I've tried everything that I can think of and that I've read to fix this Echo SRM-265T (Zama carb), but I can't get it to stay running. I've done plenty of car work (fuel injected), but this lawn equipment (although it seems much simpler) I don't have much experience with. I can get it to start, real briefly, and then it dies. Or it will start for 15 seconds and die. So far I have replaced:
all three fuel lines
fuel line grommet
fuel check valve
fuel filter
air filter
spark plug
rebuilt carb
replaced carb
primer bulb
I've checked compression and after a few pulls I get 150 psi.
I have spark.
It honestly sounds like it's not getting fuel, but I've replaced everything!
I've tried running it without the exhaust connected (in case of clog) - doesn't help
I've tried running it without the gas cap and the gas cap loose (in case it's not venting) - doesn't help
I've tried running it without the air filter (in case of clog) - doesn't help
I'm using a 50:1 premix 93 octane, Echo brand gas. By the way, I had it tipped slightly hanging in the garage and most of the gas leaked out. Couldn't quite tell where it was coming from, but I was expecting the new carb would fix it. Not so far. It did start and look like it was running properly for about 15 seconds after the carb... and then it died and wouldn't restart aside from maybe 50 pulls like usual. Gas doesn't fill that well in the primer bulb and it likes to start and almost run better with the choke on. Carb cleaner doesn't do much, the only thing I've haven't really used is starting fluid, but I'm not sure why that would help since the problem is staying running, not get it running.
I do have a sledge hammer, although thus far I've convinced myself not to use it. I'm running out of good arguments not to though... it would be fun...
Any help is appreciated, I'm really at a loss here. Thanks in advance.
Stick the shaft in a vice so you can get clear access to the starter & carb.
Remove air filter & start trimmer.
If you can keep it running by squirting starter fluid down the carb then it is definately a fuel problem.
Pull the carb off ( leave the fuel lines on ) and blow low pressure air through it .
Watch what comes out of the engine end as you open the throttle. Please don't smoke while doing ths test.
The fuel bypass passages in cube carbs are very fine and there are several of them.
Any one blocked & it won't run,,, for long.
Do not blow carb clean with high pressure compressed air as that can embed crap in the jet holes and like all fuel systems blow them out backwards.
I have an untra sound and oft have to give a cube carb multiple cleans before I get them to run right.
Also go to Zama and down load their service manual on some carbs you have to remove the blanking off plugs to clean them out properly.
Check the price before you start because the full repair kit is generally 70% to 90% of a replacement so it becomes a no brainer.
I replace more now than I clean but seldom tell the customer.
They will happily pay $ 45 for a kit and $ 45 more for me to fit it but get their knckers in a knot if I charge $ 60 for a new carb & $ 20 to fit it.
I suppose it is the "I could have done that myself" syndrome.
I appreciate the help on this, but I ended up selling the string trimmer as broken and bought an electric. No carb, gas, or oil to worry about! Plus, I don't have a big yard, so this is fine. I hope the next guy figures it out.
