Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...

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 that
I need it, it won't start. As expected.

No 2-stroke gas-powered tools should be stored
with gasoline inside. (They should be run until dry,
i.e. until they stop from fuel exhaustion.) The various
chemicals in the gas/oil mixture gum up the carburettor
if sitting there for months.

Good quality chainsaws run for decades if maintained
OK. You must decide whether it would be cheaper for
your planned task (and future needs) to have the gas chainsaw
serviced or buy a new electric chainsaw.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 6:34*am, "Nancy Young" wrote:
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. *(laugh) *I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. *Just planning ahead.

nancy *

What Don said. To answer the electric question. If you will only use
it where power is available, it will do your work quite handily. Buy
one of the better quality ones though, not the cheapest you can find.

Keep the chain sharp. If you don't know how, locate a 'fix-it' shop
that sharpens them.

Harry K

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Don Phillipson" wrote in message
...
"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...

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 that
I need it, it won't start. As expected.

No 2-stroke gas-powered tools should be stored
with gasoline inside. (They should be run until dry,
i.e. until they stop from fuel exhaustion.) The various
chemicals in the gas/oil mixture gum up the carburettor
if sitting there for months.

Good quality chainsaws run for decades if maintained
OK. You must decide whether it would be cheaper for
your planned task (and future needs) to have the gas chainsaw
serviced or buy a new electric chainsaw.



If you stored it with gas in it, it's gummed/varnished up. Cheap/quick fix
might be spraying the carburetor with choke cleaner-- especially if you can
get inside.

After that, try get someone to spray some starting fluid (ether) at the air
cleaner (or remove it and spray right into the air intake) while your
pulling the starter. If that doesn't work, remove the plug, spray some
starter fluid into the plug hole, quickly reinstall the plug-- then repeat
the helper spraying the air cleaner while you pull the starter.

Next time, drain the gas and let it run dry ;-)

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 6:34*am, "Nancy Young" wrote:
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. *(laugh) *I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. *Just planning ahead.

nancy *

Gas chainsaw can be a pain especially if you hardly ever use one.

But typically electric chainsaw are woefully underpowered & have
rather short bars.

I have both elecric & gas but I've kinda solved the gas maint problem
by sharing a chainsaw with a guy who uses it much more often than I
do. When I need the gas saw working, I just give him a call and he
drops it off in a few days.

The electric one (in ~20 years) has never failed to start and I use it
maybe once a year or so for a few days at most.

I "inherited" a 12" electric and have used it on some fairly large
trees. If I had bought it I would have gone bigger 14" or 16".

When you buy your new saw, get an extra chain so you'll always have a
sharp one ready.
Electrics are underpowered so a sharp chain is important.

wrt to maintaining for gas chainsaw......once (if) you get it running
and use it..... When you're done using it, use the gas up or dump
it out and then run the saw dry. Leaving liquid gas in the saw is
surefire way to gum up the saw and make it not start.

cheers
Bob

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" writes:

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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

For small jobs an electric works well and of course always starts.
Mine is 30 years old and gets used once or twice every year.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" wrote

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

Thanks a million for all the answers. I get it, I should have
emptied the gas, my bad. I'm going to try to get it running
before I give up on it.

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

Nancy Young wrote:
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy
Hi,
I have chainsaw and I use it barely once a year but never had trouble
starting. I keep the fuel tank full all the time. Same with weed eater.
How do you store it? Also do you use top quality oil at correct ratio?

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:34:49 -0400, "Nancy Young"
wrote:

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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy


Your carburator may be gummed up. Replace the old gas with fresh
gasoline. Add some stabilizer to the fresh gasoline if you plan to
have the chainsaw sit for months without use.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

Nancy Young wrote:

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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

For such occasional use, there is nothing wrong with an electric chain
saw. Things to keep in mind however a

- Make sure you have long enough heavy gauge extension cords.
- Make sure you don't cut the extension cord.
- Electric chain saws are more dangerous than gas ones, since they don't
stall out when they bog down like gas ones do.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

get a good length of chain and pull the shrubs with your car. Cutting them
off will not kill them.

s

"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

That is...... IF your car will start.



s


"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

No 2-stroke gas-powered tools should be stored
with gasoline inside. (They should be run until dry,
i.e. until they stop from fuel exhaustion.) The various
chemicals in the gas/oil mixture gum up the carburettor
if sitting there for months.

