High idle and lean running? Quick saw fixes

[Vexmark]

You fire up the saw, and it roars to life, but the idle is too high, and it runs lean, almost like it’s trying to shed some weight. Before you start swapping out parts, what quick leak checks, gasket tips, or easy fixes do you rely on to get it running smoothly again?

 

[sharpedge]

I went through the same issue with my old 362 idle was really high, it was running lean, and I was ready to point fingers everywhere. A quick check of the carb boot and the gasket sorted it out. Those little leaks sure know how to cause big problems.

 

[choppychuckle]

Mine acted up like that in the middle of a cut once sounded both angry and underfed. A quick intake leak test and some tweaks to the carb got it back on track.

 

[sawitcoming]

Pulled the cord and right away the idle shot up and it was lean everywhere. It turned out a cracked intake boot was the problem. Some field leak checks and a bit of love for the gasket saved me from swapping parts unnecessarily and a lot of frustration.

 

[Ken Green!]

if you really want to fix saws, grab a Mityvac. you can block off the intake and exhaust with a piece of old tire inner tube and see if the crankcase actually holds pressure
if the needle drops, you’ve got a leak. it'll tell you exactly what's wrong

 

[Alan]

if you really want to fix saws, grab a Mityvac. you can block off the intake and exhaust with a piece of old tire inner tube and see if the crankcase actually holds pressure
if the needle drops, you’ve got a leak. it'll tell you exactly what's wrong

Agree, @Leon Couper made that recommendation very clearly also in this post.
https://chainsawtalk.com/threads/wh...ay-more-than-expected-this-year.658/post-3497

 

[STIHLTECH]

In the shop, we see it quite often. The customer bought the aftermarket carburetor with the fuel line and sparkplug. When I see that, I ask for the original parts. Fix the vacuum and/or pressure leak, reassemble with the OE parts. The saw runs like new.
The VP test is a must before replacing parts.

 

[Paul]

Agreed Tech!

 

[Alan]

In the shop, we see it quite often. The customer bought the aftermarket carburetor with the fuel line and sparkplug. When I see that, I ask for the original parts. Fix the vacuum and/or pressure leak, reassemble with the OE parts. The saw runs like new.
The VP test is a must before replacing parts.

Another brilliant tip. This kind of insight is super valuable for everyone in the community. I really appreciate you sharing it.