Will They Run? Two Craftsman Chainsaw Will Not Start - Fixed
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Picked up these two Craftmans chainsaws. Neither one starts. Can I get them both running again?
Red Saw Model Number: 358.351610
Black Saw Model Number: 358351700
Carburetor Model Number: 545070601
Carburetor Rebuild Kit: RB-129 (I think)
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Since I started watching your videos I fixed a John Deere L111 riding mower that was sitting outside for four years, a Husqvarna riding mower that had gas leaking into the oil, an edger that I found in my moms shed that hadn't run for 6 years and 2 chain saws. Now I just have 2 motorcycles and a jeep to tackle next. Great channel.
Good job, keep it up.
Very nice
You inspire me to get off my chair and fix my Craftsman 18" 42CC saw. Its been years since it ran. Thanks for sharing
“Holy crap - it runs!!” is one of my favorite sentences
Great job. I've had a craftsman 18" saw for about 12 years and still runs great with regular maintenance.
I have the same chainsaw, bought it new at Sears 20 years ago. As I’m sure you already know it’s just a rebranded Poulan, not the greatest but more than adequate for occasional homeowner duty. I replaced the fuel lines on mine a few years ago, they were completely rotted away (it doesn’t get much use). Watch out for the chain bar oil, these are just simple constant drip feeders and they’ll keep weeping chain oil out even when they’re just sitting until the reservoir is empty. When I’m done I usually dump the chain oil through a coffee filter and back into the bottle, otherwise the case gets loaded with oil.
I have a Poulan, bought in 2001, I used it for about 3 years. I cut wood all year long, in the summer build up for winter, and winter to keep well stocked. Mostly only used on weekends. Replaced the fuel lines, fuel filter, air filter and one oil pump for the chain. I let it set for a few years, and wouldn't start. Replaced the carburetor, fuel lines and filters, and it started right up, had to adjust the carburetor and it idles, and accelerates smooth and fast.
I know people knock on Poulan, but if you take care of them they can give long service.
Ok im at 17 seconds in, my prediction, both will run nicely and was a great buy for 30 bucks. They are craftsman, they will run great.
Well i cant say i was wrong, soon as i seen it i said, carb rebuild kit, then you said it, lol. But you might want to use the diaframs from the clone carb and use the original, they looked like zamas and they are better carbs than the cheapos. ... So anyway, how is the black one end up running?
Both ran well
I have one of these too. Can't beat the original price ($119). Had to put a new carb on last year. Had to purchase a double hinged pair of needle nose pliers to pull the hoses from inside the tank. Cut up a bunch of eucalyptus with it a few months ago. Pretty happy with it. Good for around the house and the occasional bigger project.
Dude you the man, I’ve been working on equipment for over 25 years as a profession and a hobby. I gotta say.....you are one of the best I’ve seen! Keep the videos coming!
Thanks 👍
James Condon lg g
Watched your video and was able to fix a 18" 42CC that I bought for a few dollars at an auction. I bought a new carb kit for mine and the only thing that gave me trouble were the fuel lines that came with the kit. The fuel lines in the kit were the correct diameter however they were extremely stiff and had noticeably thicker walls than the ones that I was replacing. The fuel lines in the kit were not pliable and wouldn't fit through the holes in the tank. I bought a fuel line kit from my local ACE for $6 and they worked great. Nice video!
Thanks for the efforts James. I’d like to add a few things for anyone trying to learn: when adjusting the carb on a 2 stroke machine, there’s also an H (high) adjustment screw. This allows your engine to rev higher or lower when on full throttle, do not get carried away with high RPMs. Also, one of the most important things you can learn on these machines is proper chain and bar maintenance. Learning how to properly sharpen the chain and depth of “rakers” is vital! Also, please do yourself a favor if you’re a home owner and buy ETHANOL FREE premix fuel. Yes it is more expensive, but your saw will stay running a lot longer and the shelf life is over a year.
Can't beat the price but I think the old girl is tired....
Thanks for the video. It helped with the two same chainsaws.
These guys are hard as hell to get started. One of my many that I use as last resort.
I have a 20 year old Homelite chain saw that would stall out even on high speed. Despite cleaning the carb, I could not get it to be reliable, so I changed out with a clone carb. Advertised as an exact replacement, but it wasn't - the throttle link was on the opposite side of the body. I just retrieved the shaft from the OEM and away we went. The adjustment holes did not line up, but no big issue. I also use the Harbor Freight electric chain sharpener, and it can make the chain razor sharp (after getting it properly adjusted)!.
i just purchased an electric chain saw I dont have the skills and knowledge u have for fixing them its satisfying to see them run again Chain saws seem to be trickier to work on compared to a 4 stroke engine
I got one for $25, needs a carb kit, got it on order, hopefully it does the job
Now there is a man that has never had a chainsaw in his hands before. Wow.
