Homelite Super 2 Hard to start hot

[ken8831200]

Decided to try out the Super 2 I got back together thanks to Leon's parts!

Can't really say this is a new problem as it has been this way for years but thought some of the experts might have ideas, or just a "Yea they are like that!"

Usually I can run the saw cutting wood till the tank is empty but do to the problem of a couple trees getting hung up I had to shut saw off a few times. At first it would start up and get to cutting again but finally after shutting it off one time it would not restart. 

It was a warm say mid to upper 70's day so I was wondering if it is possible the saw was vapor locking? Tried starting without choke and also with but would not even try to start. 

I did not check for spark as I was getting tired and took the easy way out and just grabbed the Poulan and finished the cutting for the day.

I do recall I often had a problem restating this saw if I ran out of fuel and refilled the tank, and usually by then I was tired anyhow so no big deal.

I welcome any thoughts or comments.

[jerseyhighlander]

Sounds like the fuel tank vent may be gummed up or gone bad. Try opening the fuel cap a bit and see if that changes anything. Other than that, could be time for a carb rebuild? What year is the saw?

[undee70ss]

Does it have points or electronic ignition? If points, they may need to be cleaned and reset.

[blythkd]

I hate to even mention this one because it's so simple but it's bit me before. Spark plug.

[ken8831200]

I'll try to answer all the questions, 1975 Saw, carb not touched in years, points ignition and points were polished and cleaned when saw was apart and set, plug good idea probably worth replacing even though it looked good saw not used much in the last ten years.

[undee70ss]

Then it should have a fixed high jet carburetor and only have a low mix adjustment and idle speed adjustment. If the low mix is set to lean, it will cause hard starting, richen the low mix some, idle speed should drop, if so turn up idle speed. Check hot restarts.

[ken8831200]

May 20, 2019 9:51:23 GMT -5 undee70ss said:

Then it should have a fixed high jet carburetor and only have a low mix adjustment and idle speed adjustment. If the low mix is set to lean, it will cause hard starting, richen the low mix some, idle speed should drop, if so turn up idle speed. Check hot restarts.

Thanks for the reply.

I had to go out and check as I thought there were two mixture screws but you are right only the low and idle set screws. 

I backed the low speed screw out about 1/8 turn and saw started. But it is cool now so I will have to find some time to work the saw and see how it does after doing some cutting.

[undee70ss]

May 20, 2019 20:34:15 GMT -5 ken8831200 said:

May 20, 2019 9:51:23 GMT -5 undee70ss said:

Then it should have a fixed high jet carburetor and only have a low mix adjustment and idle speed adjustment. If the low mix is set to lean, it will cause hard starting, richen the low mix some, idle speed should drop, if so turn up idle speed. Check hot restarts.

Thanks for the reply.

I had to go out and check as I thought there were two mixture screws but you are right only the low and idle set screws. 

I backed the low speed screw out about 1/8 turn and saw started. But it is cool now so I will have to find some time to work the saw and see how it does after doing some cutting.

Keep us updated.

[rowdy235]

Sounds like you (hopefully) have the problem resolved.

I have 3 super 2's and love them, but they can be temperamental. I tend to set the idle speed a tad higher than usual (but making sure to set low enough to not be engaging the clutch), that allows me to run the idle mix on the richer side which helps with starting, but make sure you give it some gas when warm or it will flood out in a hurry!