Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dynamark chainsaw wont start, briggs and stratton, recoil starter

Question
I have a Dynamark Chainsaw that my neighbor sold me about 6-7 years ago.  I think it's about 20 years old but I'm not sure.  It just won't start and I've tried Gumout etc.  I even took it apart to get at the carburetor.  I cleaned it thoroughly with spray cleaner to no avail.  Still won't "turn over" at all. It as an "on/off" switch and I'm wondering if that could be the problem.  Any way of checking that?? I was thinking of buying a switch and just replacing it. What's the chances that it's just this simple switch??

Answer
Nick have you checked for spark? Before you go out and buy parts you should check everything to make sure you know why this equipment wont start. I would check for spark then fuel and then air.This is probably the most common problem you are likely to encounter. The cause is very often the same - lack of maintenance.

Note that the assumption here is that it cranks - the crankshaft rotates in a normal manner but the engine never catches. Some larger (Briggs and Stratton) engines may have a low-oil cutoff switch which will stop the engine if the oil level is inadequate. However, this is not likely on a chain saw.

   * In the case of a recoil starter, you are able to pull on the cord and the crankshaft and the chain bar rotates and it feels normal but the engine does not start. If it feels like nothing is encourse, if the cord breaks, then the problem is This is probably the most common problem you are likely to encounter. The cause is very often the same - lack of maintenance