I have this same weed eater, it's 6 months old and i've already had to do this fix on it. I have the warranty and they said they would have to send mine off for repair and will take 6 to 7 weeks to get back and i use it every day with my lawn care. Shouldn't be already having to do this after only 6 months.
@@kennethlowe6337 After i replace the spark arrestor, it's been fine for another year, I bought another one and it does the same thing, after 6 months replace the spark arrestor and it's golden
I run these trimmers for my lawn company. We get rid of the screen. Bogging down with the 225 is usually a clogged exhaust port that needs to be cleaned.
I had a blower that would fire up great then die and not start again. Hadn't worked on such in 30 years. Changed the spark plug, etc. over a long period as I found channels like this one. Finally applied scientific method which forced me to consider the exhaust. Mud wasps had mudded over the spark arrester. Cleared it out and the thing ran like new.
My neighbor gave me an Echo SRM225 trimmer when he moved away. He thought that the carburetor was bad and he didn't want to mess with it any longer. After seeing your video, I cleaned the spark arrestor screen and now the trimmer runs great! I also noticed that the spark plug and air filter looked fairly new, so I think my friend had already replaced them but the problem still existed. Thanks for the great vid!! I learned something new today.
This video came at literally the perfect time, My buddy brought his Echo 266 over this morning because it wasn’t running and borrowed my 225 to finish a few jobs and when he came back we went and got the tune up kit at Home Depot with the air and fuel filter and spark plug but even after those it was still running shitty so now I’m gonna try this method to fix it
Just overhauled my trimmer. Didn't think of the spark arrestor screen. Mine didn't have a problem but some preventive cleaning surely won't harm. Thanks man.
Thanks so much donyboy you saved my butt. I had the same problem and need my machine early tomorrow morning so I was scraping around for a solution. Now she is spinning like a top once again. Great post!
annnnnd that was exactly my problem and now my Echo weed eater runs like I bought it yesterday. Great video, you've saved me probably a butt load of money sir. :D
A spark arrestor screen is easy to clean off and can be looked at easily by removing a 2-3 screw plate on the exhaust side of the engine. Easy to do and we have to let out exhaust gases so an engine can run normally.
That was a nice fix for that problem and I have to remember it so the next time one of my weed trimmers have that problem I will know what to look for.
I learned from other you tubers that my Echo PAS trimmer was bogging, not from spark arrestor, but from the carbon in the exhaust port. Mine probably gets carbon buildup because I use saw blade on it a lot and saw blade cuts fine without full throttle.
I've literally been binge watching your channel, I have a stihl ms211c chainsaw that wouldn't run that I fixed following your channel. Thank you! Seems like a clogged spark arrestor screen is a common problem.
Great video!!! In a good way, it`s necessary to start with this (after the air filter of course). Without this, idle speed can to be "float". It is necessary to check in my blower and on the trimmers. Thank you very much. Best wishes.
I have 4 Echo 225's and they all had the bog at some point or another and I've cleaned and reinstalled and still had issues. I took everything back off and 3 run excellent without the hardware it's just 1 that is the thorn in my side. Now I remove the screens in everything the minute whatever begins to bog and I've had zero issues minus the one. Chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters it doesn't matter just be careful and observant in the area you're working in
Thank you i have the exact same trimmer and same problem just that mine cut off faster I've been cleaning the carburator and added seafoam to it and the problem persist, I can wait to get home and torch it down, also I have only own it less that a year
I bought a used Echo blower that wouldn’t start. Oil had been pouring out of the muffler all over the unit for years it seemed. I think some people don’t even TRY to mix their gas right. I burned out the arrester and then burned out the muffler; it sat there with a fire inside of it for like 5 minutes burning up the oil. Then I scraped out the exhaust port and cleaned all the oil residue up. It also needed a new carb but since then it has run and looked like new. It gets only TruFuel 50:1 now. Love my Echo equipment!
I have the same SRM225, New plug, new carb, clean spark arrestor. It cranks and idles good. But when I go full throttle, the RPM's are only about 3/4's. The throttle opens all the way (to the stop). I found the only adjustment it has (the hidden one) and adjusted that to both lean and rich, then back. But still only get about 3/4 throttle out of it. Donyboy73, have you ever ran into this? If so, how did you fix it. My compression tester, read the same on this engine, as it did on the customers other identical engine. I even put the other engines carb on this one, and it didn't change anything.
