Chain saw question

[jyoutz]

hummm… another piece of maybe practical advice.

So guys, what’s the verdict on my dilemma? Is perhaps a slight increase of RPM due to a decrease in exhaust flow resistance a real concern? I remember when I was a kid 60 years ago we did everything we could to reduce restrictions in exhaust systems on the cars of those days…

edit: also, I don’t use this saw much. If I used it 20 hours in a year, I would be patting my back with both hands multiple times!

I have used saws for years and never fiddled with removing the spark arrestor. Cleaning needs are very infrequent.

 

[jyoutz]

I am not an expert so your results may be different.
I have taken classes in small engine maintenance and repair and I service/ maintain numerous two stroke and 4 stroke pieces of equipment. Stihl synthetic 2 stroke oil is fine if you always run wide open throttle and burn through fuel vs. long term fuel storage.

Several videos on YouTube of Stihl synthetic oil causing problems in storage and run at lower throttle positions. Stihl states that oil is bio-degradable and there is debate about what that can lead to in lower throttle output and storage.

I run Echo Red Armor at 40:1 with premium non ethanol gasoline and mix 2.5 gallons at a time. I agree that Chickanic, Mower Medic, Tarral and several other small engine mechanics are good sources of information on YouTube.

When I was cutting cords of wood, I would always make up my own 2 cycle fuel mix. Now that I just use it occasionally for cleanup around the property, I buy that expensive pre-mixed tru fuel. It seems to store better and remain stable for long periods of time.

 

[RCW]

If you are having to clean the spark arrestor too often, you should consider different fuel and/ or oil. Or even your measuring method.

True

I’ve never fouled a spark arrestor.

Do know quite a few folks that have and can cause issues like Henro has.

Your advice is very applicable.

 

[Henro]

I bought this saw new about ten years ago. Until last fall it has always run perfectly.

At this point the next thing I will do is clean the spark arrester. If the spark arrester is the issue, I will change the oil I am using. I believe I started using something different last summer.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I bought this saw new about ten years ago. Until last fall it has always run perfectly.

At this point the next thing I will do is clean the spark arrester. If the spark arrester is the issue, I will change the oil I am using. I believe I started using something different last summer.

While you are at it, might as well change the spark plug too. Fouled/ worn plugs can also cause incomplete combustion leading to soot accumulation on the arrestor.
I'm not one of those guys that always uses branded stuff. However, I will say that I have never needed to clean the arrestor on the leaf blower or saw using Stihl HP Ultra oil.

 

[DaveFromMi]

I have had to clean out a few spark arrestors after they clogged up. I never saw it happen until I started using Stihl synthetic 2 cycle oil. It's easy to clean out; I remove it and take a propane torch to it.

 

[Ktrim]

I've only ever used stihl silver bottle, synthetic. I've had fuel sit in tanks for several months fire up and run no issues

 

[The Evil Twin]

I have had to clean out a few spark arrestors after they clogged up. I never saw it happen until I started using Stihl synthetic 2 cycle oil. It's easy to clean out; I remove it and take a propane torch to it.

Weird. I have had the opposite experience with that oil.

 

[Moose7060]

I have never needed to clean the spark arrestor on my 22 year old Stihl MS260 yet and it starts and runs like a top, probably because I am extremely precise in my oil/gas mix. 1 glub, 2 glubs, that'll do!

 

[RCW]

Was just thinking that I probably lied to you guys.

Years ago pulled spark arrestors out, but that was years, and several saws ago....

Both of my trimmers likely still have the arrestors in them. They're <10 years old.

MS211 chainsaw probably does too. Almost sure 046 Super is gone.

That said, the Stihl oil hasn't plugged them, but something I took note of. Always had good luck with it but will pay closer attention.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I was given THREE Stihl weed wackers, all the same model, on eyou could eat off.
All did the starts fine, can't rev up.....
Tore one apart THEN found out the easier way to remove the arrestor.....one I cleaned it, reinstalled, FULL revs !
so cleaned the other two and gave them away. Not like I NEED 3 of them.

Chainsaws may be less prone to fouling as usually run full out for long periods of time. weedwhackers ,least around here, have a LOT of idle time.....

 

[Henro]

Henro,, I have the same saw, and I have never had a such a hard pulling saw in my life. If I dont run it for a wile it feels like Im going to pull the rope out of the winder,, once it turns over a couple times, seems to loosen up but may or may not start,, worst saw I ever had, the old Husky was several times what this one is,,, oh well

Skeets, it took me a while to digest what you said. But I now realize that since we are western Pennsylvania brothers, and actually don’t live that far from one another, I should extend my hand of helpfulness to a local friend in need!

It’s obvious that that saw is not causing you anything but grief. No doubt if it was presented to somebody else, the grief would also move to them and you would be free.

So out of compassion for a local brother, I’m willing to take that saw off your hands at no cost to you. You don’t even have to deliver it!

I’ll come and pick it up and if I arrive at the right time, you can even buy me lunch, and we will part with a handshake and you will feel good about yourself for A very long time!

So if you’re interested in making your life better, send me a PM. I’ll run down and do you a favor! No better sign of friendship than what I’m willing to do for you!

Even better, what is dinner time down your way?

 

[skeets]

LMAO,, you are too much my orange brother,, Thanks for the laugh this afternoon I needed it

 

[L35]

Skeets, it took me a while to digest what you said. But I now realize that since we are western Pennsylvania brothers, and actually don’t live that far from one another, I should extend my hand of helpfulness to a local friend in need!

It’s obvious that that saw is not causing you anything but grief. No doubt if it was presented to somebody else, the grief would also move to them and you would be free.

So out of compassion for a local brother, I’m willing to take that saw off your hands at no cost to you. You don’t even have to deliver it!

I’ll come and pick it up and if I arrive at the right time, you can even buy me lunch, and we will part with a handshake and you will feel good about yourself for A very long time!

So if you’re interested in making your life better, send me a PM. I’ll run down and do you a favor! No better sign of friendship than what I’m willing to do for you!

Even better, what is dinner time down your way?

I was hoping you had the same outlook on your saw, I can use some grief.

 

[DustyRusty]

Since I bought an electric saw I have not had one starting problem. The battery might not last as long as I like, however, batteries are easy to buy and work on the other tools also. If I were cutting wood every day that a gasoline saw would make sense, but for me, electric works well.

 

[RCW]

Since I bought an electric saw I have not had one starting problem. The battery might not last as long as I like, however, batteries are easy to buy and work on the other tools also. If I were cutting wood every day that a gasoline saw would make sense, but for me, electric works well.

Truthfully, I could see myself going that way, but not quite yet.

Neither of my saws get the use they should anymore. Well taken care of, but not a substitute for regular use.

Several years ago shopped a Stihl MS362. Think it was before I came across the little MS211 used for $160 or so.

Didn't buy one and that was the best choice. I don't cut a lot of wood year 'round like years ago.