I can see why this Echo trimmer was given away

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

I learned not to play with those carburetors when I found out that I could buy a new carburetor with a spark plug, fuel line and primer bulbs included for less than a carb kit to repair the factory one cost.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely right about that

[@IamNerfDart]

That's all fine and good, until you have to fix something so old, nobody makes carb combo kits. I've personally had it happen 2 times, one of those times I was able to fix it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@IamNerfDart me too, it was two homelite blowers, no carbs available

[@IamNerfDart]

@@HomeGaragechannel Yeah Homelite blower was on the list, along with a OLD Fetherlite Weed Eater trimmer, and a Cub cadet mower (Kawasaki engine). All except the weed eater I was able to fix, just took more time then I'd like. I think the weed eater just has a bad metering diaphragm.

[@photondebuger45]

Yeah but why do that you have fun taking it apart and understanding how it works and you learn something too

[@ceisarsrepair7958]

Even though replacing the carb with new is quick and simple, we do appreciate your in-depth explanation of the inner workings of the carburetor ! It helps us to understand diagnostics with proper tests and adjustments. Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad to help and thank you Ceisars Repair.

[@rajatthakur8889]

in the Honda f300 mini tiller, what is the best interval of the Servicing or oil change of the engine and transmission?

[@teekay_1]

I found just getting a cheap knockoff carb for these things is a better use of my time. I agree the principal of operation of 2 stroke carbs is fascinating, but nothing like paying $15 for a new carb, putting it on and having it start on the first pull.

[@shangrilaladeda]

@@rajatthakur8889twice a year, before first use and before storage once a month if used commercially and everyday

[@watermanone7567]

Get a straight shaft, Echo is usually very good equipment. Thanks for the video and hard work to fix it. A new carb may be the answer then sell it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

$10 investment, I think I would get a good return on it

[@jayasmrmore3687]

@@HomeGaragechannel I think you can also remove the guard altogether and sell it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@jayasmrmore3687 actually thats way easier than swiping shafts. thanks!

[@jayasmrmore3687]

@@HomeGaragechannel no problem

[@robobiss444]

I agree, Ive have the cheapest straight shaft for 5 years and it is an awesome trimmer

[@billkrause4585]

I had a extra trimmer that the wife bought and used once. After not being used for years, I gave it a good going over and gave it running good to a young couple that moved in next door. Being they were just starting out in their first home I donated the trimmer and other stuff to them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that was extremely kind of you.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Nice good for you. That was pretty cool I hope someone does that to me when I get my first home.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@UltraMagaFan I wish the same for for me too.

[@rgracing4109]

Im happy theres kind people like you around this world

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@rgracing4109 I appreciate that

[@billgreen5490]

Well done video. Very informative. Took the time to explain not only what adjustments you made, but why you made the adjustments. Please keep up the great work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Bill Green

[@franleck]

You have way more patience then myself.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, sometimes I don't feel like it though.

[@mjg263]

As soon as I saw it was a curved shaft trimmer I probably would have left it at the curb as I don’t really care for them. Thanks for the clear explanation of the carburetor function, very helpful!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I seriously considered leaving for the next person

[@ToIsleOfView]

Mr. Home Garage I am very thankful to you for producing this comprehensive video. I have torn apart small engines and been successful in getting them going. As a homeowner and always short on cash this video will go a long way to save some money on repairs. I am a big supporter of DIY because often it is a time saver compared to driving to the repair shop & leaving your tool for repair and then returning to pick it up. I figure it takes an hour for the round-trip transaction. A DIY home repair may only take 30 min and save some cash as well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you TolsleOfView for the comment. I appreciate that very much.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

There IS a low speed adjustment, it's inside that part that turns when you trigger the throttle, loosen the nut, turn the screw out a little, tighten nut, rinse and repeat until it's right on

[@apostle55family]

Thank you and Home Garage. I have this same trimmer- new carb, new coil, new plug, and cleaned spark arrestor - ans still hard hot restarts..Gonna fatten that low speed adjustment. Thanks again

[@iamiam8407]

@@apostle55family check your spark plug gap. Hard starting when; Hot- gap is to far Cold- gap is too small.

[@apostle55family]

@@iamiam8407 thank you - will check this week- thanks again for the info

[@ronaldfranck6960]

Thanks to your videos on these small string trimmers I was able to get my ECHO GT225 running like it should. The small screen on the exhaust outlet was 98% caked over with carbon and oil, preventing the engine from developing full power. Without your videos I would have never thought of this as being the source of the engine's poor performance, but it make sense now. The engine couldn't breath. I removed the screen, heated it with a propane torch turning the carbon and oil to ash, lightly scrubbed it with a brass brush and reassembled. It runs like new. Even though it has the curved shaft it still remains one of my favorite lightweight string trimmers. I did upgrade it to the bump feed housing. Thanks for the videos. They saved me a pocket full of money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem Ronald Franck. I appreciate the comment.

