You bought it and are asking after the fact what could be wrong with it? The better time to ask would have been before handing the cash over. You probably have an old customer return. The only way to find out if it works is to try it. If the manual says use 89 octane then that is what I would use. If you really want to know why they recommend 89 you might contact Echo.

maybe my original post was not clear. I saw what I thought to be a GREAT deal on a quality piece of echo equipment.

It said it was slow moving, a prior year model and thus reduced.

I tried to ascertain if it was used because it looked a little dirty. I was told it was NOT used and had been under cover outside...I opened the fuel tank...no gas smell. I looked at the filter..perfectly clean.

I was really just wondering if the effects of sitting outside, under cover could have any ill effect on the equipment. IT IS RETURNABLE.

As far as the 89 octante..sure I could call Echo. Then again we have this great forum here with (sometimes) knowlegable folks, who might have been able to answer the question...since as I have pointed out I have been using 87 for years in my echo blower and trimmer.

If such a person reads this and cares to respond..thanks....

Again the only way you will find out if there are any problems resulting from the way is was stored is to try it. Neither you nor I know what the history of that machine is. For all you know it was run briefly with no oil then returned. Don't over analyze a simple issue...just try starting with what ever grade of gas you think is superior to the manufacturers recommendation.

I started it this evening. It started right up. I let it idle a few minutes and breifly used it. I shut it off. I noted a funny smell and noticed some smoke coming off the engine once it stopped running...almosy like something burning off the engine. It did this only the first time. I ran it again and did my walks. I love the thing but....I took it to pops and used it for a half hour. I shut it a while. I started it again and it started to stall when I pulled the trigger.

So....thoughts on what could be wrong? I wonder if it would be covered if I took it to a dealer? I can take it back. One thing...I want one of these!

I wonder if there could be some varnish left from gasoline that evaporated long ago. To be honest I would not spend much time figuring out what needs to be fixed. Take it back and spend more for a new one. Chalk this up as one of thise deals that was too good to be true.

well I might but first...I am an idiot! I brought home new gas tonight. I decided to empty the gas out of the edger and replace it......one problem...it was almost bone dry! Yes, it may have been stalling because it was out of gas! In all fairness it was twighlight when I was finishing up with it. It was late but I did start it up tonight...just no time to use it. I also noticed a huge clump of mud stiffling the blade from turning...that may have had an ill effect as well. So before I return it I will try again. Any issue though and back it goes...I will get another though.

it worked fine for an hour yesterday!