Finally Fixed This Old Vintage Echo Blower And You'll Never Guess How

[@random_dude_99]

Old machines are one of the nicest, but sometimes they require a lot of work

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's true.

[@Thelawnmower278]

that’s why I’d always store my equipment nicely and give them the tuneups they need.

[@mattfleming86]

So you work in aviation! Nice to get a piece of the "origin story"

[@frios011]

I love all the vintage Echo stuff! So well made and durable.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too!

[@fourbyfourer]

Great job!! The old blower sounds good!!👍🙂👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes it does! thank you Livin' The Dream

[@thedispenser8301]

Awesome job

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Glad you got it running again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Robert Mailhos!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel your welcome young man

[@electroddxful]

Nice repair on that vintage blower. Great job 👍🙏👍🙏big like

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks again RayFpv!

[@rickthelian2215]

Great to get this vintage blower going. You’ll know if it comes back in a few years what to do.😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Fingers crossed!

[@1903bretep]

Keep at it I say that way the entertainment value is so much better, it also saves money and if everything fails then go for the new carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good idea!

[@oldroscoe2590]

Reminds me of a couple of neighbors, the blower war of 2010, one blew leaves on to the other's yard so they blew them back over, back and forth. They wound up not talking to each other till one of them died.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, that's pretty insane.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I blow the neighbors over here and use them for mulch!

[@venturinix]

😮😮

[@v-g-z3689]

Damn, the blower war of 2010... that sounds intense :D

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

@@v-g-z3689 Rivals the battle of stalingrad

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Always another angle to tackle stuff some. Good blower. Good FIX too. And if I hadn't ruptured the carb on the electric start I'd never ordered another either. Blasted thin plastic junk anyhow. BLESSINGS!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Lewie McNeely, persistence pays off this time.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel We just wear everything out till we and it's all worn out. Than we take a nap!

[@sebastianlindsey4495]

also, you should do an episode where you try to repair a machine using as many used or original parts as possible, i feel like it would be interesting. love your vids!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and that's great advice

[@robcole332]

More satisfying by fixing it. Anyone can replace parts but only few can repair

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment Rob Cole

[@williamcarl4200]

Sir, this blower is at least 10 years advanced from my first Echo. That blower was a significant advancement over the one ran by Bill Murray in "Caddy Shack". That machine is an accurate depiction of lawn care at the time. The Echo was the first one that did not stall when you moved fast or bent down.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I agree

[@hunter1953]

I loved the tip on the pulse line I would of never thought of that. Nice machines from Echo well built and easy to work on

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@covishen]

If I was doing this for profit, I'd just slap a new carb on it, but as a hobby, its far more fun to do what you did and keep it original.. Great job!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a great point!

[@williamsnow1531]

It sure looks a bit heavy. I would of kept at it just as you did. A good challenge never hurt anybody. Good job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right, thank you William Snow.

[@jjjuarez312]

Good Job brother.. another top quality video... 👌

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Tractorsandsuch1013]

I think that older equipment is far better quality than the ones at this day

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@999thenewman]

Nice fix on the choke lever. Works great thanks to your persistence. You saved another classic.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I thought it was the best idea at the moment. If I get a second go, I might a different idea.

[@999thenewman]

​​@@HomeGaragechannel You can install a lubed o-ring to tighten the choke lever. A piece of wire is the most economical. Anything less than that, like, for example, wrapping it with a small rubber band, might be a bit hokey. Cutting notches might damage everything. I would've added a little spring as a holder. You could also experiment with cable ties to keep positions However, there aren't too many practical options.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like the o ring idea!

[@thomasroche164]

Nice fix

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Thomas Roche.

[@MrRmh3481]

That blower was in the Echo catalog for over 30 years. Started out in the mid 70's with points ignition on a unit called a Duster. Received a cdi kit in the early 80's. There was a bolt on ignition kit to switch them over. One of the longest running blowers on the market. I remember the R/C guys buying them to use on their giant class air planes. Very popular for their day. Great to see one being kept out of the dump because you just dont see them all that much anymore. New stuff is much lighter from the use of plastics.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing that information

[@Strangesage]

I just inherited this bad boy last year runs great still!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice!

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

Great job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the visit

[@chrisnorden8043]

As you've said, it's our hobby. Hobbies generally require time and money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@trsworldofvacuums]

Boy oh boy you have no idea how badly I want to buy that off of you!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! I wish I could, but it wasn't mine to sell!

[@trsworldofvacuums]

@@HomeGaragechannel if you find another one plz let me know because that's my favorite model

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I will thanks

[@jonathansherwood5841]

If time is not an issue, kept going as you did. You had very good bones to work with, so it would not have been a waste of time to try out different things. I prefer to keep it OEM as long as possible, but it can be cost-prohibited trying to replace parts that way. Aftermarket is fine if OEM is too much or if that is what the customer wants. Guess I'm saying it depends on what you find! A nice blower that will have more years of use to come 🐺🔧

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jonathan Sherwood.

