Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi, I'm new to this site and hoped that someone out there might be able to solve what I'm sure is a really simple problem. I've got a second hand Husqvarna 357 XP and it's been working fine. Tried to start it the other day, it popped once with choke on, so pulled again with choke off and the engine would not start. Tried several times and then assumed I'd probably flooded the engine. Left the saw for a couple of days but it still wouldn't start. Checked the spark was 'sparking' and it was, but bought a new NGK one anyway. Tried this new plug and the saw started first time. Switched it off put the thing down, went back to it 2 mins later to start work and the engine wouldn't start again!! cleaned the new NGK plug but that didn't work so left the saw again with the plug out for a couple of days. Tried again with another new plug and it started again fine!! Managed to get some work done, stopped the saw to put more fuel/oil in and the same again.... the saw would not start. Any ideas? is the fuel mix too heavy on the oil and that's coating the spark plug? is the carb adjusted correctly? why will a cleaned spark plug not work but a new one will work!!!

Any help gladly received before I spend all my cash on new plugs!! Cheers