The Echo CS 590 chainsaw is known for its powerful and reliable performance, making it a top choice for professionals and homeowners. Its main selling point is its robust 59.8 cc engine, which delivers exceptional cutting power and speed for tough cutting jobs.
However, the CS-590 chainsaw isn’t without fault. The most common Echo CS 590 problems are damaged starter assembly, flooded engine, jamming, damaged spark plugs, clogged air filters, damaged ignition coil, clogged carburetor, clogged fuel filter, warranty issues, and decompression valve problems.
Do you own a problematic Echo CS 590 chainsaw? Read on as we detail problems with this chainsaw, their causes, and effective fixes.
Contents
Flooded Engine
New and experienced owners experience Echo CS-590 starting problems due to a flooded engine. A flooded engine occurs due to fuel buildup in the engine.
You’ll know you’re dealing with a flooded engine if you can smell fresh gas at the muffler or notice leakage from the exhaust pipe. Over-choking is also a common cause of engine flooding.
Leaving your chainsaw for a few hours or days could allow some of the fuel to evaporate, but this is not always effective.
A better alternative is to remove the spark plug and the spark plug cap with the chainsaw turned off. Turn off the choke and pull the starter cord while pressing the control lever. Wipe off any fuel from the spark plug. Reinsert the spark plug and start your chainsaw with the choke OFF.
Damaged Starter Assembly
Damage to the starter assembly of the Echo CS 590 occurs due to wear. The most common sign of a damaged starter assembly is that the chainsaw won’t start. Some of the common Echo CS-590 problems with the starter assembly include the following:
- A tangled, knotted, or frayed start rope
- Disconnected or broken recoil spring
- Dirt and debris in the starter assembly
You can fix these problems by replacing the damaged starter rope and recoil spring and cleaning the debris from the starter assembly. You must replace the starter assembly if you’re dealing with extensive damage.
Jammed Chainsaw
Jamming is one of those Echo CS 590 problems that every owner experiences. This issue can occur due to a dull chain, making it harder for the blades to cut through the wood. Therefore, they become stuck. You can either sharpen or replace the dull chain to restore its function.
The chain tension can also impact the chainsaw’s operation. Too tight tension strains the engine causing it to stall, while too loose tension causes the chain to get stuck in the wood. Setting the chain tension to the right level should prevent this problem.
A lack of chain lubrication can cause the chainsaw to jam by overheating or warping the chain. You should always apply lubrication to the chain before you start cutting and re-lubricate every time you notice excessive friction.
Sometimes, your chainsaw could jam because you’re using it at the wrong angle or technique. Ensure you’re using the correct cutting technique depending on the wood you’re cutting.
Damaged Spark Plugs
Without spark plugs, the chainsaw wouldn’t start. The same problem occurs with damaged or clogged spark plugs. When damaged or clogged, they cannot generate the spark required to ignite the fuel-air mixture to operate the chainsaw.
A damaged spark plug presents the following Echo CS-590 problems:
- The engine won’t start
- The engine starts and then stalls
- The engine runs rough
- More fuel consumption with normal usage
- Engine misfiring
The common causes of spark plug damage include:
- Improper installation, which causes too much wear
- The buildup of carbon on the spark plug
- Engine flooding
- Overheating
Fortunately, spark plugs are affordable and easy to replace. Find compatible spark plugs and replace those that show signs of damage, such as cracks or a wide gap between the electrodes. Ensure that you install the spark plug based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Clogged Air Filters
Due to exposure to dirt and debris during operation, air filter clogging is among the top Echo CS 590 problems.
A clogged air filter limits the amount of air reaching the carburetor, causing problems starting the chainsaw. If the air filter is partially clogged, the chainsaw may start and stall after some time.
Other problems due to a clogged air filter include low power, reduced performance, and poor cutting ability. Use compressed air to dislodge any debris from the air filter.
Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule should prevent this problem from occurring. You should also replace the filter if it’s too damaged from the debris.
Damaged Ignition Coil
The ignition coil delivers electric signals to the spark plug to facilitate engine starting. Damage to the ignition coil can occur due to physical damage, such as cracks on the ignition coil. When these are present, you must replace the ignition coil promptly.
Wiring issues could also prevent the ignition coil from transmitting electrical signals to the spark plug. When damaged or corroded, you must replace the connections in the ignition coil.
Clogged Carburetor
Issues with the carburetor cause significant Echo CS 590 problems. Old fuel is one of the causes of a clogged carburetor. As fuel ages, it evaporates, leaving behind a gooey mess that clogs the carburetor.
When this happens, you must clean the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner to clear the clogging and sticky fuel.
If you insist on running the chainsaw with the clogged carburetor, the engine will run roughly, and the carburetor could become damaged, necessitating a replacement.
Fuel with contaminants like water, dirt, and impurities can clog the carburetor. When this happens, empty the fuel tank, clean the carburetor, and add clean fuel.
Dirt and debris could also clog the carburetor. Regularly cleaning the chainsaw can limit the amount of debris that reaches the carburetor.
Decompression Valve Issues
The decompression valve of the Echo CS 590 makes it easier to start the engine by reducing the compression in the combustion chamber.
Physical damage is one of the causes of issues with the decompression valve. Cracks or breaks in the decompression valve indicate you should replace it with a new and compatible part.
Dirt and debris can also cause issues with the decompression valve if not resolved quickly. Cleaning the valve should resolve the issue.
Too tight or loose valve clearance could cause malfunctions of the decompression valve. You should check the manufacturer’s recommendation on the right valve clearance and set it to that level.
Damage to the valve spring could cause the entire decompression valve to fail. Fortunately, you can restore its function once you replace the damaged spring.
Warranty Issues
Warranty issues are not an issue with the chainsaw itself. But, most owners have reported the failure of the manufacturer to honor the five-year warranty when they experience problems with their Echo CS-590 chainsaws.
You may struggle with warranty issues if you fail to use the recommended fuel, carburetor cleaner, and parts or when you neglect the chainsaw’s maintenance requirements.
To ensure your dealer honors the warranty, use the recommended parts and cleaning materials, and follow the recommended maintenance requirements.
Also, take your chainsaw to an authorized dealer for extensive repairs. If you still have issues with your warranty, contact the manufacturer directly.
Clogged Fuel Filter
When debris reaches the fuel tank, it risks clogging the fuel filter. Once clogged, a lower amount of fuel will pass through the filter, starving the engine of fuel.
Your Echo CS-590 might display the following symptoms if its fuel filter is clogged.
- Reduced performance due to low fuel reaching the engine
- Low fuel pressure
- Sputtering chainsaw
- Grinding noises due to poor lubrication in the engine
- Dirty exhaust
Cleaning the fuel filter should help you resolve this issue. Replace the filter if it’s damaged.
Is the Echo CS-590 Worth It?
Despite these Echo CS 590 problems, the CS 590 is still one of the best chainsaws. You shouldn’t let these problems discourage you from owning an Echo chainsaw. You can prevent most of these problems once you are aware of their causes and if you maintain a meticulous maintenance schedule.
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