What's Wrong With This Echo Trimmer?

[@tedstankunas7142]

I'm a small engine technician, I enjoy your videos. I repair the Stihl, and Echo products we sell. I can tell just by looking at the piston that engine is not going to run without a rebuild. To confirm this pull the cylinder off. The piston and cylinder are scored. I just checked out a PB-580T that a customer bought new at a box store and ran straight fuel through, he ruined a $500.00 back pack blower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the advice. But I will let you know that I've already fixed the trimmer and the problem keeping it from running was no the low compression.

[@stevepelino5986]

This is definitely a head scratcher. Looking at the scoring on the piston I’m betting straight gas was used at least once. Can’t wait to see what happens. Thank you for your videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and you might be right about that gasoline

[@Joseph-u6d]

You have a great sense of humor for a man with a ferocious appetite for mechanical torture 😮😮😮😮

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!! I really like this comment !

[@JosephWhite-o5c]

@@Joseph-u6d LOL that's funny😂

[@robcole332]

Can't wait to see what it is

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You're going to be surprised I know I was.

[@ethanmiller3935]

I think it has something to do with that scored up piston and cylinder. If I saw that on something I was working wrong, I would stop right there and use it for parts or give it a transplant. Because even if it gets running, it is only a matter of time before it self destructs. (Cylinder plating comes off and gets into the bearings and ruining them)

[@flamingfoxproductions4795]

This might be my issue on my old srm 2100

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, but I'll leave that up to the owner to decide

[@HomeGaragechannel]

quite possible

[@flamingfoxproductions4795]

SUPER HAPPY TO SEE THIS VIDEO!! I have been at it with an echo srm 2100 customer repair, has strong spark, fuel, compression, exhaust is free, flywheel is in time and I even put a new motor on it!!!! Looking forward to the next video to see what you find. Mine will run faintly at full throttle like it has a super heavy load and is burning up. Im suspecting a bad bearing that is causing binding, but im not 100% sure. This is my first time running into a simular issue after 5 ish years of small engine work!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that's one heck of a problem you're having to deal with .

[@allegory7638]

Since the plug usually needs to be removed anyway for visual inspection, I test for spark with an alligator test wire from the ground electrode to some metal part of the engine, typically a fin or screw. That way the presence and condition of the spark between the electrodes is readily verifiable.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great idea thank you

[@bigstu9854]

I have a Srm225 with the exact same problem. I've done everything short of a piston rebuild and still won't start. Can't wait to see what you figure out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're in for a treat then

[@skyscraper37]

Glad I’m not the only one that runs into this shit

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right !

[@Pavol-Pivka]

Try to measure the ignition coil for resistance. Primary coil = 2.5 to 5 Ohm range. Secondary coil = 5000 to 10000 Ohm range. Also set the gap between magneto and ignition coil (0.3mm). Try different spark plugs (with resistor or without resistor). Otherwise the scratched piston (rings) could be the cause of your engine fail.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the best answer so far! Thank you!

[@williammoore4800]

The magnets through the years can also demagnetize on the flywheels I've had a couple chainsaws that the magnets demagnetized on I almost put money on it that is the ignition coil

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting, Natural De-magnetization takes a long time without an external reason

[@innerman7096]

I think the problem is the coil, you might be getting a spark with the tester but it might not be strong enough to ignite the fuel mixture on the compression stroke. I experienced that before with a husqvarna trimmer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are a very wise person!

[@rumrunner4783]

We didn’t see spark at the spark plug yet and if the engine was flooded badly maybe the compression result was off by enough that with all the other issues that this machine has it prevents it from running? That piston looks like road rash on baboons butt. I have a feeling you already figured it out. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh absolutely, these videos are typically filmed weeks if no months in advance. This trimmer was given back to the owner a long time ago.

[@jesterr7133]

Look at the carb. I was messing around with a mower I got out of the trash. I cleaned the carb, it had spark, and fresh fuel, but would not start. It wouldn't even do anything with starting fluid. What I eventually found was that the throttle plate on the carb was jammed. I pulled it out and put it back in, and the mower starts on the first pull every time. I had a similar issue with a Cub Cadet mower. The carb was in rough shape. I cleaned it, but it wouldn't do anything, even with starting fluid. I left the carb over night in some Chem Dip, and now it runs. You observed that the engine was flooded. Maybe the carb is delivering too much fuel.

