Stihl 023L Question...

[MPC01]

I just picked up a used 023L(Low noise) saw thinking it would be nice to use around the yard w/o upsetting my neighbors  and I have to say it is very quite when it works.  However,it's a bitch to start, floods easily and dies after cutting in wood.

The saw appears to have had little use for its age, has great compression, all original parts (as far as I can tell) and a cylinder with no scores; but there is some carbon/oiling building up on the top of the cylinder and judging by the oil/carbon in the muffler, appears to have ran a little rich.  

I dismantled and cleaned carb and jets but kept the gaskets and metering diaphram as they all appeared to be in good condition. I also ajdusted the L and LA screws to specs and fine tuned to where everything sound good when I got it to start but then it cuts out when cutting into wood (right after the cut is made). I ordered a rebuilt kit to replace everything but I wanted to order a new carb.  The 023L has a Walbro WT-396 carb and I can't find a replacement, substitute or even a cheap aftermarket anywhere.  Can anyone recommend another carb for this saw?   The 023 uses a WT-215, which is readily available.  

Which brings me to my next question:   Does anyone know if it would be okay to swap out the carb with a WT-215 and change out the muffler with one for the 023?  Other than that and the air-filter, I'm not sure there is a difference between the two.

I found a similar thread on another forum but the author never followed up with a success or fail report.

Mark

[Tacotodd]

If you've got everything in place to compare (linkage hookup and and size/fit) then I don't see why it would not. If you're just comparing numbers and such, I DON'T know. 

Sorry to be so vague, but that's what I've always had to do for my "experimentation". 🤷

[MPC01]

May have to give it a shot.  Thanks!