Correct. The 290 I sold would not stay with the 028s that I now have remaining. At one time I owned five 028s but sold three of them. All their new owners like what they have. Heck, if they didn't, I told them I would buy the saw back and throw in another twenty dollar bill.
Looks to be in good shape. Add a little rust remover to the muffler and rub it down with an abrasive. If it has compression, it will likely be a good performer. Clean it all up, make sure it has a good spark, and report back.
If it had no compression (say less than 105 psi.), it would not be running at all and no carb adjustment would save it. If the seller said it was a runner, then your compression is likely between 120 and 150 psi. Hold the saw by the pull cord handle. If it fails to fall from it's own weight, you likely have enough compression to operate and run. It's a rough test but surprisingly accurate. I have an 026 with a 18" bar on it, and it will hold. I have an 024 AV with a 16" bar on it, and it will not hold. It's also short on power.
Late to the thread and beginning to read through it. It's a nice thought, but you might have that part wrong...
