When I went out to try starting it again first thing this morning, after a few pulls on the rope I noticed fuel leaking from where the fuel line enters the carb. After close inspection I found a pin hole, but not in the rubber fuel line. The hole is in the plastic piece that the rubber line connects to before joining a brass piece that's pressed into the carb. Unfortunately, all of the small engine shops in my area are closed for the holiday weekend so I'm unable to get a new one until they open on Tuesday, if they can get the part. I'm quite sure that the hole in the line is the culprit, but I cannot rule out that ethanol may be a contributing factor too.
I remember when I purchased my first Stihl chainsaw in th earlier '80's. It's was an 031. I don't have it anymore, I let my nephew have it when I purchased the MS311. My brothers and I would help our dad buck up the year's supply of firewood. If the chainsaw started acting up, you'd tear into it where you were, fix the problem and get back to work. It was a simple procedure. We never had to worry about soaking the carb or using an ultrasonic cleaner on it. The carb cleaner in a spray can along with a portable compressed air tank was all it took to get you going again. Oh, word of wisdom - If you're using one of those spray cans of carb cleaner, make sure the exit port on the carb is not facing toward your face, you'll get a face full of the stuff. Don't ask me how I know this just take my word for it (man, that stuff is cold
) Roger