Craftsman Chainsaw: How to replace carb and fuel lines

The customer complaint is that the saw won't start. Oh sure it probably ran fine last time they used it but that was when Reagan was in office. I'll show what needs to happen to get your saw running again. #smallenginerepair

[@cesatquintanilla8273]

Hey boss i had a chainsaw in the basement that my father had neglected over the years, fule lines where broken and found you video very helpful . Orderd a cheap carb kit on amazon and was able to run the saw with no trouble. Tha ks a bunch for your help , caftman chain saw was out of commission going on 18 years . Runs like new

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good job on the repair!

[@pacman407]

I appreciate the walk through. I was given this chainsaw by my father who couldn't get it running the following season. He messed up the fuel lines so this got me through the repair. A new factory carb, fuel lines/filter, spark plug, air filter, and your video and this thing fired up third pull. Thank you so very much.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@chuckbarrigar3000]

Thank you my friend !!!!! because of your video . I was able to get my chainsaw working . But god dam the fuel line hose were a pain in my ass to re connect . Found chainsaw on the side of the road . $ 25 00 later working brand new . Again thank you

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good job on that repair!

[@gabrielciotti2564]

Love it. Great video. To the point and concise. I was going to take my saw to be repaired but now I feel that I can fix it myself thanks to your video. Thank you.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good luck with your repair!

[@EmeyMendez]

Wow, You make it looks easy. I had 2 Puolans, and none works, I feel confident, I can make them work now with this easy to follow video. Thanks so much

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@byronhoon9879]

Thank you for getting back with me I then figured it out it has a pulse fuel pump on it through the intake. No primer bulb needed

[@davidthomas381]

I just did. Thanks so much for the video. Followed it step by step. Chainsaw started right up. 👍

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good job on the repair!

[@davidthomas381]

It wasn’t that bad

[@brianbrink1421]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@dkat1108]

Thanks a bunch I have this exact chainsaw and its a super reliable chainsaw. I was not sure if I could do the new lines and hate tossing a great chainsaw for $4 worth of new lines. I was a little confused as to what lines were what inside the fuel tank now I know nice!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good luck with the repair!

[@dkat1108]

@@TheGreasyShopRag I did it and it works great just like it used to it even starts faster 2 pulls "bam" thanks your video made me way more confident.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@dkat1108 Good job!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Another Great Video Scott, Thanks! If you are around tomorrow I'll be doing a Christmas LIVE stream and Mick's Mowers will be doing his annual Christmas LIVE extravaganza! We would love to have you on panel as we consider you a vital part of the world-wide small engine family!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I'm honored. Unfortunately I'm scheduled to work tomorrow but I'll be sure to watch it afterwards.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

@@TheGreasyShopRag no worries you are always welcome!! Happy Holidays!!

[@brianbrink1421]

Excellent video. Exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@davejensen7258]

Great video, saved me a ton of money and time! Thanks!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@1996xjchris]

Thank you. All the other videos cut out how the fuel lines were hooked up.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@mattg8825]

Perfect video thanks for exactly what I needed to see

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@killer2600]

What’s the value of this antique? I’m surprised someone would pay a shop to repair one of these. It doesn’t even have anti-vibe or a chain brake.

[@duaneraymond4252]

Greasy, thanks for this, man. The fuel lines degrade too quickly. Sincerely, Duane - from Trinidad, West Indies.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@songsfromthelord888]

Thanks for all the helpful info, greasy shop rag 🙂 Remember that God loves you 🙂

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@arniekalnins9544]

Really good video! I did the same repair, but i just cant get it to start. It will start with starting fluid, but not without. Its definitely getting fuel to the carb too. New replacement carburetor as well

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Is it possible that the fuel lines are on wrong?

[@arniekalnins9544]

@@TheGreasyShopRag no, there’s clearly fuel going through the carb and returning. Strong spark, fuel to the carb, but just won’t run without the ether

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@arniekalnins9544 If you're certain the lines are on correctly then open the hi and lo screws 1/2 a turn and see if that does anything for you.

[@A1rsoftKid]

The red and blue plastic limiter caps that go over the carb adjustment screws fell to the floor when you removed the black adjustment screw cover. Is that needed? I assume it's needed to prevent them from being turned too much? Great video by the way.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

We have to replace all limiter caps at the end of a repair. I don't always show all those steps. No, they are not needed and as a homeowner you can leave them off.

[@A1rsoftKid]

@@TheGreasyShopRag Gotcha! Thank you. I guess they are there to prevent one who is not experienced from shooting themselves in the foot.