Great video .. I think that happen to mine .. often I don't need to full throttle it's fast enough .. I guess I would have too.. is there a different way to clean if I don't have a trouch? What's the size of T27 u used?
Guess I'll check this out on my weedeater. Mine was doing the same thing last week. Thought it was the aftermarket kit I put on that let's you use the pieces of trimmer that you loop thru the head in 4 locations vs what came with it. Downside to the device I added on was the center nut has a tendency to work loose. Think I'll tear it down and Loctite it. Hopefully that'll work and not cause any issues. Maybe I can get some video of it and send you a link and get your thoughts.
Great Video! Would you know why my echo shuts off after a few seconds of edging with it, when I turn it to the side, it works well in normal position, any ideas?
small engines like trimmers and chainsaws were designed to be run at full throttle ,even though it sounds like they will self destruct,it is the way to keep this from happening, the higher octane gas you use ,the better also, small engines thrive on high octane.i find when i dont run my ms271 chainsaw at full throttle when limbing it gets real sluggish , I know its time to run full throttle to fix it
I soak my muffler in degreaser then rinse in brake cleaner to evaporate the degreaser then torch the muffler too. Once a year. Every few weeks I run it upside down at full throttle to get rid of accumulated oil in the crank case
Low an behold, I'm having the same problem, I'll be in the garage later, had a problem with the leaf blower it was a mud dobber bee made a nest in the muffler, it was acting just like your weed waker. My weed weaker works good for 5 minutes then boggs down, hope the spark arrester is it. Thank You
What about the gas/oil premix stuff you can buy at the big box hardware stores? I've used that and not had issues except for what you've noted today in this video and this is the most likely reason I'm guessing that I'm having issues. Seems as if while it's warming up with the choke initially I start working and just leave the choke engaged at times as that does a good speed for me. It doesn't flood it. I've had the unit for 7-8 yrs and last year replaced all the fuel lines with new similar ones with fuel rated off the shelf lines as they were breaking down and leaking at the ends where they slipped on.
Do all 2 stroke equipment have a screen spark arrestor? I have two leaf blowers..one a 2 stroke and the other a cheap electric. The electric is way better. Now I'm wondering if the 2 stroke blower has this issue. Must look this weekend.
Great job dude, before i got to you video, i just used paint remover to clean everything off, and it worked wonders. However i do not know how that may effect my screen later. For now its back to brand new.
If they are using it commercially just go ahead and get permission from the customer to remove the screen completely. For some reason even though Echo is (Commercial Grade) they still choose to put the smallest exhaust port and screen port in the industry on their trimmers. I realize it’s illegal to remove the screen however if you talk to the customer and put the liability in their hands they will most likely be happier in the future. No one is going to be trimming weeds in a national forest and set it on fire. Second recommend if they are a true commercial user and they absolutely have to buy an echo recommend the SRM 230 its more of a industrial unit compared to the 225. Also if you notice in the beginning of the video the fuel purge bulb was less than half full of fuel if it stays that way even after purging the carb will need replacement soon. A lot of the reason the carburetors and the exhausts on these units are so prone to problems is Echo is trying to be one of the most EPA compliment companies around however they don’t realize it has poorly effected the quality and reliability of their equipment for several years now. For the price the ask for them it’s a total joke. Get a Stihl, Husqvarna, Redmax, etc.
I.have the same unit I have noticed that some oily residue on the plastic around the muffler even had a sthil handheld blower with a clogged up muffler had to wash it out with gas but your right about the oil if mixed up the wrong way ooops 😮😮😮 that's what happens as always thank you for your time and help with the issues with the muffler.s on 2 cycle equipment my Canadian brother 😀 😀
Hi, I have a craftsman ws4200, it maybe a yr old, not sure, but it boggs. I can't seem to get my screws out to clean mine. I can't remember why,. I want to put a drill on it, but I'm scared the screw might break. I got one screw out but the other is a bugger. What should I do?
