chainsaw issue

[Super Steve]

Ok so don't laugh, I'm working on a Poulan chainsaw for a neighbour. He took it in a couple years ago to a "mechanic" to get "serviced", it sat for a bit after he got it back then when he needed it, it wouldn't start.

We are going to cut some wood this weekend and he would like to use his rather than potentialy wrecking one of mine which I'm fine with.

So I had to replace to fuel line for starters, got it all primed again and firing, strong spark, everything seems fine. I can get it to run for a about 5 seconds then it seems to run out of fuel. I don't have a manual so I'm just shooting in the dark on this saw. I played with the carb a bit but can't figure it out.

Any ideas?

P.s. I tried to get his wife to buy him a new one for his birthday a few months ago and she came home with a weedwacker instead
 

[Greenday]

diaphram in caburetor bad
 

[Bret4207]

Fuel filter and a carb kit to start with. You sure you got the fuel lines hooked up right and it has flow?
 

[Russ from MN]

Did you try opening up the high speed jet? A lot of people set them to the recommended setting and expect them to run, doesn't necessarily work that way.
 

[showcrop]

I had the same thing with my husky a couple years ago. I was going to order a carb kit but a whole new carb was approx. $26.00 so it was a no brainer to replace the whole carb.
 

[Michael Soldan]

...he did dump all the old gasoline out and replace the plug before he attempted to start it..?.....9/10 thats what it takes
 

[JOHNNYfromMI]

Check for plugged up spark arrestor, that is the screen in the muffler.
 

[mechanicfred]

Had the same type of thing happen to me. Turns out the fuel line had rotted and was cracked inside the fuel tank causing it to suck air. Replaced the fuel line and problem was solved.
 

[Roger in Iowa]

My Poulan did something similar. Found the seal behind either the flywheel or clutch had moved out. Would not draw thru the carb. Put it back in place. Runs fine.
 

[LJD]

Could be many things. One common problem with saws -especially if they've been used with a dull chain - is a plugged filter INSIDE the carburetor. I'm not referring to the pickup filter in the tank. The carb has a small fuel screen and I've had unplug many. Dull chain makes saw "dust" instead of chips. That fine dust gets in the fuel - and easily gets past the tank filter and plugs the screen in the carb.
 

[JF in CT]

I had the exact same issue with a weed whacker. Turned out that when I replaced the fuel line I switched the input line with the return.
 

[c frank]

Are you using 100% Gas? If not that"s more than likely your probable cause. 10% ethanol Kills small engines.If it sets over 30 it is bad.
 

[jon f mn]

WHAT??? Surely letting him use your saw would not result in it coming back broken! Some would say you are being selfish by not insisting that your good friend use your saw.
 

[Super Steve]

He did put new fuel in it when he tried to start it the other day, then I dumped it out and replaced the fuel line, filled it with fresh fuel again which is where I'm at now
 

[Super Steve]

This was his choice, I was sitting his garage making plans to cut wood with him in my bush thisweekend and I asked him if he wanted to use one of my saws or would he like me to see if I could get his running, he said try and get his running and if I can't then he will just use mine