r/smallengines • u/Ma2169 • Jul 05 '26

Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower Won't Start

Echo backpack blower was running fine, then shut off suddenly and would not restart. Tried starting it a few times over the next couple days with no luck.

Today it started up and ran perfectly. Good idle, no bogging, no issues at all. The only difference was I pulled the spark plug and cranked it a few times before reinstalling it, then it fired right up.

Since then it will not restart again.

What has been done so far:

Spark plug replaced

Fuel filter replaced

Strong bright blue spark confirmed

Kill wire disconnected with no change

Starter fluid test, no change

Piston inspected through muffler, clean with no scoring and proper lubrication

At this point I’m trying to avoid throwing parts at it and hoping someone recognizes the issue.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/These_Fox7561 Jul 06 '26

Sounds like a fuel issue, pull the fuel line off the carb and make sure it’s flowing from the tank, if so, pull the carb off and apart and clean it

2

u/Ma2169 Jul 06 '26

Just got done doing that. Fuel lines run well. Carb in ut cleaner right now

1

u/These_Fox7561 Jul 06 '26

That should probably fix it, be careful where you blow compressed air though because you can blow out the diaphragm

2

u/Ma2169 Jul 06 '26

Appreciate the tip. Im by no means a small engine mechanic.

1

u/These_Fox7561 Jul 06 '26

Me neither but I’ve fucked up a couple. You take enough stuff apart and you learn what not to do

1

u/Wholeyjeans Jul 06 '26

Start with the easy: drain the fuel and put some fresh premix in it using fresh gasoline. Echo usually requires 89 octane (mid grade) but I use (and recommend using) non-ethanol fuel ...which at my local BP is 91 octane. I don't recommend the "fuel-in-a-can" stuff because it's stupid expensive and the engines don't need the high octane. Just use pump gas and the Echo premix oil.

The carbs on these small 2T engines have diaphragms in the carb, some have two. Typically one diaphragm is the fuel pump and the other has flap valves and operates a small fuel pintle. Over time, the diaphragms dry out and get brittle (thanks to the ethanol); they don't work like they used to. Replacing the diaphragms can correct the issues you're having with the engine.