Mend > Chainsaws

How can I fix my Craftsman 16", 36cc chainsaw?

It has began to run roughly, recently. I have been able to keep it running, but it has not been maintaining full power during cutting. I bought new gasoline today and added the recommended amount of 2-cycle oil: 3.2 oz/gal. I mixed it well, but the saw would not restart. It sputtered a few times on full, then half choke; now it won't start at all. I tried a new spark plug, but the saw still won't start. What do you recommend?

Bill Patterson
January 2008

Craftsman Craftsman 16"Garden Tools, Chainsaws Craftsman 16 Chainsaw

Answering my own question:
1) Remove gas cap & attached "keeper stem". Pull fuel filter out and detach from tube. Soak in clean fuel until saturated (bubbles stop) then blow compressed air into end of filter. This forces fuel to push backwards through porous filter material. Repeat twice (total 3X), and reinstall filter, "keeper stem" and cap.
2) Make sure kill switch is set to OFF. Remove spark plug wire and plug. Reattach plug wire to plug and lay plug on its side touching cylinder head. Carefully but sharply, pull starter rope and watch gap of spark plug for jumping spark. If spark is observed, reassemble and try starting saw again. That worked for me.

If you have info about replacing points and condenser (or starting module, if that's what's in there), please add to this thread.
Thanks
BP

Bill Patterson
January 2008