work chainsaw won't start cold after tune

[moneymak3r]

I just replaced the crank seals on a work saw and tuned the manual Walbro carb perfectly when it was hot.
But today, trying to start it cold was a disaster. I flooded it, it smoked like crazy, died, and now won't restart

I pressure tested it fine, so no major leak. Was my tune just too rich, or is something else wrong? Also, the air filter is pretty dirty, could that mess up the tuning differently when the saw is hot versus cold?

 

[hunting1]

Also, the air filter is pretty dirty, could that mess up the tuning differently when the saw is hot versus cold?

Definitely clean or replace the air filter and retune. If it's dirty, it's starving for air and running too rich.

 

[Leon Couper]

Was it your carby you pressure tested cause I always pressure test the carby after
a rebuild. If it is flooding bad cold be in the needle valve area.

 

[Alan]

Sounds like checking that filter and taking a closer look at the carb could really save you from a lot of trouble down the line. Thanks for sharing this very helpful troubleshooting advice.

 

[Brandy4lex]

If it’s flooding that easily on a cold start, your L screw is probably too far out. Even if it idles perfectly when hot, an over rich low end will flash flood the crankcase the second you pull the choke
try leaning out the L screw by about 1/8th of a turn and see if it stops the smoke and die routine

 

[Leon Couper]

Another thing if you have flooded it bad you will have a crankcase full of gas
you will have to get rid of as well. Plug out and pull it like crazy.

 

[LogLife]

Yep, that's the classic move. Gotta clear that crankcase first before it'll fire up.

 

[Paul]

Be careful pulling over a flooded saw with the plug out.
Ground that plug wire securely
I usually turn the saw upside down and crank it over

 

[Alan]

Looks like you got the full checklist of flooded saw rituals, tune it, clear it, and don’t zap yourself in the process. Solid advice all around.

Be careful pulling over a flooded saw with the plug out.
Ground that plug wire securely
I usually turn the saw upside down and crank it over

Great point, it's really important to make sure that wire is grounded. Appreciate the reminder.