Brand new 550xp stumbles & dies after idling for few seconds between cuts. What the..??

[rustyb]

Go buy a Stihl MS261C. Make sure it's the new lighter weight version. You can tell by the new style clutch cover.

I've been out of the loop. So Stihl has changed their 261? What all was done to it?

I checked out their web site and they say it's 10.8 pounds....the same as the 550. So the 261 now weighs the same as the 550? I was thinking the 261 was more than a pound heavier before....

 

[GrassGuerilla]

Isn't this like the fourth year of production for that the 550xp?

 

[blsnelling]

I've been out of the loop. So Stihl has changed their 261? What all was done to it?

I checked out their web site and they say it's 10.8 pounds....the same as the 550. So the 261 now weighs the same as the 550? I was thinking the 261 was more than a pound heavier before....

The new 261 is a pound lighter.

 

[blsnelling]

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/snellerized-saws-meets-the-stihl-ms261c-ii.298040/

 

[superwd6]

I've got nothing but Husqvarna but if I had your luck I'd be getting the new 261 to


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CBeal34]

So the AT-12 carb update failed. I'm done with this model, I'll take Brad's advice & try to trade it towards the Rev. 2 MS261C at a dealer that sells both Husky & Stihl. Mine is still unfueled/never run, ought to be of some value to them.

 

[NC Cutter]

Sad on Husqvarna's part. No wonder the 346xp is selling for what it's selling for.

I had the original Stihl 261 and it was a little heavy and a little slow. That was two iterations ago. The new version is supposedly lighter and a better saw all around. I'd take my hard earned money and head to your local Stihl dealer and buy one of those.

 

[009L]

So the AT-12 carb update failed. I'm done with this model, I'll take Brad's advice & try to trade it towards the Rev. 2 MS261C at a dealer that sells both Husky & Stihl. Mine is still unfueled/never run, ought to be of some value to them.

What am I missing here?

So, you're saying Husqvarna will not hook you up with the AT-12, or they did, and it didn't work? Sorry for the confusion .

 

[sunfish]

UPDATE

Well, after more than 4 months, two 550's (Husky gave me a replacement), and a new carb kit for the replacement saw..........I just found out that Husqvarna told the dealer who is doing the warranty work to give me a full refund. No fix. No new saw. No offer to make any sort of amends what so ever. Though the 562 is bigger than I wanted, I thought.......that just maybe, Husqvarna might work with me to get one of those in my hands given that model hasn't had the number of issues the 550 has had. So, I was mentally prepared to go that route. When I inquired about it, I was told $300 on top of the refund!

With out going in to details and such, I will say that I am extremely disappointed and let down. I'm way behind on my firewood cutting, have trees blocking access to some of my ranch, etc, etc. In other words, due to my patience with this, I'm 4 months behind schedule and still don't have a saw in my possession.

Don't know what to do now. I'm not a hobbyist or cookie cutter. I'm a landowner who requires a saw....now more so than ever.

I have a budget too...and can't afford or justify $300 extra for a 562. So, I either take a chance with another 550 or get a Stihl 261. I so wanted Husqvarna to work with me on the 550.

Honestly, I'm in a state of disbelief right now. Soooo bummed.........

You should have kept the 346xp!

 

[super3]

No need to rub salt in the wound.

 

[CBeal34]

What am I missing here?

So, you're saying Husqvarna will not hook you up with the AT-12, or they did, and it didn't work? Sorry for the confusion .

I'm basing it on rustyb's experience with the AT-12 carb. I've also had 3 550XPs with this same problem. I have a 4th one that has not been fueled yet while waiting for the AT-12 results. It has the AT-7A carb. I traded the first one in for a 562XP after a 1/2 dozen or so trips to 2 different dealers. They tried but couldn't resolve it. The 562XP has been fantastic, runs as advertised. Last fall I figured whatever issue they were having with the 550 was resolved & tried again. A half tank into it & same thing, took it back to the dealer & got a replacement saw the next morning. This one (#3) was also a turd. Back to the dealer, this time he wanted to go over it. Several trips & 2 months later, I'd had enough & asked for my saw back. After a few words were exchanged, he offered another replacement saw (#4) & asked me not to return. It's been on the shelf since January. I went to a 3rd dealer Wednesday that I had been talking to about this to see if he had any new information, none. He updated the software & advised me to run it, no charge. If I want the AT-12, it's $115.00 for the carb, hose, & control switch + labor + tax.