[@BobJohnson-i6v]

Great video! I have the same chainsaw and was wondering what brand/model the carb was, as I need to do the same thing.

[@Boxycar79]

How the heck do you push through the smaller fuel inlet hose through the gas tank

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Cut a long taper on the fuel line or drill the hole out to accept the new line you have.

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

Have the exact same saw. Just bought used a week ago. Its my first saw and using for Halloween and cutting logs for firewood. Tested when I bought it and worked and sounded peefectly fine. Loosened the chain mechanism and released the chain and took off. Found it odd i couldn't turn mechanism the other way to tighten the bar back down. Left it and put cover back on. Start saw up and when i go to rev it, whines super loud. Engine reving but a very odd whine. Any idea where i messed up or what i need to do? TIA!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Is the chain on the sprocket properly and tight?

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

@TheGreasyShopRag chain is currently off. Was testing it with chain off. Removed cover. Turned mechanism to loosen chain. Took chain off. Could not turn dial mechanism to tighten bar down. Put cover back on. Turn on and run. Whine while engaging trigger

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

@TheGreasyShopRag Figured it out. I'm a idiot. Had the bar positioned to far back and was preventing the chain catch from spinning which caused the strain and whine.

[@nonamodzelesky7601]

Thank you. I was going crazy. So I have the right carburetor but wrong housing. Ugh!

[@w6qd]

I take it Husqvarna makes that saw seeing that you replaced the carburetor with a Husky? I had the same question as @powerup9895, wondering if it was worth fixing the saw considering bench time and the cost for the carby. Kudos to you and your shop in working with the customer and keeping a perfectly good saw out of the landfill.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Yes Husky makes a couple saws for Craftsman. They are also the parent company of Jonsered, Redmax, Poulan and McCulloch chainsaws.

[@filoIII]

Just found a guy selling a new Craftsman S185 for $170. I have a couple of 16" saws, and a Black Max 18". I wonder if a 14" bar will fit. A Trilink maybe. My Husky 235 is kinda a pain to take apart and try to fix, I'm feeling. ty

[@fishin360]

got the exact same one...was sitting for year in my inlaws shed. all fuel lines are toast. you think lowes, home depot or trackor supply has the fuel lines? or do you have an amazon link?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@fishin360 Sorry I have no link. We stock multiple sizes of line here and I don't know which one was used in the video.

[@JerrySandlin-s1w]

Replaced the fuel line that had actually dissolved in the tank from sitting in an attic for over 10 years in Florida and it started up fine but after running and shutting off hot it won’t restart. Any suggestions?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

If you tried to start it before replacing the fuel line then its possible some debris was sucked up into the carb. Might need to look. Besides, the soft parts in the carb are probably not soft anymaore after ten years of sitting.

[@deebee9751]

Hey bro you resemble the brawler UFC fighter Tank Abbott bro Great video by the way. Thanks for the detailed info and routing of the fuel lines.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I had to google Tank Abbott. A fine looking speciman but I didn't feel I was looking in the mirror-LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@reelsup2818]

Great video. Just curious what size the fuel lines are and where you purchase yours?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Sorry, I have no idea what size the fuel lines were. We stock about ten different sizes and I just go to the parts room and grab something close. Its all priced the same so I never care about the size.

[@anthonyfriendy3596]

morning, great video, very specific and well done. do you happen to have the I.D. of those fuel lines you used?? i have this chain saw, seems like a theme, from my dad, sitting for a while, worn out crusty fuel lines, wont start etc. thanks.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Sorry, I just wander into the parts room and grab whatever looks close. We sell all the sizes for the same price so I never look.

[@judisinger3693]

Trying to get my Craftsman 20"50cc Simpul chainsaw running. Pulled fuel filter(called "pickup" in manual) and couldn't figure out how fuel could enter as no holes and outside is plastic? When I pulled it off fuel line what I thought was "goo" appears to be lining of fuel line? Will probably have to replace line now? Probably will need new carb as gas was left in it after last use a couple years ago! Anyway, ordered new air and oil filters and should have ordered new carb. Guess I'll try just replacing filters and see what I have before I go further. Wish I could send pic of what pulled out with filter. Only way I could get it off line. Purchased saw in 2013 and only have used a few times. Had trouble early on and sent for repair under warranty and they said fuel line was broken internally which they repaired. Should be ok once I get fuel issue resolved.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I think what you discovered was a fuel line with a type of liner in it. If that carb sat 2 years with fuel in it then just plan on replacing carb, fuel lines, filter.

