How to Start Echo CS 400 Chainsaw

Are you a chainsaw user who is struggling to start their Echo CS 400 chainsaw because you don’t know how to? If so, then you are in the right place.

Starting Echo CS 400 chainsaw is quite simple as it follows a similar procedure to what most Echo chainsaws use. For starting the chainsaw, you should fill it with chain oil and fuel, turn on the chain break, turn on the toggle switch, and then pull the choke. After that, press the primer bulb 4–5 times to prime the engine. Pull the cord while holding the chainsaw in place with your foot on the rear handle. Now, push the choke back in and then pull the starting cord once more. Remember to follow the necessary safety precautions before starting the chainsaw.

In this article, you will get to know all about starting the Echo CS 400 chainsaw, how to start Echo CS 400 chainsaw, starting problems with the Echo CS 400 chainsaw, and more. Continue reading to get all the answers that you are looking for.

Starting your Echo CS 400 Chainsaw

Sometimes, when you’re shifting from one brand to the other, it can be difficult to learn how to start the chainsaw regardless of your expertise. It is important to remember that different chainsaw brands come with different starting procedures.

Whether you’re a homeowner, an expert woodworker, or a newbie who has just purchased an Echo chainsaw, it’ll be important to know the right way to start the chainsaw.

Echo Chainsaws aren’t that different from one another in terms of starting procedures. Most Echo chainsaws require similar guidelines to be followed, and the Echo CS 400 is no exception. It could be an issue if you have purchased this top-notch chainsaw, and you don’t know the right way of starting it.

The top three things that you should check before beginning with the procedure will be the fuel ratio, spark plug, and air filter. Once you have checked these, you will be good to go. 

You can always take the help of the Echo CS 400 chainsaw’s owner manual. This manual will contain the chainsaw’s description and details on operations, maintenance, how to identify and fix the issues, how to start it, and a lot more.

How to Start Echo CS 400 Chainsaw

Before starting the Echo CS 400, you should make sure it has enough fuel and chainsaw bar oil. After that, place it on the ground for starting safely. Moreover, you shouldn’t forget to activate the chainsaw brake and follow these steps to start your Echo CS 400 chainsaw.

Step 1

First, you need to add around 2.6 ounces of two-stroke engine oil for each gas gallon in the gas can. After that, close the lid of the gas can before shaking it well so that the engine oil gets mixed with the gas properly.

Step 2

You will find the stationary handle at the top of the motor, near the chain bar and chain. Once you’ve found the handle, you’ll need to look for the chain-brake lever between the stationary handle and the chain bar and chain.

Push the chainsaw brake lever away from the motor and toward the tip of the chain bar. This way, the chain brake lever won’t let the chain revolve around the chainsaw bar.

Step 3

It’ll be time to fill up the fuel tank now. To achieve that, first, you should remove the fuel cap from the chainsaw’s engine and then pour the 2-stroke engine oil and gas mixture. Then, replace the fuel cap and tighten it properly by twisting it clockwise.

Step 4

Next, you’ll need to add the lubricant. To achieve that, you should remove the cap from the chainsaw’s air tank and then fill it with the Echo chainsaw bar and chain oil. Moreover, you should replace the cap of the oil tank.

Step 5

Place your chainsaw on the ground and look for the ignition switch for safely starting your chainsaw. You will find the switch near the rear side of the chainsaw motor, toward the left, to the rear handle and throttle. Once you find the switch, you should turn it to the “Run” position.

Step 6

At the rear of the chainsaw motor, you’ll see a soft rubber primer bulb. The choke’s control will be present below the primer bulb. With the help of your thumb, you should press the bulb towards the chainsaw motor 4–5 times.

You might need to press the bulb until you start getting the gas inside the bulb. After that, pull out the choke control knob from the motor.

Step 7

After that, place your foot inside the rear handle of the chainsaw. You will be able to find the starter handle toward the left side of the chainsaw motor. You should place one hand on the stationary handle and then pull the starter handle from the motor. Furthermore, you’ll need to continuously pull the starter handle until you do not feel that the chainsaw motor is trying to get started.

Step 8

Push back the choke control knob of your chainsaw into the motor. Then, by placing your hands on the chainsaw, you should quickly pull the starter handle for starting the motor. Then, you should let it idle. Now, lift the chainsaw carefully with your hands and press the trigger before releasing it in the rear handle of the chainsaw. By doing that, you will be releasing the idle throat latch.

Step 9

You should push the chain brake lever to the tip of the chainsaw’s bar to start the warm chainsaw. Now, you will need to turn the ignition switch to the Run position. After that, place it on the ground and start pulling the starter handle. Then, you will need to press and release the trigger as the motor starts idling.