 

[009L]

I'm basing it on rustyb's experience with the AT-12 carb. I've also had 3 550XPs with this same problem. I have a 4th one that has not been fueled yet while waiting for the AT-12 results. It has the AT-7A carb. I traded the first one in for a 562XP after a 1/2 dozen or so trips to 2 different dealers. They tried but couldn't resolve it. The 562XP has been fantastic, runs as advertised. Last fall I figured whatever issue they were having with the 550 was resolved & tried again. A half tank into it & same thing, took it back to the dealer & got a replacement saw the next morning. This one (#3) was also a turd. Back to the dealer, this time he wanted to go over it. Several trips & 2 months later, I'd had enough & asked for my saw back. After a few words were exchanged, he offered another replacement saw (#4) & asked me not to return. It's been on the shelf since January. I went to a 3rd dealer Wednesday that I had been talking to about this to see if he had any new information, none. He updated the software & advised me to run it, no charge. If I want the AT-12, it's $115.00 for the carb, hose, & control switch + labor + tax.

Good Gracious!

I'd say you went the "extra mile" plus 200 more trying to make that work. Thanks for taking the time to explain, I really appreciate it.

*Removes 550 from potential saw list*

 

[rustyb]

What am I missing here?

So, you're saying Husqvarna will not hook you up with the AT-12, or they did, and it didn't work? Sorry for the confusion .

I don't have the specs for the new carb in front of me. However, I waited for weeks for the newest updated carb from Husqvarna. It fixed the idle issue for me at 6000'....100%. It wouldn't rev though.... or make any power. I didn't have my tach with me on that day but I'm guessing it wasn't even hitting 7k...out of the cut. It was as if it was running way, way too rich.

 

[CenterTree]

I don't have the specs for the new carb in front of me. However, I waited for weeks for the newest updated carb from Husqvarna. It fixed the idle issue for me at 6000'....100%. It wouldn't rev though.... or make any power. I didn't have my tach with me on that day but I'm guessing it wasn't even hitting 7k...out of the cut. It was as if it was running way, way too rich.

Wait, so you got the NEW A12 on your 550xp and now it will idle, but NOT run under demand? GEEZ!
Way to go Husky.

 

[sunfish]

Sounds more like a dealer problem. But I'm not there so I don't really know.

 

[birdcolonel]

UPDATE

Well, after more than 4 months, two 550's (Husky gave me a replacement), and a new carb kit for the replacement saw..........I just found out that Husqvarna told the dealer who is doing the warranty work to give me a full refund. No fix. No new saw. No offer to make any sort of amends what so ever. Though the 562 is bigger than I wanted, I thought.......that just maybe, Husqvarna might work with me to get one of those in my hands given that model hasn't had the number of issues the 550 has had. So, I was mentally prepared to go that route. When I inquired about it, I was told $300 on top of the refund!

With out going in to details and such, I will say that I am extremely disappointed and let down. I'm way behind on my firewood cutting, have trees blocking access to some of my ranch, etc, etc. In other words, due to my patience with this, I'm 4 months behind schedule and still don't have a saw in my possession.

Don't know what to do now. I'm not a hobbyist or cookie cutter. I'm a landowner who requires a saw....now more so than ever.

I have a budget too...and can't afford or justify $300 extra for a 562. So, I either take a chance with another 550 or get a Stihl 261. I so wanted Husqvarna to work with me on the 550.

Honestly, I'm in a state of disbelief right now. Soooo bummed.........

Wow - I feel for you man.
I know exactly what you're talking about with the work getting behind - not just for hobby. Without a saw for a while, I'd be playing catch up all winter.
i'm a husky guy also, but at this point i'd be VERY inclined to go the Stihl route.

 

[009L]

I don't have the specs for the new carb in front of me. However, I waited for weeks for the newest updated carb from Husqvarna. It fixed the idle issue for me at 6000'....100%. It wouldn't rev though.... or make any power. I didn't have my tach with me on that day but I'm guessing it wasn't even hitting 7k...out of the cut. It was as if it was running way, way too rich.

Brutal...sorry too hear that RB.

Did they reset the "auto tune" after installing the new A12? I'm just guessing that's something that has to be done because I've read guys with the Stihl Mtronic system have to after mod's??? Not sure about Husky???

 

[CBeal34]

Go buy a Stihl MS261C. Make sure it's the new lighter weight version. You can tell by the new style clutch cover.

Done.

 

[blsnelling]

Done.

View attachment 518434

That's the one

 

[CR888]

Wowzers! Interesting g 550 stories I'd buy a 261 if that was the case. I have a 2013 550 & a 2014 555 and they have never not started or given me any grief. But I am close to sea level too.