[@tedmiller1745]

Thanks, have a buddies to fix but the rope is so hard to pull it's almost impossible to get to try to fire. I have chain brake off and turned upside down to get all fuel out of cylinder. It pulls great with plug out. I have to see if he ran lines wrong but what else would make the pull cord crazy to pull? The muffler is clean.... Any help would be great.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

If it lets you pull a bit then jerks the cord from your hand it could be a sheared flywheel key.

[@tedmiller1745]

​@@TheGreasyShopRag Thanks. I will see if draining helped. Weird situation. I know these are toss out saws but wanted to help buddy if I could. Not gonna spend much time as the charge would be more than the saw is worth.

[@FEBob]

Thanks for the video, I need to do this but does the carb have to be replaced or can it be cleaned? Never worked on one of these

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

That really is the million dollar question. Yes they can be cleaned. Will they always work after cleaning? Nope.

[@lolcowliveclips-j2n]

Question where did you learn to repair chainsaws

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

My first job while in high school was doing maintenance on lawn equipment for a local contractor. I learned from trial and error but eventually at some point I did a mail correspondence course on small engine repair. That gave me more insight on what makes these things work. Later working for dealerships I gained factory training either hands on or online. I'm still learning.

[@legitimate_opposition2002]

Hey there. How would you go about adjusting the carb on this particular saw. I have the same one. It’s burping and wants to start but I think my idle, high and low speed screws are messed up. (It was me who messed them up) thanks a ton.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

If you gently seat the adjustment screws then back them out 1.5-2 turns each the saw should start. Explaining in detail how to tune it is a bit much for a comment section.

[@quadvloggs6876]

I'm a mechanic at a small engine repair shop around my area and I jusy did this same saw today did the whole works to it

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Ya they're pretty common home owner saws.

[@byronhoon9879]

I have a 21 inch Craftsman chainsaw someone gifted me it's in pieces and when I put it back together I can only find one hole on the carburetor for the gas line and one hole in the gas tank I put it back together the way I thought it would if it was a primer bulb it starts up for a minute and then dies

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I'm not sure what you have going on there. Do you have a model number for the saw?

[@cobra269ful]

You didn’t say which tub off the carburetor , their are two one center one upper tube ??

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Do you have the same saw? There is a line on the left side of the carb and one on the right and I explained which line goes on each of those. There were many Craftsman models made by different manufacturers.

[@mick5740]

A buddy gave me a poulan wild thibg 40cc also seems it’s same engine as the craftsman 40 cc I got. Both 18inch bars

[@HVACENGINEER94]

Have you ever come across a chainsaw without a primer bulb?? I purchased a 20 inch craftsman back in 2002. I never even opened it. I go to use it and naturally everything is dry rotted. The fuel line fell apart and it seems like it is hard plastic but yours appears to be rubber. Anyway there’s no primal bulb. I thought that was very odd.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

A bunch of small engines don't come with a primer bulb. Usually it takes 10 pulls to prime a dry carb.

[@taylorconlon144]

Please help! I got this carb kit but I can’t find the new style back box anywhere.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

If you're just putting a kit in it then you don't need a new air box.

[@bwbw9634]

The fuel line on mine was in pieces just like yours. I replaced everything as shown. The primer is working fine, it's getting gas, it's getting spark but it won't even try to start, not even the new carb and even with starting fluid. Is there something I'm missing here? It was at least trying to start before replacing everything...

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Maybe you've got the fuel lines connected wrong? Did you open the carb or replace it? Maybe the flywheel key is sheared and you have spark but its not timed properly?

[@rubena6768]

We’re did you get the air filter base mount? I purchase the same carburetor for my chainsaw. And I need the air filter you got.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

It came with the new OEM carb I ordered.

[@mkdsk101]

I can’t get the lines in the two top holes to go down into the tank because they’re so flimsy. How did you do it?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I cut a taper on the lines so they would fit then pulled them through.

[@mkdsk101]

Thanks. I just made the holes bigger. :-)

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@mkdsk101 That works too!

[@mick5740]

My chainsaw I got running now been running like crap. Took another look at the fuel filter and it cracked off. Gonna get some tygon. Is it 5/32 ? Trying to listen for it in the video am I going to need 5/32 line and 1/8?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

This sounds silly but I have no idea what size you need. We stock a dozen different types and sizes and I just grab what I need because we charge the same per foot. Sorry.

