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onthebrinck

Echo Hedge Trimmer difficulty starting

9 years ago

I've got an Echo HCA260 articulated arm hedge trimmer that is a real pain to get started. I press the bulb 10 times, move the throttle to choke and pull maybe 30-40 times. I try moving it to half throttle, pushing the bulb more times, even playing with the on-off switch. Once it gets started it's a rear bear of a machine --- I love it! But I noticed that it doesn't throttle down enough when you release the handle to stop the blade. This might be part of the problem? Where to start? My local guy for repairs is last resort. Thanks, guys.

Comments (12)

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks!!! And I do intimidate easily on topics I'm completely ignorant of --- lol. So in laymen's terms, I should trace the fuel lines where I can between the carburetor, the bulb and the gas tank, and take them off and clean whatever I expose. Just to be on the safe side, should I get some fuel cleaner and do that too, regardless of the motor type?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ..."once it starts keep it running with the primer and choke until it will run and idle , then rev it up for 30 seconds at a time"

    Does this mean that throughout this process the choke is fully engaged?

    BTW: Thanks so much for your patience with me ... I really am useless around motors (I don't know where you put oil in my car)

  • 9 years ago

    Onthebrinck,

    Was
    there more history on this Echo engine in an initial post? If so, please share a link back to the
    info. My little Purchased Echo engine has
    given some of the best service, with good service and care. My 2002 SRM 2400 string trimmer has not
    failed to start or try on the 2nd pull as promised sine 2002 (if I
    have stored with treated fuel, prepped, primed and on).

    Two
    others donors are just as good after going through them. One was an extended hedge trimmer (“For Men”).
    Do not let “Walk” Or Others Scare You. LOL! Take their good advice and fight back with
    some better tips of your own that you have learned

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just bought

    Start Your Engines! 21205 Fuel System Revitalizer, 4 Fl. oz.

    Once I get it, I'll empty the gas tank and refill it with fresh gas and add 2oz .., and then follow Walk's advice. I think I can get this right ... I'll let you know how it turns out later in the week.


    PS: I'm pretty sure I didn't discuss this trimmer before. I may have mentioned my Husqvarna leaf blower ... another scary piece of equipment ... lol.

  • 9 years ago

    Why Me? LOL!
    You are the Engineer with great welding equipment. I did Cheat with Pre-Fabbed “Cat Walk -Material” (from Scrap Metal Yard)
    and just added angle and band for height. My 180 amp Lincoln a friend sold me for 50.00
    has been a dream since the 70s. We have
    made more repairs and needs than the law allows.

    I did my yearly oil change this morning with lots of fear of
    back or neck pains (from on my back position).
    It was painless on my side and probably w/h been on my back. The Ramp, Floor Jack and Jack Stand gave me enough minimal
    room to be comfortable on my side (so I did not test the back). The in/out, up/down was a good workout that
    is giving me some hope that I am better.

    Probably if I h/n made a run to get a load of Pecan wood
    (almost dark) last night, I would have been a better person. I need to end my firewood work for now or
    modify. When a spotter calls telling me
    of Pecan or Oak less than 2 miles I try to get on the move. I feel young squirrel are in my stack or coming
    soon. I tried to run them off but they
    won

  • 9 years ago

    hi guys, just seen onthebrinks post. i have the same trimmer. 1 thing that you mentioned was pushing your bulb 10x, i've owned several echo products and most will be good to go once your bulb fills with fuel, usually 3 to 4 pumps. your issues could be flooding. the carb on those models have no adjustments, idle speed on mine is set with the cable. i buy and sell alot of sick lawn eqiup and most of the problems are fuel related, if your trimmer was put away with fuel in it you might be looking for a new carb, those carbs are quite finicky, i have wasted lot's of time/money trying to get some of them right, you have a expensive machine and when running properly they're one of the best. go online and price some new carbs and be done with it.

  • 9 years ago

    Don't press your luck --- I doubt you'll convert me to a mechanic, lol

  • 9 years ago

    I ordered the fuel additive ... will get it Tuesday ... couldn't spare the time to go to HD or wherever. All is on hold until Wednesday AM.

  • 9 years ago

    I know how you guys are hanging on my every word ... so, I got the additive, emptied the existing gas, refilled it and added 2 oz. Funny thing, when I opened the gas tank, the plastic thing that keeps the cap from getting lost was tangled in the fuel line and I bet the intake filter thingy was pulled out of the gas all this time. I didn't try starting it after untangling it (didn't need to prove how stupid I've been) ... rather if the additive works, I'd like to credit that. Tomorrow's the end of this drama.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    When you get a chance check your plug colour . You apparently have a very lean starting mixture . It may still be caused by the restriction within the priming circuit , especially since you have a manual choke . The fuel cleaner will take most likely the entire fuel tank to clean out the circuits , I believe the filter thingy also has some waxy debis hard to see sometimes since it clear in colour . Anyhow your apprenticeship has begun lol !

  • 5 years ago

    R 4s e r frrfrffrfffffffrffrffrdfffrfffr r 7ut**ddfff|r r defer from *r Redford *ff

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