Why an Echo Edger Only Runs with the Choke On

If you need to use the choke to keep your edger operating, there is a significant possibility that you are not receiving sufficient power or performance from it.

Only in the event that the engine is being supplied with an excessive amount of air or not enough fuel would an ECHO edger be able to operate with the choke engaged.

This may be the result of stale gas, a fuel line that has been ruptured, a fuel filter that is clogged, a faulty carburetor gasket, a filthy carburetor, or a fuel tank that is clogged.

Before doing any repairs, you need to remove the wire from the spark plug. Take care, and be sure to adhere to all of the safety regulations outlined in the ECHO operator’s handbook.

There are six main reasons why an ECHO Edger can only be used with the choke engaged.

1. Utilizing Outdated Fuel in an ECHO Edger

When an edger has been lying idle for an extended amount of time, the gas may play havoc on the fuel system, producing fuel limits. The varnish that was not removed completely might clog up the fuel system, so limiting the quantity of fuel that reaches the engine.

It is possible that the choke will need to be employed in order to ensure that the correct proportion of gas to air is maintained throughout the combustion process.

Always use the correct fuel, ensure that it is correctly mixed with 2-cycle oil, and utilize it as soon as possible to avoid the likelihood of future fuel-related issues caused by stale gas.

Because gas quality may start to deteriorate as soon as 30 days after it’s been purchased, you should only buy as much of it as you can use up in that amount of time.

To power an ECHO edger, a mixture of gas and oil with a ratio of 50:1 is required.

• Unleaded gasoline having an octane value of at least 89 and an ethanol concentration of no more than 10%. Damage to the carburetor and the engine might result from using gasoline with a greater ethanol level.
• 2-cycle engine oil.

SOLUTION: Clean out your edger’s tank of any stale fuel. To stabilize the gas, clean the fuel system, and minimize moisture, combine oil and gasoline at a ratio of 50:1 in a container that has been cleared for use, and then add an additive such as Sea Foam or STA-BIL to the mixture.

The new fuel mixture should be poured into the fuel tank. Turn on the ECHO edger and leave it running so that the treated fuel mixture may be circulated throughout the system.

If you find that you still need to utilize the choke to keep the edger functioning, you should investigate other possible causes.

2. A hole was discovered in the fuel line of an ECHO Edger.

When there is an excessive quantity of air being drawn into the engine, the choke must be engaged in order to limit the volume of air being drawn into the carburetor via its throat.

Be on the lookout for a puncture in the gasoline line, as this might be the source of the ECHO edger sucking in excess air.

SOLUTION: It is necessary to remove and repair any gasoline line that is fractured or damaged.

3. Plugged Fuel Filter in an ECHO Edger

A blocked ECHO fuel filter is another thing that may impede the flow of gasoline and cause problems. It is possible to prevent dirt and other particles from entering the engine and fuel system by using a filter designed specifically for gasoline.

It is possible for the filter to get clogged if it is not changed often enough or if you are using the vehicle on gasoline that is particularly unclean. This prevents an adequate amount of fuel from passing through the filter. It is in your best interest to keep up with the maintenance of your gasoline filter by doing so at least once each year.

SOLUTION: It’s time to change the gasoline filter if it’s clogged. Inside of the gasoline tank is where you’ll find the filter.

Replace an ECHO edger fuel filter:

• Clean the area surrounding the gasoline cap by wiping it down to eliminate any dirt or debris that might potentially enter the tank.
  Take off the cover.
• To remove the gasoline filter from the fuel tank, pull it out. The filter may be easily retrieved using a wire that has been cleaned and bent.
• After you have removed the filter from the tank, you must next take it out of the gasoline line.
• Inserting the new gasoline filter into the fuel line will complete the installation.
• Return the gasoline filter to its original location within the fuel tank.
• Put the cap on the gasoline tank.

4. An ECHO Edger that has a faulty carburetor gasket

The gasket that surrounds the carburetor is susceptible to wear and tear over time, which may make it less effective. When this occurs, the component will no longer seal correctly, which will enable extra air to enter the system and cause it to run leaner than normal.

When there is a greater concentration of air and less fuel than is needed by the engine, this is the condition that results.

SOLUTION: In order to get access to the carburetor, first remove the linkages and nuts that are attaching it. Take the carburetor and the gasket off of the engine.

In addition to reattaching the carburetor, the bolt, and the linkages, install a new gasket. While the carburetor is detached from the ECHO edger, it is possible that you will need to clean it.

5. The ECHO Edger’s Unclean Carburetor

The purpose of the carburetor is to manage the quantity of gasoline that is combined with air to generate combustion in order to start and operate the edger. This is done so that combustion may take place.

The accumulation of varnish and deposits in the carburetor might cause it to not work properly, which prevents it from delivering gasoline to the engine.

SOLUTION:

If you have any mechanical ability, you should have no problem taking care of the cleaning of your carburetor. To properly clean the carburetor, it must first be disassembled, and then a carburetor cleaner must be used in order to remove deposits that have been left behind by previous gasoline.

If, after being cleaned, the carburetor still does not operate properly, you will either need to be able to get a repair kit in order to rebuild the carburetor or you will need to replace it.

Depending on the model, the cost of a carburetor for an ECHO edger may range anywhere from $60 to $100.

Evaluate the condition of your edger and the cost to replace it with a similar ECHO edger before shelling out cash for a new carburetor.

It is possible that it would be more cost effective for you to replace the ECHO edger rather than the carburetor. The model of the edger, its age, and the cost of repairs will all factor into the choice that you will need to make about your finances.

6. A fuel tank vent on an ECHO Edger that has been plugged

It is necessary for the gasoline tank to have a vent in order to let air to flow through the tank and achieve pressure equilibrium between the tank and the surrounding air. If the gasoline tank does not have a vent, a vacuum will be created within the tank, which will prevent fuel from reaching the engine.

Because of this, it’s possible that you’ll have to operate the edger with the choke engaged. When your ECHO edger runs for a time before it begins to operate slowly or turns off entirely, this is a solid sign that you may have an issue with the vent on the fuel tank.

SOLUTION: Position the edger so that it is level with the surface. Loosen the cap, but be careful not to let any gas escape. Start the edging machine. Make sure the choke is turned all the way off.

If the edger can be operated successfully with the choke turned off, the cap should be tightened and the machine should be allowed to continue to operate in this mode. If it stops working, you may have to repair the gasoline tank vent that became clogged up.