[@mick5740]

@@TheGreasyShopRag haha I hear ya man. Thanks thougj

[@ronniejervis7279]

It's the same saw l have but it's hard to see what your doing wish it was zoomed in so l don't know where the lines hook up to please help

[@straightgrain6614]

Great video. Not alot of useless talking like other channels. Simple, to the point. Any chance you know where I could find a carburetor for a Sears best Craftsman 358.356332 3.3ci ?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I don't have any better source than you would find by googling that model number.

[@straightgrain6614]

@@TheGreasyShopRag Thanks... yeah coming up with a goose egg

[@mkdsk101]

What are the sizes of each line?

[@killer2600]

0.80”x0.140” and 3/32”x3/16”

[@mkdsk101]

What is the product number to order that kit?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

What kit?

[@mkdsk101]

The carb Kit with the hoses.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@mkdsk101 As shown in the video, the carb part number for this saw is 545081885. The hoses are bulk fuel line that we had in stock. Your saw may be different and require a different carb.

[@mkdsk101]

Where can I get the lines from?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@mkdsk101 My suggestion is to go to a local repair shop with the size you need and ask if they have line. There are many different sizes and trying to buy the right size online might be a challenge.

[@wingnutcarl]

how long should the line from the primer bulb be inside the tank?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

The return line from primer bulb (the long fitting) to tank just needs to get into the tank and not fall out.

[@wingnutcarl]

@@TheGreasyShopRag can I use tygon line instead of the stock black feed line mine came with? Thanks in advance

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@wingnutcarl Yes its done all the time.

[@corylechner8303]

I have a similar Craftman 16" 40cc with hard-starting problems. You have to pull it over and over and it fires fairly often but dies. Plug is dry and tan brown. Fuel lines all appear to be fine (though I did catch that a fuel line popped off one port on the carb - I popped it back on, it ran for a while just fine, then it was again hard to start). Once it starts it runs quite well. It appears to be not getting fuel. The primer bulb appears to have fuel and it appears to pump fuel through no problem. Any ideas?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Sometimes a hard start can be as simple as the choke not closing all the way.

[@corylechner8303]

@@TheGreasyShopRag any other ideas? I think my choke is closing OK...

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I've seen weak ignition coils give these types of results but I've also seen stiff metering diaphragms do this. If it were on my bench the first thing I would do is confirm fuel line routing then open up the carb.

[@corylechner8303]

@@TheGreasyShopRag - great advice! Thank you!

[@JuggaloJacksonville]

What are you spreading the fuel line with ? I'm sure about 15k of the 16k want to know

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Help me out here. I just watched the video and didn't see me spreading any fuel lines. Maybe it happened when I got up for a beer. Give me a time stamp and I'll be happy to answer your question.

[@mrtrash3075]

i think he means the forcep pliers you have

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@mrtrash3075 Ya, forceps, hemostat, whatever. I don't know the difference. Thanks.

[@mrtrash3075]

@@TheGreasyShopRag no problem

[@Robert-n5r8d]

Thanks i was able do my gas lines

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Good job!

[@dylankrahl811]

What size fuel lines are they? Thanks.

[@duaneraymond4252]

Hey, what are the two types of fuel line diameters?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Sorry, dunno. I never pay attention to the size. I just grab what I think will work from a bulk roll selection we have. If I guess wrong then I grab something else.

[@duaneraymond4252]

OK, thanks. Off to the hardware store...@@TheGreasyShopRag

[@duaneraymond4252]

If you don't have a primer bulb, could you not just run one fuel line straight from the filter to the carb intake and start the motor by activating the choke, giving a few pulls to pull the gas from the tank until it reaches the carb and the combustion chamber?@@TheGreasyShopRag

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@duaneraymond4252I'm not sure if I follow the mechanics of your method exactly but flooding the engine with some fuel to get it to pop is a common practice...or it was.

[@duaneraymond4252]

I use that method with my Echo weed wacker. No primer bulb needed. I just put the choke on, make sure the electric switch is off, pull the starter a few times to pull the fuel through the line to the carb, put the switch on, give the final pull and she's running.@@TheGreasyShopRag

[@diehardfan173]

Mind telling me the order of the fuel lines, please!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I can't offer you any more information than is provided in the video. The routing and connections are all clearly displayed and described. Do you have a more specific question or problem?

[@diehardfan173]

@@TheGreasyShopRag yes, you did explain them, but I’m a visual person… Would’ve been nice to have actually seen the connections from the bulb to the carburetor, etc. etc.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@diehardfan173 I do the best I can to edit these videos so the repair is well demonstrated. Remember, these videos are not filmed the same way they would be if I were off the clock on my own. These are actual repairs at work. My employer allows me to hang the camera over my bench and record. He would not approve of me spending time on the clock doing closeups and staging shots. We get what we get and then I do my best to present it in a way that benefits the viewer. Thank You for watching and offering your feedback.