Nice saw , great purchase well Worth the money . Love the video .
Maybe now I can get my Craftsman 16” saw to work. Good video.
I believe those are both Poulan chainsaws made for/rebranded as Sears Craftsman.
Ethanol in gas absolutely destroys all the hoses and flexible bits in the carbs. Most of the problems I've had with 2-stroke engines have been cured by switching to the expensive premix.
I'm still running my Craftsman 34CC 18" bar. Bought in the mid 80's... It's seen occasional use but when it does, it gets a hard workout.
It was made by Poulan. Everything the same. Except the color.
I have that same red saw. 36cc 16" bar but mine seems to have a lot more power. I definitely think a new carb would fix yours right up. Great video, channel is growing fast.
Yes. I tuned it a little more but agree a new carb will be needed dinner the later. Thanks!
You still have to tune a new carby. First mistake was tuning it without the air filter- when you put it on, it makes it run richer and needs tuning again. Second mistake was not tuning the high rev mixture screw. The low screw only makes it idle nice, the high screw is for when under load at operating speeds.
@@jcondon1 These are rebranded Poulans and they can not be properly tuned without the air cleaner installed. Also they will bog down if the muffler is clogged which will happen if it is not taken off from time to time and cleared.
Great work good video very entertaining
Cutting with a dull chain is like pissing, then pulling down your pants. Unless the diaphragm(s) is pooched, you can usually do a good carburetor clean, adjust, and get them running good.
Well that was a good video.. not bad for a couple of cheap saws. Some people don't bother to repair them. Still ones man's junk is another man's treasure
Thanks. I usually avoid small two cycle stuff like this. Sometimes hard to service and they are not worth much even when running. My main saw is a Stihl, was not expecting these to cut as well but I was wrong. They are not too bad.
James Condon yeah. I don’t mind the 2 stroke stuff.but you have to pick them up for cheap.good channel
Micks Mowers just discovered your channel. Very nice. You have one more subscriber. I liked your recent generator video.
@@jcondon1 like wise mate.. I see you have been going for a while. I'm still new to this UA-cam stuff. But having fun along the way.. I do a sat night live stream and will give your channel a shout out. Hopefully you will get a couple more by the weekend
If you don't like two cycle engines don't buy a Trabant. The little car that couldn't!
Don’t waste your time with the aftermarket carb you’ll be doing it all again in less than a year. Just get the OEM Walbro. Also taking the kill switch off is not needed, remove the other torx screw up top above the 2 studs that hold the carb in and you can leave all that intact. Saves a lot of time.
Thanks. I saved the original carb that did not prime. Will probably rebuild it or just get the OEM one. The OEM one is not much more then the clone.
James Condon you can try but typically these carbs are temperamental to adjusting and rebuilds are usually a bust. We were taught by Poulan to install the new carb and if it doesn’t run correctly with no adjusting throw it away and get another new one. Saws with a designated port for air only are easily leaned out and brunt up if adjusted. Don’t stress it some things are just not worth your time and frustration 2 strokes seem to be that type of machine. Very impressed by your videos though. I am a 25 year master technician on outdoor power equipment and in my opinion you are smarter than myself and every other fix it channel on this platform. Keep it up!
Dan Vanslyke thanks. Still learning this stuff, especially on the two cycle side of things. I have had very bad issues with clones and waisted a lot of time because of them.
Chainsaw carb rebuilding is greatly aided by an ultrasonic cleaner. Pay attention to order and position, it’s not that difficult
Never forget - more saws have been destroyed by dull Chan’s than anything else but straight gassing.
Just picked up a 40 xx with 18 inch bar with a case. I like it it’s green grey color. It starts up nice and runs good but it’s been dying out on high rpm or the warmer it gets. Maybe my fuel i out in is too rich. It stopped starting so I cleaned the plug up and it started running again but then it dying. Going to lean out the fuel after cleaning it again. I see I need the carb adjust tool as well
I've had a couple of those, I believe they're made by Poulan. They have a big following in the chainsaw forums with great info on overcoming their shortcomings. They work great for light duty, but once overheated they stop running and refuse to start until cooled down. Word in the forums is removing the catalytic converter from the muffler, or changing to the muffler that doesn't have one (part number in the forums if you search), drastically reduces the overheating problem. I didn't verify this myself but seems easy enough to try for someone who has this as an only saw. You do need to keep the carburetor adjuster handy as they need frequent adjustments. They do cut well (with a good chain) and are fine for occasional around the house use, probably good value for the price even when bought new, but if you have a major project it would be worth investing in a hardier saw.
