020 problem, advice please

[jblimbwalker]

I bought a new 020T back in '99 and after putting around 15 hrs. on it a strange thing started to happen: The saw would run fine until I turned it onto it's side to make a cut, then it would bog out and shut down. I am pretty sure this is carburator related, but I know nothing about the internal workings of a two stroke/saw. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it something related to this particular model? I was hoping for some advice before I take it to the shop to have it repaired. Thanks

 

[treeslayer]

at least its not a MS 200T, which won't allow you to adjust the carb.

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago, but I took it back to the shop I bought it from and they 'fixed" it free, as part of the break in period. sorry I don't remember the details.

If you never took it in for that type adjustment, maybe they will still do it for free.

Still the best climbers saw though!

 

[NevadaWalrus]

The saw is 4 years old. It probably just needs to have the carb freshened up, new diaphragm kit. Also check the impulse line where it plugs in under the air box, they have a bit of a tendency to pop off.

 

[jblimbwalker]

Originally posted by treeslayer
[



Still the best climbers saw though! [/B]

True. Only climbing saw I have used besides a Shin.377. Even the groundmen where I work use a retired (from climbing) 020.

 

[jblimbwalker]

Originally posted by NevadaWalrus
The saw is 4 years old.

the saw is 4 yrs. old, but has only a few hours on it. I haven't used it since it started acting up. Any advice from anyone why this saw would do this new?

 

[NevadaWalrus]

What caused the problem 4 years ago? Things happen. Sometimes one of the internal welch plugs come loose. Like I said before, these saws tend to pop loose the impulse line. I glue them back on once it comes off the first time.

Regardless, after setting 4 years the diaphrgms are no longer new and likely need replacing. I hate making judgment callls so I'll try to refrain from being too blunt, but. This is an expensive saw. If I had a problem with something that expensive in such a short period of time I'd dang sure be back to the shop while it was still warrantable. After 4 years there won't be any warranty consideration. To be frank, I wouldn't even bring it up when you take it to the shop. Don't mean to sound cruel but but these sort of storys bring a lot of laughter from within the shop I'm at.

 

[sonny]

maybe just maybe the fuel line is stuck in a position on the side or something. when you turn it sideways its not in the fuel.

 

[jblimbwalker]

Took this saw to the shop Thursday....they promised it will be ready by Wednesday. I'll let you guys know then what the nature of the problem was. I asked the guy replace the diaphragm kit while he had it, thanks to the advice of NevadaWalrus.

 

[jblimbwalker]

Diagnosis

The engine on my saw is no good. I guess I bought a lemon because the saw shop couldn't give me an explanation as to why the engine would go bad so quick. I took good care of this saw and don't understand why she had to die on me. Oh well, think I'll get a new Echo for my climbing saw.

 

[jblimbwalker]

thanks

Thanks for the advice Brian. I'm glad to hear the muffler mod is so easy and I would've surely used the ring for lanyard attachment, appreciate the warning.

 

[stihltech]

020

OK, more info please. What exactly happened to the motor? Piston seize, bearing, crank? Not worth the money to repair?
The motor is pretty tough, just wondering about the diagnosis.

 

[jblimbwalker]

stihltech: The saw would've cost $300.00 to repair. As far as the exact problem, I didn't ask. I trust this diagnosis because this particular dealer/saw tech has been repairing saws (for the company I work for) for about 20 yrs. He also told me he can count on one hand how many times he has seen an 020 meet this same fate. Although I don't know much about the internal workings of a saw, I do know how to maintain and take care of one and that I did. Who knows.

 

[Fish]

Continuing to run any saw with fuel/air problems will burn it up,
but a cause for the failure would be nice to know.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

The symptoms you discribe don't sound like a $300 problem. Send the saw to me and I'll fix it and use it, of course I'll reimburse you for shipping.
My echo was doing the exact same thing, it was one of the rubber fuel lines got loose on one end and was sucking air. I put some grease on the nipple, reinstalled the hose and it ran fine. I'll put a new hose on if it gives me troulbe again, but that costs like 20 cents, so I'll wait until I absolutely need to.
Ask your dealer what is wrong, then come tell us what he says. Maybe we can walk you through the repair, just costing you parts. If you are going to be a limbwalker, it's time you became a sawfixer.

 

[moose]

I had the same sort of problem with mine last spring. I brought it to the shop and he told me the engine was done and it would be about $350 to fix it. So I bought a new one.Then about 2 weeks ago I decided to take another look at it. All that was wrong with it was that the spark arrester screen in the muffler was plugged up and now it runs perfect. Now I have 2. It might be worth while to check out.

 

[Toneman]

Did you ever go back to the dealer and tell him about the muffler screen? Just curious on what they said if you did that.

 

[stihltech]

020

I really do hope your dealer is that good, nothing would make me happier.
BUT, being a Tech, just would like to have the total picture.
I had an 020 in my shop last week that was supposed to have neede a new carb, then suddenly it was the rings. This saw may have had 10 hours on it max. Someone had fitted an 021 carb to it to make it an adjustable model.
The real problem? The screen. Stihl paid for the correct carb and all the checking I did on the rest of the saw to make sure it was right.
That is why I am questioning the diagnosis. The only dead 020T's in my shop have been run over, dropped, or otherwise misused. No internal problems yet.

 

[jblimbwalker]

Update: I'm taking this saw to another highly recommended tech, just in case. I did take a minute to look at the screen and it's not clogged at all. The impulse line was also in place and the fuel line was also in the correct position. After this saw tech gave me the bad news he asked me what kinda mix oil I was using. I had only used Stihl brand in this saw with a correct ratio, but I did run 93 octane gas. I've never heard of higher octane gas hurting a saw. Is this possible? I have Fri. off and will get it to the other tech then. I will have an update after he takes a look at it. Thanks everybody for your suggestions. I know where to go next time a saw starts acting up...here.