[@powerup9895]

Does your shop charge a min labor fee for repairs ? I just find it interesting someone would want to invest into a saw like that. I’d imagine with labor and parts it’s nearly worth replacing the entire unit .

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

We charge a minimum diagnostic fee if no repairs will be performed. Most handheld equipment repairs like the one in this video run about a half hour labor.

[@camsmith7006]

Excellent .

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks!

[@Curbsidehustle87]

Good video but get the camra closer or hold the card up to the camra

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I'll work on that. Thanks for watching!

[@계양전동공구함평점]

영상 잘보고 갑니다 수고하셨읍니다

[@joshua6212]

Great job 👏

[@matraz10]

Flush cut the line because.... because you cut it to a point so it's easier to insert into the hole. Isn't that the whole point of KZbin tutorial videos. Pointing out hacks, tricks, and tips that make the job easier. Like all the people who don't think of cutting the line to a point and fight with it going into the fuel tank. Wouldn't be surprised if hardly none of the viewers caught that.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Ya sometimes you do a task a certain way so many times it becomes easy to overlook the fact that someone watching may have never done it before. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@Donaldtrogdon-bo4bs]

It is a 20"/46cc

[@JuggaloJacksonville]

No tool specs and no close ups of where to start ? Wish I knew that I was doing like you

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

The whole deal with this channel is that the camera just hangs over my bench at work. My employer allows that but would frown on me doing close ups and other video work while on the payroll. The good news is that I'm willing to answer any specific questions you may have.

[@pabloscarpati8597]

Campeon 😊

[@puddin94]

👍😊

[@slhines7]

Thanks Ethanol!

[@mnstrtrk6666]

Stabil wouldn't do shit!! I refuse to use and sell that crap after reading the instructions Wich are really just common sense instructions tell you NOT to store fuel for more than 30 days so throw Stabil in the garbage👍👍👍

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevendarden8541]

Do you really think someone can repair their Chainsaw by watching what you're doing you can't even see anything you're doing please give me a break

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I understand your frustration. That fact of the matter is that I'm an employee that is allowed to hang a camera over my bench while on the clock. What you see is what you get because the boss isn't paying me to make videos. I know I'm able to help some of the viewers some of the time but not all of the time and I accept that. Thanks for giving me a chance to help you out.

[@kevindunn175]

⁠@@TheGreasyShopRag everything looked pretty simple if you ask me I just bought a craftsman 2.2 ci 36cc 16 inch chainsaw that doesn’t start assuming it maybe the same issue. The guy said it sat for alittle while it’s in good condition my question is do you know what kind of carb kit I may need for this? Not a rebuild kit but a brand new one? Don’t know much about chainsaws so not sure really what to look up or look for.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@kevindunn175 Start by looking for the model number of your saw. It should be three digits, a period then more digits. EX 358.352161. Use that model in a parts lookup site like Parts Tree. Once you have the original part number of the carb you can go to amazon or ebay and find a replacement carb.

[@chuckharst8676]

Terrible video. You are not specific at all or showing where exactly the lines go. What line to what port on carb? Left or right?You know, but not everybody. There are 2 ports on the bulb and two on the carb. Not really showing specific.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Well Chuck, I appreciate your input but I don't understand why you're saying I wasn't clear. At 2:18 I showed you the return line and told you it goes on the long stem of the primer. At 5:20 I showed you that I was putting the short fuel line on the left side of the carb and said I was running it to the short stem on the primer bulb. At 6:18 I told you I was cutting the line with the fuel filter to length and then I installed it on the right side on the only place left for a line. That still doesn't make it a good video but I did show you exactly where everything goes. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Dude, what part did you not understand? This video helped me put my $30 eatate sale find baxk into working order... and I didn't even have to replace anything. It just needed a great internal scrub, but the chexkpoints here allowed me to get the saw operational.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@chuckdavis5300]

I just got this saw free. I appreciate this great video. Thank you for doing it for us.

[@chuckharst8676]

I figured it out

[@DonnaSeward-m7l]

I appreciate the kind ppl who make these kinds of videos...the real lufe MVPs 😂🫡

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

And I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@BobJohnson-i6v]

Great video! I have the same chainsaw and was wondering what brand/model the carb was, as I need to do the same thing.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You'll need the exact model number of the saw to look it up.