[@BigTex8319]

Have you heard about the new diaphragm that Walbro has, it's a spiral diaphragm made of metal and is unaffected by ethanol, it costs a little more but you will never need to replace it again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's like Bigfoot, heard people talk about them but I've never seen it for myself. Where Can I buy one?

[@uzi1951]

@@HomeGaragechannel Google new diaphragm that Walbro

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@uzi1951 oh I see why no one is buying them now, they are too expensive.

[@BigTex8319]

@@HomeGaragechannel Amazon, they are expensive, but, think about it, it will never fail like before and never need to be replaced, I plan to upgrade when I run out of the diaphragms i already have

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

keep it for parts maybe you can get a straight shaft later and adapt it on

[@Funwithhighnotes]

I found the exact same model last year with the curved shaft on the curb. Same exact issue. Replaced the carb and ran like new afterwards. Just like you, I couldn’t use it. I’m 6 foot tall and it was very uncomfortable. Since I picked it up to fix and resale, I did just that, but I did mention in my ad that it is designed for a shorter person. I actually have the straight shaft echo that I have used for years and love it. It’s a beast.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm glad someone agrees with me. Thanks WhiteRaven

[@ma11achy]

Great video. I repair small engines as a hobby and you gave me a few more tips that I hadn't considered (such as taking off the screen and checking for fuel drain). I'm a relatively patient man, however I'm learning to cut my losses with some of the cheaper 2 stroke engines. I usually just put a new carb in there, check for spark, see if the fuel is going where it's supposed to and check compression. I just did that recently with a "Victor" brand strimmer that I paid 300 bucks for 8 years ago. Did all of the above, it was still bogging - so bought a Stihl for 500 to save my sanity. Here's hoping I get many years of happy strimming.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if you take care of that Stihl, it will most certainly take care of you. I appreciate the comment Martin McMahon

[@wikeddf]

Nice video. I’ve got the same exact Echo Gt-225 trimmer and I think I’ve owned it for about 5 years now and have no problems. Not even a carb or a major engine problem. Very nice trimmer, but I’m about 5 foot 7 and the curved shaft to me feels kind of short when you’re using for a lot of lawns LOL

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Brothers's Lawn Equipment

[@wikeddf]

@@HomeGaragechannel Oh no problem 😉 👍

[@emort6]

Same here, I use mine one handed most of the time. Changed out the head for a bump style not long after I bought it.

[@mapquest681]

My brother gave me an Echo edger that had one of these barrel style Zama carbs. He told me he could never get it to run right and shelved it. I bought lines and and a carb kit and installed them. Same thing you dealt with on this case. Went to my local shop that is a Echo dealer and service center. I was told that Zama had had some carbs that would not adjust no matter what you did to them. He then gave me a used Zama of an older vintage that came off an old trimmer that was decommissioned. Took it home cleaned it up and put the new kit it in and it's been running strong for 10 years or better now. A new carb probably would have solved the problem. Every once in a while Zama may let a stinker out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow you did a great job on fixing it!

[@mapquest681]

@HomeGaragechannel People get scared when dealing with these small two strokes. I learned about two strokes flying R/C planes when I was a younger man... I have an old Echo trimmer that is at least 30 years old and it still runs strong. I put a carb kit in it every other year or so and change the lines out. I fear the end may be near as the head is starting to get a weird vibration like the bushings or bearing may be bad. I'll look around and see if I can scare up one that'll fit. If I can I'll have a trimmer that should outlive me. Good oil and maintenance are key for longevity. Thanks for your video!

[@TruthHurts2u]

In my shop I just replace carbs. Saves time, labor costs, and keeps me from wasting a carb kit on carb that ends up needing to be replaced anyway.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@kilroy294 it just makes sense

[@glennlurman3514]

and learn nothing. what do you tell the customer why you replaced was it an internal blockage bad rotary valve water in carb.

