I've seen homelites pull a bar much longer than would seem normal. If it works, run with it.

Peace

If I keep it I will put a 14" bar on it, the 16" bar and chain is toast. I got the 1.8/10" craftman running, it also amazing start easy, Fuel lines on these two was crumbled and cracked, that was all that was wrong with them other than a cleanup and tapping out some broke screws. I am amazed how far gone these things can get and bring them back to life. I brought the 10" for the carb parts 309's are hard to find.

I have a little top handle Homelite XL from the late 70's that runs great. I use it as a limbing saw. I guess some were better than others?

I've had good luck, 10 years plus, with Homelite CS, true very few hours in that time. I guess no more than 20 hours total, that's why I purchased a cheap unit, figured it would be good for 25-50 hours at least....a long time at my usage, rust may be my main concern.

I think the older ones in the 60's and 70's were better than the 80's to mid 90's. I think any saw will last a long time if you do routine maintenance and clean it up after use and drain the gas out if you put it in prolong storage. I was comparing the early 80's model to my polans as far as starting and running they run good, but balance and chain removal is lacking, as far as the cut thats all in the chain, bar and how well it was maintaned.

I ordered some nicnack parts for the 1.8/10" craftman to get it in tip top shape. I will use it as a climbing saw beings it small and easy to start. I was also amazed I can still get ever part I needed to get it back in service.

For what I seen most of the time the fuel lines get hard and crack, most people won't or can't figure them out and just pitch them. The newer ones with the primer bulb will also get a crack in the primer bulb and not pull the fuel up, which would be the first thing I would suspect if it's not getting fuel to the carb.

rcmoser: that's what I like about the craftsman/poulan saws! parts are so easy to get,and they are very reliable!