Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Echo => Topic started by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 12:14:57 pm

Title: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 12:14:57 pm
I just bought this saw and cut all day friday and everything was great.  Then Sat when I started cutting I noticed it was harder and the chain got really loose.  So I tightened the chain to the recommended tightness and went back at it.  It started smoking really bad like the chain was getting no oil.  It got real hot.

After it cooled down I ran it over paper and there was the faint line of oil so I assume (from that test) that it is getting oil.  What else could cause this?  I was running thinner oil and went and bought some summer oil, could this be the cause. I haven't had a change to change the oil out but that was my next step.

Thanks, Kurt
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 12:19:58 pm
Insufficient oil, or a burned up roller tip.  Check the pump output without the bar and make sure the oil holes in the bar is not plugged
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 12:31:25 pm
Insufficient oil, or a burned up roller tip.  Check the pump output without the bar and make sure the oil holes in the bar is not plugged

There was plenty of oil in it.  It's a brand new saw (maybe 6 hrs on it), so I doubt the roller tip would be burned up.  I'll take the bar off and see what I get.

My other 2 chainsaws are stihls, I decided to retire my big stihl after 11 years (worm gear or oil pump issue) and I went with the echo for economical reasons. I planned on repairing the stihl and having a backup.

Thanks,
Kurt
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 12:33:05 pm
Is the piker adjusted to max?
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 12:45:07 pm
Is the piker adjusted to max?

Not sure what a piker is.  Does it adjust how much oil is flung out to the chain?  If so, I can't find how to do that.  I just downloaded the manual and am looking though.

Thanks
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 12:53:39 pm
Hahahaha.  That's auto spell for oiler!!!!
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 12:57:43 pm
Hahahaha.  That's auto spell for oiler!!!!

 ;D  So are you saying I should be able to adjust just how much oil comes out of the resorvoir and get's to the chain?  I looked on the saw yesterday and couldn't find it and now am searching the manual.  No luck so far.

Thanks
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 01:05:32 pm
I believe that series of saws has an adjustable oil pump.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 01:10:16 pm
Look on the plastic just below/behind the clutch for an adjustment screw. Should be an imbossed chain LINK image on the cover indicating chain oil adjustment
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 21, 2015, 01:18:30 pm
Look on the plastic just below/behind the clutch for an adjustment screw. Should be an imbossed chain LINK image on the cover indicating chain oil asjustment

Thank you sir, I will try that tonight.

Kurt
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: 1manband on September 21, 2015, 03:53:57 pm
piker photo here.  hahaha.

http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3434.0;attach=8106;image


(http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3434.0;attach=8106;image)
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 21, 2015, 05:29:18 pm
Elusive Piker Pic!!!  Hahahaha.  Thks Joe!
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 22, 2015, 09:18:28 am
Well I found the screw, and yes, it is well hidden.  I turned it all the way counterclockwise and did the spray test on a sheet of paper.  Definately more oil now.

BUT, I went out to cut again on the pine tree that started the whole smoking event (approx 14 in dia). And it still seems to intermittently do the smoking.  Maybe the tree is binding in a weird way?  I got the tree cut up and disposed of but things are not normal.
 
I need to go out and cut another tree and see if it does it again.

Thanks,
Kurt
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 22, 2015, 10:37:36 am
piker photo here.  hahaha.

http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3434.0;attach=8106;image

Yep, that's the elusive piker hole.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: leec on September 22, 2015, 07:35:23 pm
I had a similar experience with my 520, dropping a tree for a neighbor.  The saw was oiling profusely but I was enveloped in a cloud of steam.  The tree was a mostly dead maple and I think quite wet inside.  the saw checks out fine oils well and revs out OK.  After I dropped it I switch to my Efco cs56 and had no further problems except loosing one of the bar nuts.  I never crank them down crazy tight.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: ch74 on September 22, 2015, 09:54:02 pm
Is the oiler turned up?
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 23, 2015, 10:28:14 am
Is the oiler turned up?

Yes, all the way left.  I've cut down plenty of decent sized pines in my life, but the is only the 2nd with this saw.  Don't remember anything weird with the first.  Of course the stump was plenty wet with sap when I was done. Grasping at straws here I guess.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 23, 2015, 10:48:34 am
Insufficient oil, or a burned up roller tip.  Check the pump output without the bar and make sure the oil holes in the bar is not plugged

I did some searches on roller tips being burnt and came across what seems to be a controversial subject.  Should you grease the oiler tip or not.  One camp says definately not because grease attracts dirt and abrasives which will destroy the tip.  They say the oil from the oiler should lubricate the roller well, and to grease would be a cardinal sin. There is apparently a special lil grease gun for that very purpose.

---UPDATE---
Well I just chatted with Echo and they said the oiler does it, no need for grease.

Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 23, 2015, 01:18:36 pm
Inspect the bar rails to be sure they're not splayed apart at the groove and the tip bearing is ok. Something sounds a mis.  Make sure the clutch drum bearing is ok while you're at it...

Adam
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 23, 2015, 02:57:46 pm
Inspect the bar rails to be sure they're not splayed apart at the groove and the tip bearing is ok. Something sounds a mis.  Make sure the clutch drum bearing is ok while you're at it...

Adam

Thanks,

I'll try to get out there and look at that after church tonight.

Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 24, 2015, 08:20:34 am
Inspect the bar rails to be sure they're not splayed apart at the groove and the tip bearing is ok. Something sounds a mis.  Make sure the clutch drum bearing is ok while you're at it...

