split shaft connection Ryobi 790r

[Terry]

I recently was given a Ryobi 790r split shaft trimmer. There is apparently something missing where the 2 shafts join together to allow the upper and lower drive shafts to engage. Trimmer runs great, upper drive shaft rotates, but there is nothing there to allow the lower shaft to engage. I see nothing on any of the parts diagrams. Is this a replaceable part or do I need to replace either the upper or lower drive shaft housing?

[Mark]

Hi Terry,

I am going to guess that the damage is to the upper drive shaft. The upper shaft should have a fitting with a square hole in it that will accept the lower shaft. The fitting is somewhat conical on the top and then tapers down to the square hole in the center. The conical portion helps to guide the two shafts together. I suspect that the fitting has broken off.

The drive shaft is part of the Upper Drive Shaft & Housing Assembly. It is part #753-04344 and is available from http://www.ereplacementparts.com.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark