chainsaw problems

[twodogs]

I have a Husqvarna model 55 that I pulled out to use yesterday. Last year I replaced the plug & filter. I haven't used it since then. I had some gas in it, but added more gas (probably 6 months old - w/double Stabil) & started to cut. The saw wouldn't run well. It would run & die - often. I spent at least an hour fighting with it before I gave up. From what I have learned on TBN, I am assuming that the Stabil didn't last & crystallized. I am assuming that it is bad gas. Any thoughts?

 

[dillo99]

Definitely try new gas/oil. Even with Stabil, it is recommended that oil/gas mixtures not be stored more than 30 days.

The 55 is a great saw - mine has made much sawdust with never a problem.

 

[JJT]

I've never heard Stabil is only good for 30 days. I routinely use it in my 2 cycle gas and in my generator and have no issues running it 12 months later. Anything over 12 months old goes into the lawn mower, (again - no issues).

It does sound like this chainsaw has a carb issue, I'd run some seafoam thru it, along with some fresh fuel.

 

[ejtaylor822]

I have '55 as well - great running saw with no issues.

Use Stabil in my fuel for the generator and have not had any issues. Should be good for at least a year with Stabil mixed in the fuel - that is as long as you mix it when you buy the fuel. Mixing the stabil later, say after a couple of weeks or a month after getting the fuel is not going to help.

Here's a link to FAQ on this:
http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/faqs_stabil_detail.asp?product=sta-bil&ID=81]

Along with trying new fuel and mix and looking at the carb, I would check the air filter/breather. This might be dirty or clogged up. The erractic running sounds like fuel/air issue.

Also, what mix are you using? I only use the Husquarvarna mix and it does have a fuel perservative in it, but, I have no idea how long it is good for. I only mix when and what I think I am going to need. After a couple of months, anything remaining goes in the car (when the tank is close to full).

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Eddie

 

[twodogs]

I am off to the shed to play around with it - my saw that is...
I used Husqvarna mix religiously. I love that saw. I have used it for 8 years & it has cut A LOT of wood for me. I bought a Husqvarna tractor because of how impressed I was with that saw. Unfortunately, the tractors aren't made by Husqvarna. They are made by AYP - basically a Craftsman tractor with Orange paint. Anyhow, I bought some fresh gas this morning & I am going to clean things out & give it a go.

Thanks!

 

[ronjhall]

Check the fuel line for a crack or hole. My Stihl seems to need the line replace every 6 to 7 years.

 

[twodogs]

I cleaned the carb repeatedly & drained the tank. I refilled with fresh gas. Since I had an extra plug in the shed, I also replaced it, even though the "old" one was only a year old. I thought that I might have had a bad wire, but I was getting a spark. I didn't notice any leaking fuel, but I will look into the fuel line.

 

[gator]

Although mine is not a Husky, here are some of the problems and fixes I have encountered:
Plugged muffler, pull you muffler off and clean it with spray carb cleaner.
Mine has a stone type fuel filter in the tank attached to a hose that can be fished out with a hooked piece of wire than cleaned with carb cleaner.
Does yours have a chain brake in front of the upper handle? I inadvertantly hit mine forward once and it would bog with throttle and die as soon as I let off the throttle (wore out a clutch before I realized it )
Just some thoughts that may or may not help.

 

[twodogs]

Thanks Gator! I will try taking the muffler off. I had the cover off, which eliminates the brake. I will give it a try tomorrow.

 

[Dutch445]

yea, ditto on the muffler, if they get carboned over the
motor can't breathe, and power etc goes away.
it may have a small screen that can be cleaned.. or easily
replaced... worth looking at for sure..

 

[gsganzer]

yea, ditto on the muffler, if they get carboned over the
motor can't breathe, and power etc goes away.
it may have a small screen that can be cleaned.. or easily
replaced... worth looking at for sure..

As others have said, check the spark arrester screen on the muffler. I usually remove them altogether.

 

[twodogs]

I took the muffler off this morning. I noticed a lot of carbon inside. I have sprayed the engine with wd40 a few times, drained it, & attempted to start it. It seems as if a lot of carbon is coming out of the engine. It sounds as if I am making progress, but it isn't running yet.

 

[gsganzer]

Twodogs,
Take it to your local chainsaw dealer. It sounds like it's running too rich and needs to have the carb adjusted anyway. If your local shop is any good, they'll adjust the carb while your standing there, and hand it back to you no charge.

If it won't start, then they'll probably ask you to leave it and you'll probably get charged for some work, as you'd expect.

 

[twodogs]

I have spent enough time on it, to no avail. I think your advice is good. By the way - I like the quote by TR.