Chainsaw keeps cutting out

Does the unit restart immediately after it cuts out? If you have to let it cool down first then I'd start checking the ignition system. If it restarts right away then it could be a tank venting issue, pin hole in the fuel line, problem with a carb diaphram etc. Also the box stores (including Sears) usually have an extremely lenient return policy. I'd consider using it before I attempt to repair a saw that is likely under warranty. How long have you owned the saw?

Take it back!

Check fuel line to carb or vent on tank. Replacing the fuel line is smarter than trying to find a hole to see if that's the problem. Doesn't cost much either c

why get in to any diagnostics with a box store saw that is under warranty? I wouldn't waste anytime on it myself. Just take it back and have it replaced

I have a few ideas on what it might be, but with only a couple of hours on the saw- bring it back.

I have had the same thing happen with a loose spark plug. Tank venting is another possibility, amongst others.

New saw shouldn't be the normal stuff. More likely a factory mistake!

smokinjay said:

New saw shouldn't be the normal stuff. More likely a factory mistake!

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Some times on new equipment there are loose screws, plugs, hoses here or there that cause issues, but whatever it is- it's under warranty!

HittinSteel said:

why get in to any diagnostics with a box store saw that is under warranty? I wouldn't waste anytime on it myself. Just take it back and have it replaced

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Exactly right. Its under warranty, take it back and they'll just swap it out I bet.

I had the exact same %$#@ saw and didn't run 1 gallon of gas through the ^%$#@ thing before it quit. Took it back to the Sears repair site and they fixed it under warranty. Interesting thing was I paid $199 for it and the repair bill was $267 (I didn't have to pay as it was still under warranty). I used it a couple of times and then a year later it went again. A friend looked at it and said the cylinder was scored.
I then bought a another cheap saw, this time a Poulan Pro for $169 (hence the term BIC saw) two years ago and the thing runs great. The problem is I only use it to shorten long pieces to go into the stove, but I have used it quite a bit trimming our trees and cutting down an 30 foot dead spruce. All it takes is 2 or 3 pulls and it starts and stays running. Of course, I use Dolmar oil, so I can pretend it's a real saw. When it goes, I would like to buy a real saw, but I almost had a cardiac arrest when I priced them a year or so ago. As I said, I don't really use a saw enough to pay $700 for a good one.
But if I were you, bring the Craftsman saw back, run, don't walk, and when you get the replacement, run the be-jeepers out of it to make sure it will last.

Not that I have any brand preferences (yeah right! %-P ) but Stihl's MS250 still sells for $299 (with the 18" bar) and cuts circles around anything you can buy at Sears. Just proves you don't have to spend $700 to own a "good" saw. I would take the Craftsman back, get a refund, and walk straight into a Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, or Dolmar dealership.

I 'd use it for 29 days and then take it back for a Husky 445....... or if they will give you cash buy the Husky or Stihl MS 250 from a dealer.

HittinSteel said:

I 'd use it for 29 days and then take it back for a Husky 445....... or if they will give you cash buy the Husky or Stihl MS 250 from a dealer.

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+1

Rent a saw for now and buy what you want later. After many years, a good saw will make you forget what you paid for it.

YES ! Great move! Couple suggestions and that saw will last a very long time.

Always run fresh mix if your gas has ethanol and decent oil (Husky, stihl, echo, woodland pro or even poulan etc.) at 50:1. If my mix has been sitting for more than 90 days, I dump it and mix a new batch.

Keep your chains good and sharp.

Tap out the air filter after each cutting session

If you have an air compressor or the like, blow the sawdust and debri from the saw after each use (remember to put the air filter back on first so no debri finds its way in to the carb venturi)