Requesting Tips on Carb for Echo Hedge Trimmer

I thought that Taryl had something n that topic...if he does...I did not find it...but I did come across this
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=2+cycle+engine+carb+adjustment#kpvalbx=1
also found this
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/42076/Echo-Hc-1500-Type-1e.html?page=23

most of those 2 cycle carbs require a special tool similar to, but not exactly a screwdriver to adjust the screws
what kind of a head is on the adjustment screws?

MARK (LI) said:

I thought that Taryl had something n that topic...if he does...I did not find it...but I did come across this
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=2+cycle+engine+carb+adjustment#kpvalbx=1
also found this
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/42076/Echo-Hc-1500-Type-1e.html?page=23

most of those 2 cycle carbs require a special tool similar to, but not exactly a screwdriver to adjust the screws
what kind of a head is on the adjustment screws?

Click to expand...

I don't know about the head. But I think the unit is so old it was made prior to the time that the EPA decided to make it difficult for the average Joe to adjust the carb. You can also buy Chinese made tools that fit most of these types of screws. Even if I have have to buy the special screw drivers, it's still cheaper than taking the unit to the mower shop, or worse yet, buying a new one. It doesn't really have that many hours on it, but it's well over 20 years old and never got a new carb.

Thanks for responding. Hot Ajax

RoyM said:

The new carb will have the limiters. If you can get the tool it will likely cost as much or more than the carb, they are not supposed to be sold to service shops or the end user.

Click to expand...

I got a set of 4 different adjusters for about 7 dollars on ebay...it was shipped within the US...there is a set of 8 on ebay from china for 2 dollars with free shipping....probably take about a month to get it
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Screwdrive...hash=item48c4178ca0:m:mWPi_REvRePLX5zZUs03m7w
In the meantime you can jam a solderless, crimp type of wire connector ont the end of a screwdriver and use that..it slips some, but it will work in a pinch

One chain saw I have has those stupid "D" shaped carb adjustment screw heads..

I tried the solderless connector trick ,the screw was evidently secured with locktite ,because that wouldn't grip it firmly enough to turn it..

I ended up taking a hunk of 3/16" brake tubing I had kicking around and bent it to a 90 degree angle and I took a nail that fit snug in the tubing and ground down one side square on the bench grinder--then put it in the tubing and squished it ever so gently in the bench vise to make the "D" shape..it didn't fit perfect,but close enough to break the screw free and get the carb adjusted better..

I have tried using a dremel tool with a cut off wheel to cut slots in those screw's heads--but then they usually twist off on you when you go to move them !..carb is JUNK after that happens..

I worked for the Canadian Homelite distributor, we had the tools available for less than 10 bucks each. Then a directive came through from the EPA threatening all kinds of dire consequences, the price promptly shot through the roof. We weren't under the EPA thumb but management decided to quit selling them to be safe, they didn't want them going back across the border.

GOOD NEWS guys. The new carb came with real screws. They are very small slotted screws but they are screws. Looks like a 2mm width screw. I bought a small screwdriver on ebay for 4 bucks. So "screw" the EPA with an "F". I think the really small screwdrivers might be called "electronics" screwdrivers. But the people selling the aftermarket carbs are at least nice enough to design the carb with a conventional screw.

RoyM said:

The new carb will have the limiters. If you can get the tool it will likely cost as much or more than the carb, they are not supposed to be sold to service shops or the end user.

Click to expand...

Roy: I understand, but the after market carbs are made in china, and I'm sure the Chinese aren't going to waste time on putting a weird screw in there when it's easier to put a conventional screw. Why would they care about our EPA?

The carb on your hedge trimmers seems similar to the one I just replaced on my husky string trimmer. I was about 1/2 turn out on the low speed mix screw and a full turn out on the high speed (from where they were set originally not fully seated) . Might help, might not, but a good place to get you in the ballpark. Regardless, if you can get it running out of the box that will make adjustments that much easier.

I'm not sure if you ordered an OEM part or a chinese knockoff but the aftermarket carbs always require a little tuning in my experience.

I got it running, GREAT. The 2-turns-open rough adjustment just wouldn't work on this carb. I spent a good 20 minutes moving the screw about 1/8 of a turn at a time, in both directions, and give it a few pulls. Found the magic formula. Was a huge PITA. New spark plug really helped it start faster. But for less than 20 bucks, I saved my old hedge clipper and have it running in tip top shape. I got the carb from some place on ebay called THE ROP SHOP. Fast service, good product with conventional screws on the jets. I recommend this company highly, second purchase from them.

BTW, I've been buy VP Fuels 2-stroke oil and mixing it myself. Stuff burns really good and doesn't smell nearly as bad as the mother-in-law's farts. And very cheap at Wally World. I think it was 7 bucks to mix 12 gallons of 50:1.

hotajax said:

I got it running, GREAT. The 2-turns-open rough adjustment just wouldn't work on this carb. I spent a good 20 minutes moving the screw about 1/8 of a turn at a time, in both directions, and give it a few pulls. Found the magic formula. Was a huge PITA. New spark plug really helped it start faster. But for less than 20 bucks, I saved my old hedge clipper and have it running in tip top shape. I got the carb from some place on ebay called THE ROP SHOP. Fast service, good product with conventional screws on the jets. I recommend this company highly, second purchase from them.

BTW, I've been buy VP Fuels 2-stroke oil and mixing it myself. Stuff burns really good and doesn't smell nearly as bad as the mother-in-law's farts. And very cheap at Wally World. I think it was 7 bucks to mix 12 gallons of 50:1.

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Glad you got it running. Isn't is such a good feeling to fix something on your own?

Thanks for the tip on the eBay seller too. I've dealt with some that are less than reputable to say the least, and it's nice to know someone woh isn't a pain to deal with.

I wish I could make mixed gas that cheap. Granted, I mix everything except my lawn-boys at 40:1 (regardless of what the manufacturer calls for) but $7 for 12 gallons and with a reputable oil company that's a heck of a deal. I hope you used non-ethanol gas or put sta-bil in so it don't go bad.

lawnboyben said:

Glad you got it running. Isn't is such a good feeling to fix something on your own?

Thanks for the tip on the eBay seller too. I've dealt with some that are less than reputable to say the least, and it's nice to know someone woh isn't a pain to deal with.

I wish I could make mixed gas that cheap. Granted, I mix everything except my lawn-boys at 40:1 (regardless of what the manufacturer calls for) but $7 for 12 gallons and with a reputable oil company that's a heck of a deal. I hope you used non-ethanol gas or put sta-bil in so it don't go bad.

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Yeah, sure is. Any of the good outdoor power equipment costs a minimum of $300, probably closer to $350. Hate to trash it over a $13 part.

lawnboyben said:

The carb on your hedge trimmers seems similar to the one I just replaced on my husky string trimmer. I was about 1/2 turn out on the low speed mix screw and a full turn out on the high speed (from where they were set originally not fully seated) . Might help, might not, but a good place to get you in the ballpark. Regardless, if you can get it running out of the box that will make adjustments that much easier.

I'm not sure if you ordered an OEM part or a chinese knockoff but the aftermarket carbs always require a little tuning in my experience.

Click to expand...

A Chinese knockoff. Saved me 50 bucks from buying an Echo OEM. Yay!!! I'll save the money!!