When I am using my Dad's old 044 (30 years old?) to cut firewood (dry P-Pine, we have a lot of bug kill) it sputters when I force it just a little through a 16-20 inch log, if I squeeze the throttle a few times it clears up and runs to finish cutting the block off. It has set for a few years. Has fresh fuel. What can I do to correct this problem?
Inexpensive to start with and most likely needed on that old of saw is a spark plug. Check air filter. Play with the carb screws IN the cut!
Don't forget, SHARPEN THE CHAIN!
As stated, I always start with the basics. Fuel, spark, breathing. Give it a fresh everything. Adjust the carbs, and if that doesn't work, I'd be looking at cleaning the carb before moving on from there. Today's fuel is the worst, and carbs get gunked up when they sit for a while. I always put Sea Foam in my fuel, which really keeps the carbs clean.
put a carb kit in it
Carb kit, new fuel & vent lines, new filter and plug. We're not talking about a lot of money here....just the basics. Non-ethanol fuel if possible. If you don't run the saw a whole lot, consider that box store gas that's sold in bottles/cans. That's the best out there at present other than aviation non-ehtanol fuel.
Kevin
Related.....non-ethanol fuel is not available near me. An online search showed that the closest fuel station to me that has non-ethanol gas is 93 miles away.
Then back to the canned gas (expensive). Or make the drive. OR, tune with ethanol and have canned gasoline on hand and flush out the carb when done. The GOOD (inexpensive) solutions are few (if not existing)! I would like to know what ultimately you decide on AND the outcome, in time.
And have a carb kit on hand no matter what. They are inexpensive and you might need it!
Older 2 cycles like #2 low lead Av Gas a lot. I run all my 2 cycles on it with either the Husky or Sthil 2 cycle mix or Belray MC1.
I forgot to mention that a Carb tear down and clean is mandatory for this saw AND i consider this a requirement on all my small engines once a year. Carb kits as required. But if it hasn't run for a few years a carb kit would be definit task to get done ASAP
Are you running wide open in the cut, you should be, don't cut half throttle.