Hi donyboy73!!! I painted my old 3.5 hp Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine, and before painting it, i putted peace of paper towel in the spark plug hole, and when i took it of, a very little peace of that paper droppep in side to the engine. It was size of the finger nail. Do you think it causes a problem when i start the engine?
How did you come to the conclusion that is was a spark arrester? I am a novice at this so I would have changed carbs or put a new one on. Just trying to learn
The number one cause of a clogged spark arrestor in Echo weed trimmers is improper fuel mix ratio (too rich) or running high idle for long periods of time. Use Echo oil or optimally use Echo premix. Echo Repair Specialist...
Mines recently started bogging when i accelerate. It also stsrted spinning the head on its own with out me getting on the trigger. The screen is clean i checked it. Looks like it might be the oil seal since i saw oil in the exhaust .. but not sure
Ok but what to do if trimmer or brush cutter dont have spark arrestor in general? And it lose power when i cutting grass, and it takes about 5-6 time to start, sometimes more when its cold, even if i change carburetor its same. The brushcutter is MTD bc43
I have a 8mm nut in my sthil fs240 r carburetor. And I can’t find that t wrench tool to fit it. I am trying to take my carburetor out so I can change the it with my repair kit. You know where I can buy one?
I have this same weed eater, it's 6 months old and i've already had to do this fix on it. I have the warranty and they said they would have to send mine off for repair and will take 6 to 7 weeks to get back and i use it every day with my lawn care. Shouldn't be already having to do this after only 6 months.
Use Stihl oil
@@donyboy73 Thank you!
Need to take carburetor off and take out the epa plug and adj. It's running to rich.
@@kennethlowe6337 After i replace the spark arrestor, it's been fine for another year, I bought another one and it does the same thing, after 6 months replace the spark arrestor and it's golden
High idle times will cause it too. Make sure to run it wide open the vast majority of the time.
I run these trimmers for my lawn company. We get rid of the screen. Bogging down with the 225 is usually a clogged exhaust port that needs to be cleaned.
I had a blower that would fire up great then die and not start again. Hadn't worked on such in 30 years. Changed the spark plug, etc. over a long period as I found channels like this one. Finally applied scientific method which forced me to consider the exhaust. Mud wasps had mudded over the spark arrester. Cleared it out and the thing ran like new.
My neighbor gave me an Echo SRM225 trimmer when he moved away. He thought that the carburetor was bad and he didn't want to mess with it any longer. After seeing your video, I cleaned the spark arrestor screen and now the trimmer runs great! I also noticed that the spark plug and air filter looked fairly new, so I think my friend had already replaced them but the problem still existed. Thanks for the great vid!! I learned something new today.
Watching this just saved my 24 y/o string trimmer. Many thanks!
This video came at literally the perfect time, My buddy brought his Echo 266 over this morning because it wasn’t running and borrowed my 225 to finish a few jobs and when he came back we went and got the tune up kit at Home Depot with the air and fuel filter and spark plug but even after those it was still running shitty so now I’m gonna try this method to fix it
Amazing how much of an affect that dirty little screen has on performance. Thanks for the tips once more. 🇨🇦👍🏼
You know what? I'm a woman who loves yard work, and my weed Eater was bogging.. guess what? I just repaired it because of this video.... thank you❤
That's the first thing I check on the 2 stroke lawn equipment - the spark arrestor !
Can't thank you enough for thuis video!!!
You just saved me possibly $1000, both my weed raters and edger bogged down in the same day
Just overhauled my trimmer. Didn't think of the spark arrestor screen. Mine didn't have a problem but some preventive cleaning surely won't harm. Thanks man.
Thanks so much donyboy you saved my butt. I had the same problem and need my machine early tomorrow morning so I was scraping around for a solution. Now she is spinning like a top once again. Great post!
Just did this on my Echo trimmer. It worked like a charm and it only took a few minutes even for a non gear head like me.
Don, your video work, flow and editing are looking great.
annnnnd that was exactly my problem and now my Echo weed eater runs like I bought it yesterday. Great video, you've saved me probably a butt load of money sir. :D
A spark arrestor screen is easy to clean off and can be looked at easily by removing a 2-3 screw plate on the exhaust side of the engine. Easy to do and we have to let out exhaust gases so an engine can run normally.
