On Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:36:30 -0700 (PDT), Chade
wrote:

snip

I have another post on this thread about the Sthil 026.

Seen.

The other problem saw is a sthil 038av.

;-)

It starts okay, sounds okay but only runs about two minutes before cutting out.

That could be a thermal thing (depending if you can re-start it after
it's run for 2 mins and stops or not).

I had an ignition coil on a generator cause that exact problem [1] (it
wouldn't re-start until much cooler again). There was 'a' spark when
tested outside the cylinder, but obviously not enough to make the
machine actually run.

Obviously if it's been standing for any time with any fuel in it a
flush of all the fuel system (inc maybe cleaning the carb but leave
the actual strip down till last unless you have a service kit for it)
might be a worthwhile exercise.

On any old 2/, crank seals can also harden and cause all sorts of
strange issues (so would change them on any rebuild if there was any
hint of them not still being fully pliable).

Cheers, T i m

[1] Similar with the car, would start or restart when either cold or
hot, but not *re-start* when warm. Turned out to be the ECU.