[@DerrellHolland]

He put fuel in directly , I have taken the carburetor completely away and still got engines to pop off.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No throttle plate to worry about on this one, it's a barrel and it's working like it should

[@HomeGaragechannel]

correct

[@williammoore4800]

Check the ignition coil cause 9 out of 10 is probably losing spark under pressure

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah, great advice

[@0852657luis]

I can't believe it, this is the first time that none of the clues added up to something.😮

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right so frustrating

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

I would be so frustrated with this. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I was too, until I threw a hail marry pass and it worked. Don't worry you'll see what happened

[@Random_content53]

Awesome 225 my man I always like to see you with a new project

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks! And yes it's always nice to see one of these

[@liljoeii6091]

You're definitely see me on the next one thank you for this one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you!

[@scottjohnson5449]

im thinking intermittent bad coil. heres why on the spark tester i did not see enough spark lighting up per rotation, being 2 stroke id expect to see more flashing of the test light per pull of the starter handle. just a thought.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great answer!

[@ksaab3946]

You need to check that ignition coil again, but with a proper spark tester. The tool you used only shows that there is a spark coming from the coil, but it does not check the strength of the spark from a specified distance or the colour of the spark. I would definitely take another look into the coil Plus, that is an awful lot of scoring from the piston, a likely hood that you would need to take the cylinder head off for inspection alongside the head gasket.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good advice

[@PeterTheMowerGuy]

This has me thinking now, what I’ve come up with is perhaps the ignition coil is going out and not producing enough spark, or the on/off switch is bad though I’m not 100% sure.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You so on track it's uncanny.

[@electroddxful]

This weed wacker is the same thing I’m going through with my ryobi BP42 a pain. Can’t wait to find out what it is.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

don't worry, you're going to be surprised.

[@angelicaconiguliaro3179]

Hmmm. The whole video I was thinking it was the flywheel. Got me wondering now maybe the kill wire or switch? Piston or walls scored? Looking forward to the next video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're going to be very surprised, I know I was.

[@williammoore4800]

Well everyone that I worked on like this for people most common thing is either the carburetor diaphragms or fuel mixture or lines is rotten or something like that

[@HomeGaragechannel]

for some reason, I always get told that these have Coil problems.

[@RussellBooth1977]

I reckon that a cylinder leakdown test will tell you if there's more compression loss than a compression test will tell you as well. Whoever used the red threadlocker should've used the blue threadlocker instead !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a pretty good idea.

[@cptyler150]

Try putting in one ounce of oil in the base of the engine then put a squeeze of 2 cycle oil in the spark plug hole and try and change to a different plug. Then try and pull it over that way. It would probably kick

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hey that's going old school on me. I like it!

[@mattwickert736]

It's rare to see an NGK plug go bad without showing signs. It's never the spark plug...until it is lol. I didn't like how that piston looked, and honestly, given the clean seals, that would be my next step. Even with 110psi it might start, it might not and if there was still some excess fuel in the block when you tested, you might have pulled in an extra 10-15psi on the reading. Otherwise, the ignition coils can be finicky on these machines sometimes. WIth as pinched as that coil wire was, it could be internally damaged where the spark tester will flash but there isn't enough to the plug or the cap is moving around giving spark issues.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are extremely wise!

[@jesterr7133]

I recently acquired a 2021 Toro self propelled mower. The front wheel and guard is missing, and both height selectors on the right side are damaged. The mower is in otherwise perfect condition. It will probably need a carb since something is wrong with the throttle plate, but the engine runs well and the self propel works. It has the Vortex system, and appears to have very few hours on it. I know they bring decent money, but it will require about $100 in parts. Who you fix it or part it out? I do have a Craftsman mower that could use an engine. I can't make up my mind on it. It appears to have been run over, but the deck isn't damaged.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it depends what do you plan on doing with it once you fix it? Sell it or keep it. Personally I'd wait for another parts machines, combine them to make one good one and sell it, and keep what's left for parts.

[@Mickocarbomb]

Its got a scored piston/cylinder. Thats likely the cause of the issue. Id put it back together, call the customer and tell em we can try to replace it but if that doesnt work we're looking at getting you a new unit unfortunately. Ive had saws with the same friggin issue in the past, i actually had a poulan 306a craftsman rebadged saw and thats part of the issue with it. Thst sas had a scored piston and the crank bearing was shot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks. So I will let you know that I fixed the trimmer already, and I'll leave the choice about using the trimmer up to the customer.

