Chainsaw Repair

not sure if this is the right place or not if not im sure someone will move it to the proper place.

im a 2 cycle newbie and recently purchased a used echo cs 280 for cheap (10 $). i cant get it to idle, never said i was very good at 2 cycles, and the clutch stays engaged all the time. figuring it is 2 different problems.

first one adjusting the carb.

what i have read basically is this. first make sure ful tank of gas and air filter is clean. turn the "L" and "H" all the way in than back them off 1 complete turn. Start the engine up and let it warm up. If i have to feather the throttle to keep it running do it just not full throttle. If it will not stay running turn the "L" screw in until it surges and starts to die. remember where that is and turn the "L" screw out until it loads up remember where this is. turn the "L" screw inbetween the 2 spots. Re check the "Idle" now and turn in out to attain an idle. Next is the "H" setting which the way i understand it is hard to set without a Tachometer. Since i dont have one i tried this hold trigger closed so saw is wide open. turn the "H" screw in until it sounds like a harley then slowly turn it out until it smooths out with just a bit of the rougher sound.

does this sound right to everyone else? or am i failing at my google fu

the second problem i am guessing has to do with the clutch and drum and i have not done alot of research yet. just wanted to get idle set first and than work on next problem.

thanks in advance

so the way i am attempting to adjust the carb is good than?

no it was the average of different posts that i read across the net some were1 turn out others 2 1/2 and still others 2. but i think the majority was 1 turn or 2 turn. tomorrow ill attempt to remove the clutch drum to see if it has broken springs on the clutch becouse i have been able to idle the saw but the clutch stays engaged. i read somewhere about putting rope into the piston than useing a wrench to remove the bolt holding the drum on. hopefully the drum will slide off after that any suggestions if it doesnt?

Before you try to get the idle correct fix the clutch.   It will affect how the saw idles with the bar and chain on.

You can get a parts list diagram (IPL) from Echo USA
Here's a link

http://echoinc.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF

Your operator's manual at this link

http://www.echo-usa.com/Support-Help/Technical-Documents.aspx?s=cs280e&c=en-us

The saw has an inboard clutch. Pull the clutch drum off and grease the bearing. Check for excessive play in the bearing. Sometimes they disintegrate.

The manual for the 280e and ep says initial carb settings are,

Low  7/8 to 1-1/8 turn out

High  3/4 to 1 turn out

Thanks for this info Tim you saved here. Just used it to help a owner out today.