I need to replace the flex shaft cable on my weed eater xt260. I was able to remove the motor from the top of the flex shaft housing but not sure how to remove the dust cap from the bottom. Thanks.

Hi,
If you cannot hold the shaft upside down and have the flexshaft slide out, it is likely seixed to the liner. This would indicate the need to replace the outer shaft and the flexshaft. The end down near the head is crimped is place and that is it.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi,
If you cannot hold the shaft upside down and have the flexshaft slide out, it is likely seixed to the liner. This would indicate the need to replace the outer shaft and the flexshaft. The end down near the head is crimped is place and that is it.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks crigby. I was able to get part of the flexshaft out from the top, but it was broken at the bend of the shaft and can't get that out. Since I need to replace both the shaft and flexshaft how do I tell if I need type I or type II or does it matter. Also, will I need to put a new dust cap on the bottom of the shaft and crimp it myself. Thanks again.

Hi,
I have had a modicum of success by either tapping the engine end of the housing of a block of wood to remove the remaining piece. Also, I have removed the liner to try to reuse the housing. Some have a four-pointed keeper that can be freed by twisting the blade of a straight-bladed screwdriver in an opening. Then a pair of needle nose pliers can be used to pull out the liner. If the remaining pice is badly melted into the liner, then the housing must be replaced as an assembly.
The dust cap is a press fit onto the housing and tapping it with a hammer on a flat nearest the engine will likely free it from the hex-shaped end of the housing.
The shafts and housings are different between the types and you can order either as long as you do not mix and match. Dustcap is 530095563, Type 1 housing and shaft are 530071769 and 530095803 and Type 2 housing and shaft are 530071875 and 530096276. Actually only the last 5 digits are relevant once you specify WeedEater brand. The 530 says the same thing and the second 0 is a placekeeper.
Here is a link to a pdf breakdown of the Type 1:
http://ipl.ordertree.com/ipl/278/xt260.pdf
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks again crigby. You da man! I was able to get the dust cap off the way you stated. I also ordered the type 1 housing and flex shaft. Hopefully it won't give me any trouble putting it back together.