Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Echo => Topic started by: heathd on March 20, 2014, 04:33:23 pm

Title: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: heathd on March 20, 2014, 04:33:23 pm
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
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: 660magnum on March 20, 2014, 04:57:59 pm
Carburetor

The metering valve diaphragm is probably old and stiff. New diaphragms will probably fix it up?

Clutch

The clutch either has a bad bearing or a broken spring or both?
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: heathd on March 20, 2014, 05:34:37 pm
so the way i am attempting to adjust the carb is good than?
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: 660magnum on March 20, 2014, 05:48:47 pm
IMHO there is nothing wrong with your technique.

You may try to increase the idle speed some and slowly work your way down to the proper idle.

There are some other factors that enter into the picture? The proper idle speed for a unknown chainsaw is just below the point where the chain starts to turn but with a bad clutch this isn't going to happen.

With a unknown chainsaw with the needles set at the factory setting, the saw should run good enough that you could use though you suspect it may not be completely correct.

If your saw runs terrible with the factory settings, then the carburetor either needs diaphragms or the saw has an air leak such as bad crankshaft seals.

Is the one turn out on the needles what you read in the manual? Some saws are two turns out?
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: heathd on March 20, 2014, 08:40:45 pm
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?
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: 660magnum on March 20, 2014, 08:49:07 pm
Don't forget that the clutch has left hand threads!

Also to use the rope, you want to get the piston slightly above the ports before you put the rope in the spark plug hole. If you get some rope hung up in a port, you will be up the creek without a paddle.

My chainsaws are all 2 to 2 1/2 turns out. But some of the very small saws and weed whackers are 1 turn.
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: 3000 FPS on March 24, 2014, 12:51:57 am
Before you try to get the idle correct fix the clutch.   It will affect how the saw idles with the bar and chain on.
Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: fossil on March 26, 2014, 06:39:54 pm
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

Title: Re: adjusting a echo cs 280
Post by: Cut4fun . on July 29, 2017, 10:12:16 am
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.