Fixing an Echo trimmer that starts but dies. 

The best video I've seen on this subject. There are others, but they go too fast, like they're not trying to teach you how to do it. Most of us can't learn by 'rapid fire" teaching, so I really appreciate your slowly going over the information.

Thanks for the video! Every year there's a learning curve to get back into small engine repair (for dummies like me!) But each year the curve keeps getting flatter thanks to folks like yourself, my buddy DonyBoy73, Steve's Small Engine Saloon. Thank you!

I'm maintenance at a large golf course. Really appreciate your help with the videos. Always learn a new trick or two. You explain different situations and issues very well. Thank you, Rusty

I love my Echo trimmer. It's a model 230S. I have never had any starting or running problems in the many years I've owned it. I use only Shell gasoline and a high-quality 2 cycle oil. I've changed the spark plug once. In the Fall I empty most of the fuel from the tank and then start and run it until it stops. I did this with my old made-in-USA Homelite trimmer and leaf blower and they lasted over 25 years. Thanks for the well-made video.

Thanks so much for your video! Watched it twice before tackling the job. Trimmer was a six year old SRM-230 with a blade attachment that started and idled but bogged down wide open. I had replaced the basics and the metering diaphragm to no improvement. Your mentioning what the “hidden” screw actually did enabled me to actually remove the cap with a pick(lucky) and adjust. You saved me a hefty repair bill! Thanks again!

Fantastic video. It took the mystery out of carb operation on these small engines and was presented in a clear step-by-step logical approach. Thank you.

So glad I found this video as I have a very old Echo trimmer (GT 1100) that has a similar problem (starts up but only runs with choke closed). Your instructions are very easy to understand and follow so thanks!

Brilliant! Really dig the hot drill bit trick! God bless you, yours and all!

Nice and informative video. The 'hot tip' drill bit is a good idea, I also like how you went in to tuning the carb with the two hidden screws. I've seen half a dozen video's so far on the topic and you are the first to point these out.

Exact same symptoms on a Stihl trimmer two weeks ago. After fooling with it far too long, I opted for a new OEM carb. It is now a beast!

You’re the man! Thank you for taking the time to explain some of the hidden details of carbs.

Well I think the guy did a great job and went into great detail to show how to fix this problem. Sure a new carburetor might be a fix but I at least appreciate this gentleman going to such lengths to help all of us out. I followed the video and the very last adjuster screw was the fix for me also. Thanks again!

Thank you friend; one of the best video on carb adjustments. I had exactly the same problem with Ryobi 310BVr, and this video helped fix the problem after months of mucking around in vain.

Great video and much appreciated. Its good to see all the troubleshooting, repairs and adjustments you made for everyone of us doityourselfers on a budget. Thanks dude👍

I like where you showed from start to finish no editing you showed the problem advised on it and thankfully for you it's working again a thumbs 👍 from me

I purchased a new carburetor, new fuel kit , removed the screen on the muffler and still had the same problem (starts then dies) going replace the fuel , make some idle adjustments ...and if all fails ....it a trip to the echo store 😁 thank you for your videos ..have learned a lot jim

Have a 17 year old Echo blower and had problems with it starting. Purchased a new carb, bolted it on and it started on the first pull. Running better than new.

This is an excellent video. I thank you for such a thorough job of explaining how to troubleshoot carburetor issues with this ECHO.

Thank you for trouble shooting this! Helped me fix my Echo trimmer. Runs great now. I did buy a whole new carburetor but it ended up needing the fuel adjusted to run properly. I wouldn’t have figured that out without your video.

You've definitely taught me a few things I didn't know about these little enigmatic 2 cycles engines. Thank you so much for this cool vid👍😎

I gotta say you're step by step troubleshoot guide 👌🏼. I'm sure other vids helped understand but yours eased me through process. My wd-eatr now has more power and finally has idle. Great vid 👍🏼

I have that same model trimmer also. had a crack in the spark plug and leaking fuel line. replaced both, runs like a champ.

Great & Best video by far. Problem is finding reasonable priced INDIVIDUAL parts. Thank you for your time and talent!

Thank you i enjoyed the video. i didn't know about the fuel adjustment screw ,hidden under the brass cap.

I have a 19 years old echo. So reliable, same filter, sparkplug. Replaced the primer bulb a couple of years ago. In the next month or so, will do a tune up and replace the head too. Already have it $30.