I was eager to see you demonstrate your weed eater before and after you fixed it. Thanks.
WOW. Thank you very much. I was just about to do a carb cleaning. Dirty/clogged spark arrestor just like you showed. Runs great now!
Thank you so much for this video. I was about to throw mine away and run to HD to get me a new one. You saved me a good chunk of money 🙏
That was a nice fix for that problem and I have to remember it so the next time one of my weed trimmers have that problem I will know what to look for.
Perfect fix for my trimmer! Thanks for taking the time to help us out 👍
I learned from other you tubers that my Echo PAS trimmer was bogging, not from spark arrestor, but from the carbon in the exhaust port. Mine probably gets carbon buildup because I use saw blade on it a lot and saw blade cuts fine without full throttle.
I've literally been binge watching your channel, I have a stihl ms211c chainsaw that wouldn't run that I fixed following your channel. Thank you! Seems like a clogged spark arrestor screen is a common problem.
Very good advice! Spark plugs too.
Been loving your channel for years! Thanks brother!
Great fix. Perfect demo of how to cure this problem.
I think you showed this before, because I did that when my Husqvarna weed wacker wouldn’t start. Started and runs
great after doing this...
Thanks for this! Was exactly what was wrong with my trimmer...
Great video!!! In a good way, it`s necessary to start with this (after the air filter of course). Without this, idle speed can to be "float". It is necessary to check in my blower and on the trimmers. Thank you very much. Best wishes.
Dude worked like a charm. Thanks a million. Your video was first and last I watched for this. Thanks man and God bless
I have 4 Echo 225's and they all had the bog at some point or another and I've cleaned and reinstalled and still had issues. I took everything back off and 3 run excellent without the hardware it's just 1 that is the thorn in my side. Now I remove the screens in everything the minute whatever begins to bog and I've had zero issues minus the one. Chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters it doesn't matter just be careful and observant in the area you're working in
Thanks Don...great tips on using a good 2 cycle oil as well as the proper amount.
Great tips as usual, the course and fine thread warning was the icing on the cake. Your the best Don!..Thanks.
This is my exact problem. Doing this tomorrow, thanks
Thanks so much!!! This is advice that I can definitely use. You are super helpful.
What tool is used to pull out the " plug" that's hiding the adjusting screw to carburetor?
I agree on 40:1 mix , it’s just best and wide open 😊
You just earned a new subscriber :) I got out of sticky wicked situations thanks to your channel quite a lot of times.
Thank you i have the exact same trimmer and same problem just that mine cut off faster I've been cleaning the carburator and added seafoam to it and the problem persist, I can wait to get home and torch it down, also I have only own it less that a year
I bought a used Echo blower that wouldn’t start. Oil had been pouring out of the muffler all over the unit for years it seemed. I think some people don’t even TRY to mix their gas right. I burned out the arrester and then burned out the muffler; it sat there with a fire inside of it for like 5 minutes burning up the oil. Then I scraped out the exhaust port and cleaned all the oil residue up. It also needed a new carb but since then it has run and looked like new. It gets only TruFuel 50:1 now. Love my Echo equipment!
Thank you for not telling me life story, lunch menu, weather report, where you are driving etc… like a lot of the yahoos on these videos! Good Job👍
You bet!
ive had mine for over a year and ive been using it as frequently as possible and ive never had this problem and i have the same one
Great job! Thanks and a good heads up about not stripping the screws
I’ve got one for ya - my echo will shut off when I tilt it downwards but if I tilt it upwards it will stay running? Carb need cleaned????
Thanks for helping me fix my weedeater
Are spark arrestor cheap enough to buy a new one instead of cleaning it? It may not be worth it depending on the price.
I have the same SRM225, New plug, new carb, clean spark arrestor. It cranks and idles good. But when I go full throttle, the RPM's are only about 3/4's. The throttle opens all the way (to the stop). I found the only adjustment it has (the hidden one) and adjusted that to both lean and rich, then back. But still only get about 3/4 throttle out of it. Donyboy73, have you ever ran into this? If so, how did you fix it. My compression tester, read the same on this engine, as it did on the customers other identical engine. I even put the other engines carb on this one, and it didn't change anything.