[@TruthHurts2u]

@@glennlurman3514 Learn nothing? LOL I've been doing this 20 years. It's not rocket science. Most customers don't know or care when I explain what's wrong anyway. They just want to know "can it be fixed" and "how much". If it's a more expensive carb I let the customer decide if they want to purchase a new carb or try to repair it. I always tell my customers exactly what's wrong, why something failed, what it will take to repair it and how to avoid the same issue from happening again. Plus my invoices always include a description of the customers issues or repairs they wanted done, problems found, repairs made, parts used, and any issues, comments or concerns I found while working on their equipment that weren't addressed. I'm not out to fleece every dollar I can. Many times I'll do quick fixes for free, I'm always giving away cheap $2 and $5 parts here and there especially if they're out of my used "pile", I do lots of "you buy the part I'll put it on for free" deals for spark plugs, air filters, chainsaw chains and mower blades plus I'm always telling people how to diagnose and do the repairs themselves so they can save a little money and not have to pay me to do it. That's why 90% of the customers that walk through my door end up being repeat customers. Without any advertisement I'm often so busy I have to turn work away. Even then customers are telling me they'd rather wait for me to do it than take it somewhere else.

[@glennlurman3514]

@@TruthHurts2u fair enough mate i too have been a small engine tech 27 yrs now. hate the cat muffler in the new trimmers and there lean running state. Kind of sad when i started they were still trying to make engines better more power. now it just has too look stylish aerodynamic and cheap. NVM the mechanic who has too work on the rubbish. Sorry i came off strong just tired of apprentices guessing rather than diagnosing. So all apologys too yourself.

[@dimsom8461]

awesome video! This has always been a mystery to me, now i'm pumped to go try and tackle reviving some of my old equipment!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

glad to see your enthusiasm.

[@Hellsong89]

There is no sum that could equal the feeling of getting something that was not working, working again with your two hands and finding the gremlin that was messing with the machine spirit. Sure its nice to buy new things, but in the end fixing something and saving all that money specially now that pretty much all new things are shitty china crap not meant to last is priceless. You might not get machine fixed, there is always possibility but its always worth to try it, specially if its cheap like this.

[@daniel_xxdannyxx7344]

I have a poulan weed eater that had the factory carb and the barb snapped off, since then I've tried all kinds of carbs that didn't work. I also have a chainsaw, it runs away every time I start it (it's a poulan micro xxv. Added it doesn't run away with other carbs it just bogs). (The chainsaw carb was rebuilt and still runs away with everything I've put it on) Now since I started watching your videos and hearing more about the stuff you can get online I've got all new carbs coming in the mail. Great videos and thanks for the help

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and good luck with your project

[@jgonzalez55]

20 years ago I was a new homeowner. I purchased an ECHO curved shaft trimmer vs an electric trimmer. I learned to use it well over the numerous growing seasons. Last year I decided to purchase an ECHO straight shaft because wore my old 20 yr old trimmer out. I had to get used to using different equipment and went through a learning curve. The length, weight balance and feel from a curve to straight shaft took some time to get good at handling the equipment. If you want to keep it, invest the time to get used it, otherwise give it to someone who is willing to.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@philliphall5198]

First thing I do is remove plug and use camera to look into cylinder and if needed pull exhaust and look Parts machine or fixable 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Patrick4959]

i,d sell it online as you made a good difference in the way it ran however a new carburetor would not hurt etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are correct, I think I'll look into a new carb.

[@M.TTT.]

you can rebuild them and then need to uncover the jets they hide. They place caps over them due to EPA crap regulations so the engine runs "cleaner" probably why this one was running lean, edit: I now see he did this in the vid

[@Patrick4959]

@@M.TTT. yeah there's that option but for me a new Carburator is very ideal than wasting time etc.

[@Carboneye7]

I’ve been doing small 2stroke repairs for many years and your sir are a through and well spoken mechanical instructor

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that, I consider myself quite the amateur, with a lot to learn.

[@rbarr775]

To each his own, I guess! I love my GT-225 -- it's just right for me. I'm about 5'8", but usage style probably has a lot to do with it. The GT-225 comes with a useless, miserable trimming head, so I swapped in a Speed Feed and I'm happy. Its performance so far (two seasons) has been flawless. Sell yours and buy something you'd enjoy using! Perhaps a straight shaft is a better fit for you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you're right bout the trimmer head.

[@emort6]

I bought mine about seven years ago and replaced the head not long after. They obviously knew everyone would replace that garbage head since they still included the string trimmer on the guard.

[@hunter7476]

Our shop is an echo dealer and since of been working there I’ve came to know and love the echo brad

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I absolutely like them as well.

[@glennlurman3514]

try the older shindaiwa trimmers the T270 in my opinion has too be one of the best trimmers in the world

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@glennlurman3514 I completely agree with you.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

At least they still make this carburetor. And you can get them for a cheap price

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right about that.