[@liljoeii6091]

I think I do the same thing you did cause these Days money is tight I like how you approach things My father-in-law gave me a Troy built Blower It would start every once in a while. He Put To preserve the gas Put in it I get my new knee replaced I'm gonna attempt to try to get that thing to run right It aint that old Didn't Use it that much I am sorry spelling aint that right Thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and good luck to you with that blower.

[@fanta_tech425]

What stuff did you soak the diaphragm in? I might have to do this with my blower too

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks Fanta_Tech, I use brake fluid

[@butler386]

To experience the thrill of the victory and satisfaction you must take on the total challenge and keep pushing forward. This avoids the feeling of defeat and disappointment. Do as you did. Accept the challenge -- Eddie the Eagle never avoided a challenge.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true, thank you D Butler

[@christophermarshall5765]

My thoughts are the fuel line from tank to carb may have had a restriction. I would have put a kit through the carb, & replace fuel line & filter.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Christopher Marshall, checked the old line for any blockages before reconnecting it.

[@larrykelly2838]

I would buy the carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nothing wrong with that

[@davidstevens2137]

Good evening, what solution do you use to soak the gaskets in to rejuvenate them. Enjoy your videos 😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, it's brake fluid

[@slimsqde7397]

awesome video as always, your videos have helped me a ton with my overall understanding of these little 2 stroke engines. I have one question though, what is that fluid you put the gaskets in to soften them or whatever it does. Id love to know because like you id rather do that than buy a new carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, it's brake fluid.

[@slimsqde7397]

@@HomeGaragechannel oh really? i wouldve never guessed, i will definitely try that out next time i need to get something running

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's worth a shot

[@Treppiede]

Very nice, I had a nearly identical unit (mine had the smaller air filter, wish it had the top mounted, larger one like yours). Question... at 5:46, what did you use to lubricate the throttle wire?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the question, it's just wd40 and it worked great

[@Treppiede]

@@HomeGaragechannel Great, thanks!

[@Treppiede]

@@HomeGaragechannel apologies, one last question... could you share the solution you used to soften up the diaphragm?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, it's brake fluid

[@Treppiede]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks man 🙏🏼

[@lukec9293]

Hey, just curious what did you soak the diaphragm in and is there anything else you can use to soak them in? 2:35

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have tried other types of fluid but so far, I've only found Brake fluid to work the best.

[@michaelarmstrong648]

These videos are really good! I thought for sure your subscriber count would be in the million’s range!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate the praise!

[@tomlewis3658]

I think that with a premium brand like Echo, I would be more likely to try & refurb the original carb, especially in your case, where you have plenty of experience, and a solid track record, and usually spare parts available. If it was a lower-tier unit, like something made by MTD, I would go for the cheap carb once I saw it was a carb problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nothing wrong with that.

[@wapd205]

I would’ve paid for the new carb but you have a lot more patience than me 😂. But I am curious on what your rejuvenation fluid is for the diaphragms.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, it's brake fluid

[@haneyoakie14]

One big consideration is time. Do you need this unit tomorrow? Or by the weekend? Or just whenever? Time is money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct

[@warrensoutdoors5964]

Did the blower come with out an engine cover or was it lost

[@random_dude_99]

I think it was like this from the factory

[@HomeGaragechannel]

back then, this is what it looked like

[@HSC570]

Have you considered trying Master Mechanic 2 Cycle motor oil

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not yet but I'll certainly take a look at it.

[@fourbyfourer]

I am like you, I will not buy new carb parts unless I totally have to.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll definitely try as hard as I can to get to work

[@HSC570]

Hey I have a snow thrower and it’s having a problem turning off when the key ignition is in the off position. Any ideas on how to fix it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, use a multimeter on the switch and check for continuity across the prongs when you turn the key to off. Then check if one of the wires is grounded. let me know what happens

[@HSC570]

@@HomeGaragechannel will do

[@masonpelton3300]

What did you use on the for diaphragm???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use brake fluid

[@masonpelton3300]

I would have never thought of brake fluid. Cool

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I had tried a lot of other fluids before I found it worked best.

[@willie2938]

What rejuvenating fluid is it you speak of?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use brake fluid

[@willie2938]

@@HomeGaragechannel COOL...

[@brianking1138]

That thing is a tank. I probably would have just bought the carb. I am definitely going to try bringing some diaphragm back to life though.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's worth a shot.

[@jaimepadilla9548]

What's in that rejuvenation juice that you use if you don't mind me asking

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure thing, it's brake fluid

[@jaimepadilla9548]

@HomeGaragechannel I've tried it but it didn't work maybe they were to far gone

[@Youtubes-i3h]

What kind of luqiud you use for diaphrgam?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use brake fluid

[@bigmesstest230]

On my carb for my weeder the check valve that is internal in my carb has stuck and iv tried every thing to get it freed up but it still wont move

[@HomeGaragechannel]

If you've done everything you can, then you'l have to consider a new carb.

