Chainsaw Repair

This old saw runs strong for a few minutes then stalls out. If I wait a few minutes it will restart then stalls out again  . I took it to a local dealer (not friendly) who looked it over and a week later told me to come pick it up. "It probably has a vacuum problem with air flow to the carburetor". "Can't help ya, no parts available for that saw ." I say "what do I do?". His reply was... get this, " Can't tell ya anything other than throw it in the dump. Your S.O.L."

Nice Guy.

I put a post over on the Wanted page for same saw for parts but am hoping someone can help me here. I am not really engine savvy but can sometimes replace a bad part and am not willing to throw this saw away. It's previous owner barely used it over all those years.

Thanks.

Cut4fun, where do we go for parts for old saws?

Seldomseen

There are work arounds for most problems.  First thing you have to come up with is why it isnt running right.  Its unfortunate that the dealer couldnt put forth a little more effort to help you sort it out.  It could be something so stupid as a plugged up tank vent or gas cap that is starving the carb for fuel. 

First thing I would do is test the ignition.  Buy a new -non resistor- spark plug for the saw.  Something like a standard Champion CJ-6.  Take the old plug out and bend the ignitor ground arm up to 1/4 of an inch away from the center electrode.  Use the new plug in the saw.  Now set up back in the corner of your garage, with the door open and start er up.  The reason I say back in the corner is because you need to be able to see the spark and that may be difficult out in the sunlight.  Just find a place where you can see the spark is what is up.  As soon as it quits, test it for spark with your test plug.  If you have a spark jumping the gap on the test plug then its not the ignition.  Give it a go and let us know what you find.       

Whoops, I think that's the Oil Fill Cap.