[@jonnysnipes3123]

They’ve been using the same carb for like 20 years lol I have a 2001 and a 2020 both same carbs

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@jonnysnipes3123 nice!

[@Squarehead45]

Straight shafts cost more but are more "Comfortable" to use as you don't have to constantly LEAD FORWARD the whole time while trimming. AND, Straight Shafts are more adaptable to other tools like Saws, etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you.

[@paulburns3788]

I'm glad you fix it it is a good weed wacker

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are right about that.

[@americanmilitiaman88]

I bought a troy built string trimmer in 2013. Got tired of being tethered to a cord. Today august 2021. It still fires up on the third or fourth pull. I do use non ethanol gasoline and stabilizer and in the winter i still take it out and fire it up and run it for 5 minutes. And let it warm up before working it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow nice testament

[@rileysindt6689]

I am 6'1" and the Echo curved shaft is WAY too short. I can use the stihl and ryobi curved shafts with no issue, but the curved shaft echo is miserable.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

now you know I have felt using it.

[@jgoldie318]

I’ve had a fs40 c curved shaft and that’s way too short I think your talking about the fs56 c. I had the fs40 for a few years and I got a fs56 r c the other day and it’s so much better.

[@rileysindt6689]

@@jgoldie318 No, I have an FS45. I have used an FS56 though, and it is much better than a curved shaft.

[@danbasta3677]

Get a straight shaft then. Straight shaft weed eaters are all I like to own and run.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Get the SRM225....they sometimes show up on curbs too, gotta remove the brass plug in the carb, and reset the high/ low j we ts as you saw in this video....now you have a straight trimmer....ask me how I know

[@alfredoghost2306]

My dads been running non ethanol gas since he was a kid. Hes had the same blower with the same metering diaphragm for 25 years. Starts second pull. It was stored inside though years round

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow very nice!

[@911greatscott]

Definitely straight shaft conversion (I've never seen that done before). After that...give it to someone that needs it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've come up with some ideas, and I already have a donor ready.

[@ADubTheGrizzy]

I believe Straight Shaft spins in opposite direction

[@michaelkeane8508]

Echo is the only equipment I use Blow vac Chain saw Wipper Snipper are brilliant I can leave them for 12 months and they always start .I use BP Ultimata fuel

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Micheal Keane, I would also only use echo if I could

[@HunterTalksWeather]

Good video man, as another commenter said, you've got more patients than i do. Man, i could only imagine the words that'd make its way out of my mouth after having to pull that thing apart a few times. Good on you! not letting anything get between you and getting er' running! I've been told more than once that small engine repair is a dying art, and something i should look into, because i already do it as a hobby.. Out of curiosity, did you ever go to a trade school for it? because i might be looking into that at some point. Thanks man!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I appreciate the kind words, no trade school, but I'm sure it would have helped greatly.

[@HunterTalksWeather]

@@HomeGaragechannel Awsome, keep the content coming. I appreciate it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@HunterTalksWeather I will thanks

[@jaimepadilla9548]

That was genius what u did with the carb. I never would of guessed. You make the BEST videos 👊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you!

[@alanlake5220]

I had a similar carb fitted to a Tanaka hedge trimmer and it cost me £50 to replace it, as a non genuine carb was not available in the uk

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that was expensive!

[@alanlake5220]

@@HomeGaragechannel That's only half the story, as the hedge cutter was run on straight gas, and needed new pistion and cylinder, and had no spark so a coil was also purchased, so i will jusk have to keep this one for myself as i would not get back on the cost of parts if i sold it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@alanlake5220 that makes sense

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@MightyGimp that's a shame

[@500-x7f]

I just bought that exact same trimmer (gt-225) hopefully it lasts a while...

[@armedprophet3321]

I have a love hate relationship with my weed eaters, they always work well for about a year then become extremely hard starters, won’t stay running and eventually I run them over with my truck and buy a new one. It was so bad last year that my neighbor heard me cussing and complaining while trying to keep my weed eater running that he actually drove to tractor supply bought one, put it together then walked over to me handed it to me, took my old one and ran it over with his truck. My neighbor is awesome, a stoner, but the nicest guy you could ever meet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear that, no judging.

[@serious409]

Did that really happen,?

[@STEVEARABIA1]

Hahah. I can totally relate.

[@vespidgaming9453]

Just get a stihl and it will run forever. I work at a cemetery and they have thousands of hours on ours

[@FishFind3000]

Sounds like you need to drain the fuel out after the season is over. It really helps the longevity of the trimmer.

