McCulloch ProMac650 Choke hardly moves

[Yubi]

Even though the carburettor is only loosely screwed on, the choke lever is difficult to move (see video). As can be seen in the video, the choke lever can be flexed very strongly and really has to be pushed/pulled with force. Of course I don't want to risk breaking it because they are quite rare these days. I somehow have the feeling that mine is a little bent too. Can someone in the know confirm to me whether this is all normal or what I need to do so that I can operate the choke smoothly? Is this possibly installed incorrectly?

For my standards it is screwed on too loosely in the video. Unfortunately you can't see it well. By tightening the screws a little more of course the choke moves also harder then...



Oh yes and something else. There is no sealing ring on the spark plug like I usually see on chainsaws. Should that be the case or should I just get a new one with a sealing ring?

 

[heimannm]

That is pretty typical for the choke on those saws. Often times if you can get it to run briefly on choke the vibration helps the choke lever move more easily as you push to open it. Those choke rods may be scarce in Europe but they are plentiful on this side of the Atlantic. Have a close look at the choke shutter to be sure it is not bent too badly, it should lay flat against the carburetor to get a good seal for ease of starting.

Many McCulloch saws use a DJ8J or DJ6J spark plug with a tapered seat. There is no gasket or sealing ring used. Many other brands used spark plugs with a tapered seat as well, not so unusual on US made saws.

Mark

 

[Yubi]

Thank you @heimannm for your reply.

So it is basically a weakness due to the old plastic which allows the choke rod to flex and therefore makes it hard to move or is mine bend?
Getting any parts for this saw in Europe is a nightmare as there are only a handful McCullochs around here.

Thanks for the info with the tapered seat on spark plugs. Makes sense.