CLEANING AN ECHO TRIMMER

[@D4x4Bronc]

I found one of these from the mid 2000s for free. New speed feed head, new trigger, carb idle adjustment and diaphragm, new fuel grommet and lines and bulb. Runs great I use it every mowing. Love echo.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Nice!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I always brushed or blew the loose stuff off and used 409 to really clean sometimes. The air compressor and a stiff brush with some gas was usually the main ingredient to my cleaning because I dodge water if I can because all my stuff used to be outside before I got my enclosed shed, and I had to wring the water out of everything before I could use it. Now it'll usually get a good going over once a year but oil changes and general cleaning when it needs it, maybe every mowing. Thanks and More Blessings!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I need to remember to use compressed air myself.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I always work off my S-10 tailgate and have a small compressor and a hose already set up so all I have to do is turn it on and uncoil it and I'm ready to go. Most of the time I can use one of the blowers and a rag for most of the crud and the brush and gas for the bigger messes.

[@DeanCharles123]

Hoping you have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for all the great videos!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thank you! You too!

[@Patrick4959]

for me as a Australian Bloke i keep my stuff clean and tidy very much season to season yearly as best as possible and well i find the clean it is the better it will work plus making it easier to do minor repairs or simply find out where a problem is for example a gasket clean etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are absolutely right, too bad more people don't

[@Patrick4959]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yep and they often wait until it,s too late and the only way to learn from it is to keep stuff clean or it will cost you dearly etc.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am impressed with your patience cleaning machine. I cover the carb and use a pressure washer, gets the job done but you have to avoid the assorted labels and stickers if you want to keep them.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that works too!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE we all have our ways, but we all get to a good place. I have to say i would love to have your patience with cleaning. 🙂

[@nickolajhelweg]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools anything to watch out with when using a pressure washer? Some places that shouldn’t get a lot of water?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@Nickolaj Helweg Sørensen just use common sense, and you will be fine. I avoid stickers I want to keep, and keep the old air filter on, and make sure the oil cap is tight until I am done. They are made to get wet.

[@nickolajhelweg]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools alright thanks a lot, I’ll try go give it a quick wash before i start working on it

[@apatterson8128]

Something satisfying about these cleaning videos. Nice job, IHG.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I appreciate your time A Patterson, thank you

[@scufxz6841]

Just pulled the trigger on buying a gray echo weed eater for 60 bucks runs perfectly it’s my first lawn equipment I’ve actually bought everything else I’ve gotten for free but I’ve started to mow other peoples lawns around the neighborhood and yesterday all of my free equipment failed on me was at the persons house for 2 hours when it should of took me 45 minutes finally got everything to run and finished the job so after that I bought a brand new electric blower because I don’t use those to much and I bought the echo weed eater

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

seems like you've got it under control after having to deal with some issues then.

[@brianking1138]

I need to get some of that degreaser.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's good stuff!

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

It’s looks so much better after cleaning. I think cleaning is a must. Thanks for these entertaining videos

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelskidmore5086]

After seeing the cleaning of this echo trimmer, especially around the engine and the engine covering, would it make the engine cooler when using it at wide open throttle or does it even make a difference if the engine and the engine covering isn’t cleaned?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I believe the air flow is matched for the number of fins on the head, and the flow of air from the flywheel, so I don't think it's going to make it run cooler. Remember as the engine speed increases, it's going to make even more heat, from the engine, so it needs as much as It can get.

[@captainboost]

Great video. I always enjoy these

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I appreciate it, and your videos, are very enjoyable to watch as well.

[@garyalensr]

Wow that looks so much better. If it were mine is definitely have to give it some fresh new paint. That Echo I told you about? The paint on it is surprisingly in great condition. You just can't beat a good ol back in the day Echo. Hope you have a great Christmas and an even better New year's.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right Gary Allen.

[@MikesGarage96]

Thanks for these helpful videos. Using your tips, I cleaned up my chainsaws, stihl 251,391, and 661. They feel so much better being clean! And a use for my old toothbrushes 😂

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you for the comment!

[@999thenewman]

Looks clean.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's much nicer to work on now

[@aussienebula8331]

Hey mate, Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanx for all the tips it's been a huge learning curve of trouble shooting and repair of a variety of equipment. Cheers. C Ya in 23.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Aussie nebula, I appreciate all the time, you've given to my little channel, see you in 2023 as well.

[@electroddxful]

Looks really nice after the clean. I have a Toro 98cc snowblower that I have done everything to stop it from surging. New carburetor new fuel filter and spark plug and governor spring I also took the muffler off to look for blockage and nothing. Would you have any input in what could it be? I would appreciate your input. This one have really made me work. 😂🤣😂🤣

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's happened to me before, new carb and it still surges. I would do two things, confirm that fuel flow from the tank, to the carb, is "sufficient" and if it's good, I would open up the jet, on the new carb. I know it's a new carb, but the jetting might not be correct for your engine. I'd go one size larger.

[@electroddxful]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Ok. Thanks a lot for your help will do it . Happy holidays to you and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏Many blessings

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you too!

[@robertmailhos8159]

I have Saw that on some of the cleaners do not use on aluminum because of it being caustic to the aluminum

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct, if you leave it on too long, it will damage it.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE that is the truth the product I Saw it on is zep cleaning products

[@josephmeadows8521]

Do you know where I can search for a free push mower

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure craigslist, and FB marketplace.

[@josephmeadows8521]

Thank you

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@josephmeadows8521]

BTW, I really like your videos, keep up the amazing work, if you want we can be friends

[@iboss2569]

Awesome video what products are you using please?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks and I'm using a degreaser from Harbor Freight. It's the yellow one gallon jug.

[@jjjuarez312]

I got one in pieces good brands

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes sir.