I have this exact problem. The saw ran 100% when it was 20 degrees, now at 45 took me for ever to start it. How it's hot and will not run. Talk about garbage.
@@lukez1729 Are you giving ambient temps in C? 45C would be 113F which is desert hot, I'm not surprised if you have trouble starting a 2T little gas motor in that heat. It's likely flooded, hold the throttle full open while you pull the rope. Maybe turn the high and low speed jets a little leaner.
@@8180634 temperature is in F.
I just redid all the fuel lines. Still the same issue. Fired up Fairly well, did a.couple quick revs to adjust high speed, and it was running great. Then around a minute later when it got hot hot(feels to hot) I don't have a temp Guage but my other husky doesn't feel no where near this hot. Then just just bogged down and stalled, impossible to start.spark plug isn't wet. This saw refuses to run once it gets hot. I think it's just a bad saw. I have light scoring on the exhaust side . I also remove the spark arrestor.
@@lukez1729 yeah those saws just don't do good when they get hot. I had a big job ran out and bought a Stihl ms361 to replace this Craftsman / poulan and it's a significant difference. It's also a significant difference in price, but this one runs hard all day
@@8180634 thanks for your reply/info. I'm so disappointed in this saw, it cuts great but only for limbing and cuts less then around 6 inch. I must have spent 5 hrs trying to figure this out. I literally have blisters on my hand from pulling so much. It's just a trash design. Only good for super light duty work and short run times.
Little Craftsman is so simple the old one on the right it'll always run but every two years are going to have to put a new fuel line in it and I do recommend running the can fuel in it before you shut it down for the season and it'll always start I've had one for over 25 years and is changed fuel line and maintenance today
Those saws are built just like the polun pro saws, and I have 2 that have the same air bubble problem. I worked a bunch on them and got one to were I could get it to start if I held it full throttle, and it would run at full throttle till I let go of the trigger, then it would idle and get slower and slower till it died. If you tried to give it throttle it just slowed down faster till it dies. May be carb adjustment, but I did not have the tools to do it from the outside and got fed up with it. Glad to see someone fix one, I see them frequently on facebook and craigslist for cheap.
On ov of
The name of the place o or o or something else wh You're I are you located and will share it with the name on are
Can I have one?
James, who's better than you?
NOBODY!!
You are good teacher
Like that grabber with a flash light.
I just changed all the fuel lines on a craftsman.Their primer bulb has a neat little deal . A large and a small nipple. The small side goes from the primer to the bottom on the far side of the carb. The large or long one, goes from the primer to the fuel tank on the far side. The filters line goes from the tank to the top of the carb on the far side
My 20" 52cc has sit for 10 years. Removing the filter and pouring directly in the carburetor it ran so time to tackle the lines and filter and maybe I can put the electric on the shelve for a change. Back problems made me go lighter but time for the boy again
Many times I see people give up on small engine equipment, and most of the time, to fix is much cheaper than to buy a new one.
I have a Poulan saw I bought in late 2001 and had to do maintenance on, changed the fuel lines, filter, an oil pump, chain and bar. Sat for a few years, had to replace the carburetor fuel lines, primer bulb, spark plug and air filter and it runs as good as new.
Was much cheaper than buying another new saw. I enjoy all your videos sir, great content, and diagnosis. Thank for showing regular guys how to fix their own machines. Very valuable information sir.
Thanks
NICE JOB WELL DONE.
Thanks
Good informative video. Definitely get a new chain! You should not be having that much trouble cutting through little stuff!
Great movie thanks
A tip for ya drill extra holes in upper area of air filter cover these saws seem to starve for air under load.
Good tip!
I have the same black craftsman saw. Don't use it much because i have 3 saws that call for a 50:1 fuel mix. The craftsman saw i have calls for a 40:1 mix. I usually always try to get power equipment that takes a 50:1 mix
And they'll all happily run on 25-1 anyway so it doesn't really matter.
Good job.
Thanks!
. ml,miEO
I love the videos. Very patient and thorough
Thanks
Those saws a,a good score
Great job, just two things, when adjusting the carb you need to have the air filter on for proper air flow otherwise if you adjust the carb without the air filter on it will run ok but then it will need to be readjusted with the air filter on and it is not advisable to run a two stroke (or even a four stroke) engine without the cover on for any length of time as the engine Will overheat due to lack of cooling air round the cylinder
Thanks. I did have to tune it again once everything was back together.
I think your chain is a tad tight and seemed to be screaming for some bar and chain oil. Could just be me. Nice work for $30
The black craftsman saw carb is super clean surprised especially since he sold it to you because he was having issues pretty clean bet it wouldn't run because the filter falling off line
Great work red saw works good wow you got the black saw running to nice not back for 30 bucks
J7ki
The carbs on most chainsaws are all made overseas. I hate working on them, but I really hate messing with the reed valve. They get bent and worn.
Another excellent job, a running chainsaw with case, even a smaller one like those will sell for good money
I would thing so, but no bites yet.
Love your videos sir. Looking forward to more.
Thanks
zdc
Looks like a new chain is needed.
Took me hours to figure out that the bulb actually "sucks" the fuel from the tank when it's expanding and when I push the fuel bulb in it is actually pushing fuel back into the tank. I had always thought when you were pushing the primer bulb it was pushing fuel "into" the carb. Finally watched a UA-cam video and change the fuel lines around and she started right up...but man was that frustrating! Should have watched this video first BEFORE I worked on my chain saw.
The red one has a weird high pitch chart whiny sound going on. IT MAY HAVE RAN FIRST. BUT THE BLACK ONE SOUNDS HEALTHIER. BY FAR.
Nice job
Thanks!
Nice!!!!!!
What causes the carb to let purge bulb pump bubbles
Hey I got a question would you be able to come down to Oklahoma and help me with my chainsaw
You may want to use a file guide on that chain.
Can you show how you replaced the fuel line into the tank?
It looks like to me that both saws compression might not be up to par.
I think he’s asking a little too much from a small displacement saw.
But sometimes, you gotta run what you brung
High idle is rich, lean it up make to zing.
My saw is 20 years since purchased but the Dog for the draw string got destroyed .Can't find a replacement.
Nice job! A little research & perseverance yielded you 2 nice working chain saws for approx. $50 all in. I have a like new Homelite store return I need to dig into over next couple weeks, videos like this help give me ideas while digging thru the possibilities of the no-start issue.
L
I don't like those Poulan/Craftsman (cheapened Husqvarna) chainsaws. They are OK for home use. They tend to overheat if used for more than an hour or two continuous. I found that after it heats up opening the spark plug gap a bit can get it running again. They also tend to be easily damaged by scoring from uneven heating of the cylinder (this failure has a name) if revved too soon after starting and not allowed to warm up at idle for a few minutes.
I bought an old craftsman chainsaw with a lever choke that wont pull the fuel up to the carburetor. What does it need
Looks like the recoil is a bit dirty. Did you replace the fuels lines cause they looked pretty rotton
Morning..... coffee and chainsaws ..excellent- Thanks James
You bet!
These are both produced by poulan chainsaw co.! for craftsman & sears+.
Gnaw that wood in two. Don’t forget to sharpen the chain and check for bar lubrication.
Both of these saws are made for Craftsman by Poulan Co.
Husquvarna builds those saws for Craftsman and Poulan...I have Poulan Pro set up just like this it's just diff color combo and rebadge...One of the best saws I've ever owned and used honestly.
@Hank Bridges Ok...I have the 4218 Model Poulan Pro
I have a husqvarna 236e which Is pretty similar. Good little saws.
ACTUALLY the craftsman models with the. Sim pull or Intellistart are made by MTD
You can fix anything
I wish I had your skills
I hate two strokes
I just replace the carb
They are not my favorite, but for $15 thought I would spend a little time on them.
I have a 18" red craftsman just like the 36cc one but mine is 42cc and just done the fuel lines, cleaned the tank, replaced the primer bulb and air filter and put it all back together. Was running before all that, now when I go to start it, it turns over but doesn't stay running or just is impossibleto start, is it possible the carb needs to be retuned?
Two things come to mind. First check the pluming for the primer bulb and carburetor. The primer should be pulling the fuel through the carb on the return line not pushing it through on the carb fuel inlet. Make sure the lines are in the correct locations in the carb. If a new clone carb, then the high and low speed jets almost always have to be adjusted.
Good afternoon, I would like to get a pull cord anthracite spring to buy online I am living in Guyana
Three minutes in and I subscribe. Thanks James!
Thanks!
Really enjoying these videos - keep them coming!
Thanks, will do!
6lh4f
did you put chain oil in as didn,t seem to be any on the bar or chain ?
Yes, filled them both with chain oil. And the oil was flowing.
Whoa ?? How did repair the black saw ? i got same problem? air in the lines ? wish you took the time to explain it ?? Crapman saws i got 10 of them all run the same and diehard after one uses junk today...Please stick to gennys... Your Master of those looking forward to your new find !!
I am working on a few generators now. Unfortunately they are harder to find recently following the tropical storm we had recently. I put a clone carb on the black saw to resolve the issue. Not worth trying to fix the OEM carb. The clone was $18. OEM is only $30.
@@jcondon1 how'd it work with the fresh carb?
Did you ever work out where the carb failed? Out of curiosity?
I did not, but still have it. Will probably rebuild it at some point.
Seems like black saw cuts better than red one...
I would agree. The clone carb seems to be doing a little better then the tired OEM one.
I just rebuilt a craftsman and both fuel lines were deteriorated and disconnected so I can't figure out which line gets the filter and where it's supposed to hook up to. Can you give me a diagram?
I do not have a diagram for this saw. If the same model then this should help ua-cam.com/video/1zYaSKm8Sec/v-deo.html
@@jcondon1 found a diagram, now I need to adjust the carb
Hello, I bought the same chainsaw today. It's 2005. Is it true that Paulan 2250 parts are suitable for it? thanks for the answer
These "Craftman" branded saws are a Poulan. I am not sure what model of Poulan, but looked at the 2250 just and they are probably the same in most respects if not identical.
@@jcondon1 Thank you very much for your reply)
You cut the grass 😂
Hey, do you know if there is such a thing as a carb rebuild kit or just the diaphrams for that carb?
I can't find anything on Amazon.
There is. Search for RB-129. I am not a 100%, but believe that is the kit.
@@jcondon1 Yep, looks like it to me but it's almost 1/2 the price of a new carb kit.
Oh, found one for $7 so good deal. That's all it really needs. Thanks man!
Wheres your protective chaps or pants lol. Just messing with you great vids👍👍👍
Thanks. I knew I would get comments about that. Put on all the protective gear I had....
My chainsaw is running fine but got a new carb and lines put on it recently and when i go to cut the chain quits spinning even when giving gas. Any ideas of what it could be?
The muffler gets plugged. Try taking it off and cleaning any deposits out of the exhaust ports.
@@keithstudly6071 its a brand new saw only cut a few small branches, got it from an old bosses husband before he passed, he bought it new but could never get it to start.
Awsome channel. What should the compression be on chainsaws like your working on
Thank you
Good question. I have not tested the compression yet on a saw.
@@jcondon1 if anyone knows could they post it please
135+ is great, 100+ is good, below 90 usually won’t run
Groovy
How much torque did you put on those carb bolts?
The carb bolts? 40 in/lbs is what I usually do on something that small.
@@jcondon1 what I try to see is the setting on your torque wrench. On those quarter inch torque wrenches it is hard to hear the click. What setting do you use for chainsaws, hedge trimmers and the like?
Sharpen the chain, clean under the chain cover, and I think you’re good to go.
I'm stuck, wondering if you had any suggestions. I have an older Craftsman 2-stroke leaf blower. Last year it would run but wouldn't reach full speed. It would get close if I partially closed the choke (not getting enough gas?) This year it wouldn't start at all. I removed the carburetor and it is a Walbro, but like nothing I've ever seen. It has an external metal push button on the metering end - no idea what that is for. Anyway, it won't prime/run. I've cleaned out every orifice I could find, sprayed liberally with carb cleaner, and ran it through ultrasonic cleaner. No change. The model number is WA228A for which I can find NOTHING on the web...no rebuild kits, no substitute carbs, nothing. Any ideas? I hate throwing the thing away..the rest of it is in good shape. Thanks for any help.
I think the rebuild kit you need is K23-WAT. Take a look, and see if the parts look correct.
@@jcondon1 I think I'm admitting defeat on this machine. I've tried 3 different carbs, checked the spark with a tester pulling the starter rope, even removed the muffler in case it was clogged. Best I can manage is that it'll run for about 5-6 seconds then die. Maybe the coil can't produce enough spark when it gets up to speed? Anyway, thanks for the suggestion.
Hard working with sally gloves and once I opened it up and its was that clean wouldn't of went any farther
James Condon- What camera are you using when you zoom in in your videos? It’s the best I’ve ever seen and want to get one. Please advise. :)
Thanks!!
Ehhhh. Painful cutting. Hope you sell both now that you fixed em. I wouldn’t have the patience for either one of those suckers. 😂
I’d say that chain is whupped😀
Agreed. The black one was making sawdust rather than chips, which usually means the chain is dull. Couldn't tell on the red one because the angle was bad, but I'd say check out one of the spare chains it came with, though those are probably worse.
For my untrained ear it seemed that you were a little low on top RPM on both saws? Maybe adjust the max RPM screw on the carb. Or were you just not applying full throttle when you were sawing?
I think it was a little of both.
I would think so. Great videos btw.
Hey do u have another channel?