Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ryobi String Trimmer, high octane gas, ryobi string trimmer

Question
Hiya Ben, Thanks in advance for taking my question. I have this Ryobi String Trimmer approx. 2 years old. I only have to choke it, bulb it a few times and it starts on a pull or two. The Problem is as soon as I flip the choke off I must give it half to full throttle to keep it running any less and it dies. Of course it runs terrible (RPM's are lower than normal) and blows that dense gray/blue smoke when I give it gas, but will stay running to get the job done. I have never made any adj to the carb or needles. I have empited the fuel after each season and cleaned and oiled the filter a few times. Im using 92 octane fuel with that 2 cycle oil that you squeeze up into the measuring bowl.. then pour into the fuel (sorry cant think of the name). Mix seems to be correct. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks Dallas - yes thats my real name

Answer
Hello Texas..........I mean Dallas

My advise is to throw it out.............LOL

Hmmmmmmm Actually what your are experiencing is carburetor problems,the small fuel pump can not keep up the demand of the load.The blue smoke can be normal or excessive depending on how you mix the oil.You really don't need to use high octane as that is not good for the engine these engines are made to run on a lower octane.Use only fresh unleaded gas. Regular octane rating (87) is fine - small engines operate at relatively low compression ratios so knocking should not be a problem. There is likely no benefit to using anything higher. In fact, I've heard that small engines may actually be harder to start and run poorly on expensive high octane gas due to their low compression ratio.The worst that can happen with too low a ratio is that the spark plug may be more likely to foul (and you will pollute more than necessary) but at least you won't risk damaging the internal parts from lack of oil. It is of course best to determine and use the recommended mixture ratio.
Have a happy holiday