Craftsman Chainsaw

[69cad]

I've been lurking for about a year while I had some problems with a Briggs genny that had been under water due to Hurricane Sandy.
Now I'm having problem with a craftsman chainsaw.
model 358351900 serial 10095d300426
Purchased 2010. A few months ago I replaced the fuel lines and also switched over to opti 2 oil mixed 40-1 using premium. Was running fine but I did have to raise the idle a little. Just changed plug to champion rcy7y per manual ( it had a torch r7 from new). Also checked spark with tester and by grounding.
Now cant get it to run. I have the carb adjustment tool. Sears can not give me baseline carb settings. The original manual is no help.
Do you guys know what carb this chainsaw has and or any other suggestions? I am going to get some fresh fuel right now. ( the fuel I've been using in this, my weedeater and my blower is only about 2 months old and has ethanol shield in it. Everything else has been running fine) Thanks, Bill

[KE4AVB]

Before you adjusting the carburetor let's see what might be going here.

Does it start with fuel added to cylinder or though carburetor throat?

If doesn't fire this way then>
1>The spark arrestor be clogged with carbon.

2>It be a loss compression from cylinder damage. This can be checked by removing the muffler and looking at piston and cylinder through the exhaust port. Heavy scoring of either will cause a loss compression hence no start condition. If no scoring is seen then is the piston ring struck? You should move it a little when probed.

3>or could ignition related.

If does start with fuel added then you have carburetor related problems.

The baseline carburetor mixture screws is 1-1/2 from bottoming out. Note these stratus carbs will probably require several turns out on the H speed needle but this should be done with the engine running. These stratus carbs needs to be adjusted richer than the old carburetors due to their design.

[69cad]

So its a Stratus carb? I've already taken off the spark arrestor. Did not remove muffler but did turn it over with plug out seams to have compression (blew rag off) Did not fire with fuel put direct in chamber. Going to try again with fresh gas( just got some)

[Deere2me]

So its a Stratus carb? I've already taken off the spark arrestor. Did not remove muffler but did turn it over with plug out seams to have compression (blew rag off) Did not fire with fuel put direct in chamber. Going to try again with fresh gas( just got some)

No, it's NOT a "stratus" carb! It's a Zama W26. " Stratus " refers to the induction system ( air induction, stratus charged, etc.)
Pull the muffler and check the exh. port. Ya might wanna read my thread " A word about 2 cycle handhelds"

[69cad]

Thanks, had not heard that term before.
Just put new fuel in. Screws 1 1/2 out. Still no go. Checked fuels lines again, ok. Plulled plug .025inch gap, has light spark in daylight.
Still no start

[KE4AVB]

So its a Stratus carb? I've already taken off the spark arrestor. Did not remove muffler but did turn it over with plug out seams to have compression (blew rag off) Did not fire with fuel put direct in chamber. Going to try again with fresh gas( just got some)

At least what I understand as being one.

As for compression this saw will barely run at 100 psi; anything lower and it will not start. This Craftsman is basically the same as the Poulan Pro 4218AVX. The 530071884 cylinder is a non-plated version using a NCC (Nickle Ceramic Coated) piston. This cylinder is easily damaged by carbon deposits.

There is an upgraded NCC cylinder version that can be installed but it will required a different piston that is non-plated. Due to cost you may not wish to do this but I do have the part numbers if you wish to do so as I have already done it to a PP4218AVX here with any problems. I was will to this as it was an one year old saw and it is for my own use. The conversion costed around 80.00 + shipping; prices may have changed since I brought my parts.

530071885 Cylinder NNC cylinder
530071882 Piston Non Plated.

[69cad]

Ok took muffler off. Cylinder and piston look real nice and shiny no scoring. Tried to start with muffler off, started right up. What could that mean? Put muffler back on without a shield that surrounds the mounting screws and minus the spark arrestor. still runs. Hard to start. High idle screw seams to have no effect, blew it out with carb cleaner.

[KE4AVB]

I don't think the is cat muffler so you should be fine. May have a slightly struck ring that got loosen when you took the muffler off. As for the hard starting and not able to adjust the h speed you probably need a new carburetor. They are just about as cheap as a carburetor kit. Here to one that has free shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/111356093285?lpid=82

Also while your at it check those cylinder mounting on the bottom of the case they sometimes loosen on their own and will cause problems. If loose torque to 110-140 in lbs.

[69cad]

Thanks for the help. I am also going to replace the air filter. I just done using to cut up some branches. Ran fine with no air filter and muffler gutted. Tomorrow I will ck the case bolts. I was looking at them but did not think to see if they were tight.