Your Echo chainsaw should spurt to life after 3-4 pulls. However, if you’ve tried pulling and it’s too hard, then something is wrong. But how do you deal with an Echo chainsaw that’s hard to pull?
To deal with an Echo chainsaw that’s hard to pull, check for any damages in the pulley, rope, starter housing, engine, or starter spring. If there are damages, ensure they’re repaired properly. Additionally, you should replace stale fuel in your tank with fresh fuel.
The rest of this article will elaborate on how to properly deal with an Echo chainsaw that’s hard to pull and give practical solutions in case you encounter this problem. I’ll also go over some essential maintenance tips to consider for your Echo chainsaw.
1. Check for Damages to the Pulley System
The pulley system is the location of the starter rope, which controls the retraction of the rope. If the pulley system is clogged with debris or sawdust, it’ll block the free movement of the starter rope. Therefore, if this is the case, you’ll find it difficult to pull the rope.
To fix this problem, clean any debris on the pulley system and check for any damages. The pulley – or the spring controlling it – may be broken. Either way, you’ll have to replace the broken part.
2. Examine the Starter Rope
The starter rope is what you pull to start your chainsaw. Difficulty pulling the rope means it may be broken within, may have gone rigid due to overuse or age, or may have tangled within. It’ll be hard to pull if any of these is the case.
Therefore, you have to check the rope for any damage. If it’s broken or rigid, replace it with a rope of the same length and thickness. If it’s tangled, untangle it properly and try it again.
3. Ensure the Starter Housing Isn’t Damaged
A piece of the starter housing – or even the entire starter housing – may get broken. If the entire housing is completely damaged, you’ll have to replace it. If a piece is broken, you can fix it using tape. Ensure that the broken piece is not blocking anywhere.
4. Inspect the Echo Chainsaw’s Engine
If the engine is faulty, you may find it hard to start your chainsaw. The engine is the powerhouse of the chainsaw, so if anything goes wrong, the chainsaw can’t start. A seizure in the engine may be responsible for the problem.
If the engine is damaged or seizes frequently, the only solution will be to get a new one. It also means it’s probably time to get a new chainsaw and say goodbye to the old one.
5. Ensure the Starter Spring Is Working Properly
The starter spring makes contraction and retraction of the starter rope possible. However, the spring can break for various reasons, one of which is pulling with force.
Therefore, you need to check the spring to see if it’s broken. It can also get rusty, as it’s made of steel. If the starter spring is broken, remove and replace it (source).
6. Change the Fuel in Your Chainsaw’s Tank
If the fuel in your tank has been there for a long time without usage, it can lose its efficacy. One of the results is a chainsaw that’s hard to pull. Remove the old fuel, clean the tank, and refill it with fresh fuel. Then you can try starting it again.
Secondly, the type of oil in the tank can also be a factor. If you’re using a cold chainsaw, but the oil in your tank isn’t suitable for cold chainsaws, the chainsaw will not work, so it’ll be hard to pull. Therefore, you must ensure you use the right oil for the right chainsaw.
Maintenance Tips for Echo Chainsaws
Echo chainsaws require proper maintenance, and the lack of maintenance can result in having to buy another chainsaw sooner than you should have to. There are several maintenance tips to keep in mind in order to extend the lifespan of your Echo chainsaw, which I’ll cover in the following sections.
Conduct Routine Checks on Your Chainsaw
You should always check the parts of the chainsaw before use. Ensure there are no loose nuts, and fill the tank with fresh fuel before use. You should also check the internal parts of your chainsaw at least once every 2–3 weeks.
Additionally you should ensure the parts are well lubricated, the rope is in good condition, and other parts are functional. Doing this keeps your chainsaw flexible and easy to use at any time.
Warm Your Chainsaw Regularly
You shouldn’t store your chainsaw for months or years without warming it. It’ll not only cause the ropes to be hard to pull but some parts, like the engine and starter spring, may even develop problems.
If you don’t use your chainsaw regularly, warm it from time to time. You can do this once every month. Simply start the engine, leave it running for a few minutes, and turn it off.
Store Your Echo Chainsaw Properly
Ensure you store your chainsaw properly to avoid damage or rusting. Consider the following tips storage:
- Don’t leave the chainsaw lying on the ground of your workplace, as this is a safety hazard.
- Keep it out of reach, so children don’t play with it and break anything.
- Keep it away from water because water can cause rust. It’s best stored in a dry place.
- If possible, get a cover so dust and other particles will not rest on it or find their way into its internal parts.
Clean Your Chainsaw After Each Use
Don’t just pack your Echo chainsaw up when you’re done using it. It’s best to take the time to clean the starter house and other parts where sawdust or dirt may have entered.
Also, clean the air filter so it can easily filter air. If you do this, it’ll be easier to use your chainsaw every time with little or no problem.
Don’t Leave Your Chainsaw’s Tank Empty
Don’t leave your chainsaw fuel tank empty after use. Leave a little fuel in the tank before you store it. However, you’ll still have to clean the tank and change the fuel periodically if you want to store it for a long time.
As mentioned earlier in the article, stale fuel can be a problem for your chainsaw. If you leave fuel in the tank for months or years, it can cause some damage.
Check for Loose Screws on Your Chainsaw
Screws can loosen or become rusty after some time. So check for any loose or rusty screws. If you find loose screws, tighten them properly and change the rusty ones (source). It’s ideal to do this every time before using it.
Sharpen the Blades of Your Chainsaw Regularly
A blunt chainsaw blade is as good as not having one because you won’t do much with it. Therefore, sharpen the blade once you notice it doesn’t cut clean anymore.
You can sharpen it using a file, filing horizontally from the tip downwards, and always file both sides of the blade. However, if you can’t do it yourself, you can detach the blade from the chainsaw and send it to a professional for sharpening (source).
Final Thoughts
Your Echo chainsaw is likely hard to pull because of damage to the pulley system, rope, starter housing, or engine. Therefore, to deal with an Echo chainsaw that’s hard to pull, it’s crucial that you check each of these systems for possible damage.
While you can replace some of these parts, adequate maintenance prevents this problem. Therefore, always ensure you’re storing your chainsaw properly, cleaning it regularly, and conducting routine check ups.
