044 fuel problem

Sparky_NY · Dec 5, 2006

Got a 044 this summer and made a few test cuts with it, all was well.

Yesterday I got it out to use and it wouldn't start. The plug was dry so I decided it was a fuel problem.

I pulled the carb, opened it up, squirted the passages with gumouts, looked things over and reassembled. Now it started briefly in choke position (as normal) but dies when the choke is removed. I pulled the tank filter and squirted it with gumout and blew it out. The saw started and ran fine, idled nicely, I figured all was good. I tried it again after 15-20 minutes and it was back to the no start game!!! I picked up a new tank filter today and it made no difference. Does the normal brief start in choke position but dies quickly when the choke is removed.
I pinched off the fuel line at the carb, pressurized the line at the tank end, it holds pressure so its not cracked.

I cleaned out the tank vent line.... what is the plastic end fitting on this line with what appears to be a screwdriver slot? A check valve??

I did not see a screen in the carb, does the 044 have one?

It appears to be a fuel draw problem. I have searched and read a lot of threads but not seen anything on my questions.

The saw was running fine just a couple months ago.

PES+ · Dec 5, 2006

That is the vent(the screw slot thing)....a set screw screwed into a piece of plastic tubing

The 044 has a seperate pulse line I believe that runs to the metering diaphram cover the steel on. take off the cover and see if you have fuel in the metering chamber and check to make sure the metering lever is installed correctly and moving free on the pivot opening the needle

Sparky_NY · Dec 5, 2006

PEST said:
That is the vent(the screw slot thing)....a set screw screwed into a piece of plastic tubing

The 044 has a seperate pulse line I believe that runs to the metering diaphram cover the steel on. take off the cover and see if you have fuel in the metering chamber and check to make sure the metering lever is installed correctly and moving free on the pivot opening the needle

I'm going to have to remove the carb again and this time look more carefully. The metering lever did work freely, I squirted the passages with gumout. I searched hoping to find more description on this carb type but no good. I did NOT see a screen that is often mentioned, maybe I missed it....

I was suprised at the vent configuration.... a tube, with a spring inside ( I assume so the tube won't kink shut) and a white plastic piece at the end with what appears to be a screw in it. The screw seemed locked solid in place. My guess is that piece is a check valve of sorts, lets air in but won't let fuel out????

PES+ · Dec 5, 2006

The screen is in there in the metering in the chamber where the needle is look for a circle low spot about 3/8ths of an inch round the screen presses into this hole

Another Bucker · Dec 5, 2006

when you have it apart

When you have it apart check the impulse hose. Also the diaphragms in the carb can get hard so throw a kit in the carb. my .02 good luck :cheers:

drunkenredneck · Dec 19, 2006

Sounds like you have an air leak to me. What makes me think that is that it will run with the choke on but when you take it off it dies. Seems like when the choke is on the fuel to air mixture is close enough but when you take it off it's getting too much air from and air leak somewhere. I second the carb kit and if that doesn't fix it either an impulse line, loose intake boot screw, tear in the intake boot, or the crank seals. Just my assumption of what you've got.

Sparky_NY · Dec 19, 2006

I got it running... I found that pesky little screen, removed it and blew out the passage. A tiny glob came out at the needle end. Runs like a champ once again. Those screens are disguised very well.