How to keep chain saw running good?

[stumpfield]

I used to have a cheap 18" craftman. It works ok when it's brand new. Then it get harder and harder to start. The chain got dull quickly and not enough power. I got frustrated everytime trying to use it.
Then I got a better chain saw Stihl 361. It starts and cuts easily. It slices through wood like butter. It's a great chain saw. I put it away for 6 months and now it's really hard to start and acts like the craftsman .... It takes 20 pulls to start the thing.
So, it must be me. Not the chain saw. I appreciate any sugguestions on how to get it to start easily again. Is there a proper procedure (other than cleaning) I should follow before to putting away the saw in the off-season? Thanks.

 

[MrJimi]

Did ya put Sta-Bil in the fuel?
Jim

 

[scott_vt]

Did ya put Sta-Bil in the fuel?
Jim

Mornin Stumpfield,
I think Jimi has pretty much called this one ! Those carbs do gum up !

 

[stumpfield]

Mornin Stumpfield,
I think Jimi has pretty much called this one ! Those carbs do gum up !

No, I didn't use stabil. I did empty the gas and run it dry before put into storage. How do I clean the carb? Can I spray carb cleaner into it?

 

[MrJimi]

Tom, I wish I could answer that question, I have sold lots of stuff that in the ad says needs carb cleaning. Its like a cordless tool or a lesser used tool, it wont perform when we need it. Grr
I have a McCullough that wont idle now and I wont mess with it. Another for sale thing. LOL
Jim

 

[rdln]

Clean or replace spark plug. To clean, heat electrodes with torch but dont melt them.

 

[MrJimi]

WoW!! That sounds real easy
Thanks, I will try that and I'm sure he will also
Jim

 

[Dusty]

The fellow that services my Husqvarna says to use only high test gas and the manufacturers oil with fuel preservative in it. I always run mine out of fuel before putting it away, and it always starts quickly when I take it out for use a few months later. Don't run it out of fuel if I am only going to not use it for a couple of days. Dulled chains are the result of cutting wood that has been lying on the ground and has picked up the soil, or cutting too far down and hitting the ground. Also, not having chain bar lube will kill it for certain. Heat and dirt is the enemy of a chain.
Dusty

 

[Charlesaf3]

as per above, dull chains are something that happen - sharpen them (check out the HF sharpener thread) or have them sharpened.

I use premium gas in all my small engines - been told thats the wise thing to do by several mechanics. Also put stabil in the 5 gallon jug I use, and then mix it in a 2.5 jug with the Husqy oil, which also has stabilizer. I varnished a few carbs before I got strict about this.

Easiest thing for you to do is probably to take it back to the shop for a tune up.

 

[Egon]

Chains are sorta a generic issue and really have nothing to do with the sevicability of the power head.

Best way to keep them running is frequent use and don't drive over them!