Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): McCulloch Chain Saw, high octane fuel, bp stations

Question
I recently purchased a used chain saw (Mac 3200)that is about 10 years old. I can get it to start with some difficulty and it runs high for about 5 seconds and quits. This happens repeatedly. It does not respond in any manner when I squeeze the throttle. Nothing is obviously broken or clogged.

Answer
KEN

A long time span of weeks between startups will cause ANY two cycle engine to be hard starting. Fact is: It may not start at all. ALL gasoline will go sour with enough time. One other thing is that 2 cycle engines run and idle best on high octane fuels.
Use the highest octane fuel (94 or higher) when mixing.
Regular fuel is 87 octane. Not good for 2 cycle engines.
Most stations have 94 octane fuel.
BP stations have high octane fuel. I've seen some with 97 octane.
Be sure fuel has no added ethenol(alcohol) Also there is a very good chance that the fuel line that runs up through the handle has cracked. I have seen a ton of these saws with this problem. The fuel line either cracks right at the tank or it cracks in the handle. The crack doesn't have to be large...a small crack won't leak much fuel but it will create enough pressure loss to prevent the carb from pulling enough fuel.