[@HateMerchant]

What is the rejuvenation liquid?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use brake fluid

[@HateMerchant]

@@HomeGaragechannel Ah, thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@craignewman1066]

Knew you were gonna get it running,not much else it could be but a carb issue,would've done same thing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks again

[@sebastianlindsey4495]

what is in the rejuvenation sauce? im the ultimate penny pincher and i must use oem parts only

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, it's brake fluid

[@megatron4882]

Hello 👋. Recently come across your channel. I have a early 2000's Hayter (Possibly Webb or Murray in the US) ride on mower. It has a 30" deck and you sit on the motor. We bought it second hand a few years back but now it needs two complete front wheels ($150 for the pair) and the cutting deck has rotted away. A new bare deck is $250 but they have been discontinued. It's going to cost around $400 + a new blade $80 and a service I could do. Question is, is it worth repairing just for the convenience? It's 20+ year old model and parts are scarce and/or expensive. Should I repair it or use that money to buy a good used walk behind mower or even just a new walk behind mower?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it think it depends on your yard. If it's large enough that a rider works, I'd almost consider getting a push mower to slide under the deck and use that as a new deck. And yes riders have a limited life span. once it's over, the parts are simply not worth it, your choice.

[@evi1dav3]

Probably would have just thrown a carb kit in it once I suspected carb issues. I don't really like slapping a aftermarket carb on since who knows if it's quality or even if it's functional. The OEM carb, A Walbro in this case is worth a lil love. I've had pretty darn good luck overhauling small carbs but no shame in slapping another carb on it. It's hard to beat the price and convenience.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can understand why

[@evi1dav3]

It does also depend on how the carb is. If it's beyond saving a knockoff is bettter then nothing. Anyhow, I enjoy your vids and people like you make me want to start my own video channel. You rock! I wish you all the best!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and good luck to you!

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? Sometimes the solution to the problem might look simple enough that anyone can fix it but it does require some ingenuity to get it working properly and even better than before.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great advice!

[@seanmckay3392]

My Kawasaki tk65 backpack blower 65cc was bogging and I couldn't figure out why well it was the intake manifold gasket where the carb bolts to the manifold

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would make sense

[@IvanOchoa461]

What year is it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't have a clue, I don't think there's a date on it.

[@mr1pearl]

I was gonna say that's some Albert Einstein type 💩put I don't want him to roll over in his grave 😆 I think this is your best video going the extra yard to get this running !!! Nothing I appreciate more than commitment to the old stuff ⚗ < Einstein award man 🤷👏👏👏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bill Clement!

[@goodfern1]

Would I buy a new carb or rebuild the original. I enjoy making things work with minimal expense. I especially like to fix things that have been junked. In the case of your backpack I would try fixing the original carb. Failing that I'd buy a replacement.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed, I feel the same way.

[@gregramirez1163]

i got like 7 of those

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice!

[@Nachojimtom]

Question here, won’t start, replaced the carb, spark plug and fuel lines, and fuel filter, still won’t start, could I have no spark? Should I replace the switch or ignition coil, or both?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

first I would disconnect the wires to the switch, and then test for spark. If that doesn't work then I would disconnect the small wire at the ignition coil and test for spark. IF that doesn't work replace the ignition coil. have you done a compression test?

[@Nachojimtom]

@@HomeGaragechannel it does have compression as I got it to start the first time, and then i never got it to start again, not even with fuel in the spark hole. I appreciate the help, I ordered a spark tester to check it tomorrow, I ordered a switch in case the switch was bad.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

excellent

[@venturinix]

🎉🎉🎉💪💪💪💪👍👍

[@Patrick4959]

well for me i would have tried the first option which is the servicing the carburetor before hand if no luck i,ll probably try the method you did for a secondary option or last resort and if no luck still then that,s when i would replace the carburetor aka carby and yep no different here in Australia as we have our Briggs and Stratton engines on the Rover and even Victa Lawn Mowers we have etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for agreeing with me Patrick Stapleton!

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel no worries mate and yep we have those kind of mowers over here in the land down under for sure and yep even Victa made their range of Tornado and Tornado Plus Trimmers including the legendary Razor Brushcutter type too which uses a 3 toothed blade from memory etc.

[@word1901]

i also tune my 2 strokes ever so slightly rich lower cylinder temps and a bit of extra oil go a long way to making them last thats why new 2 strokes don't last to meet emission standards no user adjustable carbs lean burning low oil to fuel ratios leads to bearing wear and scored bores

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point

[@berkeleygang1834]

Rich people aren't rich because they spend frivolously. Money spent is money that's no longer working for them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I would have gave the old carb the once over, And because it's a blower I probably would not have Put any more time into it . I Would Have just bought a new carburetor.. Now if it was a mower or an edger I would have put more effort into it personally I just don't think Blowers are worth the effort..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I see your point.

[@rldesroch]

What do you use for your diaphragm rejuvenator?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It's brake fluid