How to Start Echo Chainsaw: Simple Tips for Success

Starting an Echo chainsaw might seem hard at first, but it gets easier once you know the steps. First, turn on the chain brake. Then, set the choke. Next, press the primer bulb. After that, pull the starter cord until the engine starts.

I remember messing up my first few times—usually because I forgot to flip the ignition switch!

Over the years, I’ve used Echo chainsaws to clean up the yard, cut firewood, and deal with storm damage. They’re tough and reliable tools.

Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to start one like a friend standing next to you.

Gear Up First: Safety Comes Before Starting

Before you pull the cord on an Echo chainsaw, gear up. Even for quick yard work, don’t skip safety gear. It’s not worth the risk.

PPE You Should Wear

Start with the basics:

• A helmet with a face shield
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Chainsaw chaps (they’ve saved my legs more than once)
• Steel-toe boots with good grip

Most Echo users I know—especially in storm-prone areas—keep gear close by. After a hurricane knocked down trees in my yard last year, I was glad I had my chaps on. One slip could have meant a trip to the ER.

Watch for Kickback & Use the Chain Brake

Kickback happens fast. If the top tip of the bar hits something solid, the saw can jerk back at you.

That’s why the chain brake matters. It locks the chain and helps keep you safe when starting.

My personal tip: I always check the brake before I start. One quick flick forward with my wrist, and I know it’s on.

Pre-Start Checklist (What to Do Before Pulling the Cord)

Before you touch the starter rope, check a few things first. It only takes five minutes. But skipping them can mean hard starts—or even damage. I’ve learned this the hard way!

Fuel and Oil Check

Echo chainsaws use a 50:1 gas-to-oil mix. That means 1 gallon of gas with 2.6 ounces of two-stroke oil. Don’t guess—measure it right. Old fuel or the wrong mix makes the saw hard to start or harms the engine.

Also, check the bar and chain oil. No oil means the chain can seize or the bar can burn. The oil tank is near the gas tank. I top it off every time I fill up. After cutting oak limbs last fall, I started keeping extra oil in my truck. Most stores in the U.S. carry Echo bar oil, so it’s easy to find.

Chain Tension & Condition

A loose chain can pop off. A tight one can slow the saw down.

Here’s my trick: grab the chain in the middle of the bar. It should lift just a little and snap back. If it sags, tighten it. If it’s too tight, loosen it a bit.

Also, check the cutters. Dull chains smoke and cut poorly. I file mine every few uses or get it sharpened once a season.

Air Filter & Spark Plug Check

A dirty air filter makes the engine struggle. I check mine every 5–10 hours or after dusty jobs. I tap it on something hard to knock the dust out. If it’s really dirty, I wash it with soapy water and let it dry.

I also check the spark plug once a month. If it’s black and oily, I clean it with a wire brush—or replace it. A clean plug helps a lot, especially in cold weather.

How to Start an Echo Chainsaw (Cold Start Procedure)

Starting a cold Echo chainsaw is easy once you know the steps. But skip one, and it might not start at all. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that works great—especially on cold fall mornings with my CS-400.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Engage the chain brake: Push the chain brake forward until it clicks. This locks the chain and keeps you safe while starting. I never skip this.
• Flip the ignition switch ON: Find the small switch near the handle. If it’s off, the saw won’t start—no matter how hard you pull.
• Pull out the choke:  This helps the engine get more fuel for a cold start. On most Echo saws, the choke is near the air filter.
• Press the primer bulb 5–6 times: Look for the clear bulb near the carburetor. Press it until you see fuel move. In very cold places like Minnesota, I press it 7–8 times.
• Place the saw on the ground and hold it: Put your foot in the rear handle. Hold the top handle with one hand. This keeps the saw steady.
• Pull the cord until it sputters: Mine takes 3 to 5 pulls to sputter. That’s a good sign—it means the engine is close.
• Push the choke back in: Once it sputters, push the choke all the way in.
• Pull the cord again until it starts: It usually starts in 2 or 3 more pulls. If it’s been sitting all winter, it might take a few more.
• Let it warm up for 30 to 60 seconds: Let the saw idle before cutting. This helps the oil flow and the engine stay smooth. It’s extra helpful in cold weather.

I keep a copy of these steps in my garage. After a few starts, it gets easy. If it doesn’t fire right away, stay calm. Don’t rush or flood the engine.

Warm Start Instructions (If It’s Already Been Running)

Starting a warm Echo chainsaw is simple—no choke, no fuss. If you just finished cutting and the saw is still warm, here’s how I restart mine.

Skip the Choke

A warm engine doesn’t need extra fuel. If you use the choke, you might flood it. I’ve done that before and lost 10 minutes fixing it.

