Chainsaw Repair

Sorry for the long absence.  I've done some research and tried various things to rule out potential problems.  When the spark plug is removed the cord is easy to pull.  With the plug in, it's next to impossible.  I've removed the pull cord assembly and it pulls easily without issue.  Even with the bar/chain and muffler removed, the cord is hard to pull when the plug is in the saw. 

I've also tried removing the plug and spraying WD-40 into the cylinder through the spark plug hole to clean any carbon etc. from the top of the piston and cylinder.  No change.  I also removed the plug and pulled the cord repeatedly for a period of time to correct a potential vapor lock condition.  That was a suggestion that I found on the internet.

The only other thing that I wanted to mention is that when I pull the cord with the plug removed, there is a fine spray of fuel that comes out of the spark plug hole.  I don't know a lot about 2-cycle engines, but I didn't expect the fuel to be drawn into the cylinder when the compression is so low without the plug being removed.
I did take the saw to a local shop twice in the past and was told that they "cleaned it."  Unfortunately whatever they did didn't last after the saw sat for an extended period of time. 

I got the saw running without the bar/chain for a brief period of time but it died after a few seconds if I didn't give it throttle.

Not sure if links are allowed, but the saw in this YouTube video is doing the same exact thing that mine is.



I would appreciate any advice to get this saw in working condition again.  Thank you very much for reading my post!