Craftsman chainsaw w/ 18 inch bar

[JAXJEREMY]

My uncle passed away back in April, we were pretty close. He was retired Navy and the kind of guy who'd buy stuff, stick it in his garage and never use it. Years ago he gave me the old homelite xl in my profile pic. He bought in 1983, used it once and never picked it up again. That saw got me started on my love for chainsaws..Anyway, he must have thought he needed another chainsaw at some point, maybe to do clean up after hurricanes or something and bought this..I was helping my aunt clean their garage and found it sitting there, brand spanking new.

I was bummed because the case was partially open. When I picked it up the saw fell on the ground and scuffed up the cover plate, but otherwise it's mint. I know it's never been run before..The case is great, it fit my small stihl perfectly, but I'm not going to use it for that..Not sure what my plans are for it..I don't really need another chainsaw, or at least not this one and while it has some sentimental value, I'm sure someone else could probably put it to use..

Don't know a thing about these saws, are they any good and how much do you all think it might be worth?

Thanks.

 

[ammoaddict]

I had that exact same saw. I got it non running. It hadn't been run much at all. There was no carbon build up on the piston crown. It had been sitting for a while because the fuel lines were brittle. I cleaned the carb and put fuel lines in it and the little saw ran great. It has no AV so it was hard on the hands. I sold it for $70.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I had that exact same saw. I got it non running. It hadn't been run much at all. There was no carbon build up on the piston crown. It had been sitting for a while because the fuel lines were brittle. I cleaned the carb and put fuel lines in it and the little saw ran great. It has no AV so it was hard on the hands. I sold it for $70.

Maybe $90 shipped. Here's my 4218 equivalent and it runs very well.
I start and run it once a year to be sure it's OK. It also has a clean case. Good luck.

 

[ammoaddict]

I would have kept the one I had if it didn't vibrate so bad. Too hard on my arthritic hands. I had it on craigslist for at least 6 months before it sold.

 

[Brufab]

What brand is the saw under the craftsman badging?

 

[ammoaddict]

What brand is the saw under the craftsman badging?

Poulan

 

[Wood Doctor]

Poulan

Correct. At one time, Poulan made some fine saws. A few are still around, I have one in my signature list, the 4000. There are several others and they go back over 40 years. I listed the 4218 as a Poulan only because I did not want to add another line to the list.

 

[Brufab]

Seems like the counter vibe ones were the last ones? Thats my observation from reading lots of post threads on here.

 

[ammoaddict]

Correct. At one time, Poulan made some fine saws. A few are still around, I have one in my signature list, the 4000. There are several others and they go back over 40 years. I listed the 4218 as a Poulan only because I did not want to add another line to the list.

I just got a Sears best Craftsman 3.3. it's either a poulan 3300 or poulan pro 335. It's 54cc magnesium crankcases, adjustable oiler. No chain brake. I hope to get it running in the next few weeks.

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

Open up the muffler and retune they will cut pretty good. I keep my Homelite 245 in my vehicle. You just never know when it could come in handy, plus no more room in the garage.

 

[JAXJEREMY]

Maybe I'll just hang on to it..what's one more saw in the grand scheme of things??

 

[halfmile]

Good saw, my first one wifey bought me for Christmas. Started a whole new madness..........

HM

 

[ammoaddict]

Open up the muffler and retune they will cut pretty good. I keep my Homelite 245 in my vehicle. You just never know when it could come in handy, plus no more room in the garage.

The muffler is really stupid on those little things. Two tiny little slits on the back of the muffler.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Maybe I'll just hang on to it..what's one more saw in the grand scheme of things??

I used to say that all the time. Now look what I have in my signature list. And, many here have told me that my list is small potatoes. Gasp!

 

[JAXJEREMY]

Open up the muffler and retune they will cut pretty good. I keep my Homelite 245 in my vehicle. You just never know when it could come in handy, plus no more room in the garage.

what does it take to "open up" the muffler..Are we just talking about gutting it and adjusting the carb?

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

Pull muffler and it should come apart. Open up holes on the baffle if you want. Either open up fins on back of the muffler or put some holes in front and retune. Will probably have to remove carb limiters and retune.

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

 

[Wombat Ranger]

I'd keep it around. It came from your uncle, who gave you your first chainsaw.

In the condition you got it, it's worth more than it's worth.

 

[JAXJEREMY]

I'd keep it around. It came from your uncle, who gave you your first chainsaw.

In the condition you got it, it's worth more than it's worth.

great point. That's the conclusion I've come to as well..

 

[JAXJEREMY]

Pulled the muffler drilled out the baffle holes a bit and bent the ports out, so she should breath a little better..
Before..

After..

Before..

After..

Then I started thinking, this thing has been sitting for probably close to 10 years in my uncle's garage never had gas in it..I should probably check the primer and fuel line..good thing I did..every piece of line crumbled apart..



Here it sits..do you guys have any recommendations where I can source some line and a new primer?
Thanks.