Pardon me for interrupting..

Why don't they have fuel valve? It would be quicker and less wasteful to run
dry the carbuerator than to run dry the fuel tank.

In case of cleaning up storm damage (e.g. fallen tree), a gas chainsaw may
be more handy because the power may be out due to the storm.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

Tony Hwang wrote:

Nancy Young wrote:
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy
Hi,
I have chainsaw and I use it barely once a year but never had trouble
starting. I keep the fuel tank full all the time. Same with weed eater.

Same here, though less than once a year. I mixed stabilizer with the
gas, and that seems to keep it from gumming up.

Now that you've got me thinking about it, I'll have to try starting it
this afternoon.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...

"Nancy Young" wrote

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

Thanks a million for all the answers. I get it, I should have
emptied the gas, my bad. I'm going to try to get it running before I give
up on it.
I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

nancy
Nancy, The electric chainsaws work fine. I got one for my wife so she
wouldn't
have to maintain the gas chainsaw.
Mike :-)

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"john" wrote in message ...

Why don't they have fuel valve? It would be quicker and less wasteful to
run
dry the carbuerator than to run dry the fuel tank.

A fuel valve would add weight and another component
to require cleaning and perhaps repair. Most chainsaws
hold less than half a pint of fuel, but many owners empty
the fuel tank before running the carb dry for storage.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

For the odd tree limb, a recip saw is a much safer and easier
weapon.

You can get a good reciprocating saw and a pack of
pruning blades and all you need is a high quality drop cord.

It will NEVER fail to start and is generally, MUCH
safer for the average person to use than a chain saw.

For under $200, you are business for many years.


Nancy Young wrote:
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Steve Barker DLT" wrote

That is...... IF your car will start.

Heh ... too bad chainsaws and lawnmowers aren't more like
cars, I never have trouble with cars. You turn the key.
Vroom it starts.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

wrote

On Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:34:49 -0400, "Nancy Young"
wrote:

I'm thinking I'd like to take out some large shrubs this fall.
Before I do the unthinkable and purchase an electric chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Do you see gas in the primer bulb? Pump it several times, close the
choke and pull. It should at least pop and try to run. If you have
carb problems it may not really go but it should pop. You could try
squirting a little gas right in the carb but that is really what the
primer is supposed to do.
If you think you have flooded it, go the other way, open the choke,
open the throttle (squeeze the trigger and lock it open) then pull a
few times. If it was flooded it will eventually get back to a good mix
and run a second.
If still no pops you probably have a totally fouled plug or the
magneto is bad.
I am terrible about using old gas, not running it all out and all that
stuff but I can usually get my weed eater and chain saw going.
I may have to run it for a few minutes at partial choke to get the gum
oout but in a few minutes they are fine.

One thing that does go bad are the little fuel hoses around the carb.
It will usually be dripping gas. They sell them bulk at the lawn mower
repair guy, pretty cheap by the foot and you don't need much. Take in
some of the old hose to match it up. There are several sizes.

BTW best way to sharpen the chain. Get a chain saw stone for your
Dremel tool. It takes about 5 minutes to make a chain like new.

More great information. Thanks. It would be nice to be able to
take out the occasional shrub without having to call a tree guy, you
know?

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...

I'm thinking I'd like to take out some large shrubs this fall. Before I do
the unthinkable and purchase an electric chainsaw

An electric saw would work just fine. I have a good one that cost about
$100 and gets used once or twice a year. But how about a hand-powered tree
limb saw? Not the kind you'd use on a woodworking bench, but one designed
for tree limbs. They're even cheaper. The kind I'm familiar with have a
curved blade.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 1:28*pm, Pat Barber wrote:

You can get a good reciprocating saw and a pack of
pruning blades and all you need is a high quality drop cord.

It will NEVER fail to start and is generally, MUCH
safer for the average person to use than a chain saw.

For under $200, you are business for many years.


For occasional use, you can go the cheap route at Harbor Fright for
around $35.

Jerry

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 8:57*am, "Steve Barker DLT"
wrote:
get a good length of chain and pull the shrubs with your car. *Cutting them
off will not kill them.

