Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman chainsaw, piston damage, loose bolts

Question
Hi,I have a craftsman chainsaw, model 358.351081. I was having trouble starting it and keeping running. I adjusted the mixture screws and it was ok. After leaving it for awhile it just doesn't want to start without considerable effort. I checked the carburetor and found it to be loose, actually the carb adapter. Got that tightened, and since I haven't used this saw in a while and had the carb out, I cleaned it inside and out. I removed both covers and sprayed carb cleaner in all the holes. The holes looked good to start with. I removed the needle and wiped the seating surface, sprayed cleaner in there also, but did not look to see light in the hole. I reassembled everything, then noticed the fuel line may have been kinked by the throttle cable, fixed that. I now can not get the primer bulb to fill up with fuel. I removed the bulb, put the tubes in gas and pressed the bulb, it filled up with fuel, repeated to remove air. After reassembling I pressed the bulb and it pretty much emptied. How do I prime the fuel system? I can get the saw to run with starting fluid momentarily. I considered replacing the spark plug, but I don't think that is my problem, since I see spark. Your reply is greatly appreciated, thanks

Answer
Your problem is definitely air/fuel related, but you must first
look for piston damage, as that would end the quest right there.

Remove the muffler and look at the piston and cylinder, and tell me what you see.
The loose bolts are common on these saws, but tightening will not
fix the problem, as the gaskets likely have fallen apart.  And the system will suck in air there, and not through the carb, and starting and running will be difficult at best.

Take a look at the piston, first, and tell me what you see.