Press the Primer Bulb Once or Twice

Just one or two presses are enough. On hot days—like in Texas or Georgia—I sometimes skip this step if I’ve only paused for a minute.

Hold Firm and Pull

Put the saw on the ground. Place your foot in the back handle. Hold the top handle tight and pull the cord. When warm, mine usually starts in one or two pulls.

Important Tip: If it doesn’t start after a few pulls, stop. You may have flooded it. Open the choke, pull the cord a few times to clear it, then try again. This happens even to seasoned users.

Common Starting Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Even with practice, it’s easy to miss a step—especially if you’re in a rush. I’ve made all of these mistakes myself. Here’s what to watch for (and how to fix them):

Choke Left On Too Long

This one catches lots of people. The saw sputters, but you forget to push the choke back in. Now it’s flooded with fuel.

Fix: Once it sputters, push the choke in right away. If you keep pulling with it out, it only gets worse.

Flooded Engine

If you smell gas or the saw won’t start, it’s probably flooded.

How I fix it: Turn the choke off. Hold the throttle open. Pull the starter 6–8 times to clear the fuel. Then try again—choke out, primer pumped, and pull. Works most times.

Bad Spark Plug or Old Fuel

A dirty spark plug or old gas makes starting hard. I once tried to use a saw with stale fuel—it never started. The spark plug was full of gunk too.

Always use fresh 50:1 fuel mix. Check the spark plug once a month. In colder U.S. areas, I’ve seen plugs get dirty quicker during fall and winter.

Ignition Switch Left Off

Here’s the mistake I made most as a beginner. I pulled the cord 15 times—only to find the switch was off.

Now: I check the ignition switch first every time. If it’s off, the saw won’t start—no matter what you do.

Model Differences: Not All Echo Chainsaws Start the Same

Not all Echo chainsaws start the same. I learned this when I moved from my CS-400 to the bigger CS-590 Timber Wolf. The steps are close—but the feel and effort can change.

Battery vs Gas Echo Chainsaws

Battery-powered Echo saws are super easy. No choke. No cord. Just pop in a charged battery, press the safety, and pull the trigger. My neighbor used mine once and had it running in seconds—no help needed.

Gas-powered Echo saws—like the CS-310, CS-400, or CS-590—use the same key steps: choke out, press the primer, and pull the rope. But the pull can feel different. Bigger saws take more effort. And sometimes the primer bulb is in a different spot.

CS-400 vs CS-590 Timber Wolf

I’ve owned both. The CS-400 is lighter and starts fast—great for small jobs. The CS-590 has more power, so it needs a harder pull and a bit more warm-up time. But it cuts big logs fast once it’s running.

The CS-590 has a decompression valve. Press it before you pull. It makes starting easier and saves your shoulder. I skipped it once and paid the price!

Check Your Manual

Each Echo saw has its own quirks. If you’re not sure, check the manual. Echo’s website has digital copies for all models. I keep mine on my phone so I can look it up fast—especially when a buddy borrows a saw and needs help.

When to Call a Pro (And What I’ve Learned from Repairs)

Sometimes, no matter what you try, your Echo chainsaw just won’t start. I’ve been there—pulling the cord again and again, checking the fuel, still no luck. It’s frustrating, especially when there’s work to do. Here’s when I stop and call a pro.

It Still Won’t Start After Everything

If your saw won’t start even after checking the fuel mix, spark plug, and air filter, the issue might be deeper. I once spent a whole afternoon trying to get my CS-590 running. Turned out, the ignition coil had failed. I didn’t have the tools or know-how to fix it. That’s when I learned it’s better to take it to a shop.

Engine Doesn’t Crank at All

If the engine won’t crank, it could mean the piston is stuck or the starter is damaged. These are not quick fixes. Trying to take it apart without the right skills can make things worse. This is a good time to stop and call a repair shop.

Something Feels Unsafe

If you hear odd sounds or feel strong vibrations, stop right away. It could be a sign of a bigger problem. Don’t risk it. A bad chain or loose part can be dangerous. I’ve learned to trust my gut—when it doesn’t feel right, I call a pro.

What I’ve Learned

Doing regular maintenance helps. But some problems need expert hands. That’s not a failure—it’s the smart move. If you’re in the U.S., Echo has service centers that can help. I keep their info saved, just in case.

Conclusion: Start Smart, Stay Safe

Starting an Echo chainsaw can seem tricky at first. But after a few tries, it gets easy. Just follow the basics—check fuel and oil, wear safety gear, and start in the right order. Whether you’re clearing storm branches in Florida or cutting firewood in Michigan, a smooth start matters.

Every saw feels a bit different. Some fire up fast. Others need a few pulls—especially on cold mornings. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect right away. You’ll get the hang of it quicker than you think.

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