Echo SRM-211 line trimmer won't stay running

Hello,

I have an Echo SRM-211 line trimmer which I desperately need for work but am very low on cash. It sat outside for a winter but I got it going nicely and it ran pretty well for about a half an hour.

There is a problem that it runs only for a very short time and quits. It seems like the carb is working fine. Choke it and it starts and runs again for a short time. I'm strongly suspecting something to do with getting the fuel to the carb.

Questions:
1. There is a rubber plug with 3 holes for the fuel intake and return lines and the vent line. It is a little ragged. Would it cause a fuel suction problem at the carb?

2. I removed the fuel filter and ran it and it still didn't keep running. Would removing the fuel filter effectively eliminate the filter as the problem? (I would think so unless it helps regulate the fuel)

3. If it is not to do with those things then I guess it would be something else. Primer block thing that screws onto the carb and sucks up and returns the fuel? I have already had that off a few times and cleaned it.

Thanks much for any insight. I really need to get it fixed right the first time if possible and not spend a dime more than I need to so I can pay the rent.

Thanks much for any insight!

 

If there are any questions at all about the fuel lines, i think you would be ahead to begin there, couple bucks should get them all replaced.
Any cracks, stiff lines, or even pinholes can create problems.

The fuel filter could be eliminated by your test if you were indeed able to keep the fuel line below the fuel level.

Might also try fresh fuel. If it starts and runs again for a while then dies, try loosening the fuel cap and try again for giggles if nothing else.

See if there is a spark arrestor/screen in the muffler and make sure it is cleaned out.....
Good spark plug always helps....

couple things off top of me head you can check easy and little to no $

 

If this is otherwise a good trimmer with some life left in it, I would suggest the following:

1) If you have any qualms about the rubber plug with 3 holes in it, I would replace it. It's not expensive. The old plug is removed by pushing it on into the tank.

2) I would replace the vent check valve on the end of one of the 3 tubes.

3) Make sure the fuel lines are not brittle.
hopethishelps,
thanks,

 

Like someone already mentioned, check the spark arrestor in the muffler. If it is clogged, the engine won't run. It is merely a wire mesh. Take it out and burn off the residue with a propane torch.

 

Thanks all.

I did all your suggestions, it took them a long time to get the fuel/vent rubber grommet in.

It runs fine until it runs for 1/2 an hour or so then starts acting up dying out but restarts but continues to deteriorate until it won't run enough to work.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

 

Did you install a new tank vent check valve on the end of one of the 3 tubes?

 

Actually no I didn't. I did take it apart and cleaned it.

I have noticed that when you press the primer bulb it seems to be very slow to pop back, very slow (it is a new primer bulb).

 

I have replaced and tried all of the above. My Echo SRM 210 runs great as long as the tank is full. When I've burned not even 1/4 of the tank, it quits. It won't run until I refill the tank to the brim.

 

The screen in the carb may be clogged (sounds a lot like it is) and running it without the filter would only compound that problem. I'd say the carb needs cleaning at least, and it may need a kit installed.

 

My Echo was running find a week ago, but then stopped. Wouldn't start again. Upon advice from this site to check the spark arrestor, I found that a mud-wasp (or something) had built a nest full of larvae blocking the exhaust completely. Now, after removal, it works fine.

 

Have 10 year old Echo SRM-211 weed whacker, it would miss at high speeds. I tried everything mentioned above:
Fresh gas
New plug
New fuel lines and filter.
Cleaned the exaust screen (wasn't dirty)
Dissembled carb, was not dirty, cleaned anyways.
Reassembled, still had problem.
Then, with unit running, adjusted the only adjustable screw on the carb. It now runs like a Ferarri. This is the screw that controls fuel amount at any speed other than idle speed. A miracle has occurred.