I love my Echo equipment! If the carb looked clean like yours I'd just replace the diaphragm. If it was really dirty & gummed up I'd buy a new carb.

To answer your question they are more than decent they are brilliant bits of kit ..I run a grass cutting team in the uk and although echo is not a well used/known brand over here I can honestly say i just can't fault them I have an Echo chain saw that's 35 years old still in use I have approx 5 strimmers the youngest being 3 years old all of which are worked hard and i mean hard. My counterparts use the usual Stihle huskvana if thats how you spell the names and due to the units letting them down they tend to sell each season ie repair costs out weights keeping them. I simply do not have this problem and save a fortune each year.. In fact i am surprised you have an Echo with a problem but being bent shaft I guess its not commercial but again i have a bent shaft "never had to look at it " I would recommend Echo every day of the week.. Thank you !!!

Very good video. Thank you! I'm with you- no reason to buy a new carb, if the metering diaphragm can be sourced so cheaply and easily.

In the past I've usually replaced the whole carb. But now I know the most common issue after watching you video's. Thanks so much.

It's strange that in the UK at least that most people call these a STRIMMER. I think the reason why is because they are a GRASS TRIMMER. Say it fast and it becomes GRASS STRIMMER. Leave the word GRASS off and it becomes STRIMMER. When I tell people they are actually called a TRIMMER they think I'm mad. Lol. Until I prove it. Thanks for sharing your video. It's more proof. 👍

Thanks for showing the hidden adjustments I've worked on small engines before. I now I won't have to replace carburetors thanks to you

before taking the carb off, check that the fuel line and filter in the tank are good (i've had this problem with 3 brands of trimmer)

Thank you for your videos.because of your videos, I have been able to restore old weed eaters, blowers, and chainsaws that have been left by to the dumpster. Much appreciate d

Did Anyone else notice that at the 9:50 mark, the spark plug boot is arcing? Another possibility for non running condition.

I stick a screw into the brass cap and give it a couple turns until it bites. Then just pull the whole brass cap and plug out at once. It gives you much more room to get a screwdriver in there.

I enjoy working on my equipment so I will always purchase parts if possible to fix rather then replace item

okay, you just made me appreciate buying a new carburetor rather than screwing around with an old one! Loved the video. Namaste girlfriend!

Echo and sthil are my favorite a lot of the time it's just easier to get a new carburetor

I had a Murry that would only run with the choke on, took the carb apart, was very clean, sprayed carb cleaner throughout and put it back together still would only run with choke on so I used a cut off wheel and cut slots in the adjustment screws. The one closest to the engine I turned 1-3rd turn, the screw away from the engine, I turned 1/4 turn, engine started right up, ran for about 30 seconds reved it up readjusted both screws it would rev up smooth and high RPM, plus it idled well too . I have learned a lot from folks on here, its really amazing how easy so much of this stuff can be. A BIG thank you to everyone that helps us how to do stuff.

I would love to be able to rebuild these carbs, but never seem to have any luck,. I just buy new carbs off of amazon and the customer and I are happy again. Thanks for the video.

Gotta say, I own this model, I have a cookie cutter city yard that doesn’t amount to much. Had this for about probably 15yrs give or take and I’ve never even changed the plug. This year it started running a bit goofy, almost exactly what you were experiencing here. Start then die, I can counter it by hitting the gas but I think I’ll just spend the 13 bucks for the new carb, plug, primer ball, air filter and gas lines that come with it lol. It’s probably earned that at a minimum.. been a great little trimmer. Thank you for a great video showing exactly what’s going on.

rebuild kit is 12 dollars, new carb is 18, I'm buying the carb.

Great video, and thank you for sharing you expertise with us, If I may I like to ad a couple of tips just for other users/readers can have a good chance of getting their machine running again, 1-blow off all of the loose dirt and grime,,,maybe use some brake cleaner spray can from the auto parts to clean off all of the junk, and have a clean exterior, (less chances to dropping dirt or junk into the the engine) 2- I highly recommend to put an old towel or small carpet under your working unit,,just in case something falls out or jumps out, and this way you can catch it or find it. 3-some kind of blower dust off can or a compressor air line to blow off all of the junk on the internal parts (not sure if you can use brake cleaner or choke cleaner to just spray of the junk of this parts) and last I would definitely would try the 1.00 fix before spending 15.00

Very nice video and informative as I repair these on my channel as well I know it would be easier & quicker to replace the carburettor but I would replace the diaphragm as it keeps the cost down for customers but on a lot of these carburettors you can’t get the brass or plastic caps out to tune it up so it’s easier to replace the carburettor

My machine have the exact problems, you gave me a lot of ideas to try because I did not found the old obvious tune screws, now I know where to look for them.

damn good video. Showing issues and real world scenario and still having issues and correcting. Great job and info.