[@afloridian9758]

Some Echos just won't die. I had a PB-251 blower and it got stored for 3 years with gas still in the tank. One day, without cleaning or making any adjustments, I emptied out the awful rotting gas and replaced it with fresh stuff and it fired right to life.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thanks or the comment Floridian Railfan

[@Michelle-ez9hs]

Lol I was a noob and didn’t add 2 cycle oil to the gas for years and it still works fine

[@M05Finland]

Great video as always! Could you do an short video about how to mix gasoline and oil to get to the correct ratios for small engines?

[@hemlocksalad5383]

1 gallon is 128 oz so for 32:1 the equation is 128/32=4oz

[@no.step.on.snek.2423]

Go to your lawn care section.. they make 2stroke mixing bottles with common ratios, and hash marks for each gallon.. its super easy.

[@sluger3647]

Thanks for making this videos it’s inspired me to start fixing these 2 stroke tools I just recently got a stihl 034 for $60 and all I need to do was clean the carb and it started right up. Keep up the great videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and good luck to you.

[@darrionnelson4784]

It would be a nice video seeing a shaft swap

[@mamanzanares]

Yes please! I have the same GT-225 for a couples years. Works great. I got it used with the speed feeder. Always wondered what's the real difference between a curved and straight shaft!

[@apatterson8128]

Hi Home Garage, it’s been a while. My friend brought me the same trimmer to fix. YAY, Echo…BOO… curved shaft. 😢 Just looking at it, I could tell it was a homeowner jobber and I wouldn’t use it if you paid me. Fixed it anyway. Thank you for helping me help someone else. 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Welcome back! and nice job.

[@apatterson8128]

@@HomeGaragechannel I was always watching and liking, just didn’t comment. Once again, thanks for all you do. Great to be back.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@brianking1138]

I would put a new carb on it and sell for a nice profit. Echo is great equipment and some one will find the ergonomics more comfortable than you do.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you

[@hooflungpoo8757]

I didn’t have carb cleaner so I used the air hose to blow the carb out. Started right up. Saved me from having to buy a new one. Thanks for your help.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

glad it worked out for you

[@DeanCharles123]

Interesting how a simple two cycle engine, can be made inoperable by such a poorly designed carb! Years ago, I bought an 80 volt battery trimmer. No fuel, no tune ups, no carb issues; perfect. Even though battery trimmers may not be the answer for the commercial folks; for the three acres I trim it's perfect. They've really come a long way in cordless tools in general!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well explained thank you Dean Charles.

[@Ecksterphono]

Plastic barrel type throttle carbs with spray bar metering is a cheap production carburetor. They should be brass. Also where the fuel line inlet is there could also be a hidden screen that gets clogged and needs to be plucked out. Barrel type carbs that have brass components are by far the best. Sadly the market for finding the right carburetor for these cheaper weed wackers are almost impossible. It's also good to have a digital hall effect tachometer to adjust the speed. Best thing is, is to try and track down a new carburetor if possible. Other than that if one isn't available, it can serve as an experimental engine.

[@mun33y]

I’ve found that the newer machines don’t have any adjustment screws so a one size fits all approach doesn’t work..what I do is swap the carb out for one which has both H and L adjustments so that way you can keep the thing running right across all seasons

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely understand the situation.

[@bunzeebear2973]

Really, I would have been adjusting with 2 1/2lb ball peen hammer.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

4 lbs. is easier

[@igotakai5644]

I picked up the same one a few weeks ago on the curb. Cleaned the exhaust screen, adjusted carb and it runs great! I had the ryobi ss30 before but sold it immediately after getting the echo cuz it was super heavy.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

totally agree with you on the Ryobi

[@RonnieMoscaAmericanstangs6033]

I picked up a echo 230 left near the trash not long ago, grabbed it and all it was turned out to be a plugged screen in the exhaust... works perfectly after I removed it ...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@kollinknack9288]

I have a stihl 023L chainsaw that had a carb similar to this where it only had a high speed adjustment screw. Stihl also makes a regular 023 but the 023L chainsaw is a California model that has all the emissions BS like the restricted exhaust and lean tuned carb. My 023L stopped running so I went and bought a carburetor and exhaust for a regular 023, put it on my 023L and it ran great again! At the end of the day, I COULD fix the original parts but it was simply easier to buy new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Kollin Knack.

[@jameszumbo2539]

I enjoyed the thoroughness of the video and it pointed out some unkown opoerations of the carb I also kind of have the same feel of ECho string trimmers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you James Zumbo.