How To Start A Chainsaw | Echo Chainsaw

How to Cold Start your Echo CS 400

Before you cold start your bike, you should make sure that your chainsaw has enough fuel and lubricant. You should always place your chainsaw on a safe place before starting and have the chainsaw brake activated. Once you have followed these measures, you should follow the below-given steps for starting the chainsaw – 

1. Put the toggle switch of your chainsaw in the “On” position 
2. If the chainsaw carburetor has a purge pump, you should depress the bulb until you see the fuel inside the purge pump
3. Now, you need to pull out the choke control knob 
4. Now, you need to put your foot on the rear handle of your chainsaw to make it secure and hold the front handle with one hand tightly
5. Now, you should pull the starter cord of your chainsaw a few times to start it
6. Now, push back the choke control and pull the starter cord once more to let the chainsaw engine start
7. Here, you have to ensure that your chainsaw warms up properly before you begin cutting
8. You have to check whether your chainsaw chain and bar are getting lubricated 
9. To achieve that, you should hold your chainsaw above a light-colored background and place a light-colored paper behind the chainsaw
10. Rev the chainsaw and oil needs to appear in the background 
11. If your chainsaw features an automatic oiler, you’ll be able to increase or decrease the speed of the oil depending on your needs
12. Once the engine starts running, you should release the chain brake and cut the wood
13. Engage the chainsaw chain brake when you aren’t using the chainsaw

Starting Problems with Echo CS 400

Nothing can be more terrible for a chainsaw user than the chainsaw not starting when they are ready to cut the trees. It usually happens when you’re not taking proper care of your chainsaw. 

Your Echo CS 400 chainsaw will struggle to start if it hasn’t got sufficient fuel-air or spark. Besides faults with the on/off switch, spark plug, clogged fuel lines, dirty carburetor, plugged fuel filter, and ignition could also be the issue. Here are some of the reasons why your Echo CS 400 might not be starting properly – 

1. Using old fuel in the Echo CS 400

You should remember that the gas or fuel you’re using will not stay fresh for long. The gas could break down after 30 days, even if you’re not using the chainsaw regularly. If you’re using a fuel stabilizer, the gas can be used for 2 months before it needs refueling.

You might also use an alternative fuel known as ethanol. This alternative has been introduced for making the fuel more environment friendly, as it is produced using corn or any highly-starched plant. 

Ethanol is a great choice for the environment, but you might not find it to be a suitable option for the small engine of your Echo CS 400. Moreover, ethanol can also attract moisture into the chainsaw’s fuel system. Consequently, the fixture leaves a sticky material, which could clog the fuel system and won’t let your Echo chainsaw start.

2. Wrong settings on your chainsaw

When you’re operating the chainsaw, you should make sure that you have set the switch of your Echo chainsaw in the “On” position. If the chainsaw switch is in the “On” position, but your chainsaw isn’t starting, it could be due to the faulty switch or bad ground. You will be able to test the switch with the help of a multimeter and replace it if needed.

3. Using incorrect 2-cycle oil mixture

The Echo CS 400 chainsaw requires fuel that contains both oil and gas. If you’re adding only gas to your chainsaw, it could damage its engine. In some situations, you might even have to replace it. The gas, without any oil, could become dry and cause the engine to seize. Therefore, you need to add an appropriate amount of oil for your chainsaw to operate safely.

4. A dirty air filter

The air filters are used for protecting your Echo chainsaw’s engine. Therefore, you should clean it regularly to keep the chainsaw running efficiently. Remember that the chainsaw air filter will prevent the debris and air from getting into the chainsaw, consequently protecting your chainsaw from damage.

If you don’t clean the chainsaw air filter regularly, it could block the airflow, and plugged chainsaw air filter could prevent your chainsaw from getting started. Moreover, experts recommended that you should change the chainsaw air filter annually for efficient performance. Moreover, clean it at various times when they are using the chainsaw regularly. If you have to use your chainsaw regularly, you’ll need to replace the air filter after 90 hours of use.

5. A bad spark plug

The chainsaw spark plug is responsible for providing the needed spark to start your chainsaw and letting the tool run. If the chainsaw spark plug is either dirty or damaged, it won’t be able to perform its function perfectly. As a result, you might not be able to start your chainsaw.

Moreover, the plugged spark plugs could cause the spark plug to misfire, which can consequently cause various running and starting issues. It is imperative that you inspect the chainsaw’s spark plug and clean or replace it if you find the spark plug dirty or damaged.

6. Faulty ignition coil

If the spark plug is in working condition, but the chainsaw is not getting the needed spark, it could be because of the faulty ignition coil. The winding of the ignition coil could go faulty due to various reasons. If it happens to you, this will prevent your chainsaw from starting properly.

Therefore, you will need to change the ignition oil to protect the ignition coil from this problem. But before that, you should test the chainsaw ignition coil. Don’t worry if you find any issues, it won’t take much time to replace the ignition coil.

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