What to Do When an Echo Weed Trimmer Will Not Run?

If your Echo string trimmer won't start, and you've followed the correct starting procedure, the problem could be related to fuel, spark or air circulation, since all three are needed for the engine to turn over. Fuel is usually the issue; the engine may be flooded or the fuel may be bad. Bad fuel and dirty air filters can also cause stalling once the engine has turned over.

If you've been repeatedly pulling the starting cord with no results, it may be because you didn't follow the correct starting procedure. The first step -- which is easy to forget -- is to push the stop switch away from the "STOP" position. Next, pump the purge bulb until it's full of fuel, then pump four or five more times to prime the carburetor. Set the choke to "COLD START" position and pull the cord sharply five times. If the engine doesn't turn over, set the choke to "RUN" and try five more times. If it still doesn't start, set the choke back to "COLD START" and repeat the cycle.

The smell of gasoline while you're trying to start your string trimmer is a sign that the carburetor has flooded, which means it has too much fuel -- and not enough air -- for ignition. Let the trimmer rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. If it still doesn't start, pull the boot off the spark plug, remove the plug and check the terminals; replace the plug if they are fouled or worn. Before replacing the boot, remove the air filter cover and clean it with a brush or replace it if it's dirty or fouled with oil. You should also clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush. To access it, remove the engine cover with a Torx 27 screwdriver and pull the cover and arrestor off the muffler.

Once you've eliminated the possibilities of spark and air circulation problems, only fuel issues remain. The problem could simply be a clogged fuel filter -- pull the filter out of the fuel tank with a hook-shaped piece of wire and replace it if it's noticeable dirty. If you've left the trimmer in storage for an extended period, the problem might be stale fuel. Empty the old fuel by turning the trimmer over and pouring it out of the gas tank into an approved container for disposal. When you replace the fuel, be sure to mix it with two-cycle engine oil in a 50-to-1 ratio.

Hard starting or stalling after you've performed these maintenance procedures usually indicates a problem with the carburetor. It may be blocked with varnishes from the old fuel, or it may have fallen out of adjustment. You can often clean varnishes by removing the air filter and spraying carburetor cleaner into the air intake. If the unit starts, but won't continue to run, adjust the idle screw on the carburetor by turning it clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver to increase the idle speed. If that doesn't help, further carburetor may be necessary; Echo recommends taking the trimmer to an authorized service representative for this.