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My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle down

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Bob (So ME)

10-22-2003 17:20:42




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Have low use Homelite 360 and Super XL that were running well but both will not idle down. They rev way up. Sometimes they idle down when I sit them down but as soon as I rev them up to cut they stay revved up. The external adjustments don't change a thing. Any leads on what I should do - don't want to blindly tear them apart.




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Bob (So ME)

10-24-2003 14:19:21




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Thanks guys, sounds like we are onto something here. I will go after it with the good leads.



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Slofr8

10-24-2003 08:04:24




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Hi Bob,
I agree that it sounds like an air leak. The first place to look would be your gas line. When it gets old it will have small cracks that you can see when you stretch it. I would change the gas line and filter, then check the insulater block between the carb and block. Then check the crank seals like the other post said. A carb kit is cheap and might be a good idea too.
It could be other things but this is best (cheapest) place to start.
Good luck. Dan (No Me.)

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norco

10-24-2003 02:44:02




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Sounds like you got good advice. My vote is: 1) air leak in the rubber boot, then 2) make sure of the oil:gas mix ratio. Lots of older saws get burned out using the modern lean ratios.

As for using the old saw or getting a new one, my vote is use the old one. My 350 usually runs a 20" or 24" bar for sawing dried Eucalyptus. I wore out a 1990s Poulan and couple of Macs but the 350 is still running. [When things get really tough I get out the old Titan.]

I posted elsewhere, but the 350 oiler is not putting out. Everything in the pump looks good. All passages are clear. All new oil lines. No gall marks, no scoring etc on the pump parts. O-rings look good & are pliable. Got a schematic, and it looks like all the parts are there. Same chain oil I've used for years.
I see the pump is directly in the crankcase. It looks like some sort of rotary cammed piston pump, but does it work off crankcase pressure? First time I've seen this kind. Does it have to be timed to the crank? Somebody please help! I've got wood to cut!

Thanks much
"Oil-less in Norco"

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spud head

10-23-2003 20:49:21




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Sure sounds as if you have an air leak. Make sure the carbs are tight against the cylinder, a loose carb could cause the problem. Next check the crank seals by starting the saws and spraying starting
fluid around the both ends of the crank seals, if the saw gains in rpm's, it is sucking air around the crank seals. Hope it's just sucking air around the carb, that's an easy fix.



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BillW

10-23-2003 15:38:56




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  

Bob
On your 360...Joe (Wa) has my vote. The rubber 'boot/connector' P/N 12058C will fail with age. You should also check the anti-vibe rubbers, particularly the one behiond the bar. If it gets torn, the excess travel pulls on the 'Boot'
PS: I have both in stock and the boot
Depending on the # of hours, the SXL may need tightening of nuts holding the cylinder or in extream cases the throttle shaft in the carb may be worn enough to leak air. Also check the 4 reed valves under the carb. They may have become cracked. Thanks
Bill Walcott
Marysville KS 66508 785-562-3539

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Bob (So ME)

10-23-2003 15:13:31




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
To all you helpful guys - a big thank you. Now I have a game plan of attack. I'll do a lot of checking and try the suggestions one-by-one.



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Joe (Wa)

10-22-2003 22:43:20




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Hi Bob, I have a couple of 360's. the problem you describe is usually a vacuum leak in or around the intake boot between carb & engine. Link is pix of the boot and no they are not "rare" as stated but can be hard to find. Normally sells for $15-20 but check both ends for leaks before you put out the bucks for a new one. Joe

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kjm

10-22-2003 19:41:39




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Bob, Check for a loose carbuter(vacume leak)



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AIR LEAK treeboy

10-22-2003 19:38:19




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
all things adjusted right, then its usually an air leak,,most likely between the carb & jug,,is the rubber items looking dry rotted?? or you could readjust the carbs: back the idle screw off, set both high & low at spec.(11/2i think on these) start saw ,warm it up, then turn high in till saw still has a slight miss (not screemin), now turn low till you get an even "revup" saw should still idle back down & poss.die . set idle back up a little til saw idles.. this is a two person job if your not use to it, NOTHING more dangerous than a wide open chainsaw held with one hand, while ya got a screwdriver in the other,be careful,, my advise ,if ya cut lots of wood retire these two classics & buy a new 044 for christmas

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allan b.

10-23-2003 00:34:24




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 Re: Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle in reply to AIR LEAK treeboy, 10-22-2003 19:38:19  
another thing to check since it is rather coincidental is, what is your oil to gas mix, if you are running with too little oil, it will run much leaner and faster. so it wouldnt hurt to pour out the old gas, all of it. and get the correct specs from a homelite dealer. it just seems unusual for it to happen to two machines. i have been cutting for 12 years, it could also be dry rot on a vac hose. but always try the easiest thing first. another thing is to change the fuel filters inside the gas tank. just make a hook out of wire and pull off old, and slip on new one. just dont let go of the gas line tubing. it couldnt hurt to change if you havent done it in a while. hope oll this helps. i also believe there is a usefulness to chainsaws , especially if you use them alot. the new ones are so fast and they have more safety features. my stihl now has a chain brake that stops the chain as soon as you let go of the throttle, plus the other two chain stops. well anyway good luck.

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allan b.

10-23-2003 00:15:30




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 Re: Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle in reply to AIR LEAK treeboy, 10-22-2003 19:38:19  
another thing to check since it is rather coincidental is, what is your oil to gas mix, if you are running with too little oil, it will run much leaner and faster. so it wouldnt hurt to pour out the old gas, all of it. and get the correct specs from a homelite dealer. it just seems unusual for it to happen to two machines. i have been cutting for 12 years, it could also be dry rot on a vac hose. but always try the easiest thing first. good luck.allan b.

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Mac

10-22-2003 18:29:17




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Might want look inside the shell and check the throttle return spring.



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RWK in WI

10-22-2003 18:08:07




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
On my XL and super XL saws when some dirt / sawdust gets in the handle it tend to bind the throtle linkage. Takeing the plastic cover off that is by the air cleaner and cleaning well with carb. spray cleaner and blowing out the long handle usually clears the problem quickly.
I hope this helps you.



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Timv

10-22-2003 17:33:58




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 Re: My two older Homelite chainsaws won't idle dow in reply to Bob (So ME), 10-22-2003 17:20:42  
Bob: I know this probably isn't what you want to hear, but these saws were notorious for not idling. I've used most of the early Homelites, and currently own a 240. It will idle, but not well, and I've never yet seen an XL or Super XL that would idle properly, even when they were new. A carburetor rebuild MIGHT help, but I doubt it.



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