Need chainsaw question help

[hossrn]

I have a cheapo Homelite chainsaw. After it has been sitting for a few weeks, it is hard to pull the first 5 or 6 pulls. I have the mixture of oil right and the spark plug is new.

Anyone know what else I can do to make it easier or is this just the way it is?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cheechi]

do you mean it takes more pulls to start, or you have to put more effort into pulling the first few times?

If it's harder to pull the cord, i would double check the oil/gas mixture, the temp the saw is stored, it sounds like the crank is losing its oil film. Once you go maybe 2-3 rev any saw or other 2 cycle engine shouldn't be physically hard to pull, whether or not it starts.

You didn't mention the air filter. That won't make it harder to pull, but it will make it hard to start. If that's your issue get a new one instead of just cleaning it.

 

[Farmall450]

Was it like that when you first got it.

 

[2oolhound]

Try taking the recoil cover off, removing the spring and cleaning everything in there with gas, then re-assemble. Even the starter rope can freeze up in cold weather if it's wet.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

bring chainsaw inside your place and leave it there for a day or two and try it again to see if you are able to start it up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

do you mean it takes more pulls to start, or you have to put more effort into pulling the first few times?

If it's harder to pull the cord, ...

Compression release not working ?

 

[zkling]

Are there any other symptoms like leaking fuel, noise? It may be hydrolocking if gas is somehow leaking into the cylinder. A few possibilities, based on the little info given. The more info you can provide, the faster and more likely someone will be able to figure it out.

 

[SeattleKent]

Anyone know what else I can do to make it easier...

I would just buy a new, quality saw. I had a cheapo chainsaw that was forever giving me problems. I mentioned the problems to my wife in passing one time. At Christmas I found a nice new Stihl chainsaw under the tree. While I was excited, I also felt a little bad because that's a lot of money to spend on something I don't use that much.

That was 15 years ago. The saw has been awesome. Don't use it that much. When I do it starts without a problem. It runs really well. Cuts great. Easy to handle. I'll go cheap on a lot of tools but not chainsaws.

 

[hossrn]

I don't know what else to add. Like I said, after it sits for a while, it is hard to pull the cord. I have to set it on the ground, put my foot in the handle and pull a few times before it pulls easier. After the 5th or 6th pull it usually starts right up. Clean gas, in any temperature outside, and the oil mix/gas is new and correct.

I don't know what the compression release is, and there is no leaking fuel.

I bought it at a garage sale for $20 and it runs great and starts on the first pull after I've been using it for a while. As buying a new saw is nice and would certainly solve the problem, I don't need a $200 dollar saw. I just thought there might be something simple I am missing.

Thanks.

 

[TreePointer]

What chainsaw model?
What 2-cycle oil are you using?
What ratio?

When you say the oil mix/gas it new and correct, do you mean correct according to the chainsaw manual, correct according to what's on the oil bottle, or correct according to today's standards?

Unbolt your muffler. Does the exhaust port of the cylinder and top of piston look dirty/sooty? How do the sides of the piston look?

Not all saws have a compression release button.

Have you ever cleaned the air filter? If it has a spark arrestor, have you ever cleaned it?

Aside: There are lots of good tips and questions asked already.

 

[kippieland]

I used to have one of those saws. I always felt it started hard. Thats why I "used to" have one!