Hi all,

I have a Craftsman Chain Saw model #358360131. It is a 40CC 18".
Typical homeowner - used twice a year and put on the shelf.
Was working and then appeared the piston seized. Strange, but was able to get it moving again. Then the ignition module came loose and got trashed. Bought a new one. Then would start hard and not have torque. Put on a log and it would die.
So I figured a rebuild was in order. It has a ZAMA W20A carb. I bought a RB-41 carb kit. I took it apart and replaced everything but the welch plug. I also replaced the fuel lines and filter (what a PITA to thread that fuel line!)
The primer bulb works fine. New spark plug.
Did a compression test and after about 5 pulls it gets to just under 120.
I have not messed with the L and H screws but did play with the idle.
The gas cap has swelled and I have another on the way (amazon) because I notice a good vacuum when I open it after a bunch of pulls. So now I crack it a little

So right now it takes a bunch of pulls and when I do get it started, it will not idle - just dies and if I do wide open throttle it will die. I have to feather it to keep it running and if I put it on a log it dies - no torque.
I am tired of putting $$ into it, (probably did too much so far anyway) but it has become kind of a quest!

When I cleaned to carb, I used carb cleaner and sprayed everything good but did not soak.

I could provide video of me starting (attempting) and how I have to feather it to keep it going - if helpful.

Help!!!

Thanks,
Joe

 

Try using the primer to keep it running. If it does put a new diaphragm in the carb. It sounds like the pump isn't working. There's another post on this page with a similar problem in his chainsaw.