I have similar issue with a different model same brand. I ordered the carb, but now I'm keeping the old one once I replace it, so I can fix it and have an spare. Thanks for a great vid.

Nice job on this repair video. I'm hoping a new carb bought on eBay for my SRM-210 does the trick.

This is the first video because it came up as recommended, but because of your attention to detail with the explanation of the steps, probable causes and what was the problem and what it is supposed to look like....this won’t be the last video I watch. Keep up the good work. New subscriber here 👍🏽

Thank you for a very informative vid on those small engine carbs..answers alot of questions for me..thanks again

Just ordered the carburetor lol. $13. But I commend you for your diagnostics efforts. That one dollar little part guilotines doesn't get a free ride to your door so it's probably like $8 total. $13 gets you some extra parts for your "extra parts" bin. I'm tempted to start having two of each mower and trimmer, same model, with "extra parts" bins for each. I think that's the best way to go

Excelent video, you describe everything so vivid, I'm going to garage riht now, wish me luck 😁👍 First i'll try fixing it, if not - then buying new carb.

I just recently fixed that exact same model Echo trimmer and sold it, I just bought a cheap carb off Amazon to get it going again, great video!

Thank you for the great instructions. Just checked , I have access to the fuel metering screws. Looks like a good project for tomorrow.

Since you asked, I just got done working on the same model. (Wish I would have known about those adjustment screws before but still might help fine tune tomorrow...) I ended up buying a whole new carburetor... When cleaning my carb, a small metal cylinder (for lack of a better term) appeared in a container I was using to clean the carb... I couldn't figure out where it went, lol... I was also having some trouble getting the throttle assembly back together and working smoothly so a whole new carb solved all these concerns along with the worn metering diaphragms. My carb also came with new lines, gromet, air and fuel filters, spark plug and a kitchen sink for $13... That machine has always been very hard to warm up and didn't like to run for quite some time and bogs easily. The bogging issue seems to be worse with this new carb but I thought it wasn't adjustable... Thanks for letting me know better! But I went with a whole new carb and don't regret it but also can't see doing that on a regular basis.

Thanks verry helpful in having the same problem with the same model trimer great vid

Great video! Thank you. I have the exact same echo. Anyone that doesn’t like echo has no experience with them. My dad has 80s model blower that’s never been rebuilt and run like new.

Of course I’d buy the one dollar part just to work on the equipment Love it wish to switch from cutting to working on all types of machinery

Honestly your amazing at explaining the process! I have an echo-srm200be that starts if I squirt some fuel through the carb but then dies, so this video really helps! 💯

When an engine starts and dies, check if the fuel filter is loose. Drain the tank and see if the line is eaten. If you keep having to replace the tank fuel line, it's the fuel eating the line. Replace the carburetor if the engine has been sitting for awhile. Try replacing the metering diaphragm to start it.

Very informative and great camera work! Subscribing!

Thanks to you I found the hidden screw. I adjusted it and it runs great, thanks

I've had very good luck with Echo equipment. I have three saws, a 500vl about 35 years old, a 300 about 12-15 years old and 600 P about 3 years old, in addition to a string trimmer which is about 20 years old. The saws get very heavy use for short periods of time and sit around for months in between. I have found a gas station that sells no-ethanol fuel and use that exclusively in my small engines, and it has helped a lot. I also had a hand held Echo leaf blower that was very good that I sold to a friend because I needed a more powerful machine. For small suburban lawns the handheld was perfect.

New carb cause there's some paces in the carburetor you can't get to. China sells them less than $10 on ebay

I have the same trimmer, but have had no problems to date. I will know what to do if I have similar problems thanks to your video.

I happen to enjoy my echo blower a lot. I've had it for years. Couple spark plugs, cleaned the carb once. It runs great and has lots of power.

