing started 

How on earth are you supposed to remove the spark plug ? I can't get anything in to remove the lead and as its at a right angle, just pulling isn't doing any good and Im worried about pulling the lead off the connector.

Manual is about as much use as a chocolate tea pot.  Using Clean fuel etc but there are posts about "torch" spark plugs causing problems.

[Gwiz]

I can't really help until Monday, but what machine is it in, and what make of plug is it? I might be able to give you an equivalent number for some other manufacturer...

Did you mean "torch" is the maker? I've never come across 'em before....

[Lardman]

It my pile-o-pants Ryobi RLT30CES strimmer.

Manual here http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/pdfs/89/p4763889.pdf

I can't get in to find out what the make of plug is  , from what I gather a batch were shipped with Torch (I assume a brand) spark plugs, these all have problems starting and a simple plug swap will fix it.

[Gwiz]

Gotcha.
some of them can be a pain to get out on the smaller engines.
good luck!

[Lardman]

No I give in  Ive tried for the best part of 2 hrs to remove the ht lead its just not happening.

Theres not some sort of press and twist knack to it is there ? 

[Gwiz]

Haven't got a clue. I've never had one of those strimmers in my hands.

[greenhead]

I  have a RLT30CET and the plug is 'Champion' (remember them)  and the machine was supplied with a  plug spanner no problems getting the plug out.

My experience with this strimmer is you need to use the correct fuel mix (50:1) it is difficult to start on (25:1) also to adjust the carb you need a special tool foc from Ryobi.  I needed to adjust the 'H' screw (Gwiz) to make it run properly at high speed.

[Lardman]

I  have a RLT30CET and the plug is 'Champion' (remember them)  and the machine was supplied with a  plug spanner no problems getting the plug out.

I've got the spanner - but I can't for the life of me get the ht lead off the plug to use it !

I've pull, rocked , levered, yanked and twisted but it just doesn't budge, Im not being overly gentle with it either.

I've got the right fuel mix in - Im pretty sure I've got one out of a bad batch, its been a nightmare to start since to I bought it, its normally fine when I can get it running.

[greenhead]

My plug lead just pulls off but 1st time had to use a leaver just under the lead to pull it off.
Give the help line a ring 01628 894400 they may be able to help.  Might help if you give the plug top a smear of Vaseline.

[Lardman]

Finally  I tied string around the lead and gave it a good yank while levering with a screwdriver - the lead doesn't look to healthy but....

As suspected the plug is a Torch L7RTC - all the problem I can find around the web with the machine are down to this type of plug being set at the wrong gap. My feeler gauges are imperial and in the landrover somewhere so I might just bin it and buy a new plug.

If I haven't damaged the the HT lead all my problems should be solved 

[Gwiz]

I like a happy ending.

[Lardman]

I've ordered a champion RCJ6Y from fleabay. Find out in a day or 2 if the story has a happy ending or if the lot gets a ceremonial burning.

Either way at least next time some poor sole Googles for problems they'll find this thread.