[@veuzou]

I've got a very similar trimmer (unknown brand, Chinese import) with the same carburetor and the same issue. After searching on the Net, I've found the hidden needle screw but it was glued in place (hard Loctite?). I managed to make it turn using an old screwdriver that I heated before on a flame. After that I was able to tune the carburetor and make it work but the threading were so loose that I had to retune it every time I used it for more than half an hour and finally, fed up I put the trimmer in a corner of the shed and bought a Honda one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that was a good effort though, and the Honda was a smart choice. I've one and I really like it too.

[@jamiecrisp5084]

I would straight shaft it to turn it from a GT 225 into a SRM 225 it would make it capable of doing more tasks like string trimming,edging and cutting small brush while a curved shaft is limited to cutting grass.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I'm hoping to do.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I borrowed a trim saw for 30 minutes and it took us 2 days to clean up the limbs. I worked on an Echo saw years ago with this same problem and the main jet was set up like a motorcycle carb with notches in the jet for mixture adjustment. I got it running but I think it was about shot. Thanks for your fix but if I wasn't comfortable running it I'd get something that I was. Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you Lewie McNeely

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel U 2!

[@johnnynewburgh9745]

just bought kit for echo srm210 ..carburetor ..2 air filters...2 extra primer bulbs..spark plug...fuel lines and gromett for $20 worked great. I had installed after market carb couple years back tried cleaning did not work. But when i went to install new one as soon as i pulled on fuel line I saw gas when removing old carb think i had split fuel line. You can try to look up spec for machines 1 1/2 turn out to start with ? alot of video showing how to adjust properly

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Johnny Newburgh, starting with 1.5 turns is a good place to start.

[@cubehire3653]

Good video. I don't want to take apart my year old Echo GT-225 but it won't start after sitting in my shed for the winter. I have to do something...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's understandable , did you leave fuel in the tank over the winter?

[@Gerard_Hugo]

Good self learning approach. Using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the carb is very effective. You did not pay any attention to the air filter! Getting the engine to run less rich is often a question of freeing the air passage through the air filter. Gerard

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point!

[@anthonycrossley2426]

This Man's patience is astounding..I would've wrapped the Trimmer around a Post !.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes I agree, My patience has help me out more times than I can count

[@davidbrennan5]

My landlord gave me a lightly used trimmer like that that didn't run. It needed a diaphragm and a primer bulb, now it runs like a top. I put a speed feed trimmer head on it and it is a handy little trimmer.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work.

[@MazichMusic]

You got it to run without a huge expense. I'd try a new carb. I did that with my Stihl and it ran like new. It, too, had a curved shaft, so I don't use it much. I also use premixed engineered fuel on all my 2 cycle equipment. No more worries!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you George Mazich

[@hihaveaniceday9386]

Man those premix are pricy tho lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@hihaveaniceday9386 yes they are.

[@jameshedrick6839]

I had one just like that. Hated it and had the same issue with it. Got a straight shaft model SRM225 and i like it. I've had for almost 4 years and it still has the original spark plug in it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice, I hope a straight shaft is in my future too.

[@TFD1982]

We got the same trimmer it’s perfect for my hight the guard broke long ago I run it empty every season and it seems to be working fine almost going on 10 years now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice!

[@rrazvanell]

Try to change the filter, it worked for me. Had the same problem with the idle. Carburetor it's a "fixed" one, without idle adjustment, changed the filter in the fuel tank and runs flawlessly now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a very good point.

[@RichardCarr-zv6bl]

Very educational video, well presented and easy to follow. Thank you for your time and patience. Regards Rick

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really appreciate that Rick!

[@jeanswithtee]

I've found that sometimes with these carbs after cleaning you need to drop a small bit of fuel into the spark plug hole to get the engine to start and it will run great after that.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Good tip!

[@trulysick86]

I have that same one... Couldnt use it all of the 1st year. After lots of headache i removed the carb adjustment cover. Now it runs, but i always have to adjust carb to start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, very frustrating

[@bruceonline]

I have this trimmer. Mine's been a champion.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I agree, these are really good

[@mickeykim3559]

I suppose you can install SRM 225 straight shaft ($50+ on ebay) with Chinese echo carb that has H/L screw ($15) and covert it to 225. Still give you $60 range for flip (SRM 225 sells for $120-$150 on FB market).

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think that's a plan

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I feel the same way about straight shafts as you do about curve shafts. Now I'm only 5 ft 6, but the straight shafts that I've tried to use, all seem to be made for people that are 6 ft 3 or better- hahaha and of course I had the same trouble with scalping the ground and control over them, plus they just plain hurt my back. Now with curved shafts I find them much easier to use and control- but if the design is crappy- like the muffler blowing exhaust up your armpit and constantly having to adjust your angles can make for a long day!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense, thank you Dwayne Collins.