Are you using 50.1 fuel mix if so that could be your problem. Try 40.1 that should fix it. Them older echo need 40.1

Let me tell you!!!! I am SOOOOOOO glad I found your video! Because I have done absolutely EVERYTHING under the sun and THIS helped me a lot!!! Unfortunately I got so frustrated I ordered a new carburetor. But DEFINITELY going to look at this next time I case it ever happens again! THANK YOU!!!!

I'm a firm believer in rebuild kits. And U-tube videos. Keep up the good work.

Decent production, unlike most channels DIYing home & garden equipm.

Got 18 years out of my 210 straight shaft and done practically NOTHING to it!! So yeah it's worth investing in a whole new carb. If necessary. Doubtful I'd ever have as good a trimmer as this again!! Looovve Echo products 💯💯💪💪👍👍

Going through this same dilemma on a similar gas trimmer. H and L fuel mixture adjustment are easy to access. Just waiting on 21 tooth spline tool ordered tonight on eBay. Good video.

Excellent video. One of the best around. Thanks for educating me. To answer your question, I am old school. I would buy the diagram only.

Since you asked.....and since your asking made me re-consider my approach to my full-throttle-only Tanaka saw, my answer is that I'd get BOTH the new carb and a metering diaphragm, would remove my carb and attempt the replacement and, whether it worked or not, I'd subsequently replace the whole carb w/ the new one as any issues w/ the metering diaphragm make me question the whole carb (just like if I were changing fuel-lines I would also change fuel-filter, maybe a poor analogy but gets point across I hope!) My problem-saw was "broke beyond repair" when I got it a couple weeks ago in-lieu of some payment for some climbing I did, I fixed the broken ignition-assembly (flywheel fin had broken off and knocked the assembly right off the block/out-of-place so no spark was being made in fact flywheel was blocked from turning), fixed the pull-start assembly, installed a front-tensioner as the OEM side-tensioner was missing, then did a full 'restoration&tune' (gapped/cleaned plug, did heavy air-filter clean & modded it for better&cleaner air intake, removed exhaust's spark-arrrester, and full idle/L/H tuning) after which point I was happy w/ the engine so I sharpened the chain, brought it outside, and it FLEW through an ~8" log 5x before I was satisfied w/ it (was warmed-up before cutting) *Problem*-- the day-after this, I get onto a job site w/ it and when I go to warm it up **it wouldn't start!!!** Was furious & confused after no amount of carb-tuning on-site to L jet didn't help, once home I found that it DID run at wide-open-throttle IE if I try starting w/ trigger pegged.....Am more upset I cannot diagnose it, than the inoperability itself :/ Thanks for such a good vid great quality and great tone/attitude, just subscribed am gonna poke-through your others ;D

I have an Echo SR 225,a buddy of mine gave it to me,he thought the pull rope was locked up,he was wrong,the engine was seized,I got the unseized,this was about 4 years ago,I ported and polished the exhaust side and orange peeled the intake side,put a new carb,plug,filters,and cleaned the muffler and I have to say it's pretty much bullet proof now,it runs like scaled ape,can ru it all day full throttle until it runs out of fuel,cold start,pull it 4 times at the most and the rest of the day,pull it one time and it's good.Im working on an Echo SR 210 weedeater and an Echo PB 2100 leaf blower at the moment hoping to have the same results with both of them.

I’d buy a new carb It’s just easier To avoid other issue like methanol contamination

I like to understand how things work - knowledge is power. I don't agree with "just put a whole new one on". There are to many "parts replacers" in the world today....just doing things without understanding. The only downside is to often you can't seem to find just the part you need without buying an assembly. Thanks for sharing and have a happy day!

after seeing how you went about diagnosing and fixing the issues, i think id buy both, and try fixing the original but ultimately replacing it with new, great video, thank you

Pretty good video,when he took the carb apart ,I saw some trash in the screen .It needed cleaning that’s all it was ,plus diaphragm.The carbs are cheap but ,if you tear it down that much ,clean it and it will be fixed .Nice to know where the high and low screws are ,and what to do to put the carb back in timing.Carb cleaner or ultrasonic cleaning is the best route to try.

Great unedited repair video to say the least.. Thanks for sharing! I would replace easily replaceable parts over the big repairs or replacements. If all else fails then buy the new carburetor. Not to mention in the process you learn to trouble shoots many important steps I think..

