Echo Trimmer 40:1 vs 50:1 cold start

[TheOilWizard]

I have a 4-5 year old Echo Trimmer that has been remarkably reliable. Always starts within 2-3 pulls and runs strong.

After reading some threads here, I decided to move it from from the manufacture recommended 50:1 to 40:1. During the normal mowing season, I didn't notice much of a difference.

However, the other day I had a really hard time getting it started in colder weather (50F or so)... I don't normally run the trimmer in colder weather, so I don't have a baseline to compare it to. But it got me thinking, I wonder if the move from 50:1 to 40:1 is a major contributor to the hard start?

When I say hard starting, I'm talking 15-20 pulls and it would run for 5 seconds or so and die. I went through that a couple of times before it finally ran on its own. Once running, it was completely fine. Fuel is fresh.

 

[wander2039]

My 1 year old Echo trimmer did the same thing trying to start it in cold temps and I run the 50:1. All I was trying to do was winterize it by running it out gas so just dealt with it. Don't think they built them to deal with the temps.

 

[TheOilWizard]

My 1 year old Echo trimmer did the same thing trying to start it in cold temps and I run the 50:1. All I was trying to do was winterize it by running it out gas so just dealt with it. Don't think they built them to deal with the temps.

What I found interesting is that my Echo 2-cycle leaf blower starts right up in cold weather.

 

[Propflux01]

I would guess your richer oil mixture is causing a leaner fuel condition, noticed most at start-up cold temps.

 

[TomYoung]

Go back to the recommendation and see what happens. What were you looking for with the 40:1 ratio?

 

[wander2039]

What I found interesting is that my Echo 2-cycle leaf blower starts right up in cold weather.

Yeah my post hole digger from HF started right up. If anything figured it would have more issues!

 

[Cujet]

The oil ratio is not a factor in starting. But tuning can be. And as mentioned above, more oil can ever so slightly lean out the air fuel ratio. I've been using Echo 2 stroke engines at 32 to 1 for 25 years. Never an issue with cold starting. Even at my PA property in the winter.

Since it dies after a few seconds, it may be running on the excess fuel when choked, and then die when the choke is off. You could try half choke. But my guess is tuning.

 

[JohnnyG]

Make sure that you're not using summer gas. Low RVP means fewer ignitable gasses in the cold temps.

 

[Brian123]

I have a 4-5 year old Echo Trimmer that has been remarkably reliable. Always starts within 2-3 pulls and runs strong.

After reading some threads here, I decided to move it from from the manufacture recommended 50:1 to 40:1. During the normal mowing season, I didn't notice much of a difference.

However, the other day I had a really hard time getting it started in colder weather (50F or so)... I don't normally run the trimmer in colder weather, so I don't have a baseline to compare it to. But it got me thinking, I wonder if the move from 50:1 to 40:1 is a major contributor to the hard start?

When I say hard starting, I'm talking 15-20 pulls and it would run for 5 seconds or so and die. I went through that a couple of times before it finally ran on its own. Once running, it was completely fine. Fuel is fresh.

What 2 Stroke oil are you using?

 

[TheOilWizard]

What 2 Stroke oil are you using?

Pretty sure it's the Husqvarna XP synthetic blend.

I just buy what I need to mix 2 gallons and chunk the bottle.

 

[Brian123]

Pretty sure it's the Husqvarna XP synthetic blend.

I just buy what I need to mix 2 gallons and chunk the bottle.

Does 2 gallons of 2 stroke mix last you a whole season? I would recommend using Amsoil Saber Pro.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Does 2 gallons of 2 stroke mix last you a whole season? I would recommend using Amsoil Saber Pro.

Between the trimmer, blower, and saws it goes pretty quick. 6 months maybe? Ethanol free gas of course.

 

[JavierH19]

I had to clean up parts of my front yard in 52f temps on sunday near noon and my husq started in 4 pulls and i run about 35:1. I refilled the can last tuesday so it might be winter blend and if so that starts easier.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Make sure that you're not using summer gas. Low RVP means fewer ignitable gasses in the cold temps.

Thanks, good advice. I got the gas a month or so ago when temps were still in the 80's, so I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[nwjones18]

Another side note is my Echo trimmer says it requires either 89 or 93 octane.. Not sure if that would make any difference. Mine runs fine on 87 so far.

 

[Cujet]

Good point above. Really, ethanol free gas should be used.

 

[fantastic]

I have a 4-5 year old Echo Trimmer that has been remarkably reliable. Always starts within 2-3 pulls and runs strong.

After reading some threads here, I decided to move it from from the manufacture recommended 50:1 to 40:1. During the normal mowing season, I didn't notice much of a difference.

However, the other day I had a really hard time getting it started in colder weather (50F or so)... I don't normally run the trimmer in colder weather, so I don't have a baseline to compare it to. But it got me thinking, I wonder if the move from 50:1 to 40:1 is a major contributor to the hard start?

When I say hard starting, I'm talking 15-20 pulls and it would run for 5 seconds or so and die. I went through that a couple of times before it finally ran on its own. Once running, it was completely fine. Fuel is fresh.

How old is the gas & do you treat it?
It is adjusted for the 50:1 ratio & cold weather needs more fuel. Go back to 50:1 or adjust the carb. I'd just go bad to 50:1 instead.

 

[TnT_M]

Make sure that you're not using summer gas. Low RVP means fewer ignitable gasses in the cold temps.

^^^^^^ this! It's likely summer fuel and it is harder to ignite in colder temperatures.

 

[Fordiesel69]

5 yrs is about standard for a stiff metering diaphram if used with ethanol based fuels.

Also echo's are for the most part adjusted fairly decent out of box, and over the years may drift a bit. Consider a minor adjustment, and if no resolution then something bigger is at bay.

 

[Japanese]

After reading some threads here, I decided to move it from from the manufacture recommended 50:1 to 40:1.

Very good decision. Bravo!