How to Repair an Echo Chain Saw
Echo chainsaws, like every kind of small engine, require three things to start and run: fuel, spark and air compression. If any of these three key components are missing or not functioning properly, you will need to repair the saw. There are dozens of simple parts that all need to be working together for the saw to run correctly. Therefore it helps to isolate the problem before you start trying to make repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Leather work gloves
- Diesel gasoline
- Old toothbrush
- Screwdriver
- Spark plug wrench
- Starter fluid
- Carburetor cleaner
Instructions
-
-
1
Make sure the chainsaw has fresh gas at a 50:1 gas-oil mixture and enough oil in the oil tank. Clean the air filter by slapping the felt band across your palm or other flat surface. Pour a little gasoline onto the filter and clean it with a toothbrush. Replace the filter if it is old or too dirty to clean.
-
2
Check that the chain slides freely around the bar and isn’t caught on anything. Release the chain brake and try starting the saw. If the saw starts but dies consistently, adjust the high and low RPM needle valves.
-
-
3
Make sure the saw has air compression by pulling on the starter cord; if the saw has compression, the engine will make a whirring or chugging noise. The cord shouldn't be too hard or too easy to pull. If it is, take off the side cover with the screwdriver and make sure the pull cord is attached properly. Replace the pull cord if it is frayed or broken.
-
4
Check the chain saw’s spark plug if the saw has compression but still won’t start after checking the pull cord. Remove the rubber plug wire from the spark plug. If the spark plug is dirty, remove it with a spark plug wrench. Pour a little diesel gasoline over the spark plug and scrape it with the toothbrush to clean off any debris or dirt. Screw the spark plug back into the plug connector but don’t attach the spark plug’s rubber plug wire to the engine. Let the plug wire hang loose near a metal part on the saw’s engine block.
-
5
Pull the starter cord and look at the spark plug to see if there is a spark. If there isn’t one, replace the spark plug and test again. If you still don’t see a spark, check the wires to make sure they aren't damaged. If the wires are functional, remove and replace the starter’s coil or the starter.
-
6
Make sure the saw is getting fuel to the engine, if the saw has air and is getting a spark. Remove the saw’s air filter cover and the air filter. Hold your finger on the throttle to open the carburetor (the little metal flap that opens and closes when you squeeze the trigger). Spray starter fluid into the hole.
-
7
Try starting the saw again. If it still doesn’t start, check the fuel line to make sure gas is flowing from the tank to the engine. If it isn’t flowing, you will need to replace the fuel line.
-
8
Remove, disassemble and clean the carburetor if the saw still doesn’t start after cleaning and replacing the fuel line. Replace all of the seals and gaskets inside the carburetor. If it still doesn’t start after a thorough cleaning, you will need to replace the carburetor.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A majority of a saw's problems are connected to a dirty, broken or old carburetor.
Storing saws for a long period of time will cause stale gasoline to dry up in the carburetor, which will need to be cleaned for the saw to run properly.
If the saw still isn't working after completing these tests, you likely have something more serious going on inside the engine, such as a broken piston or cracked engine block, which will require a professional to fix.
Always use caution when working around gasoline and sparks.
Only perform maintenance on saws in a well-ventilated area.
