The ECHO String Trimmer Is Powerless (9 Items to Check)
When your string trimmer isn’t giving you the power you require, trimming tasks can be difficult to complete. The engine bogs down and won’t run at maximum RPMs.
When the fuel is restricted by old gas, the carburetor is dirty, the air filter is plugged, the spark plug is dirty, the fuel line, fuel filter, or fuel tank vent is clogged, or the spark arrestor is plugged, the ECHO string trimmer loses power.
Work on your string trimmer with caution. All safety precautions listed in the ECHO operator’s manual must be followed. In order to do this, the spark plug wire must be taken out, and repairs must be put off until the engine has cooled.
ECHO String Trimmer
Prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating your equipment, make sure to follow all safety instructions provided in the operator’s manual. If you don’t have the knowledge, the skills, or the health to safely complete the repair, consult a professional.
Table of Contents
9 Causes of ECHO String Trimmer Power Failure
Old Gasoline Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
Old gas is one of the main reasons why a string trimmer lacks power and performs poorly.
Most gasoline contains ethanol, which draws moisture. The varnish and sticky deposits that are left behind by the moisture and ethanol mixture lead to component failure and fuel restrictions.
It is best to purchase fresh gasoline with an octane rating of at least 89 and a maximum ethanol content of 10% because ethanol is bad for an ECHO small engine. Mix at a 50:1 ratio with 2-cycle engine oil. (1 part oil to 50 parts gas).
Never use fuels that contain more ethanol, such as E15, E30, and E85 fuel. These can contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% ethanol, respectively.
Fuel must be used within 30 days. It can be challenging to predict how much fuel you will use, particularly if you don’t use your ECHO frequently.
If in doubt, extend the time before the gas and oil mixture degrades by adding a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are present in many oils for 2-cycle engines.
If the manufacturer doesn’t specify it on the bottle, don’t assume the stabilizer will last more than 30 days. Some fuel stabilizers have a 30-day shelf life while others have a 2-year shelf life. Take a look ECHO string trimmers use a fuel mixture of gas and oil.
SOLUTION: Your string trimmer should be drained of any remaining old fuel and filled with a 50:1 fresh gas-to-oil ratio. Fuel stabilizers like Sea Foam Motor Treatment should be added. In addition to drying out the fuel and cleaning the fuel system, this product will stabilize the fuel.
To circulate the new fuel and fuel stabilizer mixture through the fuel system, turn on the string trimmer and let it run for a while.
Plugged Air Filter Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
An air filter keeps dirt out while allowing clean air into the engine. If the filter isn’t cleaned or replaced on a regular basis, it may clog and only allow a certain amount of air to pass through.
An ECHO string trimmer will run slowly and lose power if the air supply is inadequate.
I advise changing the air filter once a year and cleaning it frequently all year long. If you use your trimmer more frequently than the average homeowner or in extremely dusty conditions, you will need to clean and replace it more frequently.
If your string trimmer’s air filter is clogged and not functioning properly, you might be tempted to remove it. Even if it’s only a short time to complete a task, avoid doing this.
This could contaminate the engine with dirt and debris, resulting in long-term wear and damage to the engine.
SOLUTION: Both the air filter and its cover should be removed. Remove any remaining dirt from the housing and cover. Examine the filter. Replace it with a fresh air filter if it is overly dirty, damaged, or wet.
If it seems to be in decent shape and is a little dirty, clean the filter and reinstall it. A felt air filter can be washed if necessary in a solution of water and mild dish soap. Until the water is clear, rinse. Prior to reinstalling, let the surface completely dry.
Along with the air filter, some ECHO string trimmers also use a foam pre-cleaner or pre-filter. This is included for added security.
Wash and rinse the foam pre-cleaner in a water and dish detergent solution to clean it. Prior to installing, let the surface completely dry. The pre-cleaner MUST NOT HAVE OIL ADDED.
Other types of air filters require different cleaning procedures; refer to your operator’s manual for details.
Dirty Spark Plug Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
A dirty spark plug may produce sporadic sparks, which will reduce power. Check the condition of the spark plug after removing it.
SOLUTION: A new spark plug must be installed in its place if it is very dark in color or damaged.
Use a small wire brush to attempt cleaning a lightly soiled plug. Since the plug is crucial to the operation of a well-functioning ECHO trimmer, I prefer to replace it.
Check the electrode gap next. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, this must be gapped. Additionally, the spark plug wire needs to be firmly fastened. A loss of power might be brought on by a loose spark plug wire or an incorrect gap.
Plugged Fuel Filter Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
The ECHO fuel filter is situated inside the fuel tank in case you can’t find it. If you use your trimmer more frequently than the average homeowner or notice it is worn out or damaged, you should replace the fuel filter more frequently than once a year.
