SERVICE BULLETIN #12-42R1

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SERVICE BULLETIN #11-
Revised March 2 nd
, 2016
TO: ALL ECHO DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS
FROM: ECHO PRODUCT SERVICE
DATE: April 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Carburetor Replacement Policy

During ECHO’s inspection of returned carburetors we have found the majority of carburetors
that are being replaced under warranty are for problems related to fuel quality and
contamination, not due to defects in materials or workmanship. In many instances, the fuel
available today is making these problems even more prevalent. It is more important than ever
for end users to maintain the fuel system according to the guidelines published in their
Operator’s Manual.

Fuel blends, as well as maintenance and storage procedures, can all significantly affect
carburetor components and their performance. Each of these areas of importance should be
reviewed with your customers (at the point of sale) before carburetor issues arise.

All warranty claims for carburetor replacements or repairs must include a description of
defect in material or workmanship or the claim will be rejected without question due to
not providing the proper cause and description of failure. This is also required for
reporting all emission component failures.

Carburetors or fuel components damaged by water, excessive ethanol content (over 10%),
foreign debris, stale fuel and or corrosion will not be considered as a warrantable
condition. Contamination is not always visible and can occur in the small internal passages
and check valves in the carburetor. Carburetors requiring repeat adjustments are likely due to
fuel restrictions related to fuel system contamination.

NOTE: Carburetor adjustments are covered under warranty per the ECHO/Shindaiwa
warranty statement for customer owned units for the first 30 days after the date of
purchase. This policy applies only to customer owned units. New units requiring
carburetor adjustments during product delivery is considered dealer set up and not
warrantable.

Please consider the following when evaluating carburetors.

1. Age of carburetor and equipment. If the equipment performed well during the first few
months of operation it is highly unlikely that there is a manufacturer defect in the carburetor.

2. Number of hours before failure. With commercial use applications, hours of use can
accumulate quickly. Greater number of hours could require replacement of stiff or worn
carburetor diaphragms and other internal carburetor components due to normal wear.
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SERVICE BULLETIN#12-42R1
BULLETIN #12-42R1

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3. Time of year that carburetor failed. Most carburetor issues occur during spring time and
are likely due to stale fuel or improper fuel storage.

4. Fuel quality/condition. The ECHO and Shindaiwa operator manuals state to use fresh 89
or higher octane gasoline with a maximum ethanol content of 10%. Fuel quality varies greatly
in different markets. When fuel quality is in question, check it for freshness, ethanol content,
dirt and water. Ethanol fuels can attract water and oxidize (resulting in corrosion inside the
carburetor) at a rapid rate. Fuel should be stored in an air tight container and used within 30
days of purchase.

For more information on how to protect fuel systems from the harmful effects of today’s fuels
used in outdoor power equipment engines please visit this link http://www.echo-
usa.com/Warranty/Learn-About-Ethanol/Ethanol-Fuel-062512 . This information can also be
located on ECHO’s Business Portal in the “Important Documents” information box titled
“Ethanol Blended Gasoline Use in ECHO and Shindaiwa Engines”.

5. Other areas that affect carburetor function. Fuel related components which affect
carburetor operation include: the fuel filter, fuel tank, tank vent, fuel lines and crankcase pulse
passage. It is highly recommended during your troubleshooting and carburetor evaluation the
technician should follow the recommendations in the ECHO’s “Rotary Valve Carburetor
Evaluation Guide” and review our carburetor on-line training modules located on ECHO’s
Business Portal.

Carburetor on-line training can be found under the 2011 Online training programs for both
ECHO and Shindaiwa. Please review the Zama and Walbro Rotary Valve service keys
programs.

To download the “Rotary Valve Carburetor Evaluation Guide”. Search the technical documents
and choose the document type “Engine Evaluation Guides” and select the “Rotary Valve
Carburetor Evaluation Guide”.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO DEALER TECHNICIANS

Until the “Root Cause” of the above mentioned fuel related conditions are eliminated,
repeat engine performance issues are likely to continue.