I have to check mine on my weed eater trimmer. It’s been getting cranky lately...thanks Don.
🔔Thanks , This was my exact issue. My screen was super clogged and all blocked . Now It runs like new 🔧👍
I like your screw driver shelf layout.
Exact solution to my problem. Great video Brotha!
Great video .. I think that happen to mine .. often I don't need to full throttle it's fast enough .. I guess I would have too.. is there a different way to clean if I don't have a trouch? What's the size of T27 u used?
Thank you for the nice way to show how to fix ours small machines!✊🏽!
Guess I'll check this out on my weedeater. Mine was doing the same thing last week. Thought it was the aftermarket kit I put on that let's you use the pieces of trimmer that you loop thru the head in 4 locations vs what came with it.
Downside to the device I added on was the center nut has a tendency to work loose. Think I'll tear it down and Loctite it. Hopefully that'll work and not cause any issues. Maybe I can get some video of it and send you a link and get your thoughts.
This was my problem with a Stihl thanks for the video
Great Video! Would you know why my echo shuts off after a few seconds of edging with it, when I turn it to the side, it works well in normal position, any ideas?
small engines like trimmers and chainsaws were designed to be run at full throttle ,even though it sounds like they will self destruct,it is the way to keep this from happening, the higher octane gas you use ,the better also, small engines thrive on high octane.i find when i dont run my ms271 chainsaw at full throttle when limbing it gets real sluggish , I know its time to run full throttle to fix it
I soak my muffler in degreaser then rinse in brake cleaner to evaporate the degreaser then torch the muffler too. Once a year. Every few weeks I run it upside down at full throttle to get rid of accumulated oil in the crank case
Low an behold, I'm having the same problem, I'll be in the garage later, had a problem with the leaf blower it was a mud dobber bee made a nest in the muffler, it was acting just like your weed waker. My weed weaker works good for 5 minutes then boggs down, hope the spark arrester is it. Thank You
First try back working, this was exactly the problem
It helps to keep extra screens and few tools if you’re on a job site
What about the gas/oil premix stuff you can buy at the big box hardware stores? I've used that and not had issues except for what you've noted today in this video and this is the most likely reason I'm guessing that I'm having issues. Seems as if while it's warming up with the choke initially I start working and just leave the choke engaged at times as that does a good speed for me. It doesn't flood it. I've had the unit for 7-8 yrs and last year replaced all the fuel lines with new similar ones with fuel rated off the shelf lines as they were breaking down and leaking at the ends where they slipped on.
Since we run at 40:1, our company has never been to a mechanic in decades. Shhhhhhh. It’s a secret.
Garrett Stevensen j
Manihote Esculenta of
@@bacilluscereus1299 How does the fuel get to the air filter?
Also use 40:1
For real?
You are the man! Worked like a charm! Ryobi same problem.
Do all 2 stroke equipment have a screen spark arrestor? I have two leaf blowers..one a 2 stroke and the other a cheap electric. The electric is way better. Now I'm wondering if the 2 stroke blower has this issue. Must look this weekend.
yes all 2 strokes have a screen on muffler
@@donyboy73 Thanks Dony. I will investigate and update.
Great job dude, before i got to you video, i just used paint remover to clean everything off, and it worked wonders. However i do not know how that may effect my screen later. For now its back to brand new.
The spark arrestor screen was way clogged,thanx for the tip
Using high quality 2 cycle oil will help prevent this!
If they are using it commercially just go ahead and get permission from the customer to remove the screen completely. For some reason even though Echo is (Commercial Grade) they still choose to put the smallest exhaust port and screen port in the industry on their trimmers. I realize it’s illegal to remove the screen however if you talk to the customer and put the liability in their hands they will most likely be happier in the future. No one is going to be trimming weeds in a national forest and set it on fire. Second recommend if they are a true commercial user and they absolutely have to buy an echo recommend the SRM 230 its more of a industrial unit compared to the 225. Also if you notice in the beginning of the video the fuel purge bulb was less than half full of fuel if it stays that way even after purging the carb will need replacement soon. A lot of the reason the carburetors and the exhausts on these units are so prone to problems is Echo is trying to be one of the most EPA compliment companies around however they don’t realize it has poorly effected the quality and reliability of their equipment for several years now. For the price the ask for them it’s a total joke. Get a Stihl, Husqvarna, Redmax, etc.
