xl carb

[xlrookie]

Hi everyone,

I inherited an old homelite xl from sometime in the 80's (I believe). 

I can get it to run for about five minutes and then it dies and becomes harder and harder to start. I  soaked and cleaned the carb and the fuel fiter and it helped a little bit. I actually did some trimming then back to the same problem.

I would like to either rebuild or replace the carb, but homelite tells me the carb is obsolete.

So my question is, does anyone know how to look elsewhere for a rebuild kit or carb?

I have the ut# and s/n

Thanks in advance!

[rowdy235]

First off, welcome aboard!

Several different carburetors were used on the XL saws. If possible, see if there's any markings on you carb to identify it. Post up the UT and Serial # as that may help identify the carburetor as well.

Although homelite has obsoleted the rebuild kits, they are available from the carb manufacturer (Walbro or Zama).

Replacement carburetors are hit-and-miss both with availability and functionality. Always best to rebuild what you have on these saws.

One other area you may check would be the "duck bill valve" in the fuel tank. This should be visible by removing the recoil cover from the saw. If the valve is gummed up, it may not be letting air into the tank causing the engine to starve for fuel after running. However, you're probably due for a rebuild on the carb anyway as the diaphragms get stiff over the years.

[ronaldt]

Could it be something ignition related since the problem happens when it gets hot?

[onlyhomelites]

Welcome to HOH! A few ideas...

Is the fuel tank vent functioning?

Does the saw seem to flood or run out of fuel as it tries to die?

Is the coil gapped properly? Most electronic ignition coils work best around .010" from the flywheel.

[xlrookie]

The plug is wet when it dies. So that would lean towards a carb rebuild yes?
Also, is the duck bill valve the little plug in the fuel tank. I cleaned it up when I cleaned the gas tank but wasn't sure how or what it did.
I will have a chance to get to working on it again on Friday, so I can start using some of this great input.

Thanks everyone!!

[joisey]

A wet plug could point towards a carb rebuild or an ignition problem. Some ignition problems only happen when the saw is hot, or at a cold start. Check for spark with known good plug when the saw cuts out to rule out ignition.

[Brennan]

I would guess carb issue, rebuild kits are easily available but beware import kits as sometimes they do not fit properly. You might also try just cleaning out the carb as it may be gummed up after all these years