Husqvarna 288xp pukes fuel

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Odog

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ok I have a 288xp. Last fall it quit running all of a sudden. I took it apart and cleaned everything. Put it all together and it ran fine. Went out then next day to cut, tried to start it and wouldn't start. Every time I pulled the rope gas would come out the decompression valve and the muffler. I got a kit, rebuilt the carb, same thing. So I put a new carb on it, same thing. What am I missing here!
 
Try working backwards to eliminate what is working.

Clearly there is plenty of fuel getting into the system, hence the reason you are basically flooding the motor with fuel each time you pull the starter (that's why it's coming out the muffler etc).

First thing...is your fuel fresh??? Fuel that's "gone-off" is one of the greatest sources of non starting 2 stroke motors. Remember unleaded fuel loses it octane level (or ping) very quickly.

As you have put a whole new carburettor on the saw, you can pretty much eliminate it being a carburettor fault unless you haven't set the H &L screws to basic OEM settings.

As a side issue, whenever you play with the carburettor, always take a moment to check the old hoses closely as they tend to crack & perish with age. Simply remove them and bend them about to see if there are any cracks. In particular, check the impulse line as this line being cracked can often be the source of countless hours of frustration of a saw not starting or running correctly (and it's not always obvious).

Also while playing with the carburettor, always check the condition of the gaskets. While it's recommended to change the gaskets after putting on a new carburettor (or after a rebuild), it's not absolutely essential if the gaskets are not too old, or in very good condition.

My first thoughts would be check the electrical system. Start off with the spark plug, and then the coil, and lastly I'd check the air gap between the flywheel and coil. The reason I say this is because you are getting fuel into the system, but it appears there is no spark to make the fuel ignite. If it came into my workshop with the symptoms you describe those would be the first things I'd check.

Ok, so you've done this and the plug, coil, air gap setting are all fine. Next thing I'd check would be for air leaks. Low compression caused by a damaged oil seal, gasket or alike can also prevent a saw from starting and running. If the saw has had a lot of use, it can often be as simple as the rings being completely worn out.

Undertaking a vacuum test is always best to identify these faults, however most guys doing DIY home repairs don't have the right specialist tools to undertake this task. In that situation just simply use an automotive compression test gauge. While not as precise, it will identify if you have an air leak in the system or low compression.

Try these simple things first and let us know how you get on.

Also, just make sure the "fuel tank vent" is in place and not blocked. It's a simple thing, but I've seen a few of the old larger chainsaws (mainly Husky's and Jonsered's) having tank vent issues.
 
The kit I just put in my 288 had a diaphram pin that slipped into the the metering lever. It did not just sit on top of it. It really sounds like you are flooding it.
 
Ok this is all great info! I checked and I do have good spark so I can eliminate that. All new gaskets as well, except care gasket because I didn't split the case. I will check the other things after work tonight. Thanks you guys
 
Inspect the muffler as well. Even though fuel is coming out, it might be restricted enough that your saw won't start.
 
Well just an update. I took the carb I rebuilt apart, it's a tilotson. Anyway on of the dish shaped discs had fallen out and was just floating in there. So I put it securely back in place, put everything back together, checking gaskets and making sure everything was right. The saw fired on the first pull with the choke on. Took the choke off, saw started and sputtered for a bit, gave it some throttle and it died. Tried to start it again and it started spitting fuel out decompression valve then 4 pulls later fuel was coming out muffler again. Ugh! This is driving me nuts
 
Puking a lot a gas thru that carb to have it coming out the decomp/muff so quick.
Check them welch plugs (silver discs) again for good seal. Lot of times they need a gentle tap in the center to expand out and hold tight. Seen them loosen up and drop out after a while from saw vibes.

Then pressure test carb. Get right to heart of problem quick.
 

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