As it leaves the fuel tank, the fuel filter stains the fuel. It serves as a barrier to keep debris and other contaminants out of the fuel system. A clogged filter can prevent the engine from receiving a good flow of fuel, which will reduce power.
SOLUTION: If a fuel filter is preventing fuel from reaching the fuel line, change it.
Make sure the fuel is of good quality and isn’t contaminated with dirt and debris by checking the fuel tank. Replace the fuel with new, clean fuel if it is very dirty or old.
Clogged Fuel Line Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
Using old fuel can leave behind gummy deposits that can obstruct the fuel line. These may hinder a smooth fuel flow to the engine, reducing power.
SOLUTION: Check the fuel line for any obstructions that might be preventing fuel flow. Replace any fuel lines that are kinked, clogged, or aging-related cracks.
Dirty Carburetor Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
A string trimmer needs a carburetor to control the amount of gas and air combined for combustion. Your carburetor may no longer operate properly if the small parts become clogged with old fuel and stick.
Solution: You should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor if you have some mechanical aptitude. Take the carburetor apart, then clean it with carburetor cleaner.
If after cleaning the carburetor it still doesn’t work, you might need to rebuild it (if a rebuild kit is available) or get a new carburetor.
Plugged Fuel Tank Vent Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
It is possible for the ECHO fuel tank vent to clog up, making it impossible for air to pass through and balance the air pressure in the fuel tank.
A blocked vent can result in a vacuum in the fuel tank, which prevents fuel from escaping from your ECHO fuel tank.
There is a good chance the fuel tank vent is plugged if fuel isn’t flowing through the fuel lines and you don’t have a clogged line or plugged fuel filter. By adjusting or removing the fuel cap to let air into the tank, you can check this. Allow the trimmer to run after starting it.
Be careful not to spill any gas from the tank by keeping your string trimmer level. To confirm that the fuel tank vent is the issue, tighten the fuel cap if the trimmer runs well and doesn’t bog down or lose power. If not, try to reproduce the issue.
Solution:Off of a fuel line exiting the fuel tank is where you’ll find the fuel tank vent. You must swap out the vent with a fuel tank vent if it isn’t functioning properly.
Plugged Spark Arrestor Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
A small metal screen called a spark arrestor keeps hot exhaust from escaping the muffler and igniting a fire. You might experience a loss of power when this tiny screen plugs in, preventing your ECHO string trimmer from turning at its maximum RPMs.
Solution: Take the spark plug wire off. Engine cover and exhaust cover should be removed. Remove the spark arrestor screen with care. Utilize a metal brush to clean it.
Replace the screen with a new spark arrestor screen if it cannot be cleaned thoroughly, if you discover it to be damaged, or if it has a hole in it.
Carbon Buildup in the Exhaust Port Causes an ECHO String Trimmer to Lose Power
Your ECHO string trimmer may not run properly if there are carbon deposits in the exhaust port, which is behind the muffler.
When you experience a power outage that hasn’t been resolved by the items listed above, this area needs to be examined and cleaned.
Solution: I advise having a skilled mechanic clean the exhaust port and muffler to prevent harm to the trimmer.
If you decide to try cleaning it, make sure the engine and muffler are cool first to avoid getting burned. Also, disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove the heat shield, muffler, and engine cover. Set the piston so that it fully encloses the port opening. By doing this, carbon won’t accidentally enter the cylinder.
To get rid of the carbon buildup near the exhaust port, use a plastic scraper. NOT AT ALL with a metal tool. During this process, take care not to scratch the piston or the cylinder. The items should be reinstalled in the reverse order of their removal.
When to Have a Mechanic Repair Your ECHO String Trimmer?
Consider consulting a skilled small engine mechanic if you’ve gone through the list above and it didn’t resolve your power loss problem or if you don’t feel confident making any of the repairs.
A neighbor or friend may have recommended a good small engine repair shop in your area. Visit the dealer locator page on ECHO’s website to locate one as well.
When I encounter a significant problem, I prefer to go to the dealership for manufacturer-trained support. They have the right tools to conduct the required tests. They can handle any warranty issues and carry OEM parts as well.
Consider the labor cost for the mechanic to diagnose your issue when you visit the repair shop. The cost to diagnose the issue is typically flat rate, and the cost of labor and parts is added on top of that to cover the cost of the repairs.
If you have an outdated, low-cost ECHO trimmer that is nearing the end of its useful life, paying a diagnostic fee, parts, and labor costs might not make sense.
You must balance the cost of the repair against the string trimmer’s age, quality, and dependability. You might do better to spend money on a brand-new ECHO string trimmer.
