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2021/04/09 09:16:42

tricitydeals

Craftsman chainsaw 16 38cc wont start

Model 358.351701

It was working last week and then started to stale out while cutting a tree. I might have hit some buried nails in the tree but don't think that would have caused the issue. I replaced the carb, air filter and spark plug. I did verify plug is getting a spark.
I don't have any compression tools. Not sure what else i can check.
Is it possible one of the gas lines is getting clogged? If so, how do i verify all 3 lines are passing through fuel?

Thanks in advance

9 comments Leave a comment

BillyBanana

Sounds like a fuel issue, either bad gas or not getting gas. Those fuel lines crack easily and may have come off and may now be laying in the bottom of the tank

2021/04/11 10:03:47

GBertolet

I think it's a fuel issue also. There is a small round filter screen inside the carb, under the fuel inlet. It is possible that this screen is clogged or restricted, with sawdust of other matter. Sometimes even varnish from bad fuel, or ethenol. It can be pried out, cleaned and reinstalled, if not too bad. I have experienced this issue several times. These screens are inexpensive, maybe a buck a piece. Good to always have a few spares on hand. If possible always use ethenol free gas. Your engine will thank you.

2021/04/11 13:17:05

tricitydeals

Looks like i see gas flowing through the lines when i prime it. I bought a new carb so the filter inside the card should be good to go. I watched a video on scratched pistons and bad compression. I thinking that may be the issue. I have scratches on my piston, supposedly that's an indication of bad compression. . They says its cheaper to buy a new one then to buy/rebuild. Sound right?

2021/04/12 11:22:37

GBertolet

If you are sure it is not a fuel issue, try a compression test. A quick way without a compression tester, is to remove the spark plug, squirt some oil in the cylinder, turn over the engine a few times to distribute the oil, replace the spark plug, and try to start the engine. The oil will give you temporarily higher compression, by sealing the rings better. It may start then. If so, low compression is your problem, or at least part of it. If you are lucky, a new piston ring(s), and a gasket set is all you need.
One thing many don't realize, that with a chainsaw, after a cold starting, you should let the saw idle for 20-30 seconds, before doing full throttle cutting. The piston and cylinder expand from the combustion heat, at unequal, and different rates, and you should let this expansion occur slowly, until equalization occurs. The cylinder/piston area between the muffler and chain clutch, is where it gets the hottest the fastest, and the most wear, or scoring occurs. Doing the slow warm up routine, minimizes this.
I learned this lesson the hard way. I had a 3.7 Craftsman, which was obsolete, and I was able to find a used replacement cylinder and piston, at a reasonable cost, on Ebay.

2021/04/12 13:57:16

tricitydeals

I'm not a 100% sure about the gas lines, The new crab came with a new bulb and one line (bulb to carb). I used th enew bulb and line. When i prime i see gas move in both those lines. The third line is from the tank to the carb. If i take the tube off the carb, gas flows out. Is that a good enough test?

Can I use any oil (sae 30 or 10w30)? I'll try that this evening. Thanks

2021/04/12 14:18:09

GBertolet

Any oil will do. 30W, 10W-30, or 2 stroke oil, is ok. Some recommend using the stroke oil. Be sure you have the fuel lines connected to the correct positions on the bulb, and the carb. Most bulbs have 2 connections. One for in, and the other for out. Having them reversed will cause all kinds of problems. Same for the carb.

I had a link to show how to test the flow of the primer bulb, but the system would not let me post it.

2021/04/12 16:47:31

AVB

Some auto part stores have a loan a tool program where you can borrow a compression gauge. What you is a least 100 psi for a two cycle to even hit. If the compression is right at 100 psi it may or may start.

Scoring of the piston usually means there is also scoring of the cylinder walls. Most times it is from straight gassing the equipment but can be caused by either hard carbon at the exhaust port or running an engine too lean of fuel mix or a fuel mix with not enough oil.

Note: the piston is a NCC (Nickle Ceramic Coating) so scoring is a bad sign. And the cylinder is a non coated one so if the piston has damage there will be a lot more to the cylinder. The cylinder and piston can be upgraded to a NCC cylinder and a non NCC piston. Just note the cylinder will look rough as heck when first installed due the Nickle part of the coating needs to burn off.

And yes the costs to rebuild is around $100 in parts alone. You got to consider the saw's overall condition when deciding this. A new saw is worth it but old one may not be.

Also a dull chain will cause the saw to work extra hard and get no where cutting. But normally it not cause engine problems. I have even cut a railroad spike in two with one my saws. Destroyed the new chain; no cutters were left but the saw otherwise was fine. Just pissed me off as I had just put that new chain on, at least I had brought two chains before going to the job site.

2021/04/13 02:27:32

tricitydeals

I removed the the spark plug and added a little oil. I must of used too much, I couldn't pull the cord all the way. Eventually I was able to pull it but got the same results.
I'll see if i can borrow a compression tool from a local auto store to rule to see we can verify compression is good or bad.
I removed the the spark plug and added a little oil. I must of used too much, I couldn't pull the cord all the way. Eventually I was able to pull it but got the same results.
I'll see if i can borrow a compression tool from a local auto store to rule to see we can verify compression is good or bad.

2021/04/13 14:54:42

tricitydeals

I was able to get a mechanic to take a a quick look at it. He wasn't able to get compression past 100 psi and said he could see a lot of build up on the piston when we took the spark plug off. He said the saw was most likely shot and my best bet was to buy a new one. That stinks, I spent $60 in parts (carb, air filter and spark plug) for nothing.
I guess it's time to go shopping.

Thank you all who tried to help. It was greatly appreciated.

2021/04/14 08:48:07

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Craftsman chainsaw 16 38cc wont start

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