[@LeeLeezy19]

15:34 tbh it sounds like those 2 stroke engines from the old cartoons and its a cool sound

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@20_rounds94]

Neighbor gave me an Older Model Echo (SRM210). Never used a weed eater in my life and flooded it trying to start it when it was warm. My Grandpa fixed it for me. Here’s where the problem started, after he fixed it, it’d run for maybe 3-5 minutes and then turn off. I noticed it was pretty hot and it wouldn’t start on warm. Only way it would start is if I waited 20-30 minutes for it to cool down. I brought a new spark plug, air filter, fuel lines, fuel vent, fuel filter, carburetor, etc. Usually after 3-4 with the choke closed (choke lever up) it would rumble and attempt to start like usual. Then start after the choke is opened. Now it won’t even start. I looked at multiple websites and KZbin videos to no avail.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem, it looks like the carb, needs to be Adjusted to the engine . I hate to say it, but that's a very difficult thing to do, for a beginner.

[@ekhoromeo]

Years ago I bought the curved shaft trimmer for compactness, only to find i had limited reach ability. I quickly bought the straight shaft. More reach ability.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you make good point about the reach of the straight shaft

[@Anolbea]

I have recently bought a few echo products.A Blower(PB-8010) which although heavy is very powerful and seems reliable. We also purchased a top handle chainsaw(CS-362TES) which is superb and performs flawless. Used to use Stihl products but they are not as good as they used to be and mainly use Husqvarna and Echo.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's what people have told me too.

[@eustaciosaucedo4682]

I have one just like it and I tried to put a straight shaft the straight shaft is bigger the OD is bigger than the curb chair

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are absolutely right. The curved one is 7/8" and the straight is 1"

[@serious409]

Had a srm225 for 3 years before I sold It. Ran great , never a Problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Serious

[@williamcarl4200]

Curved shaft trimmers need not apply, but it is pretty, isn't it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is.

[@philliphall5198]

Get one of the yellow plastic tester That just clamp on and shows bad good or hig voltage 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I'll check it out

[@shadowsalc1706]

piston rings might be bad from the shop sometimes the piston rings are in the wrong position and can make it not idle properly but run fine at full tilt i found this out after rebuilding my own one but i opened back up and did it right the 2nd time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice work

[@thomaswinters6586]

I've been using this exact trimmer for years. I like the control I have with the curved shaft and at 5'8" it's perfect for me. I admire your DIY instructions and I replace the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug with the Echo tune up kit every year. As far as the carb, I occasionally take my unit to my local hardware store that services Echo products. I also love the Echo leaf blower. Echo is top notch equipment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I completely agree with you

[@goodtimevids6754]

Very good video explaining how the carburetor works what not I've been fixing them for quite some time and find it easier just to order carburetor off Amazon you can have the thing running in 5 minutes plus you have the adjustability better than the factory carb

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct about that. Thank you good time vids

[@jerrymatthews8968]

I have an echo 225 trimmer and have had no problems with it for years, also is the easiest starting trimmer I have ever owned.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jerry Matthews, it's my choice as well.

[@MickeyMishra]

I was a BIG lover of Gas trimmers. I have like 5 now. But the thing is? I like the small Black and decker with a large battery. Just load up a cartridge of string, and on you go. Its a nice unit and does the job. Cheap as chips to run. and just works. Light too. No it won't demolish anything. But it works for around the house that I need to do basic yard work and edge trimming. The line pre spooled is economical when bought from Amazon. I love the power of these machines. But even then? They still don't make them featherweights. And as much as I love using them? Love the sound? Unless I got a BIG job? I perfer to just go with the small guy.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point, when it works - it works,

[@waktosha7378]

What you said is exactly how I feel about mine. The only reason I put up with it is it does not hurt my back at all! My Stihl straight shaft trimmer has been reliable for 13 years, but absolutely kills my back. I can't stand the pain after 5 minutes now!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right. It's amazing how ergonomics is. thank you Waktosha 73

[@johnciely8209]

I have one with the straight shaft. I usually replace the carb every two years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice work

[@1BlackopsGuru]

low speed idle is adjusted via the throttle cable jam nut all it does it hold the butterfly open more

[@kevinanderson7613]

I'm 6'2" and I've never noticed an issue, love my Echo after 8 years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you Kevin Anderson

[@liljoeii6091]

I would do what you were saying wait and see if you can get another half shaft. I was thinking if you could part it out or when you need it for another one coming in just thought thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and yes, getting a split shaft is always better in my book

[@smallengines1018]

If replace the shaft for a straight shaft

[@smallengines1018]

That's what I need to do for my FS 45

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck

[@MattyMilligan]

Binge watching videos on the gt-225. Mine bogs down intermittently. Replaced the carb, spark plug, fuel lines, air filter today and it still doesn't work properly. Cleaned the exhaust yesterday and it was working better. Today it didn't start at all. Last resort is getting fresh gas. If that doesn't work I'm contacting echo or throwing this thing in the trash.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry to hear that it's having issues. Did you make sure to replace the gasket between the carb and the engine with the one that came in the kit?

