Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poulan Chainsaw, fuel line, fuel filter

Question
QUESTION: Hi John,

I just bought my Poulan chainsaw last year and it worked fine. I just tried to start it up and it would not turn over at all. I put new gas/oil mix in at and I noticed that there was no gas being pushed in the the carb through the primer. I took that off and cleaned it out and now gas it getting primed. It will now start for about 10 seconds then stop. Do you think I have a fuel line problem? I took the fuel filter off and tried once to start it and it still would not start. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks.

ANSWER: Yes, most likely the problem is fuel related, and likely the carb
will have to be taken apart and cleaned.  After a few months, today's fuel turns to sticky varnish and causes all sorts of trouble.
But let's step back for a second.  The "primer" on these units
does not really "prime", or squirt a shot of fuel into the carb throat like a lawn mower, but they purge the air out of the fuel system by pulling fresh fuel through the carb, and making it easier
to start with the choke.  If you had the primer off, there is a good chance you may have the lines switched, and be your only problem now.
Also, the fuel filter is weighted, and needs to remain on the end of the fuel line.  
    If that is all back to the way it is supposed to be, you may get by by adjusting the mixture screws "richer" and running a bit
until the fresh fuel has dissolved some of the varnish, and then
readjusting to run.  But the newer saws have tamper resistant
adjustments which may preclude that, otherwise, carb disassembly and cleaning out is in order.
  Get back to me, {if possible}, with the model number, and I can
be more specific.

Thanks,

Fish

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

Got it going with your advise! How ever I can not keep it idling after I mucked around with the mixture screw. Is there a way to know the default setting for the screw?

Answer
Not knowing which model you have, I will tell you how most carbs are set up.  There are 3 different screws, the mixture screws usually have plastic "limiter" caps on them, the other, is the idle speed adjustment, which turning in clock wise, will increase the idle speed.

  The mixture screws, are a different story, let me know what saw you have, and I can go into more detail.  

Thanks,

 Fish