nightmare chainsaw

[MarkWhiskey]

Hi, thanks for reading this. I'm having a really bad time with my Craftsman 16" chainsaw. I bought it used, and it only started once. I took it apart, and found that after I started it somehow the fuel line broke. I repaired the fuel line and it started and worked very well.

Somehow, three days later, I went to start it and it absolutely will not work. So, I did the following:
Cleaned the carb
Replaced the plug/air filter
Removed the fuel filter
Checked for spark, and got a steady spark by touching the plug to cylinder
Checked the fuel lines and they are all intact
Checked for compression by putting my thumb over the plug hole and pulling the cord

I even shot ether into the cylinder, but it won't even start for a second.

I can't believe it won't work after all these tests. I'm really lost as to what to do at this point. I don't understand how it magically broke after sitting for three days. I also don't see how I can have spark, compression, and fuel, but it still won't pop.

If anyone can give me any advice, I'd really appreciate it. I'm trying to become a better mechanic and I don't want to take the machine in to a service center.

Thanks!

 

[reynoldston]

Checked for spark, and got a steady spark by touching the plug to cylinder

Checked for compression by putting my thumb over the plug hole and pulling the cord

I see two things you may try. Just because a spark plug sparks without compression it may not spark under compression. Try a spark tester.
The other thing you can't tell how much compression you have with your finger over the plug hole. Test with a compression gauge.

 

[MarkWhiskey]

Hi Reynoldston,
Thank you for your reply. I had tried several new plugs, BUT...

good news today - my friend looked at it, and he tried to start it with the same problem I had. But then he had me hold it in place while he held the throttle wide open and it ran like a champ. It looks like the idle screw might be too tight, because when he let off the gas it dies. He was able to start it a few times like this. How this magically happened that the idle went too low overnight is a mystery to me, but at least I have some clue as to what is going on!

Thanks again,
Mark

 

[Briana]

Welcome to LawnWorld!

I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair forum. :smile:

 

[Rokon]

Hi Reynoldston,
Thank you for your reply. I had tried several new plugs, BUT...

good news today - my friend looked at it, and he tried to start it with the same problem I had. But then he had me hold it in place while he held the throttle wide open and it ran like a champ. It looks like the idle screw might be too tight, because when he let off the gas it dies. He was able to start it a few times like this. How this magically happened that the idle went too low overnight is a mystery to me, but at least I have some clue as to what is going on!

Thanks again,
Mark

Not sure what model saw your working on there. But, a good start point for the low jet is one turn from complete clockwise. (note: when you turn the needle in, seat it lightly. Do not tighten it down as if it were a fastener.) :smile: