Hard starting makita 510

[sledneck22]

My Dad has a Makita dcs510. Heavy but nice cutting saw, when it starts. I’m kind of at a loss as to what to do. You can pull this thing 20 times before it pops. Once started. It runs great, 4strokes out of the cut and cuts dam good. Tuned correctly.
Cleaned the spark arrestor, air filter, good gas and oil. Where do I go next? Could the metering valve be off or something?
He said the thing has always since new started hard. Is this a model issue or what can I look or try next?

 

[huskihl]

Choke might not be closing all the way. Bad fuel filter or plugged screen in the carb. Or stiff metering diaphragm

 

[sledneck22]

What’s strange is it’s done it since new. So it’s lived a 15-20 year life with no issues other than starting. Fuel filter might be crumby but it’s worked for its life. Same with screen or metering diaphragm. I just feel like there is either a model issue or something set up wrong initially.

 

[huskihl]

What’s strange is it’s done it since new. So it’s lived a 15-20 year life with no issues other than starting. Fuel filter might be crumby but it’s worked for its life. Same with screen or metering diaphragm. I just feel like there is either a model issue or something set up wrong initially.

Check the operation of the choke since that’s probably the only thing that has been consistent

 

[CJ Brown]

A lot of those 510s didn't have a choke, but had a richener instead. On my 4300 with the richener type carb, it is extremely easy to flood. On most summer days it will cold start 1st or 2nd pull without engaging the richener at all.