Old Homelite won't pull gas into carb

[ipoosk]

Hello everyone,

I've been fixing up an old Homelite XL2 and it has a VERY hard time pulling gas into the carb (freshly rebuilt HDC). Once it finally pulls the gas up (which I've only gotten it to do twice), it will idle and run just fine but when I turn it off and try to restart, same problem. I've replaced the fuel line, checked the filter and made sure the tank vent was clear but it would be awesome if you guys could offer some other places to look. Thanks

p.s. I'm a total chainsaw noobie so go easy lol

 

[igpoe]

Hello everyone,

I've been fixing up an old Homelite XL2 and it has a VERY hard time pulling gas into the carb (freshly rebuilt HDC). Once it finally pulls the gas up (which I've only gotten it to do twice), it will idle and run just fine but when I turn it off and try to restart, same problem. I've replaced the fuel line, checked the filter and made sure the tank vent was clear but it would be awesome if you guys could offer some other places to look. Thanks

p.s. I'm a total chainsaw noobie so go easy lol

All things considered, you might wanna just start over and beg, borrow, steal an ultrasonic cleaner to really clean the old carb. You may even need to remove the welch plugs. Closely Examine all moving parts and their expected function for reliability to perform. Kinks in fuel or vent lines. Don't just check the filter, toss it. If everything is the way it's been engineered to be,it will pull gas and run...................unless the pulse is weak, as in low compression. No tester? Put a few drops of motor oil on top of the piston, wait a couple minutes with the top of the piston level and try again to see if it will pull gas and fire-up. If this helps to any degree, your compression is low. Just a few ideas, not promised to help!
Igpoe

 

[ncfarmboy]

That reminds me of my Dad's 44 Husky putting mix oil in the cyl. Saw had been sitting in the barn for 15 years no gas in it thankfully. Would not start. I pulled on that thing til it almost went in the pond. Then I remembered my 2 stroke mentor had told me about putting mix oil in the cyl. Did so fired and ran on 2nd pull. Been running great since. A little off topic but a reminder.
Shep

 

[dsell]

I had the same problem on a Homelite Super EZ that had a fuel tank full of varnish. You will need to take the plugs out, soak it overnight in Chem-dip, run wire through the holes, and most important - replace the check valve. The check valve has to be ordered separately. Double check the spacer gaskets and diaphragm placements against an exploded view of the carb. It was the easiest starting saw I had after I got it right. A spray gun cleaning kit is nice to have for this project.

 

[weimedog]

Every old Homelite I ever got into needed fuel lines replaced right from the carb to the fuel pickup filter...every one. Most needed carb kits as well. SO before I do any analysis I just assume that and..replace everything rubber in the fuel system on any old Homelite that I actually want to run. Period. (A nice ultrasonic parts cleaner would help I bet with the carb! A local gun shop lets me drop my carbs in theirs...)

 

[dsell]

Below is a link to the manual and exploded view of the HDC.


http://wem.walbro.com/distributors/servicemanuals/HDCseries.pdf

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Almost every Homelite like yours that I rebuild needs duckbill valves. Yours should have one sticking through the side of the fuel tank up toward the top. It lets the tank take in air. If this is stopped up it makes it hard for the carb to suck in the fuel. You'll also need one on the end of the hose in the the oil tank up toward the cap, it helps pressurize the oil tank. Those two little things make a world of difference in these saws!

 

[ipoosk]

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it! I couldn't get access to an ultrasonic parts cleaner so I just boiled the carb in water for half an hour (not sure if that's bad for it haha). Anyway, that must have removed whatever blockage was in the carb because it fired up in about 6 pulls :hmm3grin2orange:. Now time to go sharpen the chain and try her out

 

[igpoe]

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it! I couldn't get access to an ultrasonic parts cleaner so I just boiled the carb in water for half an hour (not sure if that's bad for it haha). Anyway, that must have removed whatever blockage was in the carb because it fired up in about 6 pulls :hmm3grin2orange:. Now time to go sharpen the chain and try her out

Resolve to persevere! Determination is the answer.
Igpoe