Does the Ryobi, model CS26, curved shaft string trimmer require an air filter? I dropped it the other day and the cover over the carburator popped off revealing a place for an air filter but there was not one.

Mike it sounds like the head has sheared where it goes onto the shaft. You may be able to get the head off and see if there is any way of re attaching the shaft but it may be tricky. You could use the modelling clay that is also a resin that sets rock hard. (milliput) works for me.

Remove air filter than remove two 8mm nuts wala

The Ryobi curved shaft trimmer is a consumer grade trimmer. Both the 26cc & the 30cc engines from Ryobi (Homelite) are pretty light duty. They have 1 piston ring and use an anodized aluminum piston and cylinder. A commercial grade engine would have 2 or 3 piston rings and the cylinder and piston would be chrome plated for longer life. Look for the emissions label on your trimmer. The emissions code of C would indicate a 50 hour emissions longevity (consumer grade). A code of B would indicate 125 hour emissions longevity (estate grade). A code of A would indicate 300 hour emissions longevity (commercial grade).
I hope this helps.

If your machine is a "bump feed" there should be a knob on the bottom of the string feed.....this is a LEFT HAND thread, so turn it clock wise and it should pop free and unscrew....re-string your cartridge and replace it tightening the knob counterclockwise until it stops....that should do it !!!... ;-D

Check for fuel supply problems (clogged cap vent, dirty tank fuel filter, clogged or faulty fuel intake lines, leaky or cracked primer bulb, air leak in rear crankcase cover...check 4 screws above gas tank, air leak in carb gasket...check carb nuts, trashed up carburetor...needs cleaning or rebuild, mixture screws need adjusting)....a myriad of possibilities here but I would guess it's a dirty carb....hope it helps

Enter your model number here:

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ryobi-ry29550-string-trimmer-parts-c-7931_15633_15647.html

just cheap equipment. Mark it up to experience and do not purchase equipment fro home center or box stores ever again.

This is just one of the many problems of dealing with

the box stores rather than a full service qualified dealer. If you can

find one in your area, patronize them. Not just when the box store

lets you down but for everything. These type dealers are

disappearing and are not being replaced and soon they will all be

gone.

Go to www.managemyhome.com and download a free copy of the onwers manual.
Good luck!

there is definitely a problem in the drive shaft. check to make sure there's nothing blocking the mal and female ends. if there is, clean it out and lubricate it so that the male will attach to the female slot. also check to see that both ends are not stripped. if the motor portion of it is stripped, which most liekly is out culprit, then it needs to be replaced, or you need to get a new trimmer. if you do, i recommend the Ryobi model CS26 gas trimmer.if the atachment shaft is stripped, the the attachment needs replacement. if you replace the motor portion you need not lubricate the attatchment slot. if the attachment is stripped, it needs to be replaced, but im quite sure the female end in the motor shaft is our problem. it could also be broken inside the shaft. make sure nothing falls out if you hold the attatching ends to the ground.

well if anyone is going to have that parts then its gonna be Ryobi the best solution I have to this is to contact them directly and even order the parts from their website

https://www.gardnerinc.com/recons/splash.php

The above link is to the ryobi outdoor parts replacement store.