I will try to answer eveyone's question and clear up a few things.
The only thing modified on the saw is the exhaust. This is minor and has been checked out (nothing rattles).
The crank was replaced as an assembly with a bearing and rod in a new case. The seal came with it already together in the case. There was no change after this was put in. I think this rules out the air leak in the seal crank area
The problem is subtle? Yes, if you are running the saw without muffs it is more difficult to detect, although I can hear it and feel it and so could the last guy working on it. Subtle yet consistant. What I mean is it happens every time I run the saw within minutes. It will begin normal then start to act up.
Lets say you are humming, then change your hum a few octives lower, then it goes back to the original hum, then back down a few octives back and forth. All along, the thickness of the log is the same, no change in down pressure on the saw and no change in throttle position!
I am still not sure if a pressure vac test was performed, so I will call my local dealer to see if he can do it. The last time I had the saw to him all he did was play with the carb adjustments.
We have checked the fuel tank vent and looked for a kink in the fuel line, all seem OK.
Thanks to all who have offered their thoughts, Any more?
Jim