Chainsaw question

Ok, not totally engine related, but here goes. I was on a cleanup job, and someone threw away an older Craftsman chain saw that had strong compression and spark. I took it home, and discovered that it wasn't getting gas. It would fire on the first pull using starting fluid, but would die immediately after. Found out that the pickup tube in the gas tank had broken off. It appears to me that I cannot replace the tube (a $.10 piece AT MOST) without completely tearing the whole engine apart. It seems like shame to junk what appears to be a perfectly good saw because of a tiny bit of rubber tubing...has anyone here ever had to do that? Any suggestions on how to fix it? The engine has a Tillotson diaphragm carb, and the tube passes through the body of the motor housing into the gas tank. Tried to pull it out in hopes that I could slide a new one in, but no luck. Any advice?

Thanks...

Chris

I just went through this several days ago with a Poulan chainsaw. The gas-resistant clear fuel line I got from my small engine parts wholesaler was "Tygon" brand. I forced it through the grommet into the fuel tank, and then snagged it and pulled the end out through the gas filler hole. There is a weighted filter that plugs into the end of the gas tank end of the hose, and is able to swing freely in the tank to whatever side is "bottom" when you hold the saw at an odd angle.

After plugging the filter into the hose, I then pulled back a little, out of the tank, so the filter was able to swing without tangling, and then cut the line to length, and connected it to the carb.

Is this anything like how yours is set up?

Bob -

The gas line for my saw goes into the body of the saw, and from there it goes into the gas tank...kinda hard to explain without a picture. I tried to pull it through the body, but it's either stuck on something or designed in such a way as to not slide out, although I can't imagine why. I may just keep on trying to pull it through the body, because if I don't, I'll have to chuck the saw.

Chris

Chris

Split the case of the engine and see if there is a clamp holding the fuel line. It will be easier to replace the line once the tank is out.

If not, throw it away.

Jim

Chris, From 1978 - 1994 I worked on Homelite and Husquvarna saws in a dealorship, as well as trade-in's I would not have a clue what your fuel line looks like but I would go to the sears web site with your sears saw number and look up the part.. if it's cheap enough buy it and when it comes you will have a better plan of attack! Most of the rubber lines have a molded on grommet and the straight walled lines, both clear and black fit in a tight drilled hole or a grommet.. A small guage tag wire is what I used to drag the new line through with a lot of care and a little grease.. hope this helps.. Randy Hart Ohio

Go to sears site and get service and owners manuals - an investment well worth it. they will give you the replacement procedure. Those older sears saws worked well! Andrew

[dennis1960]

I just replaced a line on an old Craftsman last week. Most of the smaller saws were made by Poulan. The hose I had was not rubber but was hard to push through. It has to be tight so the gas doesn't leak from the tank. You can go to www3.sears.com and put in the model for a parts list. You can then make sure you have the right hose. Also, when you cut the hose make sure it is longer than you need. You can then cut it at an angle so it is easier to start.