Adam

That all looks good, Bar seemed straight, nothing clogged or splayed. I put a bit of tractor grease on the bearing before re-installing it...not sure if that will be ok or not.  I'll try to get out there and use it Sat to see if anything has changed.

Thanks
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 24, 2015, 10:54:45 am
Sounds good.  If you haven't already done so, clean out all the crap from inside the bar grove and make sure the oiling holes are clean, then adjust the chain to slide over the bar with light finger pressure while making sure the chain isn't sagging off the bottom of the bar.  Too tight will lead to bar/chain issues and we'll as bearing wear. Keep us posted

Adam
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on September 29, 2015, 11:41:02 am
OK, I did all that stuff above and then some, checked the chain etc.  Then last night as it smoked up a storm I decided to sharpen it anyways and try one more time before I gave up on it.  And much to my chagrin that pretty much settled it.  I looked at and felt the chain many times during this hoopla and it just didn't seem like it could have been that dull.

Oh well, sorry for the clamor, but I really appreciate how ya'll supported me.

Thanks,
Kurt
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on September 29, 2015, 12:35:48 pm
Glad you figured it out. 
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Kurt Sligh on October 01, 2015, 11:18:24 am
Now that I know it's not a lemon and won't be sent back, I guess I have to do the muffler hack, and the carb hack if needed  ;D
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: aclarke on October 01, 2015, 11:23:31 am
Probably get decent power gains opening up the muffler a tad!
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: jr27236 on November 02, 2015, 01:15:16 pm
Just reading this....the first thing that causes smoke and a tough go at cutting is always most likely a dull chain, don't know why anyone would recommend anything but the obvious.?? Just because it's a new saw as soon as you put that chain to work it can dull in a heartbeat hitting the ground or something embedded in the tree like any other saw  will.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: 3000 FPS on November 02, 2015, 01:34:10 pm
Well I guess we assumed the op knew he had a sharp chain.   Next time.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: mountainlake on November 03, 2015, 07:17:14 am
Now that I know it's not a lemon and won't be sent back, I guess I have to do the muffler hack, and the carb hack if needed  ;D


 For sure tune it, the last new one I got was burn up lean on the high, 1/2 turn out as it came. You have to pull the caps and make sure, start way rich and lean it out gradually until it cuts good in big wood as the rev limiter will fool you into thinking it's rich. On the muff the biggest clog is the deflector, it has a pea sized opening.\, a little work with a grinder will open it up.  Zoro has 25% off today again , a new CS590 shipped for $325.   Steve
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: jr27236 on November 03, 2015, 10:28:10 am
Now that I know it's not a lemon and won't be sent back, I guess I have to do the muffler hack, and the carb hack if needed  ;D


 For sure tune it, the last new one I got was burn up lean on the high, 1/2 turn out as it came. You have to pull the caps and make sure, start way rich and lean it out gradually until it cuts good in big wood as the rev limiter will fool you into thinking it's rich. On the muff the biggest clog is the deflector, it has a pea sized opening.\, a little work with a grinder will open it up.  Zoro has 25% off today again , a new CS590 shipped for $325.   Steve
Hey Steve, have you ever ordered from Zoro? I see they have some good prices on some items and then outrageous prices on others that should be less? For example I put in chainsaw as a search and then put them in order of highest price to lowest and it had an electric chainsaw for $10000 lol
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: Ozarker on November 03, 2015, 07:18:48 pm
I've ordered quite a bit from Zoro, and have zero complaints with them. In fact, I've nothing but good things to say. That said, I've not ordered any saws from them, but have noticed what you mention, Kurt. Makes no sense to me, neither.

By the way, they've got 25% off on orders over $300.00, for today only. Ends at midnight. I don't recollect the code to use, though. Perhaps Steve will know.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: mountainlake on November 03, 2015, 07:39:45 pm


 Code for 25% off is BIGGEST.  I got a CS590 shipped to my door for $302 ( 30% off that day) about a month ago, sold it to a friend for $350 after I tuned it and opened up the muff.  This one came lean on the high, 1/2 turn open bouncing against the limiter.    Steve
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: leec on January 27, 2016, 09:30:23 pm
piker photo here.  hahaha.

http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3434.0;attach=8106;image

Yep, that's the elusive piker hole.

I wonder if the saw is creating steam from wet wood i had that happen dropping a rotting maple with my CS520
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: CoreyB on February 03, 2016, 12:57:10 pm
After six hours of cutting have you sharpened your chain? Dull chain will run hot and smoke no matter how much oil is flowing.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: 660magnum on February 03, 2016, 01:27:33 pm
Much of the heat is to go out of the cut with the wood chips.

A dull chain will just rub on the wood and make the chain hot.
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: CoreyB on February 06, 2016, 02:35:40 am
Glad you sharpened your chain.  Didn't read everything before my other response
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: JD400Texas on March 04, 2016, 12:26:55 am
I'm having a similar issue...and I've tried sharpening the blade a couple of times, just can't seem to get a handle on this one for some reason.  I do fine with my 16" CS346, but I'm having difficulty sharpening this 20".   I have a concern with the blade getting loose all the time after just a few minutes of cutting. 
Title: Re: New Echo CS-590 the chain smokes bad
Post by: 660magnum on March 04, 2016, 12:35:33 am
Check your raker height. They should be .025" below the cutter height. That was some of the heat goes out with the chips