HELP! Stihl 041 Carb Problem

[Jacobs]

I have a Stihl 041 that I purchased new in 1980 and it has been a great running saw with little maintenance until recently. I started having a problem with it loading up and flooding when idling after running it with a heavy load. Whenever I let it idle down it would stop running and was impossible to start. I would then have to remove the spark plug (it was dry) and blow compressed air into the chamber, it would then start right back up w/o choking. I installed a Tillotson brand carburetor kit, but I’m still having the same problem. Also, if I start it up cold and just let it idle, after a few minutes, it’ll start to slow down from running too rich and then clear itself out. Then shortly afterward it’ll start to slow down again from running too lean. To keep it from stalling, I have to sit there and keep adjusting the L screw back and forth to keep the mixture correct. The screws that hold the spacer on under the carburetor are tight and have never been out so I don’t think there is any air leakage there and besides that wouldn't cause it to flood out. I’m sure it’s a carburetor problem but don’t know what to do. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[pioneerman]

Before you put in the new carb kit, did you clean out the carb with cleaner and blow it out. You could still have some dirt in it if you didn't. When you put the new kit in, you will have to check the metering lever to make sure it is set at the right height. On tillotson HU or HS carbs the lever should be flush with the diaphragm chamber floor. If this lever is not set correctly you will run either too rich or lean. Also on some HS models, the metering lever hooks into the metering lever. If it does your metering lever will have a small slot on the end away from needle, and the diaphragm will have a place for it to hook into.

 

[GASoline71]

My old 041 (awesome saw BTW, wish I still had it!:bang: ) was havin' some of the same problems a while back, even after a carb rebuild. I replaced the impulse line, it was cracked. Problem solved... for me anyways. Hope this helps out a bit.

Good luck.

Gary

 

[Lakeside53]

Pressure test your carb (via the fuel hose inlet). The seats wear on the inlet needle. It should hold pressure "indefinitely" if the seat and needle are in good condition. If not... it's easier to find another carb than try to fix it...

 

[Jacobs]

Thanks everyone for your input! I removed the carb for the 100th time and checked the two allen head screws under it. They weren't what I would call loose but I was able to tighten both of them an additional 1/3 turn. After reassembly, it ran MUCH better. It's not like new but I guess I can't expect that out of a 26 year old saw. Evidently when it was cold it let just a little air in the gap leaning the mixture and after it heated up the gap closed up making it run richer. Next time I'm near a dealer, I'll pick up new gaskets.