[@lonniecottrell7153]

I have a echo string trimmer that looks like the one in your video. I need to replace the carburetor on it. Do you know what the part number is? Or a link for it?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

to make sure, I'd need to know the model and serial number of your trimmer. otherwise you could get the wrong part.

[@lonniecottrell7153]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE all numbers and labels are gone off the trimmer. Does the carb have any numbers on it?

[@CuriousKL]

Cleaning it certainly dos not hurt anything. Free insurance.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct!

[@alexveloz3586]

Can you tell us the brand of the degreaser and how much it was?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure, it's the only brand that harbor freight sells, it doesn't even have a proper names. It's about $10 a gallon but it's a concentrate you can make as much as you want, but the more you mix with water the less potent it is.

[@jessychavis8615]

What is a good number for compression on weed eaters

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'd like to see more than 90 psi, but I've seen as low as 65 psi, and it's still able to run. Ideal, anything over 140, would be fantastic.

[@stephengilstrap6154]

What’s the best way to clean the scuff marks and tarnished plastic that the degreaser and a toothbrush won’t take off?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

for scuffs I would use alcohol, Not sure about tarnished plastics

[@alexveloz3586]

Can I use simple green to clean it?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure can but it might not do that well with oil or grease.

[@robertbaysinger1309]

When you're cleaning a piece of equipment it really makes you focus on it and you'll discover things that you'd normally over look. When I buy a used vehicle I always like to take it to a car wash before purchasing it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a great point!

[@Thomas-nz4uh]

I have a Husqvarna 128ld string trimmer, and I take it apart from time to time and clean a lot of dirt and oil build up around it also. But I have one question, I purchased a can of, "Gumout 800002231 Carb / Choke And Parts Cleaner," and would like to know if I took my spark plug out and sprayed some carb cleaner down into my cylinder block to clean inside my piston and cylinder walls and then the starter cord a few times before starting it, would that help or do damage to my string trimmer?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I don't know if it would help or hurt it, but if you'd asked me if I would do that, then I would say no. I would be concerned with washing away any oil that was keeping the rotating assembly running smoothly. It would eventually be replaced with new oil from the tank but the initial startup would be kinda "dry" of oil.

[@Thomas-nz4uh]

Ok thanks, I won't, and thank you for the advice and responding so quickly.......

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem.

[@2wheeltony889]

What did you use

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

most time I use a degreaser from harbor freight, and it's the only one they sell. It doesn't have a proper name and when you see the bottle, you'll understand why

[@gavincooper9307]

I like these older echo weed eaters but still prefer my older Stihl FS 55R

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I understand why, the older Stihl equipment is awesome. thank you Gavin Cooper.

[@markhyatt1823]

Cool

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks

[@MelPattison]

I’m a complete noob, so please forgive me. I’d like to clean my echo, but you mentioned how you had to be careful around the engine with the water, yet it looked like you rinsed off the entire engine… what am I missing? What do I need to watch out for?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

try not to spray water, directly in the muffler, or the intake for the air.

[@patrickpoulard24]

There is an old saying, "God made dirt and dirt won't hurt ". Well that is a damn lie. Dirt will absolutely accelerate the Destruction of your power equipment. It's good that you took the time to clean this trimmer thoroughly. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤷🏿‍♂️

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well said

[@budgillett9627]

Some people, like me, are simply anal about cleaning. I enjoy cleaning my equipment and I enjoy clean equipment. May I ask one question please? I looked on your home page but didn’t find what I was looking for. I’d like to ask the state where you live and #2 what is your trade/profession? I’m not a spook just curious because you often make mention of your coworkers. FWIW I live outside a tiny little town in south central Nebraska. I enjoy your videos which are very well done.I REALLY appreciate your choice of no background music! Thank you.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I really don't care to share personal information about myself, that's why it's not in the informant section, nor do I bother mentioning it, in my videos either.

[@willie2938]

I much rather work on a clean project than a dirty one...

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you and me both!

[@DavidVillanueva-df4mt]

I only clean the trimmer head lol…I don’t clean the engine cause of the fear of spraying water on a component that I shouldn’t off done it, and breaks down.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that makes sense

[@Turningwrenches85]

Echo did look alot better cleaned

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I thought so too, thank you Turningwrenches85 for your time and comment

[@RioGrandeficher]

Can you literally put water on a weed eater?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure, I do it all the time

[@RioGrandeficher]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE cool. I’m always afraid to but I’ll give it a shot

[@tinkerscorner54]

I can't stand working on nasty equipment and encourage folks to keep their stuff clean by giving them discounts when bringing in relatively clean equipment. On the other hand, if it's nasty, I either refuse the job or charge extra for a good cleaning. I already spend a good bit on Spray & Wash to get the grunge out of my work clothes. I might as well let them help pay for some of it. I'm not even really a mechanic but came from the Integrated Avionics world in the Air Force. Not much of my areas of expertise apply to the civilian world. (Unless you know someone that needs a Heads-Up Display Calibrated. I can make a 30MM round from an A-10 hit a gnat's behind at 4000 yards at 300 knots.) From the Air Force I got the "A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place" and "A Clean Shop is a Happy Shop" and a few other things burned in. And from the Army I got the "Take Good Care of Your Equipment and Your Equipment Will Take Good Care of You" pretty much permanently etched in my brain. So, I can't stand nasty equipment. Or tools. (My Garage doesn't show it. I've been trying to get it together for 14 years now and, though not as bad, it's still a mess.) I saw another one of your videos and was wondering what type of soap you were using. Some are good for dirt where others are great for grease and oil. Whatever you were using seemed to be doing a fairly good job on both. Thanks for posting and take care.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you for sharing your experience