Resident chainsaw experts?

[duff]

I bought two AV31 Stihl chain saws when I bought my house. The old guy said he couldn't get them to run so they were mine. Figured that was awful nice of him...Anyways I got one running after I added some gas and about 15 pulls. I ran about a tank through it but had to keep the throttle pegged. If I let off it died. I imagine the carb is the culprit but don't really know enough to fix it.

Any suggestions on where to start?

Another question, the pull rope on one of them no longer retracts. I can take it off and rewind the rope but it lost it's lost the spring. Any advice on fixing that?

Thanks, Duff

[danf]

Don't look at me, I about fell out of a tree today while running one. Don't ask, I'll leave it as a STUPID mistake on my part and I'm lucky I'm walking.

First one sounds like the carb needs to be adjusted. Best bet is to take it to a pro if you don't know what you are doing. Have them tell you what's wrong and get an estimate first! I know enough to get in trouble on those, but that's it. Have you checked the air filter/cleaner? Check that, and change the spark plug before you take it in anywhere.

The second one, well, get a new recoil spring. Send any young ears off to grandma's house and have fun with your vocabulary while you are installing it. ;D ;D

[Deleted]

I'm not a resident, but have got a few old motors running.

First, try some Sea Foam if you think thay have gas build up in the carb. It'll help clean them out. Most of them you can take the bowl off for a quick look see if you have gunk build up in there. Run the Sea Foam through there if you do.

Second, try a new spark plug and new gas mixed to the proper ratio to see if it will help, if not.....

Third, most small engines that won't stay running will require a new ring job because they have low compression. If that's the case. you'll have to decide if it's worth the time and money to do so.

[duff]

Thanks. I will see what happens. I don't have anything invested inthem at this point since they came with the house but wouldn't mind having one backup plus I can use one for the parts to keep one of them running. They are both bigger then my husqvarna so it would be nice to have a bigger bar for some of the trees I need to cut up.

[parrothead]

That Sea foam is good stuff I run it through my trucks and everything

[whiteoak]

031's are pretty old saws, but they are good old saws. If they have been sitting without being used for quite awhile I would replace the fuel line and filter. Check the impulse line for cracks, rebuild the carb with a carb kit. There is a great chainsaw forum call arboristsite.com. Go to the chainsaw board and do a search for a Stihl 031. You can spend days learning about your saws and the members there will help you out.

[duff]

Grassyass. I'll check it out.

[danf]

AS has grown a bunch since the early days. Dad and I are both still members, though I think it's been several years since I made any posts.

If you need help with the saws, those are the nutjobs to ask! ;D

[duff]

Talk about a bunch of tree huggers...not sure if I fit in over there!!!! Just kidding guys, great site with lots of info. Thanks!