McCulloch small saw Model CS38. ,38 cc.
Hard to start and so sluggish won't turn the chain . Also gas tank leak out the bottom.
Problem found to be primer bulb neoprene hose connection at tank suction point hardened and tube broken away and crumbled. This must have been the cause of such poor running ,and I can't fix it until tomorrow, to test ,but how would this cause such a problem. I was wondering if anyone had a theory.
Thanx Malcolm.

Carb sucking air, causing lean condition.

I would guess that after you fix that problem, another will arise shortly. It sounds like its an older saw, perhaps its time for a new one.

McCulloch chainsaws…..pssshaww my friend. This is the campfire and very obviously.. Stihl country.

Lemme guess…..you probably even use Leupold scopes and push feed actions.

I can’t help you with anything mechanical whatsoever but I am sure if there’s an answer to your question you’ll find it here. 👍….one of them might even be the right answer. 😂

Good luck with your search for a new saw.

Gas gets to the carb one way ,through the bulb.. I didn't know that until I figured it out about 4 1/2 seconds ago , then I read it for real 2 posts above. What a relief to have fixed another broken tool that will last a lifetime and was sucking air into the gas line before it was reaching the carb. Thanx +. Malcolm.

Hey I don't use a scope at all but I have a hard time focusing on the front and rear sights . I like a Weaver scope though and have a couple of them in 3 power (K3).

How long did you run it acting like that?


Air leaks are the death of many 2-strokes.

Sucking air means lean, mean means less oil,
lean burn causes things to get hot, not a good combination.

First saw I had was a Mc. A hand saw would have been better. I was usually to tired to use it after I got it started. Saw shops couldn't get it to work any better.

If you can find an original McCulloch, keep it, they were the best on the market. I helped close down some of their shops in 74-75 when Black & Decker bought them out. Story was they just wanted them out of production. I guess over the years they were sold a couple more times and today they are owned by the Husqvarna company. I haven't seen one in years and didn't even know they were being made again. If you all have the time read up on the man and his history, the whole family were mechanical geniuses.

Phil

Two here, one is a top handle.

Malcom, the campfire seem to own Stihl more than other brands, but don't despair a McCulloch can still get the job done. This Super Pro 125C has been in my family since the 1970s. My Grandfather bought it new to help supplement his farm income by cutting whiskey bolts. My Dad used it on side logging jobs, I keep it running and use it occasionally.

Nothing wrong with the older McCullochs. I have a Pro Mac 610 that my grandfather bought new and used, sold it to my Dad, who also used it, and I bought it from him. I'm still using it when I need a big saw. That thing cut a forest full of wood when I heated with wood.
I bought a small MS170 Stihl when Hurricane Florence came thru and wreaked havoc at our beach house. That Pro Mac ain't no limb saw LOL
Also have a Mini mac 6 but it has about shot its wad.

Why would anyone own a lemon colored saw when you can buy orange ones or better yet orange and white ones?

The made GREAT go-kart engines in the 60's !

I had a McCulloch I bought in 1980.It was an OK saw,but my Brother had a Poulan and it would kick it's butt hands down.The reason?The oiler on the McCulloch didn't put out enough oil.Once the bar and chain started getting dry,it would not cut worth a damn.Since then I bought a 20" Poulan.The Poulan puts out plenty of oil that makes a huge difference in how well a saw cuts.The saw cuts the hell out of hard seasoned live oak and mesquite with no problem.It's not a Stihl,but it doesn't cost as much as one either.If I can't fix anything that may go wrong with it,I can trash it and buy another.So far I've only had to replace the chain and a fuel line in 20yrs and still runs and cuts good,so I can't complain.We had Stihls at work that had to be taken in for repairs.They are great saws,but they aren't bulletproof either.Those repair cost add up too.

I didn't run it more than 1 minute after it started because it wasn't running properly and wouldn't even turn the chain. U tube showed me how to access the fuel line at the gas tank where the hose was broken. I just use the saw for camping . I bought it from Princess Auto ,a Canadian car supply warehouse ,as refurbished new for $110. It's not easy to start but may be the cause of my problem. I like the McCulloch D44 and another older small one that has the gas tank mounted externally on top of the motor with 2 caps one for chain oil the other for gas. They both start good and cut well.
When I get this one fixed today I'll let you know if it starts better and works properly.

That auto oiler on the Mac was adjustable. One screw under breather cover....just saying.

Haven't seen one in years. Last I had of that brand was a weed Wacker that I bought from a pawn shop. Didn't last a year before it went to the county dump

Lemon to lemonade, just saying.

I own a Little Beaver Mac that must be 25 or 30 years old. The case is cracked on it but the last time I used it, it ran and worked. I'd give it away for anyone who wants to swing by the house and pick it up.

kwg

Saw is fixed. Broken hardened gas line from bulb to tank replaced. Now no gas leak. Poor sluggish performance with clutch unable to turn chain was due to safety stop bar engaged. Time for a beer.

Didn't Marcel Ledbetter use a McCulloch chain saw to clear out a bar room in Mississippi?

Pretty common problem, especially on lower-end models. Fuel hoses get brittle secondary to gasoline additives and eventually crack, carb sucks air, less fuel makes it to the carb, and that is that. Drain your tanks when not in use, start it up and run it dry. Avoid ethanol blends and instead use pure gasoline blends. Also, keep an extra on hand. Seriously, extra bar, chains, files, primer bulb, carb or carb kit, bar nuts, sprocket, air cleaner, plugs, etc goes a long way! Some outfits will also keep extra gas caps on board. It isn't rocket-surgery.