Old Mac 120 wont start

[Diesel JD]

Hey guys, I picked up a Mac 120 awhile back that was my grandfathers saw. Sthl has tight compression, but a bad clutch. Got a used but good clutch, chain still turns while cranking perhaps I put it on wrong? Biggest surpise is that she didn't even try to start though. The fact is it hasn't been run for maybe 8 or 9 years or so, so perhaps I'm looking at a gunked up carb or something, I would think it has to be either that, no spark or something with the bad clutch causing no start. Do you Mac guys know anything about this little saw? It was his only saw and taught me how cool of a tool a saw could be. Plus since my grandfather has passed away it has a lot of sentimental value. Top handle trim saw with no brake so you can bet it will be used carefully and more of a keepsake! Thanks,
J.D.

 

[Justsaws]

Put some fuel in the tank, dial out the carb screws two turns and pull and pull. Also try some fuel through the carb as a prime and feather the choke. It might take more pulling than is healthy at one attempt. You could also pull the muffler and prime straight into the cylinder.

People say that they are hard saws to rebuild but they are no where near the hardest. If it is sentimental rebuild it. Good luck.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

They are a Pain to work on, thats for sure. You got to pull the whole thing down to the bare engine to do anything to it. The worst is the throttle wire, and the fuel lin underneath. I just pulled down a 110 that wouldnt run..found the gas tank was gummed..cleaned it, but found that the block is broken where the muffler attaches, so it it really loud.

Starts, Runs, no idle, really loud.

I threw away a complete, working mint condition MAc 140 with 14" bar, and mint McCulloch case. It was a 2 pull starter, idled for hours, revved good, but had a bad clutch. I was told it was NLA, so I gave up to easy and tossed it. I found out the next day parts are available...

 

[Diesel JD]

Its definitely not getting tossed! I did pull and pull on that thing. How's the best way to check one for spark? Stupid question I know, I've done spark check on cars and boats, but never a saw! Is a carb overhaul hard? thanks!
J.D.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Its definitely not getting tossed! I did pull and pull on that thing. How's the best way to check one for spark? Stupid question I know, I've done spark check on cars and boats, but never a saw! Is a carb overhaul hard? thanks!
J.D.

Remove the 2 screws that retain the metal retainer on the back of the handle. Then remove the plug wire from the plug, and either use a spark tester, or use a screwdriver, stick it in the boot, so it touches the contact, then get it about 0.35" away from metal, and have a buddy pull the rope. Might be easier with the plug out.

Could also remove the plug, and put it in the boot, and touch the plug to metal, and pull the rope. Look for a blue spark, with a snap sound.

Carb overhaul is easy..getting to the carb is not.