Quick Tip #3 - Chainsaw Impulse Lines

A quick tip on how to check for a defective impulse line on your chainsaw.
Visit my channel for more repair videos;
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[@artemusdee]

After a very discouraging encounter with the local Stihl dealer, who wanted $70 just to tell me what might be wrong with my saw, with repair estimate possibilities nearing half the price of a new saw. I took my saw home and started taking it apart myself. I found this cracked impulse hose on my 1996 024 Super, a fine little German chainsaw. The impulse hose and the carb kit were $35 and my little screamer runs like a champ. Thanks Dony.

[@andrewkeene6429]

Every time I watch one of your videos I learn more about the features of my older Stihl chainsaws. Using the impulse line tip and intake boot tip I fixed my 028 WB so that it now runs better than ever. Thanks again for all the attention you pay to these great saws.

[@TheLimbReaper]

No problem. I know you put a lot of time and effort into producing videos. They may not always pique my interest in every case, but they are always appreciated.

[@bigtexas7580]

This is very true regarding the impulse line. I have an fs90r and an fs130r. The fs90r purrs like a kitten and runs stronger than the fs130r, which obviously is supposed to have more power than the 90. I installed a new carb and fuel line kit on the 130, tried to adjust it and it runs ok but erratic. Turns out the impulse line was cracked and not providing the vacuum for the carb diaphragms to work like they're supposed to. Replaced that impulse line and now the 130r runs like the 90r. Awesome vid!

[@wrayjordan8315]

Great tip! Really not much of a decision once it’s torn down to replace questionable boots and lines! Your videos are always spot on!! Wray from Ohio

[@jrp1346]

You even use proper English, grammar, and sentence structure. You are one class act!

[@ml2trick]

Nice job on video.Nominated you today.I have been a Marine,Small Engine Mechanic for 30 years and you make nice videos.You help a lot of people out.

[@RealManSkills]

Thanks for the information! I have been doing more and more 2 stroke repairs and this all helps me know what to look for.

[@Coloredeggfarms]

Nominated! You have a great channel and are very organized and make it easy for us to search for our problems with our power equipment. Keep up the good work!

[@milltek2]

Hi DonyBoy73, Just nominated you. Yours have to be some of the very best instructional videos available anywhere. Keep up the good work!!

[@donyboy73]

thanks for watching, greetings from Canada

[@obscur156]

Wow thanks for that quick tip,that was exactly my problem on my Makita DCS340. Merci beaucoup Don,j'apprecie enormement ton travail et le partage que tu fais. Sharing is caring .Thanks budy. Best regards.

[@MowerMan]

Cheers Dony I got my echo blower working this week thanks to your videos. Many Thanks

[@aj9270]

just nominated you Dony ! I really enjoy your videos and have picked up quite a few tips too !

[@srkitheone]

I live in a village near Ledinci. I must admit that I learned a lot with your videos.

[@erdalcoban3367]

Thanks Dony. It is very helpful.

[@Patrick4959]

love the knowledge Donyboy73 thanku for the heads up its a really important part to look after the Outdoor power equipment old or brand new to avoid problems down the road when using them in the middle of a task for example cutting the logs of wood safely and cutting the grass clearing leaves with the leaf blower and trimming hedges with the Hedge trimmer and clearing snow with the snow blower or what ever as the common problem but a different model or unit that :)

[@dennisspottedwolf1019]

answered several questions Donny.....thanks ;)

[@TOMA21207]

Just sent nomination. Keep up good work. You're the best dony.

[@fototropism]

wow! simple video, simple problem. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. very helpful brother

[@VintageOutboardMan]

very good tips dony! keep making these fantastic videos man!

[@Southernshaker]

what is an impulse hose? great video, thanks for your time.

[@havenmeesteryakan2015]

Hai Dony thanks to Your vid I just repaired my 024 , the impuls line had come of on the engine side,I have thinkert a lot on other brand,s whom all had the carb direct on the cilinder with no impuls line like this Thanks Man!

[@splash5974]

Do you remember what your symptoms were? I just picked up an 024 and its starts up fine, but as soon as you try and make a cut with it, it just runs out of power and dies...

[@HaraldFranzen]

Nomination done and thanks Don for your work and sharing it!

[@TimBarney]

Your videos are tops! I nominated you for youtube's "On the Rise" channels.

[@donyboy73]

thanks!

[@fdort3971]

Timothy Barney how do you nominate someone or agree with your vote please?

[@TimBarney]

F Dort youtube is no longer taking nominations.

[@AJlostinthewoods_]

Love the info buddy, respect your knowledge

[@donyboy73]

hopefully it will help out in your future repairs

[@dejanira2]

Yo, you on the rise and nominated too!!! I enjoy your videos and have no problem nominating!

[@srkitheone]

Nice video. I follow your video clips from Serbia, they are very good.

[@reddogroad1]

excellent video! I want to change the impulse line on my Stihl 026. Which parts should I take off so that I can gain access to the line? I would also like to check the carb boot while I am at it. Thanks for the videos, they give me the courage to do my own repairs.

[@johnclarke6647]

Loss of impulse pulse in a two cycle can be a intriguing problem. I have a used Stihl HS 45 that I picked up last week that has a similar problem. Normally I would just replace the impulse hose in normal routine maintenance if the saw indicated it was loosing fuel flow but the HS 45 has a stand-off isolation block used as a channel for the impulse pulse. My carb and fuel lines are pluperfect, so it is not them. I have two Zama C1Q carbs and I have swapped them out with the same results. It has to be the isolation block. I will check it out, today. Your thoughts? The hedge trimmer will run but only for a second or two, based upon how much I primed it.

[@donyboy73]

i have seen many cracked impulse lines on those, worn out crank bearings and seals too

[@jakesnake_27]

Great video, stihls are definitely the best!

[@LawnWolf]

I just sent a nomination for you for the On The Rise program. Hope you get it Dony.

[@pennypingu]

How come you make such awesome videos dude

[@kevat310]

Nomination done! Good luck, and keep up the great vids! Kev

[@panchogonzales6409]

thanks i fixed my chainsaw with your advice, I am not cheap but, I hate to take my tools formaintenance and many times they "fix" them wrong.

[@donyboy73]

thanks James

[@tedkapanjie6038]

Donny Boy, my Stihl 025AV had symptoms of a leaking impulse line,, hard to get the carb adjusted and it dies if the saw is inverted, I replaced it impulse line and have not yet tested it as I don't want to anger my neighbors on Thanksgiving. I have examined the old line and intake boot. Nothing obvious in the way tears. I I replaced both. I did pressure and vaccum test the impulse line and it does not hold pressure or vacuum after 7 minutes. I think there is a very small leak not like what you showed in the video. Is a small leak enough to cause issues?

[@dagwood64]

Just nominated you. Thank you Dony!

[@gregcbn5795]

Is there a vidio to show how to get off the impulse hose (the end that goes into the cylinder). I can see it in there but no clue as to how to get back in there to disconnect. It appears even too tight for needle nose pliers and I have disassembled much of the saw but can't seem to seperate the trigger/handle from the cylinder to get back in there.

[@havenmeesteryakan2015]

Same problem here ! on a 024stihl How do i thake the damm thing apart and visa versa

[@vajake1]

Thank you. I looked up Jeremy Fountain. Good information, but I much prefer your channel! Please keep up the good work. Also nominated you.

[@43sd133]

Hi Dony, I have a STIHL Super 039, I have this same problem you talked about. I have rebuilt the carburetor and the saw will not run properly or I cant tune the carby. I can get it to run, but the saw idles rough and bogs down when I give it some gas. I have also clean the arrestor filter in the muffler. I have another saw 029, and this runs great. I placed this carby on the 039, and it still wont run properly. Can you offer any other suggestions to try and get the saw running. Thanks

[@oldtree13]

fantastic videos, pl show taking off main handle housing bolts

[@donyboy73]

thanks for your time

[@markomarkovski6809]

i have old stihl 011 AV chainsaw, i do not know where impulse line goses, one end of impulse line goes to fuel tank and other end goes to where? or should be simply sealed with a screw?

[@thomascourtney1409]

Great video. On an 028 AV Super, with the filter cover removed, what is the tube called that is on the left side just above the master switch. I can't seem to find it on any parts diagram. Mine fell apart (disintegrated). It had small set screws inside both ends blocking the line.

[@pigsticker561]

That sounds like the fuel tank vent tube.

[@calasmallorca1183]

Hello from Europe! I bought a second hand Sachs Dolmar 111 3 months ago. The day I bought it It took a bit to start it but started and looked good. After that day it was imposible to start it again. I put new gas, changed the spark plug, clean and rebuilt the carburetor, and clean exhaust. After that the chainsaw would do a start but within 3 seconds it would stop again. I gave up. This week I had some time and decided to try again and surprise, it starts perfectly!! I tried a couple of days and no problem at all. The question is; Do you think it may have something to do with the temperature or humidity?

