Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite Chainsaw, plastic caps, tank fuel

Question
Hi Michael
I  have got a 3850b homelite chainsaw that was given to me. It
idled fine but would die when the throttle was opened. I had it
repair about a year ago and it ran ok. Well it's spring now and It
will start with the choke on but then dies. Then it starts with the
choke off and runs for a second and dies. Then won't start without
have the choke on again. I've try to adjusting the carb screws but
there's very little ajustment. Any ideas? Can the plastic caps on
the carb screws be removed and how? Thanks Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,

You can carefully pry off the caps and discard them. The high speed mixture screw is initially set at 1 & 1/2 turns out, then adjust it to give good acceleration and top speed, while not closing the screw more than you need to.  The low speed mixture screw is set at 3/4 of a turn out, then adjust it to give a smooth idle.  Set the 3rd screw, the idle speed screw, to give a slow idle speed without stalling.
If no change, then I would rebuild the carb.  Check the in-tank fuel filter also.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael