About Marc Mielhausen Expertise I work on equipment in my spare time for myself, family and friends. I have experience in troubleshooting and fixing lawnmowers, string trimmers, chain saws, tillers, snowmobiles, inboard and outboard motors. As I am not currently employed in this industry, I can be of assistance more in non-brand-specific diagnostic questions. Try me.
Experience 15 years experience (6 professionally & 9 personally) Also have related experience in automotive manufacturing, machining, precision measurement, gauge and fixture design. As long as I can remember I have been troubleshooting and repairing mechanical devices of all types.
Education/Credentials Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Marine and Small Powered Equipment Technician (1993)
Mechanical Engineering Technician - Materials & Quality (1997)
Question I have a poulan chain saw, I think a 3.3cu inch engine disp. Basically I can get it to start, it runs for 5 sec then dies. I paid a shop 25 bucks for an estimate of 100 bucks to rebuild the carb. Crazy. I can buy the same saw new for 140.00!
I work on engines occasionally so I dont mind tearing into stuff. I ran gas treated with stabil last time I used the saw. I did spray carb cleaner in the throat of the carb.didnt help.
Kevin
Answer Try loosening off the fuel cap slightly before you start it. Quite often, the tank vent gets plugged with sawdust and when the tank doesn't vent correctly, the engine starts and then dies. If this helps, locate the tank vent and clean or replace as required. If there is no change, you might want to try adjusting both of the mixtures to 1 1/2 turns out from lightly seated. Then try to adjust from there. If this has no effect, the carb will need some attention. Also check the fuel filter and impulse hose from the crankcase, if equipped, while you are rebuilding the carb. Hope this helps.
