Starting an old homelite XL12 saw

[ottawarob]

If the saw pulls easily it may be lacking in compression.

Doesn't pull that easily, my guesses are:

a) clogged up exhaust screen
b) carb problems
c) fuel cap vent or some fuel line leak

 

[frugalangler]

I had an old Homelite ;gave it away.Most frustrating saw ever.

I have to agree, I don't know how many ropes I'd broken on the one I had because it took so many yanks to get it started. Almost felt guilty putting it out for a driveway sale, but was nearly the first item to go.

 

[Sonny580]

Check compression.---If carb can't be set, then install a new carb. I put kits in mine, BUT every so often one came up that still didn't work right--Some of them are really hard to clean the small internal passages, forcing a replacement carb. thanks; sonny580

 

[2458n]

Check compression.---If carb can't be set, then install a new carb. I put kits in mine, BUT every so often one came up that still didn't work right--Some of them are really hard to clean the small internal passages, forcing a replacement carb. thanks; sonny580

Phil was the flat tracker that raced and worked on chainsaws. He thought like gasoline and was always soaking carbs and checking passageways. It was my job to find the carb in the garage when a puff of air from the compressor made it take flight. My junk he was working on so it was only fair. Brought smile to my face thanks.

 

[nybirdman]

For less than $200 you can purchase a "new" Stihl,that starts,is safer and has way more power.

 

[crazyal]

I have an XL-12 sitting on a shelf somewhere. Not the worst saw to start but not the easiest either. But with modern saws being so much nicer to cut with I just stopped using it.

 

[jwalk2c]

I had an old Homelite ;gave it away.Most frustrating saw ever.

I still have my Homelite Super XL that my Dad bought new in 1975 , and I cut wood with for over 20 years. This was before I realized that Stihl saws were so much better.
(Hey I am a slow leaner)
Only one method to crank. Full choke and throttle, pull 6 times and it will fire once and die. Then push choke in and it will crank on next pull.
This saw has always cranked this way and still does.
Gotta admit like someone previously mentioned, slow revving but built like a tank.
Thanks
Johnny Walker

 

[Turbys_1700]

I remember back in the 60's my dad sold Homelites. They carried them in addition to being the local Allis Chalmers dealer. I started out on an XL12. Used that saw then a Super XL. Had a couple of EZ's thrown in too. At that time all the local loggers used either Homelites or McCullough's. I can't remember the exact year Stihl came on the scene but the local loggers switched pretty darn quick. Those old saws were good in their time.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have TWO XL saws. One is easy to pull (low compression ?) other is hard (high compression ?) Both will start eventually. Both really like higher octane non-ethanol gas ($4.+ a gallon). I have TWO Stihls. One is a 14" the other is a 15+ year old 20" Farm Boss that's NEVER BEEN USED !! Brand new in its case. It was the result of an Allstate insurance payment for wind storm damage. I would suggest you install a high speed electric starter on the XLs to satisfy your need to run vintage machines. Otherwise they are wall art. My Stihl runs on local gas, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

 

[NoTrespassing]

I picked up an old homelite XL12 saw. Nice little thing, I plan to use it for clearing underbrush. I found an old manual for it, where they say to start it, you should start it with the throttle in all the way and choke on. Is that right? I've had a hard time starting it, but up to this point I wasn't doing that. I'm going to pull the carburettor and clean it, because I've had a heck of a time starting it, but maybe I've just been starting it wrong.

I've got an old Homelite XL. The on off switch died so I use the choke to kill it. To start it I give it full throttle/full choke till it sputters once (2 or 3 pulls). Then I move to full throttle/half choke and it usually starts right up. I slowly move the choke in as it warms up while keeping it running with the throttle.

The things been through H*ll and back and still runs when I need it. Got it for free when the old guy that had it was told it was shot probably 20 years ago. The bolts had backed out of the pull start and were rubbing on the case. Since fixing that I've only had to replace the fuel line, bar, and chain over the years. It's the perfect saw for a guy like me that doesn't take care of his toys and only needs the saw a few times each year.

Kevin