Echo cs-301 won't run

[scott yunginger]

Hello Everyone!
I am new to forum but have visited it many times to get valuable information.
I picked up a used echo cs 301 to use strictly for limbing branches , it started up and ran when I got it home, but after warmed up started wanting to die, got worse, replaced plug, same ,removed carb and ran it thru sonic cleaner, better briefly,
Then would not even start, checked spark, it was good, checked compression, is right at 125 psi.
Carb actually looked pretty clean, top and bottom gaskets/diaphragm etc. look good. Have not replaced fuel filter yet, cleaned it, looked good,
Does not even pop now, paid $80, ok with ordering some parts but not sure on OEM carb yet, should I just order a cheap knock off carb to try? Primer bulb seems to be working.
Sure seems like a nice little saw but growing tired of it quickly.
I would sure appreciate some input on this issue.

Thanks!

 

[scott yunginger]

I read an old post from 2011 last night, might be flooded, I will follow the advise on getting saw dried out and just adding small amount of fuel to carb to see if it fires, also had flywheel off, key is good but will verify gap there as well.

 

[Gee Willikers]

Hello Everyone!
I am new to forum but have visited it many times to get valuable information.
I picked up a used echo cs 301 to use strictly for limbing branches , it started up and ran when I got it home, but after warmed up started wanting to die, got worse, replaced plug, same ,removed carb and ran it thru sonic cleaner, better briefly,
Then would not even start, checked spark, it was good, checked compression, is right at 125 psi.
Carb actually looked pretty clean, top and bottom gaskets/diaphragm etc. look good. Have not replaced fuel filter yet, cleaned it, looked good,
Does not even pop now, paid $80, ok with ordering some parts but not sure on OEM carb yet, should I just order a cheap knock off carb to try? Primer bulb seems to be working.
Sure seems like a nice little saw but growing tired of it quickly.
I would sure appreciate some input on this issue.

Thanks!

I always dump old fuel and replace it with fresh non-corn from the pump, not the can, which may be aged. Many of my significant repairs have ended with that simple thing. Next is the fuel filter.

 

[scott yunginger]

Hi Gee,
It does have fresh premium gas.
Thanks

 

[Gee Willikers]

You mentioned soaking the carb, I'm guessing the metering diaphragm just might be the culprit.

* Echo / Shindaiwa 12314103930 Metering Diaphragm

 

[scott yunginger]

Hi Gee,
I appreciate the attachment, I should have known better to run thru sonic cleaner completely assembled, thought about it after the fact.
I will get that ordered, should I order just that or a rebuild kit?
It is starving for fuel, I shot some fuel down spark plug hole and it started, then died, so will order parts,
I appreciate your assistance!

 

[scott yunginger]

Ordered the gasket/diaphragm kit

 

[Gee Willikers]

Hi Gee,
I appreciate the attachment, I should have known better to run thru sonic cleaner completely assembled, thought about it after the fact.
I will get that ordered, should I order just that or a rebuild kit?
It is starving for fuel, I shot some fuel down spark plug hole and it started, then died, so will order parts,
I appreciate your assistance!

The metering diaphragm is like a one way gate, allowing fuel into the carb upon vacuum. When it gets aged, it doesn’t open, and starves the engine. It is usually the most common failure based on your description of events.

Usually it’s a good idea to replace consumables (rebuild kit) while you’re already there.

 

[scott yunginger]

Parts will not be here until the 25th,
Will update after that.
Thanks Gee!

 

[Leon Couper]

If you are going to run your carby through a sonic cleaner strip it down then put it in.
Would do nothing putting it in whole. Give it a good clean and check all your jets are
clean and where the low and high jets are take them out one at a time and blow a bit of
air through them as well. Why I say one at a time them you won't get them in the wrong
way around. What I always do after a carb rebuild is when all back togeather take the
fuel filter off and if you have a mityvac 8500 vacuum gun put it straight into the fuel
line. This them should hold preasure and should not drop off and that tests your fuel lines as well.
But also test the carb before you put that back on also and that sould hold 10 to 15pd as well.
As mentioned above a small amount of fuel down the plug hole works wonders.

 

[scott yunginger]

Hi Leon,
Thanks for your reply.
I did run the carb thru a second time after realizing I made a mistake.
I will remove the hi and low restrictors to get the jets out in order to blow them out.
Do not have a mitymac vac tester, only a brake bleeder, but maybe I will get one. Waiting for parts so can do some of these things in the mean time.
Thanks for the input!

 

[Leon Couper]

You will find your Hi and Low jets screw out but the seats are built in so just put some
carby cleaner through and a wee bit of air to blow the cleaner through.

 

[scott yunginger]

Ok
Thanks Leon!

 

[scott yunginger]

Hi Gee,
I installed the walboro kit (consumables) did not replace needle. Replaced fuel filter, new ngk plug, would not start until I put some gas down spark plug hole, will start but will not stay running, have to constantly feather the throttle, but then still dies, I will try pressure testing lines and or replace them.
Thanks for the assistance

The metering diaphragm is like a one way gate, allowing fuel into the carb upon vacuum. When it gets aged, it doesn't open, and starves the engine. It is usually the most common failure based on your description of events.

Usually it's a good idea to replace consumables (rebuild kit) while you're already there