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

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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).
--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Flatus Johnson" fj@nonet wrote in message
...

remove the plug, spray some
starter fluid into the plug hole, quickly reinstall the plug-- then repeat
the helper spraying the air cleaner while you pull the starter.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Flatus Johnson" fj@nonet wrote in message
...

After that, try get someone to spray some starting fluid (ether) at the air
cleaner (or remove it and spray right into the air intake) while your
pulling the starter.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

Are you under powered? Do you have a short bar? We have just the chainsaw
for you. She will love it, and beg you for more. She won't be able to keep
her hands off your pull rope. One quick pull, and your chainsaw will roar to
life, with power and vigor. You'll keep going for hours and hours. Just call
1=800-xxx-xxxx or click on this ad!

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"BobK207" wrote in message
...

Gas chainsaw can be a pain especially if you hardly ever use one.

But typically electric chainsaw are woefully underpowered & have
rather short bars.

I have both elecric & gas but I've kinda solved the gas maint problem
by sharing a chainsaw with a guy who uses it much more often than I
do. When I need the gas saw working, I just give him a call and he
drops it off in a few days.

The electric one (in ~20 years) has never failed to start and I use it
maybe once a year or so for a few days at most.

I "inherited" a 12" electric and have used it on some fairly large
trees. If I had bought it I would have gone bigger 14" or 16".

When you buy your new saw, get an extra chain so you'll always have a
sharp one ready.
Electrics are underpowered so a sharp chain is important.

wrt to maintaining for gas chainsaw......once (if) you get it running
and use it..... When you're done using it, use the gas up or dump
it out and then run the saw dry. Leaving liquid gas in the saw is
surefire way to gum up the saw and make it not start.

cheers
Bob

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

Get an electric car.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Steve Barker DLT" wrote in message
...
That is...... IF your car will start.



s

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"john" wrote in message ...

Pardon me for interrupting..

Why don't they have fuel valve? It would be quicker and less wasteful to run
dry the carbuerator than to run dry the fuel tank.

In case of cleaning up storm damage (e.g. fallen tree), a gas chainsaw may
be more handy because the power may be out due to the storm.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

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.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Pat Barber" wrote in message
...
For the odd tree limb, a recip saw is a much safer and easier
weapon.

You can get a good reciprocating saw and a pack of
pruning blades and all you need is a high quality drop cord.

It will NEVER fail to start and is generally, MUCH
safer for the average person to use than a chain saw.

For under $200, you are business for many years.

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 7:26*am, "Flatus Johnson" fj@nonet wrote:
"Don Phillipson" wrote in message

...





"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...

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 that
I need it, it won't start. *As expected.

No 2-stroke gas-powered tools should be stored
with gasoline inside. * (They should be run until dry,
i.e. until they stop from fuel exhaustion.) * The various
chemicals in the gas/oil mixture gum up the carburettor
if sitting there for months.

Good quality chainsaws run for decades if maintained
OK. * You must decide whether it would be cheaper for
your planned task (and future needs) to have the gas chainsaw
serviced or buy a new electric chainsaw.

If you stored it with gas in it, it's gummed/varnished up. Cheap/quick fix
might be spraying the carburetor with choke cleaner-- especially if you can
get inside.

After that, try get someone to spray some starting fluid (ether) at the air
cleaner (or remove it and spray right into the air intake) while your
pulling the starter. If that doesn't work, remove the plug, spray some
starter fluid into the plug hole, quickly reinstall the plug-- then repeat
the helper spraying the air cleaner while you pull the starter.

Next time, drain the gas and let it run dry ;-)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

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

Harry K

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

On Aug 27, 1:04*pm, "Don Phillipson" wrote:
"john" wrote in ...
Why don't they have fuel valve? It would be quicker and less wasteful to
run
dry the carbuerator than to run dry the fuel tank.

A fuel valve would add weight and another component
to require cleaning and perhaps repair. *Most chainsaws
hold less than half a pint of fuel, but many owners empty
the fuel tank before running the carb dry for storage.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

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

Chainsaw question, file under clueless
 

"Nancy Young" wrote in message
...
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 that
I 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 chainsaw
which I think will just start when you plug it in, any suggestions
why the thing won't start?

Be nice. (laugh) I'll take down all suggestions and try them
before I give up on the gas chainsaw. Just planning ahead.

nancy

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