I was given a used 31cc trimmer but can't get the spool off to replace it. how do i do this?

The steps for replacing line in a single line trimmer head are virtually the same for many trimmer head types, like double line trimmer heads.
1. Remove the Trimmer Head Spool
Removing the spool is the first step in replacing trimmer line in any conventional trimmer head, but trimmer head spools can disassemble in different ways.
The trimmer head pictured above and below disassembles by simply unscrewing the knob around its arbor bolt. Other trimmer heads can use press tab and other twisting styles for disassembly.
2. Insert Trimmer Line and Wind the Line
Single line trimmer heads have just one channel in their spools for winding line. The channel will have a hole in it somewhere that keeps the line in place as it is wound around the spool. Insert one end of the trimmer line in the hole.
Depending on the trimmer head, it might be helpful to bend a small portion of the cutting line at an angle before inserting it in the starter hole. Also, cutting the line at an angle can help this first step on some trimmer heads.
Of course, it is also important to make sure that the replacement line matches the diameter specification of the trimmer head before beginning. Once the line is started correctly in the channel hole, you're ready to wind. Most trimmer heads will indicated the correct winding direction right on the spool somewhere.
It's also important to wind the line carefully, keeping it in neat rows as much as possible. The line will have a much higher chance to feed incorrectly during trimmer use if it suffers from sloppy winding.
3. Snap the Line into its Retaining Notch
A conventional trimmer head will have a retainer on its spool. Snap the end of the trimmer line into the retainer after it is wound around the spool. The retainer will hold the line in place as the spool is replaced in the trimmer head assembly.
4. Replace the Trimmer Head Spool
With the cutting line held in place, the spool is ready to be replaced in the trimmer head assembly.
First feed the extra trimmer line through the trimmer head eyelet. Make sure to release the line from the retainer before completely securing the spool into position.
Replace any knobs, bolts, or other trimmer head pieces removed during disassembly.
Your single line trimmer line is now reloaded, and your trimmer should be ready to get back to work.
Although there are many steps to reloading line the conventional way, a little practice and familiarity with your trimmer will speed the process up a great deal. Once you're up to speed, reloading trimmer line this way can take less than five minutes.
If you want to know about the double line replacement, please click this
Thanks.

Unscrew the head's center bump-knob counterclockwise with your fingers. Pull the bump knob off and take the spool cover off the head. Slide out the spool and any remaining cutting line. Lift out the spring underneath the spool. Take out the slide washer. Unscrew the arbor bolt either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on model, in the center of the trimmer head using the wrench. Take the entire head off the end of the shaft.

You line up the head with "arrows" by turning the plastic bump knob on extreme bottom. When arrows line up with the head then you insert your line through the slots "OR" you insert the line in one side and it comes out the other side. Then you have to push pressure DOWN ******* the bump head while twisting the bump head clockwise to "pull in" the string until there's only about six inches left remaining on the "shortest" piece hanging out the side. use scissors to make the lines equal in size before staring the trimmer. Hope this helps.

According to this large online parts distributor, that part has been discontinued.

http://www.partstree.com/parts/?pn=88035

I found this one on Ebay....it looks like the spool with the knob for a 10" electric trimmer. I tried!

http://cgi.ebay.com/TORO-PREWOUND-SPOOL-ELECTRIC-TRIMMERS-PART-88180-/280505426528?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414f6d2260

The knob on the bottom unscrews, and the spool comes apart once you get that off.

You have to take the unit apart. Seperate the shaft from the engine. Then take the engine off the back side. This will allow access to the starter spool, where the rope goes. If you get that far, be careful when you wind the spring. Good luck...Lee

most of these use 2 wires coming out of 2 holes on opposite sides roll the firstwire clockwise, then the 2nd counterclockwise so that when the spool turns the string comes out its not hard

Cut two separate pieces of string, about 7 ft. each.

Stick the end of the line in the hole on the inside of spool.

Wind clockwise onto spool, putting the line that is closest to the ground on first.

Once you have winded this piece on, lock the last 4 inches of line through the slits on spool.

Repeat process for second piece of line, locking the last 4 inches in slot opposite the other locked in piece.

Put the spool on the trimmer, feeding the end of lines through either hole on trimmer.

Before you push the spool all the way on, pull the strings out of the locked position. Put cap on and GO CRAZY!

Jim

Your carburetor needs cleaned. Disassemble carb. and spray with carb. cleaner. Make sure that the small screen is free of debris. Use a Den Tek Brush,
(http://www.dentek.com/shop.php?target=products&product_id=7), to clean the small portals in the carb. Reassemble and start. If this doesn't work for you then you will have to buy a carb. kit and replace all appropriate parts. If you need further assistance, just let me know.

Jim

I have a Ryobi 31cc 17inch cut with gas line problems and this answered my questions. Thank You
R Green