String trimmer runs well but does not idle.

[msjanket]

My Echo 311 runs good but will not idle. It has the adjustment to control idle, but does not seem to make a difference. I have a new carburetor. Any suggestions?

 

[ArlyA]

I'd change the spark plug for good measure and the fuel pump. Its most likely the pump.

 

[atsah]

So if you turn the idle screw as high as it will go it doesn't make a difference?

 

[TractorNH]

New carb you will probably have to set the idle jet and high speed jet.

 

[Thomas]

Is there screen attach to muffler built up w/carbon exhaust?

 

[msjanket]

I was just surfing on the Net and came across a You Tube that showed where the Echo hidden jets are and how to adjust the jets. You need the small D shaped tool and you need to make sure there is no plastic plug in the hole that precludes engaging the small D onto the adjusting screw. It's all so simple......when you have somebody tell you what to do!!

Thanks to all for the participation.

 

[CobyRupert]

I was just surfing on the Net and came across a You Tube that showed where the Echo hidden jets are and how to adjust the jets. You need the small D shaped tool and you need to make sure there is no plastic plug in the hole that precludes engaging the small D onto the adjusting screw. It's all so simple......when you have somebody tell you what to do!!

Thanks to all for the participation.

Yep, and you probably can't buy the D shaped tool in the U.S.
I ran into this before: The manual will say "Take to qualified service technician" because the EPA doesn't want you adjusting the carb and that 1.5 gallons of gas you burn a year may pollute the air with 10% more emissions.

So the net effect is instead of paying a $115 service bill on a $80 trimmer you throw the trimmer in a landfill and buy a new one because the EPA didn't want the 10% additional pollution on 1.5 gallons of gas!! Thanks EPA, that's really saving the environment!!

Or take your chances (like I did) and buy the D shaped tools from what is hopefully a legitimate Chinese business (via ebay) and wait 10 weeks for delivery.

...then feel the rush of getting a package in your mailbox mailed straight from China containing illegal contraband!

 

[CobyRupert]

Note: Some people are able to make the D shape connectors out of electrical butt splices / crimp splices.

 

[msjanket]

So if you turn the idle screw as high as it will go it doesn't make a difference?

First, it is a new carburetor. I took off the externals of the muffler and the screen was clean as a whistle. Could not find a problem whatsoever.

I bought a carburetor on ebay for the 311 Echo, just became available recently. It does NOT have the main jet adjustment screw, it only has a rather strange adjuster that affects the high end. When I open it full, the accelerator controls start to get wheezy and run what appears too rich. It does not have a specific high end jet adjuster. I found this out after ordering a small D adjuster tool! There must have been a change in availability status of the adjuster as I got one right off Amazon. Go figure.

My old carburetor, probably OEM, does have the high speed adjuster.

So, I'm trying to get it all figured out before the snow flies.

 

[atsah]

I am use to seeing three screws, L H and idle, I have never seen one without and idle screw.. I wasn't referring to the "H" screw..

 

[kirkawilson]

I used a Dremel metal cutting disc to notch both high and low carb adjustment screws on my Ryobi blower so I can now use a straight screwdriver to adjust them. The screws had a 'funky' head shape that was supposed to make me take it to a dealer for adjustment but I took a chance that the EPA police won't arrest me.

 

[msjanket]

I used a Dremel metal cutting disc to notch both high and low carb adjustment screws on my Ryobi blower so I can now use a straight screwdriver to adjust them. The screws had a 'funky' head shape that was supposed to make me take it to a dealer for adjustment but I took a chance that the EPA police won't arrest me.

Maybe a little progress. I identified the main jet and the screw that is for the idle. However, it seems to me that the drive cable is a bit too long and I cannot adjust the screw to get a proper idle. I need to explore inside the handle accelerator grips and somehow tighten the cable. As it stands now, I can't tighten it because the cable is too long. And, when it's too long, the adjusting idle screw will not be able to function. Is it possible to take apart the hand levers so I can get at the cable and get it tightened up some? Now, the adjusting screw is all the way in yet it cannot be used to set a proper idle.

 

[msjanket]

I believe I found a place where you can buy the adjusting tools without major commotion. Once I get the tool, I'll confirm this for those who have been unable to buy the tool.