Stihl 021 running poorly

The unit was not as advertised. Hard to start, runs poorly and won't idle. Had to take it to the local stihl dealership for service.
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I have found that replacing the carb. with a new one . Usually between 27.00 to 38.00 dollars usually saves a lot of time over installing a kit. problem is usually due to a jet problem or the ethanol in the gas has removed the coating on a plug inside the carb. which requires carb. replacement

Your chainsaw is running-lean, take off top cover. You should see the air filter. Under The plastic air filter housing is too nuts, 12mm socket is Wot you need next, you need to check these too nuts are tite, these nuts hold the carby to the Intake, all air that goes into the saw is mixed by the carby with fuel. Your saw is running lean. So if those bolts are tite you'll need to check the gasket between the carby and the block....... There are others possibilities but these too are your most likely.

check the fuel filter in the tank is clean it could be blocked

Hi, you cant go wrong their both stihls. The 021 is a more powerful saw and the 017 is lighter, so it all depends on your intended use. Regards Phil.

remove the muffler and run it after finding that it runs fine open the muffler and clean the screen inside (it is made to open to clean it)

take off the muffler and try it if ok then open it up and clean the carbon from the screen

Hi, Replace with correct sparkplug. You have a bad plug replace it and you're good to go.

hi,
it sounds to me that you may have a leak / or perished fuel pipe in your saw...thus only being able to start then stop...

For the 021...on the muffler, there is a spark arresting screen, this is to prevent sparks from coming out of the muffler. It is common for this screen to become clogged with carbon from the engine. You will need to clean/replace this screen in order for it to run correctly.