Echo ES250 runs, then POPs and dies

[FixToolz]

Hi everybody.
I am working on a 1-2 year old Echo ES250 handheld leaf blower, which has been used very little. It takes 10+ strokes to start, then runs fine for about 1 minute. Then it makes a snap/pop sound and dies. If i try to start it again, it makes the same noise and doesn't start.
I put in a new spark plug and fuel filter, with no luck. I'm using 50:1 mix, as recommended by Echo.
Please help!
Thanks!

 

[engineer2]

I had an old Echo chain saw that sat in storage for many years. Of course it wouldn't start. Took the carburetor apart and unstuck and cleaned the rubber diaphragm inside. Used some spray on the carb parts, but it wasn't gummy at all. Very easy to rebuild. Fired right up after that.

 

[FixToolz]

I took apart the carb, and it was in good condition, no gumming or debris. All the gaskets are good. I think the carb is good, especially considering it is so new.

 

[webscrounger]

Not familiar with the model but check, if it has these, that the gas tank vent and/or return tube are not blocked, starving it for fuel. Could be an air leak in the carb or gasket causing a lean mixture also.

 

[mrmowitallpa]

I run all 2 stroke echo equipment for handheld equipment. If you've verified the components of the carb are ok and functioning properly, fuel lines/filter is next on the list. There is also a small vent line that should have a check valve on it. If that all checks out, look at the muffler and spark arrestor. There are times where it gets so clogged that the machine won't run. We usually remove them all together.

 

[FixToolz]

I checked the fuel vent, and it doesn't run with it on or off. The tank seems to gain a bit of pressure over time, even with the vent line removed.
All three fuel lines are open.
I will have to check the spark arrester.
Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Clutchsmoke]

I hate that say this but I think your blower is a victim of the EPA. It's probably too lean. Just about every piece of two-stroke equipment that I bought in the last 5 years has been way too lean as it comes from the factory. Some of these ECHO carburetors can be adjusted with a small single D screwdriver. It should have a 5-year warranty on it so take it back if it's still under warranty. If you have a good ECHO dealer then they won't try to blame this on ethanol gas.

 

[webscrounger]

Good point on todays ethanol gas. I'm not a pro with lots of equipment to run so I can afford to run pre-mix gas in my tools. That by itself solved pretty much all of my 2-stroke issues.

 

[FixToolz]

I think I got it... I tried running running 40:1 gas/oil and it runs fine. Confusing but it works!
I will have to try to adjust the carb though. I can only find the idle and high speed adjustment screws. What screw are you talking about?
Thanks!