Husky 261- spark plug or carb?

[Scrapiron]

My 261 has gotten more difficult to start (requires 9-12 pulls). I decided to replace the spark plug before doing anything else. I popped in a new Champion and it fired up on the first pull! Yes!!!

I stop the saw, do some other chores, come back about an hour later and I can't get it to start at all. I even put back the old plug. Nada. I did notice oil/gas on the plug(s) and did wipe it off. I'm also noticing oil/gas by the decompression valve.

I've done some searches and it may be carb related, but I'm looking for the collective wisdom here before I start ripping things apart.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance-
Scrap

 

[Termite]

Husky 261

I worked on a friends 261. It would fire and die. When I examined the spark plug it would be wet. Dry it of fire and die. So I swapped carbs with my 262. same thing. However, my 262 ran fine with the 261 carb. I should have checked the fuel line first. It was cracked. The wet plug led me in the wrong direction. Your problem may be as simple.

 

[Scrapiron]

Thanks, I'll check that out tomorrow and report back.

 

[Jacob J.]

Is it getting good, blue spark when you pull it over with the plug hooked up resting on the cylinder?

 

[Scrapiron]

Hmmm... not sure what you mean by "pull it over with the plug hooked up resting on the cylinder".

I'm not that familiar with engines (2 stroke or otherwise). I understand what you're saying, just not sure "how" to do it.

Thanks-