I'd buy a new carb... It just eliminates so many other problems. The extra 14 bucks ends up saving the customer money in the end. Unless ya get lucky.

Perfect video. I would pay the buck and try to do it myself. Worse thing that can happen is I have to buy a new carb anyway. Thanks for the help.

I finally found your video of removing the brass plug for idle adjustment, Thank You For All Your Videos!

Here in the UK a carb kit is £5 and a new carb could be upto £90. Id rather rebuild the carb! Very good video btw and ive got the same problem with my echo hedgetrimmer. Have rebuilt the carb but still not idling and engine cuts out. The idling screws have plastic caps on them so following your advice I'll be removing those and readjusting the carb👍

When you have the Curb

Thanks so much. I echo what others have said about the straightforward, no frills style. It's been a real help in dealing with my spotty running trimmer.

I'd go ahead and get a kit or a metering diagramfram BUT I'm glad I saw this. I might try and richen the Echo up a dab and I forgot which adjustment was which. The Lo needs one of your quarter turns........maybe. It's doing better and better and tomorrow is leaf day again. THANKS and Blessings!

This is a good video cuz a lot of people don't know that about the echo weed eaters with that brand of carburetor most of the echo weed eaters you can adjust and has the mixture screws adjusters on the outside of the carburetor but that particular model has been on the inside I need a little plastic cats and under the throttle screw and stuff like that and I give you this video a thumbs up because a lot of people don't know that and you know it goes back and people don't know that they end up doing their weed eaters away or whatever you know but you know buying a new carburetor or something like that and it's a very very easy fix so I really like this video I know this video is 2 years old and I'm just now seeing this video but I've been wanting a lot of these videos because I'm about to start posting some videos about ethanol gas and stuff like that how you should not run ethanol none whatsoever in a few stroke engine and what ethanol gas will do to a 2-stroke engine I got so many key stroke engines chainsaws weed eaters blowers possibly even eat the piston and rings up so I'm about to video it should be going through here pretty soon but like I said I gave you this video a thumbs up good job

I actually just got one from my uncle. It had 3 year old gas in it and all I did was dump the old gas out and dump some of my Stihl Motomix in it and the thing fired right up and ran fantastic. One of the best brands out there in my opinion

Thank you for showing how to adjust the carburetor I just put a brand new carburetor and fuel lines on mine - it hasn't been run much but now it still bogs down like it isn't getting enough fuel when you squeeze the trigger -I thought it might be the spark arrestor but now that I watched your video I think it might be the high side jet

Beautifully presented, thanks.

Thanks for the video! I have a Stihl chainsaw acting the same way. Going to go through the carb after watching your video. Very helpful!

Great job on the video and editing. I like the way you start your videos. RE: trimmers...these things have become the bane of my existence. There's nothing more frustrating that a 2-cycle engine that won't run and exhausts all the initial tests. RE: your question: for me, it's more economical time-wise and money-wise to order the carb along with all the extras off eBay cause usually that includes spark plug, new air filter, carb, bulbs, and fuel line for $12 to $15. Yes, they are probably made in China but getting them state-side means I can have them in hand in a few days and just like your job, it probably needs at the very least a new air filter and spark plug. Most folks like me would not 'just' order the diaphragm but jets and the whole rebuild kit which could run $5 to $10 anyways and you wouldn't necessary get an air filter or the other options.

I found this to be a very informative and useful video. Most would be able to replace diaphragms and gaskets, but in this example it would not have been enough to rectify the problem, resulting in either replacement of carb or sending to dealer to repair., therefore, Its hard to figure why there is so many 👎, and why people do that without leaving a supporting comment!

I just bought the whole rebuild kit for 15 bucks changed it all out in about 15 minutes, plugs gasket everything 😮

Good job and informative video. I have a chainsaw with the same problem. I’ll be checking out the carb alright! As for replacing the diaphragm versus the whole carburetor, it’ll depend on availability and time to get the part. If shipping is the same, I’ll probably go with the carb.

Very good to show the hidden adjustments location.

How in the world would something think they'd need to downvote this? Excellent video!

excellent video, very well explained and presented. I looked at many videos but only yours answered so many questions and got to the meat of the matter. Thank you most kindly!

I'm just learning watching as many videos as I can but this was an outstanding learning experience I will subscribe and hopefully you can teach me all about weed eaters and how to learn everything you need to know about weedeater