[Tomt]

I had a Echo edger start running poorly and checked and found the screen blocked, I removed it and it ran better than I ever remember.
Any problems that may occur from this procedure?

 

[Mikes Machines]

As far as the running of the engine no damage will occur and it will probably run better. The point of the screen is to keep sparks from shooting out the exhaust and starting a fire.

 

[LynyrdSkynyrd]

Tom
Go out at night or in an area that is completly dark. Start the engine and apply full throttle. You will see small sparks shooting form the exhaust once in awhile.

Sparks from small engines have been known to start fires from time to time. That is the main reason that the screens are installed. To catch the larger sparkes.

You can clean the screen or install a new on and regain the power that has been lost over time due to carbon build up.

Engines can be ran without them. But by law the exhaust should have the screen.

So I will leave it up to you to decide. Yes or no.

 

[QualityLawnCare4u]

I have 2 echo hedge clipers and 3 weedaters. After taking that d$$n thing out on a 98 degree day on ny weedeater and twice on my long pole clippers I made that screen disappear! No more problems! I had to clean mine about every 4-6 weeks and it got old fast!

Danny

 

[dishboy]

Every mechanic around here says "take it out but you did not hear it from me." In irrigated landscapes using Amsoil I do not see a danger, but some will stongly disagree and say"that is terrible advice", to which I say blah, blah, blah, blah,blah.

 

[Grassmechanic]

To those of you that remove your spark arresters: be careful trimming around propane tanks. They have pressure relief valves and periodically vent gas. One spark and the EMT's will be picking body parts up for days (and we'll all know you from the News coverage).

 

[barnard]

Propane tanks don't vent unless they are overfilled or overheated in some manner.

 

[wriken]

my screens are all gone also.

 

[Grassmechanic]

Originally posted by barnard
Propane tanks don't vent unless they are overfilled or overheated in some manner.

Tell that to my buddy who was scattered to pieces.

 

[Tomt]

Thanks for the replies.

I fully understand the reason for them, in theory, to be there.

I am glad to know that only large and not small sparks can start fires or cause explosions.

I do use Amzoil and would be very surprised if you can detect any sparks coming from the exhausts.

If we were in the woods and using 4 cycle engines it would not be considered, they would be in there.

 

[fixer67]

Grassmechanic> I seen a 1 pound tank explode. It got put in a trash burn barrel by mistake. It was a full can and we do not know how it got in the trash in the first place but when it 'cooked off' it blow the back side of the barn away and left a hole you could bury a Buick in. I bet NASA tracked what was left of the 55 gallon drum on its way to the moon. I would hate to even thank about a 250 pound house tank going off