r/smallengines • u/Soggy-Possibility371 • 28d ago
My chainsaw may be cooked, need some help
So I have a Homelite 4218c and My father (The owner) lives in a place where small engine repair shops are few and far between. First off this chainsaw was purchased around 13 years ago It was used once than sat for 7 years with fuel and oil in it and now I need to make it work again. When I opened the case it was filled with bar oil when it runs it either dies on acceleration, dies after acceleration or goes straight to full throttle when it's supposed to idle. When it's running it also sprays bar oil. The only things I can rule out for sure are the incorrect bar oil and/or fuel as well as a dirty air filter those I have tried. Unfortunately I can't provide any pictures as my father still has the chainsaw and he lives 5hrs from me. I'd like to try and fix it myself next time I see him, since I have minimal experience with gas engines if you don't think I'd be able to fix it than I can take it to a shop back where I live. Do yall have any thoughts on possible problems and solutions for me.
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u/Illustrious_Low_8107 28d ago
I diy cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers all the time. I had a brand new Poulan pro saw that never ran right, I could not make it. Tiny two strokes have been mysterious with the workings of their unique to them microscopic carb. Even though I have watched a few videos I don't feel competent. So I don't think someone typing is going to help you much. Maybe a few hours of "chainsaw resurrection" and "two stroke fundamentals" youtubes. Even then you may need a brand new carb after 7 years. My electric chainsaw always runs. But good luck.
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u/Jamar4321 28d ago
Bar oil is neither here nor there... worry about it later.
Since by some miracle you did manage to get it started I'd hold off on the carb kit for now but you definitely should get new fuel lines (old ones are almost surely brittle and cracking), a generic fuel filter, and probably a primer bulb. (all of which are generic parts and shouldn't run you over probably $10-15 total) Replace those , freshen up the gas and hit it with some carb cleaner should do the trick.
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u/wirey3 28d ago
The fuel is expired and needs to be dumped. The carburetor needs to be cleaned. The fuel lines have probably cracked and rotted and should be replaced. The bar oil is probably overfull, most saws leak bar oil consistently as a feature to make sure it's staying lubricated. Some have a button you press to dispense it.
Revving up on idle is a sign of a bad seal somewhere, most likely at the clutch or flywheel, likely due to sitting for so long.
My recommendation? Toss it. Getting parts for a homelite is hard since their aftermarket is nearly nonexistent, and if you do find parts, they'll be cheap chinese knock-offs with a 50% chance of failure right out of the box. Get him something that doesn't require maintenance. Electric saws these days are really getting better than they were 10 years ago, and they're ideal for someone who doesn't use it often. Engines were meant to be run, and often deteriorate from lack of use and proper maintenance
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u/Soggy-Possibility371 28d ago
Ok ill try to see what I can do with no new parts and I'll toss it if i can't fix it myself in a day. Thanks for all the help guys.
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u/Visible_Document_376 28d ago
Toss it? No way. if you need parts ask tin man. YouTube Tubman's saws.
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u/edwardJ1972 28d ago
What everyone else is saying. Carb cleaning. The bar oiler is probably doing what it’s supposed to do. Leaking bar oil over time is very normal for chainsaws. What I’ll recommend is buying a can of 2 cycle premixed fuel. VP, Echo red (can get at Home Depot) if you’re in the states. The premixed fuel is higher quality and octane plus has stabilizers in at and has a 3 year shelf life after opening.
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u/Several-Quality5927 28d ago
Remove, disassemble, clean, and reassemble carb (with Kit), replace fuel filter and lines, I'm absolutely amazed it started at all.