Old Chain Saws - How to get Going

[Missy M]

My husband was recently given two chain saws. They are quite old and haven't been used in years. They came from a dry climate (New Mexico). He's not even sure when they were last used or if they start (haven't tried yet). Does anyone have some suggestions of what to do maintence wise to help get these going. Any help would be appreciated.

[MELOC]

possibly the ignition module needs replaced. certainly check the spark plug first. maybe the diaphram in the carborator needs replaced too.

[BJ]

Now it's for sure that I don't know much about chainsaws....but my DH has purchased a couple old Stihl at farm auctions...and he did acquire one for free from a friend.

Usually he drains all the old fluid if there is any, buys a new spark plug and filter and buys a new chain if it needs one. He did have one that he had to take to a Stihl service center for some adjustments...cost $55 but it was an expensive saw and well worth fixing.

Your DH can look up the model and manufacturer on-line and find an on-line manual with service instructions.

Good Luck!!

[Bearfootfarm]

Change the filters and put FRESH gas and oil mix before you try to start it. Check the sparkplug and replace if needed.

[Shinsan]

And if he hasn't used one before, get a good book on their use and maintenance, and specifically their safe operation.
Our local Ag. show always has a display and demonstration of chain saws - and they also have a large board with photos of some of the horrific injuries that can be suffered. When I purchased my chainsaw I'd also bought chainsaw files and a sharpening guide, plus ear and eye/face protectors, but after seing the photos I went and bought a good set of chaps. (LOL Kids thought maybe I was going to buy a horse too!)

[stonykill]

Finally a subject I know a lot about. I buy, sometimes sell and part or get old saws running. The 1st thing I do is pull the plug and check for spark. If there is no spark I check for spark with a plug that I know is good (maybe pull the plug from the pushmower to check the spark). If there is spark, drain any fluuids (hopefully there won't be any). While the fuel cap is off, pull the fuel line out and check it and the fuel filter. A bent coat hanger makes and excellant hook to pull out the fuel line. Many many times, if a saw was left to sit a # of years the fuel line is either rotted right off, or the filter is totally gummed up. It is smart to pull the muffler (easy, takes a few minutes) and check to make sure the piston isn't scored. This happens when someone ran straight gas in it, or adjusted the carb to lean. If the piston is score (gouge) free, reinstall the muffler.

Now I will assume it has spark, the fuel line and filter are ok or replaced, and the piston looks good. Its time to start the old girl. Mix up some 2 cycle oil, 50 to 1 with modern oils works in any 2 stroke regardless of the ratio on the saw. This could be a totally different thread, but to keep it short, buy top quality synthetic oil, mix it 50 to 1 with gas, and your saw will run better, smoke less, and foul less plugs. You will polute less running 50 to 1 and your saw will run better.

Remove the plug again, and poor a spoonfull of gas mix in the plug hole. Now reinstal the plug. Doing this will save your husband from pulling on the pull rope forever trying to get it started. Now fill your fuel tank and bar oil tank. Pull the choke, put the kill switch in run, and pull the saw over to try to start it. Most times after following these directions, a saw will start, even after sitting for 10 years, in 6 to 12 pulls.

Then you need to adjust the carb to get it running right, sharpen the chain, check to make sure the oiler works etc. Google search arborist site. I am a member there, there is countless info on saws there, and a very helpfull bunch of ametures and pros willing to help.

Good luck and.......saws are addicting. Your husband, if he enjoys getting these going, will surely pick up more and do the same.

[Missy M]

Thank you for your replies. I think with all this help we should have one of these saws up and running in no time. :

[SteveD(TX)]

Originally Posted by stonykill

Finally a subject I know a lot about. I buy, sometimes sell and part or get old saws running. The 1st thing I do is pull the plug and check for spark. If there is no spark I check for spark with a plug that I know is good (maybe pull the plug from the pushmower to check the spark). If there is spark, drain any fluuids (hopefully there won't be any). While the fuel cap is off, pull the fuel line out and check it and the fuel filter. A bent coat hanger makes and excellant hook to pull out the fuel line. Many many times, if a saw was left to sit a # of years the fuel line is either rotted right off, or the filter is totally gummed up. It is smart to pull the muffler (easy, takes a few minutes) and check to make sure the piston isn't scored. This happens when someone ran straight gas in it, or adjusted the carb to lean. If the piston is score (gouge) free, reinstall the muffler.

Now I will assume it has spark, the fuel line and filter are ok or replaced, and the piston looks good. Its time to start the old girl. Mix up some 2 cycle oil, 50 to 1 with modern oils works in any 2 stroke regardless of the ratio on the saw. This could be a totally different thread, but to keep it short, buy top quality synthetic oil, mix it 50 to 1 with gas, and your saw will run better, smoke less, and foul less plugs. You will polute less running 50 to 1 and your saw will run better.

Remove the plug again, and poor a spoonfull of gas mix in the plug hole. Now reinstal the plug. Doing this will save your husband from pulling on the pull rope forever trying to get it started. Now fill your fuel tank and bar oil tank. Pull the choke, put the kill switch in run, and pull the saw over to try to start it. Most times after following these directions, a saw will start, even after sitting for 10 years, in 6 to 12 pulls.

Then you need to adjust the carb to get it running right, sharpen the chain, check to make sure the oiler works etc. Google search arborist site. I am a member there, there is countless info on saws there, and a very helpfull bunch of ametures and pros willing to help.

Good luck and.......saws are addicting. Your husband, if he enjoys getting these going, will surely pick up more and do the same.

Wow, thanks for these tips. I've got an old saw in the garage that I will try it on. Printing this out to keep for future reference.