I know you guys can help me fix my chainsaw.

[N80]

I have a like new Echo chainsaw that I inherited from my Dad. It probably hasn't been used more than 10 times and never any heavy work. Original chain is still very sharp. It is not a bad little saw and has worked flawlessly every time.

To crank it you turn the off/on switch to 'on', open the choke (one position only), pump the fuel bulb a couple of times and then pull the starter rope. Once it fires you pull the trigger and the choke goes in and after a brief warm up it runs like a champ. Never a problem with startup.

This weekend I went to crank it and it cranked as usual, idled perfectly and responded normally to the throttle but only up until you get to full throttle and then it would sputter and almost stall or completely stall. Air filter is like new. Spark plug is like new. I even let it idle a while and ran it at half throttle until warm but still, as soon as you hit full throttle it sputters and stops.

My Dad bought it at the old local Farmers Exchange (hasn't changed in 60 years and still going strong) and one of the employees does repair work so I can get him to look at it and he will fix it for free but I was just wondering if there is something simple I might be missing.

 

[Toyboy]

The major cause of chainsaw problems are fuel related. That being said, never use (if possible) E blend gas. Try to find and only use, non E blend gas. Most likely your problem lies in the carb or fuel line/filter. They may need replacing and possible rebuild on carb. Hard to diagnose without actually seeing it.

Never store your saw w/gas in it. You should empty the gas out of it whenever you think it won't be used in the next 5-6 weeks or so. Since I'm an occasional user/homeowner myself, I'll dump the gas when I'm done with the saw.

It sounds like it may be a Stihl, if so use the Stihl oil for the 50:1 mix. I like to run my saws at 40:1, but that's just me.

 

[2458n]

I need to buy a saw with a life time fix it. I have a Echo saw bought new in 1978. Gave to my father who retired a 1952 Homelite. I bet the old Echo is a mess now because I filled it up about two years ago with our junk gas. It did not start for me then,and it will need rebuilt now. Good luck with your saw ,the new gas just eats the old rubber lines.

 

[Sodo]

I bought an Echo saw 18 years ago, it was new in 1997. It's had an awful hard life but still runs great, starts quick. The only problem I ever have with it is when the spark arrestor screen (at the exhaust outlet) plugs up. You can remove the screen to clean it. Spray it with carburetor cleaner and the stuff comes off like magic. Possibly you can just spray the screen from the outside.

I don't pay the slightest attention to the age of the gas. Often the saw gets used in the winter and then sits for months un-used. I like the ones with the squeeze bulb that allow you to "agitate" the gas in the carburetor before attempting to start.

 

[Clint S]

I bought an Echo saw 18 years ago, it was new in 1997. It's had an awful hard life but still runs great, starts quick. The only problem I ever have with it is when the spark arrestor screen (at the exhaust outlet) plugs up. You can remove the screen to clean it. Spray it with carburetor cleaner and the stuff comes off like magic. Possibly you can just spray the screen from the outside.

I don't pay the slightest attention to the age of the gas. Often the saw gets used in the winter and then sits for months un-used. I like the ones with the squeeze bulb that allow you to "agitate" the gas in the carburetor before attempting to start.

X 2 on this

 

[N80]

The major cause of chainsaw problems are fuel related. That being said, never use (if possible) E blend gas. Try to find and only use, non E blend gas. Most likely your problem lies in the carb or fuel line/filter. They may need replacing and possible rebuild on carb. Hard to diagnose without actually seeing it.

Never store your saw w/gas in it. You should empty the gas out of it whenever you think it won't be used in the next 5-6 weeks or so. Since I'm an occasional user/homeowner myself, I'll dump the gas when I'm done with the saw.

It sounds like it may be a Stihl, if so use the Stihl oil for the 50:1 mix. I like to run my saws at 40:1, but that's just me.

I have a Stihl, but this saw is an Echo. Gas has probably been in it 3 months. Probably e blend. 50:1. But it was half full and I filled it with new(er) gas. The strange thing is that it idles perfectly, pretty much as long as you want it to. I probably need to find the fuel filter. Have no idea where it is.

 

[tractchores]

i just had this issue, tried everything from a spark plug to filter to new gas. It turned out that the ethanol in the gas had softened the fuel line enough that it would collapse at high revs and cut the fuel supply. It took forever to figure out and we didn't notice until I replaced it and pulled it out and squeezed it.

I'd try new gas (make sure the oil blend is right), fuel and air filters and then fuel line. Its got to be something with fuel or air delivery.

 

[CobyRupert]

Fuel filter is probably inside the gas tank attached to the end of the gas line. Also check if loosening the gas cap when running makes a difference.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I had nearly identical problems with my favorite Husky and started using the new high dollar 94 octane non ethanol gas and it straightened right out.

 

[Toyboy]

I have a Stihl, but this saw is an Echo. Gas has probably been in it 3 months. Probably e blend. 50:1. But it was half full and I filled it with new(er) gas. The strange thing is that it idles perfectly, pretty much as long as you want it to. I probably need to find the fuel filter. Have no idea where it is.

You fuel filter is in the tank on a long fuel line so it can move around as the saw is used at different angles. When you change the fuel line you change the filter also.

I'm guessing it may be the fuel pump in the carb (diaphragm that pulses off crankcase pressure) is getting stiff and not supplying the amount of fuel when you throttle up.

You can also try a good dose of SeaFoam in the gas, it may help. Don't rule out a new plug either.