[@mikehittner1424]

Excellent content, why do you not think it is the carb? Also, it makes me sad you have to explain some of your methods so some commenters don't blast away at you! Great work!! It will be neat to see what the cause is.

[@MazichMusic]

It didn't fire with fuel in the cylinder.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh I don't mind the "blasting" from the comments, in fact I invite it. It improves my stats. I'm just blabbing is all. And the carb not being the issue is because it never tried to start when I put fuel into the carb, bypassing the carb completely. So it's much to early to say the carb is the problem

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are correct

[@mikehittner1424]

@ thanks for the reply. I thought maybe it was the metering diaphragm since that plug seemed so wet. Thanks again! 🙂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not a problem

[@22hfang]

I had one of these in my shop last week doing the same thing. Turned out to be a bad flywheel key. Take another look at yours. Because the one I replaced look good too. Replaced the flywheel and it cranked first pull.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow thank you

[@georgenovotny4421]

Bad coil or a wire shorting against the block. Also need to check all wiring to on/ off switch. If coil was ever replaced it could be wrong one or a bad China one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@jboat571x9]

New spark plug and check the gap between the coil and the flywheel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice

[@robertmailhos8159]

Another srm 225 echo weed eater you are working on for your co worker,👍👍

[@PeterTheMowerGuy]

SRM225 is a very popular trimmer

[@robertmailhos8159]

@LawnboyR7070 you got that right 👍

[@PeterTheMowerGuy]

They’re great reliable machines for the money

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes Sir

[@robertmailhos8159]

@HomeGaragechannel 👍😎

[@bigbirdyolo2885]

The on/off switch or the carb is my guess.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I bypassed the on/off switch by disconnecting the wire on the coil and testing it. I also bypassed the carb by putting fuel directly into the engine. But you are whittling it down tho.

[@DerrellHolland]

Spark looked weak. I have not had much luck with compression readings that low. The scoring is a pretty good indication that it is time to update that old equipment .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

both very good observations

[@hickorystx]

Carb restriction. Also air leak or gaskets. Is the carb tuneable??. Also replace fuel line and gas filter. Lastly, try sprinkling some holy water on the trimmer before the exorcism...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!! I was definitely fighting some bad spirits on this one

[@toddosterhout9866]

So I was just about to ask you about a ryobi blower because I'm having the same problem as you. It has 110 psi compression but does have a slightly scored piston and ring as seen on the exhaust. I put a new carb on it and it still wouldn't start. I think the low compression along with the scored piston is the cause

[@jerrylyles8999]

Needs 120 psi to run properly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

with the information you've given me, I'm only about 20% on board. I would take the engine apart as much as possible while allowing it time to dry out. I would also check all the gaskets and seal and finally just like this one, check the flywheel key. 110 PSI is plenty to run. The last and final part would be to make the piston out an see if the piston ring is stuck.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

key work being properly

[@jerrysoutherland662]

Was the plastic plug remove covering.the main jet and turn all way in.I working on one like this right now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no and the carb is not in play just yet.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? This trimmer seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@JosephWhite-o5c]

I love echo string trimmers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too!

[@covishen]

As a non-mechanic person, I'm betting it has something to do with the spark plug wire, or all the red thread locker that someone decided to slather on everything.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

so close.

[@timlovitt]

You put fuel in cylinder...check for obstruction in carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you obviously mean an "airway" obstruction. Not a bad choice!

[@odillaurent1053]

i can only think of the carburetor, which you did not check as yet ...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I bypassed the carb by putting fuel into the engine thru the carb. It's much too early to call the carb the problem. Here's a hint, the carb is not the problem

[@SteveHanderer]

Compression is too low (compared to my Stihl FS40). Try a new piston & rings, assuming the bore OK.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes compression is not ideal, but in this case it should be more than enough to start and run. I did end up fixing this trimmer and the problem is definitely not the low compression.

[@greghoer1696]

Had spark on mine but it ended up not being enough and it was the magneto

[@HomeGaragechannel]

*Wink

[@bobn8865]

change the coil

[@HomeGaragechannel]

*Wink

[@abc_123_handle]

Carb?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Too soon to tell, just need the engine to "fire off" at least once before looking at the carb.