This is a Great Video, but How can you clean what is on the trimmer (3:57), that you can't remove as you can the spark arrester?
I.have the same unit I have noticed that some oily residue on the plastic around the muffler even had a sthil handheld blower with a clogged up muffler had to wash it out with gas but your right about the oil if mixed up the wrong way ooops 😮😮😮 that's what happens as always thank you for your time and help with the issues with the muffler.s on 2 cycle equipment my Canadian brother 😀 😀
Thanks Don
Echo srm 230 hard starting cold, a few pumps, put on choke, pull a couple times no start but if I squeeze the trigger it will start any suggestions?
Awesome video!! mine doing the same thing
Hi, I have a craftsman ws4200, it maybe a yr old, not sure, but it boggs. I can't seem to get my screws out to clean mine. I can't remember why,. I want to put a drill on it, but I'm scared the screw might break. I got one screw out but the other is a bugger. What should I do?
Got me up and running back in business thank you very much!!
Thanks for the vid. My echo just started bogging and thought it needed more oil. Lol Good to know. 😂
Good video I have the exact same trimmer these things are amazing!
I'm still learning here DB73, Thanks for helping with Diagnosis of some problems. Cheers !!***.
And i thought it was the carb mixture setup again lol.
i had forgotten that they had a mesh.
Hi donyboy73!!! I painted my old 3.5 hp Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine, and before painting it, i putted peace of paper towel in the spark plug hole, and when i took it of, a very little peace of that paper droppep in side to the engine. It was size of the finger nail. Do you think it causes a problem when i start the engine?
How do we know the year model our SRM 225 is because mine has 5 screws to remove
How did you come to the conclusion that is was a spark arrester? I am a novice at this so I would have changed carbs or put a new one on. Just trying to learn
The number one cause of a clogged spark arrestor in Echo weed trimmers is improper fuel mix ratio (too rich) or running high idle for long periods of time.
Use Echo oil or optimally use Echo premix. Echo Repair Specialist...
Hi does most trimmers have the screen on them I have a Garden care trimmer?
Other than the spark arrestor what would bog a weed eater down when it gets hot?
Thanks for sharing this information, I'll try this on mine! God bless. And please keep the videos coming! 😊😊
I take those screens out from the beginning and eliminate this issue.
This is exactly what mine is doing!
Great Video I will have to look at my Stihl weed whip/ brushcutter that seems to be my same problem. Thanks again for the video.
What’s the best oil mix ?
Will CARBURETOR CLEANER TAKE THAT OFF?
Mines recently started bogging when i accelerate. It also stsrted spinning the head on its own with out me getting on the trigger. The screen is clean i checked it. Looks like it might be the oil seal since i saw oil in the exhaust .. but not sure
Run Amsoil Sabre 2 stroke oil. No problem there.
Ok but what to do if trimmer or brush cutter dont have spark arrestor in general? And it lose power when i cutting grass, and it takes about 5-6 time to start, sometimes more when its cold, even if i change carburetor its same. The brushcutter is MTD bc43
Im going to do that to mine do all echo trimmers have this I’ve changed the filter in the gas and the spark plug recently
Thank you for this! You just saved me $100!
donyboy73, thank you for posting/sharing i have an old cub cadet 23cc trimmer that i am going to look at the screen.
If the spark arrestor was cleaned and trimmer continue bog down what other problem can be.
I have a 8mm nut in my sthil fs240 r carburetor. And I can’t find that t wrench tool to fit it. I am trying to take my carburetor out so I can change the it with my repair kit. You know where I can buy one?
Hi, what if after you clean the muffler it still Boggs down? What do you think could be the problem ? 🤔
you might nee a new carb kit or new carburetor
Now if I can onll remeber this in spring. 🤔