chain saw, maybe carb issue

[look 171]

Small Echo chain saw. It starts with a couple pulls, but at full throttle, It dies. I am not good with small carbs. Spent all afternoon cleaning this thing. I have yet pulled the carb. Last time used was about 4-5 years ago. I think the carb is fine because at half throttle, it runs fine with no stress. I ran my CA gas dry before putting it away. Could it be the fuel filter inside the tank is bad. It was used very little, couple times, original chain is still sharp.

Next question is, how to stop chain oil from leaking or coming out so much. It drips out.

[Crowbob]

Is the spark arrestor clean?

I usually only fill the chain oil reservoir to about 1/2.

My semi-final solution was to go electric.

My final solution was to hire somebody.

[Baz]

Try pressing the primer bulb and see if you're getting adequate fuel flowing through the fuel line. Fuel strainer replacement is very easy and never hurts to do. That alone has resolved issues on my machines many times.

Not sure on the oil leaking - maybe Google - or try You Tube - for a solution, and see if that helps.

[Bill Douglas]

My Husqvarna leaks oil if I fill it to near the top then screw the cap back on. I think it creates a bit of air pressure that forces it out. Maybe try not so full.

As Baz says fuel strainer. The carbs are pretty simple and you may find some crud in there that's causing problems. The Echo should be a great chainsaw when it's working well.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

My Husqvarna leaks oil if I fill it to near the top then screw the cap back on. I think it creates a bit of air pressure that forces it out. Maybe try not so full.

As Baz says fuel strainer. The carbs are pretty simple and you may find some crud in there that's causing problems. The Echo should be a great chainsaw when it's working well.

I like Echo's stuff. My problem its isn't used enough so it sits. Fuel strainer should be the fuel filter inside the fuel tank?

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Baz

Try pressing the primer bulb and see if you're getting adequate fuel flowing through the fuel line. Fuel strainer replacement is very easy and never hurts to do. That alone has resolved issues on my machines many times.

Not sure on the oil leaking - maybe Google - or try You Tube - for a solution, and see if that helps.

I am getting fuel and see it swirling around when its running with throttle input.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Is the spark arrestor clean?

I usually only fill the chain oil reservoir to about 1/2.

My semi-final solution was to go electric.

My final solution was to hire somebody.

I think a battery operated one is in my future. We have a pretty good side yard but its hill side. Normally the gardener is there to keep it under control and satisfy brush clearance for fire. My task was to cut down an old tree at my in-laws. If I can't get this done in the next couple days, I will take my Sawall, a glass or wine and a cig and hold the trigger and wait. it will cut through it, eventually. The thing is about 12" thick. Small tree.

[LWJ]

Side note. My buddy just gifted me a sweet 280 something Echo with a 12" bar. I used the hell out of it a week ago cutting junk on the farm. It was a really wonderful saw. I vote to fix your saw.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Side note. My buddy just gifted me a sweet 280 something Echo with a 12" bar. I used the hell out of it a week ago cutting junk on the farm. It was a really wonderful saw. I vote to fix your saw.

Oh yeah, I know its something simple but then I am kinda dumb so small carbs and I don't do well. Bought it brand new when I first bought my house, made in Japan too not China.

[Bill Douglas]

If you really want to go battery, The Sthil man told me they have a real beast in battery. I don't know any more but maybe include that in your research. Sounds like fun, I love chainsaws (Husqvarna man speaking).

[KFC911]

Remove the spark arrestor (even tho' it's not the culprit) and use some fresh "good" fuel... small carb jets don't tolerate modern crappy gas like bigger saws do. For occasional, small saw users, a battery makes sense. I'll always have an arsenal of 2-cycle stuff ... no-ethanol, ever, yet my baby pro German Stihl (a beast with a full chisel chain) doesn't have a carb ... sorta like my Carrera ....there is no substitute

Start with fresh fuel ... jmho.

Good luck!

I like Stihls &:Echos ... older ones. A lot of the newer stuff .... I would not buy.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Side note. My buddy just gifted me a sweet 280 something Echo with a 12" bar. I used the hell out of it a week ago cutting junk on the farm. It was a really wonderful saw. I vote to fix your saw.

I have used and abused a 25 yr old Echo (260 methinks)... with 12" bar and full chisel...

It's still a good little saw .... and VERY tired

edited: I lied .... I think it's gotta be 35 years old .... time flies.... my dad bought it way back when...

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Is the spark arrestor clean?

Sounds like a classic exhaust obstruction. I'd be looking at the muffler and spark arrestor instead of the carb.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Sounds like a classic exhaust obstruction. I'd be looking at the muffler and spark arrestor instead of the carb.

First thing I do is remove the spark arrestor screen on new stuff.... top Stihls don't even have 'em.

[cabmandone]

Check the air filter. If the air and fuel filters are clean, clean the carb.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Sounds like a classic exhaust obstruction. I'd be looking at the muffler and spark arrestor instead of the carb.

The spark arrestor was the issue when my Stihl exhibited the same behavior.

[stevej37]

Last week, I attempted to use my TracVac to pick-up leafs for the first time this fall.
I choked the 5hp engine and it started right up. Moved the throttle to full speed and it would spit and sputter and die. Tried again and again....same result.

Checked the air filter and foam sock...both looked real good.
Left the filter off and tried starting again...same thing, starts good...won't run at full speed.
I was on about my last attempt when I noticed a small bolt that holds the carb to the engine was vibrating when it first started on choke....a loose bolt was allowing air to enter the mix.

I turned it the rest of the way out and placed a lock washer on it and tightened it down.

Runs perfect again. I've used it twice since then and for a 40 yo B&S....it's great.

Just something that would be easy to check on yours.

[greglepore]

Fuel strainer as mentioned.
There is a high speed mix screw, you can play with that at full throttle. If you've changed the fuel mix at all it'll affect the running, so once its tuned be careful w/ the ratio.
All else fails, Amazon carbs are cheap and cure 99% of these issues. If its had little use, unlikely to be arrestor, but they can cause issues.
As to oil leaks, check out Chickanic, her small engine youtube stuff is great. And always use no ethanol, from a dedicated pump, in anything that sits.

[Baz]

Thanks, Greg...that was a very informative video!

[1990C4S]

Couple of things to check: Spark arrestor/exhaust blocked. Does it take full throttle if you add a bit of choke? (too lean). Is the suction filter in the tank clean? (low fuel flow).

I would also try blocking the intake at the highest rpm you can hit, that can help clean the orifice out.