[@jesterr7133]

I have a Husqvarna BT130 blower. The fuel lines and grommet come as one piece. I need it, but it is on indefinite back order through Husqvarna, and none of my local dealers have it. I tried an aftermarket one, but it didn't fit. Do you know any aftermarket sources for a grommet that will fit this machine?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately I don't, but what I would do would be to measure the opening for the grommet and order one that's about 10% bigger so that it seals.

[@zstar20zean]

Hi there I have leaf blower stihl bg86c so it’s having issues it has compression it around 95psi has fuel and spark I can’t figure out what’s not starting could be the carburettor or screw adjustment I bought the new carburettor can’t figure out why is not starting please help me out thank you love your videos ❤

[@jerrylyles8999]

Low compression, it should be around 120 psi to run properly.

[@zstar20zean]

@@jerrylyles8999 thank you I will see what I can do because I replaced the piston so I try to get compression to 120 psi 👍

[@jerrylyles8999]

@@zstar20zean you can try a base gasket delete. Is this a chinese kit? I have heard of people having low compression after a rebuild with them on occasion.

[@zstar20zean]

@@jerrylyles8999 I have taken out the gasket from the cylinder so I bought a J-B Weld Gasket Maker & Sealant Red I’m going to leave it for 2 days let see if it improves but I need someone make a video of the carburettor adjustment screws I have the wrong 😑

[@jerrylyles8999]

@zstar20zean 1 1/2 turns out on both carb screws should get it running. Then fine tune from there. Steve's small engine saloon has some good videos on the process. Have you done a vacuum/pressure test? That could be the problem. Will it try to start when priming it with fuel in the carb or plug hole?

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'd change plugs and hook a drill motor to it and spin it.

[@Thelawnmower278]

Me to

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@Thelawnmower278 Try and dry it out somehow.

[@Thelawnmower278]

@@lewiemcneely9143 yeah

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah very good choice

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel I/we try!

[@caseynovem3115]

Replace the ignition coil and it will run

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes Sir!

[@NickGiann-k8t]

who is the cleaner spray that you use to clean trimmers ???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@jct300m]

Only got 2 steps left I see..head to block seal (loose) or carb/manifold gasket....after that...I'm stumped other than try a known (Good) magneto...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are thinking just like I did. But the problem is even more "basic" than that.

[@jct300m]

@@HomeGaragechannel Next video?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the plan.

[@jct300m]

@@HomeGaragechannel anxious to see it

[@michaelripley4528]

That piston and cylinder is Toast🫣 At least the piston and rings💯 Maybe you Can save the cylinder🤷🏼‍♂️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

quite possible

[@marttrev4279]

What was the problem?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I haven't made the video on it yet.

[@deebee3901]

Valves?

[@Thelawnmower278]

Ther is no valves because it is has a 2 cycle engine.

[@deebee3901]

@@Thelawnmower278 Ok, you are right. Then it probably has a blocked port.

[@Thelawnmower278]

@@deebee3901 he checked everything i think it may have something to do with the coil?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

none on this one. But a blocked port is a great answer!

[@martindesmarais7158]

Do you reput a same previous vid??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm not sure what you're asking?

[@ttvkeith1243]

Hello I have a echo srm 225 and it’s shocking me every time I use can you tell me why?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure thing. There must be a break in the wire that goes from the coil to the switch on the handle. The break must be along with shaft inside the handle.

[@RandomCNUnit]

Maybe you flooded it by accident?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Oh I'm sure It's very flooded at the beginning. But all the subsequent starts after I put fuel into it, have been without any choke or extra fuel. It should have been cleared after all those attempts. Great answer though

[@RandomCNUnit]

​thanks

[@martindesmarais7158]

You put a video you had already sent few months ago...?!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm guessing you're saying that I produced a video that I repaired and filmed awhile ago? Yep. That's right

[@Minibike12tuning]

Part 2😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

coming up

[@Minibike12tuning]

@ Nice

[@thomasgroh8220]

Replace spark plug

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great idea.

[@Gurris133]

need new cylinder and piston

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That would help but on this project it's not what's keeping the engine from starting and running

[@martindesmarais7158]

No I meant you published the same video 2 times !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't think so, can you send me the link to the other one you think is the same?

[@martindesmarais7158]

Just checked n I was confused with another one w an Echo like this one but not the same. My bad, really sorry !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not a problem I just wanted to be sure I didn't make a mistake