[@timthetoolman4575]

My vote is in. REALLY enjoy your videos. Do you have one on the Lawn Boy/Toro "personal pace" system and how it works? I have one I will be tearing into in the spring. It seems like the drive fails to dis-engage even when engine is not running? I have not torn into one yet as mine is brand new, but I bought a used one as a project. Too good of deal to pass up.

[@Four40SixPak]

impulse line is the same id as a fuel line , can i just bypass this mess and use a standard fuel line? and will a carb boot for a 034 / 036 fit a 031? only ones i can find fora 031 are expensive and 034 aftermarket ones dont look much different.

[@TheHeadlessHorseman]

Just sent a nomination. Thanks for the videos

[@kipparimies]

Hey, is it possible to change the impulse line on stihl 023 without disassembling the whole saw? I just tried to take off the orange parts and was wondering how the intake boot comes off the orange plastic parts...

[@SteveRobReviews]

Would it be possible to make a jig to attach to the front of carb to presure test the whole system if you do a lot of these. Nominated you for sure.

[@billkrause4585]

I like these TIPS ... Thumbs Up!

[@EarlMantis]

Thanks Donny I will send the video as soon as possible

[@johnclarke6647]

When I rebuilt my Stihl 029 for the third time I put a new impulse line on it. Later I had to replace the coil because it was bad. It ran great for a week or so, even after I replaced the coil but all of a sudden it would not idle. It cranked and ran great at high speed but at idle - it died. I could think of all kinds of possibilities, seals, carb and other things that could cause it not to idle but I felt it had to be something simple. . I started wondering if it was the impulse line? Did it get partially unplugged when I put the new coil on it? Yes, it had about 3/16 of an inch, so I push it back on the fitting and put the saw back together. It ran and idled like a champ, so that was the problem. I decided if it gives me anymore problem I will remove it , clean it with break cleaner and put it back on with 1184. If able I will also put a small cable tie on it to make sure it stays on the fitting.

[@alestevane8456]

donyboy great videos do you happen to have the size of the spindle for stihl 060 iam traying to fabricate the spindle with out the crank shaft

[@howseleslie]

Thanks Dony. Was hoping to see you take it down, so we could see how far we have to tear the saw down to get to it. looks like both top covers, air filter, handle, carburetor, and we can get too it.

[@bbkmm1]

I have an Echo CS-600P. I cleaned the carb due to hard starting even when new. Now, the saw starts well. However, it dies slowly in 5 seconds when idling. Low idle is at 1.25 turn out. I checked the intake boot, fuel line, and impulse line. All like new. Any recommendations?

[@MrGalenlcox]

Thank you so much for the information!

[@charlesmills6169]

hat is the impulse line for,ive been working on my saw,so for i cant seem to get it going,i poppw off the flywheel and roke a fini ordered a new one and it hasnt got a key,looks like ill have to buy another.thanks

[@donyboy73]

yesn a leak down test, jeremyfountain may have a vid on it

[@donyboy73]

yes make small metal plates and a liner of rubber for the intake and exhaust

[@vilsonpinto7718]

would you have a Picture from the all Tee fuel lines setup going to fuel bulb and etc. my saw is a STIHL MS250 year 2005, with could/EASY start (bulb fuel) I toke it indo a "dealer" and he disassembly and was not able to put together. I Just need a Picture from behind the carburator to ser these hoses and "T" hose connection. thank you

[@EarlMantis]

Great Video Dony. I have the same exact chainsaw and had the carb kit replaced. It ran fine for a little while but now when I start it it seems to idle fine and then when I give it some throttle it dies out. Could this be the problem? I can send you a video later if it will help. It was my grandfathers chainsaw from the 1980's and i'd really like to get it running perfect again.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Bob!

[@johnbladykas4454]

What did you use to clean the impulse tube?

[@zyplex1]

Dony, just wondering if you could replace that impulse tube with a regular fuel line ? Which might be a little more flexible. Thx for the great info.

[@monsterkhaos9292]

Hey I got a quick question I got a McCullough. Mac 4600 chainsaw and I've noticed I've had to switch all the fuel lines especially the pulse line but the one problem I'm having is how can I get down in there behind the case and the motor to plug the pulse line in there's no way you can get down in there you got a video on how to change that on that saw

[@ta65mail]

Great tip , thanks!

[@donyboy73]

thanks Liam

[@donyboy73]

thank you sir!

[@warriordriver350]

Whats an impulse hose ive never knew what those are / what they do??

[@JIMO415]

Hi there Dony, great videos! I came across your channel after getting a good deal on 3 saws, an 011AV, 024AV and an 036. I have gone in and done lots of needed cleaning and inspection on each unit. The 024 had a running issue I tracked down to a bad impulse hose just as you have here (fast idle that could not be turned down and intermittent idling, falling flat on revs). The pressure/vacuum testing vid was helpful on that! The 011 is good to go. Question on the 036 though: The clutch was run hot and cooked the bearing and it ate crankshaft. I assume that needs to all be replaced. I see after market kits out there. I worry about quality. Are there brands to consider safe or do you know of any to stay away from. I paid up buying Sthil branded hoses for the 024 repair. Was that necessary? Are there good sources you can recommend to buy decent quality parts (OEM or aftermarket) from so I can thoroughly restore the 036? Crank kit, gaskets, hoses ect... Thanks!! Jim

[@greendts]

Voted and praised you and your channel

[@donyboy73]

thanks Patrick

[@phmedes]

Where do you buy your carberators for stihl. Bought a cheap one off amazon and was not pleased

[@JOEZEP54]

I have a craftsman 16” 36cc ---06118D20933. It starts up ok but bogs down when I start to cut. If I hold it tip pointed up & cut that way it runs fine. After cutting for a few minutes I can cut holding it level. But it will start to bog down again. It is not leaking any gas. Does this unit have an impulse line? Thank you

[@justicepilot09]

He dony, I have an o34 that wont start. I replaced the carb and that didn't work. Checked for spark have reasonable spark, however i counld not get it to fire on starting fluid. Tore down the saw and performed a vacuum and pressure test and it held10 psi. No leaks at impulse line or intake boot. Could the plug be malfuntioning when installed?

[@droidrazor873]

Random question: is there a good way to get light rust off the inside of a gas tank? I got an early 70s 3hp brigs im trying to bring back to life. I was thinking about using CLR and drying thoroughly

[@justanirishlad]

This vid is perfectly clear - same app and OS.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Good standard item to always check, T.U good Vid Don.

[@donyboy73]

thank you!

[@johnforsyth8414]

I have a stihl 025 which stopped running after the winter. Put fresh fuel in and won’t start. Cleaned out carb & still won’t start. Can get it to run for a few seconds with starting fluid. The original vent tube is full of fuel? Would that prevent starting? Also do you have a video showing how you disassembled that chainsaw to access the impulse line?

[@donyboy73]

thanks richard

[@bismarckcro]

Hay donyboy nice video, but can you explain purpose of impulse line and how its work?? Can not find any vid. on youtube about that. THX

[@greasyHands66]

The purpose of the line is to transfer the vacuum created by the piston to the carburetor in order to suck fuel to the carburetor.

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

Thank you Jose, that's good to know.

[@donyboy73]

thank you sir

[@donyboy73]

thanks Jesse

[@lawnboyfreak]

Sent my nomination Dony!

[@cankiller1000]

Thanks for the help

[@trmdito]

Sent your nomination, hope u win!

[@markshiflett7966]

Do you think it is good practice to change all fuel lines when you do carb kits?

[@noellwilson1273]

Good info but - I watched your videos on the STIHL 017 clutch & oil pump area and ordered a double handful of aftermarket parts and spares. Still no chain oil. Yesterday I ordered an oil pump. Today I wish I had considered an impulse hose and intake boot even though they aren’t connected to the chain oil system. How about a list of likely soft parts and parts that are likely to need replacing? For those of us willing to try aftermarket parts, the cost for extra parts is not much compared to multiple part orders.

[@donyboy73]

thanks man!

[@donyboy73]

thanks Randi!

[@gcarson19]

Anyone who has saved even a few dollars following Don's advice should take the time to nominate him! I gladly did!

[@thanxx]

Thanks for all your videos mate. you truly are the Oracle of all things STIHL :)

[@donyboy73]

thanks for watching!

[@thanxx]

donyboy73 No worries. within the space of four days ive fixed my 028,my ts400 and rebuilt the carb on my fs410 all thanks to your vids.

[@trmdito]

At my request for help you answered if the spark had "spark" yes it does. I put a new one, cleaned the carburetor and it did not work. Made sure it had compression, also confirmed the relay under the bowl works. The motor is a Kohler, s/n 3603332093, spec sv590-0017 Courage. Please advise, and thanks for your help

[@marvinthompson3839]

I'm trying to find the part number for an impulse line on a 028wb Stihl chain saw, model year 1979.

[@donyboy73]

thank you