Chainsaw question, file under clueless

Nancy Young · 2008-08-27T13:34:49+00:00

This is the appeal of electric tools to people like me.I have a gas chainsaw, only used a couple of times. I really don't have much use for a chainsaw is what it boils down to.So it sits in the garage for a couple/three years and now thatI need it, it won't start. As expected. I'm thinking I'd like to take out some large shrubs this fall. Before I do the unthinkable and purchase an electric chainsawwhich I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestionswhy the thing won't start?Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try thembefore I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.nancy

Aug 27, 2008 30 Replies

Rate this thread:

Jerry 17 years ago

Heh!

Something like 15 years ago, I had a bunch of Samoan landscapers remove several yuccas from my front yard. They were part of the landscaping crew at Charlie Keating's Phoenician Resort doing a little moonlighting in the suburbs.

Scared the cr@p out of me watching them. They wrapped one end of some steel cable around the yucca, wrapped the other end around the hitch on the back of their truck, and put 'er in gear. I had visions of that cable snapping and taking out the picture window directly behind the plant. Guess they knew what they were doing though, they came right out with only some minor ruts in the grass.

Jerry

Vote

Claude Hopper 17 years ago

You should disconnect the fuel line, drain the tank, empty the carburetor and start it and run the rest of the gas out of it. On the other hand it's not difficult to start it up once a month to keep it running.

An electric will work just fine. Just watch what you buy. Electrics seem to have crappy oilers. Find one with a good oiler or you'll be attached to an oil can every time you use it. Either that or wear out your bar and chain quickly.

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

Dear Nancy, Great last name! You make a body proud. As to the saw, well, a whole bunch of reasons why it won't start. Old gas, and dirty air filter are two big ones. Black spark plug is another. If you got the cords to get to the trees, electric saw is a great idea. My Dad has one, and he really loves it. While running, remember to push the chain oiler every five to ten seconds (or whatever the book says).

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

Ether in the spark hole is how my Dad had his $500 generator turned into a lump of useless scrap iron. by a "helpful" neighbor. Please, do not do this to any equipment you want to use again.

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

Starting fluid on the air filter is good. I'd never want to spray it into the air intake.

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

Get an electric car.

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

Chainsaw gas tank holds maybe 8 ounces. It's not a big deal to just dump the gas out, on your sawdust pile. Run the saw till it won't run any more, and put it back in the box. Pack a bunch of news paper or paper napkins under the saw, cause the bar oil drains out and collects in the bottom of the saw case. This, I know.

Vote

Stormin Mormon 17 years ago

I got a recip "Sawzall" years ago. Used it, with a bunch of cheap junk blades, to take out a stump. Yer right, a "Sawzall" is a good idea. Harbor Freight has em on sale as low as $20 now and again.

Vote

Harry K 17 years ago

The starter fluid trick with a 2 cycle is a no-no. You are running an engine with no lube oil!!

Harry K

Vote

Harry K 17 years ago

Also, the fuel line is entirely internal to the shrouding. Almost impossible to put a fuel valve in an accessable location. Dumping the tank before beginning is no problem and the dumped fuel can be used in lawn mower or other equipment.

Harry K

Vote

SteveB 17 years ago

Bad gas. Once it sits for a while, it's useless. Drain all gas. Fill with fresh gas. Pull the cord until your forearms look like Popeye.

Steve

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required