962 Efco

[Tony Snyder]

Another 962 Efco went out today, another impressed buyer. This is probably the most unknown and underappreciated saw brand out there, Efco (John Deere) that is.

 

[tony marks]

yep.good tool.

 

[Javelin]

I agree the most underated saw on the market!

 

[jokers]

Hey Tony and Javelin,

I`ve had a guy contact me who has had his 962 sieze three times in less than 10 gallons of fuel. Piston is scored on both intake and exhaust and has been rebuilt under warranty by the dealer twice. He claims to use Stihl oil at 50:1, he also said that the dealer sets the carb with a tach and then he(owner) doesn`t touch it. He also stated that this dealer told him that this is common with the bigger Efcos? this is news to me, have you guys got any ideas? We`ve covered the typical causes of lean seize and overheating and haven`t found a likely suspect yet although the scoring of both sides suggests some extreme overheating to me, or of course, plain gas.

Thanks,

Russ

 

[Javelin]

Sounds like he may have an air leak! Not sure. We have sold over 200 of the 962 with no seizure of any kind! In fact the only trouble we have had is people getting them stolen from them or falling trees on them. If he is having that much trouble with the saw he needs to contact Tilton and get a replacement saw! Or at least have them look at it! I do agree it is getting way too hot if it is scoring on both sides! I wonder what the rpm's are being set at? Also is he maybe getting oxgenated fuel? I am not a big fan of stihl oil but I do not really think that it is his problem in this case!

 

[jokers]

Hi Javelin,

I haven`t used Stihl oil in atleast 12 years but I know many who use it religiously with no problem. Air leak sounds like the culprit, but the extreme damage is perplexing. Every saw that I`ve torn down after a lean seize, which is the same effect as an air leak, has had the majority of scoring on the exhaust side with a stuck ring or two and virtually nothing on the intake.

Oxygenated fuel would be the same as a leak but I doubt it`s the culprit. From what I understand, he has had the saw for nearly a year and it seems unlikely that he would be using the same oxygenated fuel year round. I`m wondering about other fuel types or additives.

Russ

 

[Tony Snyder]

Boy, I just have not seen this, but only have a few out. I would like to hear how this finally plays out.

 

[jokers]

Hi Tony,

I haven`t heard from the guy in a couple of days, maybe something I suggested answered his questions, I don`t know. His problems do seem out of character for the 962 or any Efco/Oleo Mac/Olympyk that I`m aware of and that`s probably the reason the he too is so perplexed, and of course disappointed.

Russ