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My trimmer starts and runs perfectly, but the actual trimmer head or spool or whatever you want to call it has an odd issue.
The string lengthens on its own! I mean there is no need to bump feed. Load with string, screw on the bump tip and start up first few seconds it works fine, after that the string just gets longer and longer.
Anyone know whats going on here and how I can fix it?

Is the spring there?
Wind the string the other Direction.

Carscw said:

Is the spring there?
Wind the string the other Direction.

Click to expand...

There is one spring present on top of the bump screw...the string can only go in one direction since its a wind up method of loading. The spool only allows you to turn anti clockwise.

I have seen the mechanism inside the head get gummed up with grass and such, resulting in the mechanism slipping. I have also seen them wear, and slip.

ILENGINE said:

I have seen the mechanism inside the head get gummed up with grass and such, resulting in the mechanism slipping. I have also seen them wear, and slip.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, I'll post pics of the inside of the trimmer spool, maybe you guys can see something I dont.

Why do you say you can only wind one direction? My 790R spool has arrow directions on the black spool. When it died I replaced it with a Sears weed whacker which had ( I thought) the identical 2 stroke engine. It has the click system which allowed me to use the Ryobi stalk and bump head. When I started it the line feed went nuts-kind of like you describe. On a hunch I rewound the line opposite to the arrow-voila, it feeds ok. I have not tried to confirm the 2 engines run in different directions, but... Like cars says, try winding the other way.

Motoman, the winding mechanism only allows me to turn anticlockwise, there seems to be some cogs on the spool that prevent you from turning it the other way. Nevertheless, i'll try installing the string in the opposite direction and bypass the wind and click system and see what happens.
Here are more pics.

Followed you guys' suggestion and wound the string in the opposite direction to the arrow on the spool and the issue still remains.
This one is a head scratcher....I think I might end up replacing the spool altogether.

I would just go get a speed feed head.
Just don't get the 400 it is to big for your trimmer.

The notches in the spool are worn, and probably the corresponding part that links with those notches.

ILENGINE said:

The notches in the spool are worn, and probably the corresponding part that links with those notches.

Click to expand...

Thanks alot, i just came to that conclusion as well. When the string is loaded if you pull on the ends with your hands there's slight resistance and then they come right out. So it must be that the catch points on the spool have worn down.

Once again thanks to everyone for their input. Much appreciated

bandit, Glad you solved it. I realize now your spool is different than mine which allows winding either way.

Due to new evidence i have to reopen this case....lol
I bought a new spool and the same thing happened.....so does this mean I need to change the upper/outer assembly?
Do you guys know the correct part number I should look for?

Just buy a new head.