Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

[Straightup]

I have 2 cheap chainsaws that are both acting similar. Both start up, but have almost no power. One is a small Mac and the other a homelite. Both have no more than 5 hours run time. The Mac can at least spin the chain, but the homelite can barely do that.<br />I've worked them pretty hard, as I'm helping a buddy clean up woods for an investment, but have cared for them best I know how. They've had proper gas / oil mix and always plenty of bar oil. I can spin the chain manually on both and they are both very free moving.<br /><br />I've tried new spark plugs and sprayed carb cleaner in both carbs, but have not disassembled the carbs. <br /><br />Thanks in advance for any suggestions.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Spraying carb cleaner into the carb throat does nothing to clean the carb. The carb spray can do some harm to the cylinder walls , as it washes off the oil. Removing and disassembling carb is the way to go. Spray carb passages, followed with compressed air. The idea is to remove any varnish and crud in the carb. I have rebuilt carbs on gas string trimmers the same way with good results too. Using 2 stroke oil formulated for air cooled motors is advised.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Sraying some Seafoam into the spark plug hole liberally then pulling the rope and then doing it again and let it sit overnight will free the rings if they are stuck.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Hate to state the oh so obvious, but all that cutting has simply plugged up the air filter I bet.....

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Probably not your problem, but I got a nice Stihl 290 chainsaw for $50. It sat for 5 years with gas/oil in the tank. I bought a carb kit and rebuilt it. It ran better, until I put it against a log to cut. It would bog down and die.<br /><br />I bought a new "sharp" chain and it cuts great. The guy I bought it from mentioned that the last thing he cut was some old railroad ties. The blades were so dull that they just dug into the wood and bogged down the motor. I did have to adjust the carb Hi and Lo settings some.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

I had that same problem with a couple saws a decade ago, and I THOUGHT I remembered it was clogged air filters.....but on the morning wake-up today, and watching the 3 Stooges with the dog laying across my chest snoring away (retirement is so much better than working), I remembered it was the little spark arrester screen in the muff, just clogged with carbon. Take it out and toss it.........look at the one on the left. I bet yours looks the same way<br />

 

[Straightup]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Thanks everyone for the fast replies. I got the carbs out of both and cleaned them up last night. The Homelite saw was first back together and it ran a little better, but not good. A little tweaking of the needles and it really came to life. 1 saw repaired! Getting the carb out of the mac was harder and I broke the throttle linkage where it goes in the hole on the throttle. So I need to get that part to see if it works. I'm going to get a decent saw and have the homelite for a backup. I'm starting a new thread on suggestions for a good saw. Thanks again!!!!! Jeff

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Chainsaw question - 2 not working...

Get a Stihl, or however its spelled..the best

Thanks everyone for the fast replies. I got the carbs out of both and cleaned them up last night. The Homelite saw was first back together and it ran a little better, but not good. A little tweaking of the needles and it really came to life. 1 saw repaired! Getting the carb out of the mac was harder and I broke the throttle linkage where it goes in the hole on the throttle. So I need to get that part to see if it works. I'm going to get a decent saw and have the homelite for a backup. I'm starting a new thread on suggestions for a good saw. Thanks again!!!!! Jeff