[@apatterson8128]

Good honest video, as always. Love your videos!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that!

[@gavincooper9307]

Love the videos how is the Honda mower going

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Funny thing is I haven't used it much. Been working on other projects that don't run right now, like a power washer and some chainsaws.

[@gavincooper9307]

Why do you never show your face and any videos

[@samuelvelez1643]

@@gavincooper9307 good one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@gavincooper9307 because I don't have to?

[@gavincooper9307]

OK

[@D4x4Bronc]

Had no idea you could do all that to a Zama carb. Great zama tuning and cleaning vid.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@davelowets]

If you can tolerate the wait for shipping, you can find a fully adjustable, brand new, carburetor online for usually cheaper than buying a carb kit at your local Garden Power Center.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right.

[@animalproductions3188]

My dad had been using one that looks exactly like this one for the last 14 years maybe. Only bought a new one cause we dropped a tint spring while diagnosing a problem

[@HomeGaragechannel]

what did he do with the old one?

[@animalproductions3188]

We still have it actually, a new carb is probably all it needs but he also thinks he pushed it to hard cutting an overgrown lawn.

[@Iceeeen]

I can never be bother to open the carbs. Usually if gaskets has dried up just feed it some gas they often start working after a bit of forefeed time. But I will go electric when I need a new one. If only the Sthil Fs36 would die. It still 100% original parts as it was bought new by my parents in 2000

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow, a testament to Stihl products!

[@rickeymitchell8620]

This was frustrating even to me, and I wasn't even doing the work. I found myself cheering for the machine to improve. This little odyssey screams throw the carb away and install a replacement. It's a shame because Echo makes a good product. Nice try nonetheless. Thanks for sharing your efforts. 👊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad I could help!

[@emort6]

I bought this exact model about 7 years ago and no problems so far besides replacing that stupid head with a bump style.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice, I really do like these.

[@tiggywinkle1000]

One thing omitted from your excellent video: modern forecourt petrol and the fuel system damage it causes.. It's fatal to carb type fuel systems. I've spent a few days now, ordering, buying and fitting (all were necessary parts) - purge bulb, fuel lines, gaskets, full Walbro carb repair kit, in-tank filter, doing carb cleaning, tank cleaning, fuel cap relief valve... And it still didn't run more than a minute or so. Turns out the check valve seat was corroded, thus preventing correct fuel uptake, and this is non repairable. (Although I tried grinding off the damage). Did that - still no joy. The Walbro kit was good, except they do not tell you that the metering lever is factory standard and must be set to the carb it's used in. So I decided to put the old lever back in and ... Success ! Runs like a demon now and the weeds are very afraid of my 21 years old McCullock TrimMac ! So, the entire strimmer fuel system, filters and carb diaphragm was totally destroyed by forecourt fuel - even worse now - the ethanol is being increased to 10% in UK. Never using that stuff again. Using premix alkylate petrol now, like Aspen make and skip the benzene overdose from forecourt pump fuel too. No ethanol in it either. Keeps for many years with no additives needed, even when left in the machine. And because the heavy distillates of forecourt fuel are not present in alkylate, practically no carbon build up occurs, and no exhaust headaches from fumes, either. However for people who enjoy stripping down the carb every year, well it'll suit them just fine - they're saving on that cheap pump fuel, right? Use the c̶r̶a̶p̶ regular stuff at busy times and keep the alkylate on standby if cash is the issue.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing your experience.

[@NerfCraft]

Yeah, the curved shaft trimmers are definitely too short for me. They typically seem to be made more for shorter people. As for the one in the video, I'd probably replace it with an aftermarket carb that allows for easy low speed, and high speed needle adjustments. It's ridiculous that it's so difficult and confusing to adjust the LSN on that carb. If you really wanted to keep the stock OEM parts, you could try to readjust the barrel again to get the LSN positioned just right, but I don't think it's ever gonna be perfect.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well said, I think I'll look into it. Thanks.