Breakin' her in
- Thread starter Scooterbum
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
Scooterbum
Addicted to ArboristSite
Boy it got real quiet in here..................................
RiverRat2
Serio Tree Freak
uh oh.... This should be goodopcorn;
The 028 super is a nice saw - cuts about the same as the older 026 (pre-epa).
Unhhhh Hunnhhh
opcorn: opcorn: opcorn:
McC
ArboristSite Guru
Are you using the factory chain with the bump guard raker? Get some good round chisel.
Scott
Scott
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
I've never ran an 028...
Truth be known, I wasn't that impressed with my 5100 when i bought it, but after 20 tanks, it was a mean little saw. It keeps getting better with every tankfull now....It is my favorite little saw...
how many cc's is an 028?
Truth be known, I wasn't that impressed with my 5100 when i bought it, but after 20 tanks, it was a mean little saw. It keeps getting better with every tankfull now....It is my favorite little saw...
how many cc's is an 028?
buck futter
ArboristSite Guru
not 100 percent on the exact size but it is like 48-50cc. I have never run a 5100 but maybe the limiter is playing games with you have you tweaked the carb? Or like steve said break her in good.
Buck
Buck
mini kahuna
ArboristSite Guru
it will get much stronger as you use it,mine was the same way,seemed like it had no torque at all,trust me it will get going after about ten tanks or so.
the chain it comes with is terrible,get some stihl chain,makes a huge difference.
the chain it comes with is terrible,get some stihl chain,makes a huge difference.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
20 tanks for a single ring piston??? Exactly what is being "broken in" after the first 5-10 tanks? Anyone measuring compression at say 5, 10 15 and 20 tanks?
Maybe it just takes that long to get a nice layer of carbon on top of the piston
Maybe it just takes that long to get a nice layer of carbon on top of the piston
Marvinlee
ArboristSite Member
Have you checked the position of the carburetor heated air slide? It is described on page 26 of your owner's manual. Break-in may take an extended time, depending in part on one's definition of break-in. A gas nitrided piston ring, if used, is extremely hard compared to a lower quality soft cast iron ring. Similarly, some sprayed cylinder coatings are very hard compared to lower cost inserts or coatings.
A tightly assembled engine can require longer running time to attain peak power compared to one that has looser clearances.
The carbon coating on the piston top that Lakeside53 refers to has two influences. It reduces combustion heat transfer through the piston top, and it slightly raises the compression ratio. Both influences, within limits, can produce more power. The 5100 appears to have a very high compression ratio. Thus, a given depth of carbon will raise the compression a greater percentage than on a low compression saw of similar cylinder size.
It is also a conjecture on my part, but some brands and formulations of oils used in the fuel mix may do better than other oils to reduce wear. Since engine break-in is a form of wear, though desirable, a highly effective engine oil may prolong the break-in period.
It is presumptuous of me, but is the chain still as sharp as when it came out of the box?
A tightly assembled engine can require longer running time to attain peak power compared to one that has looser clearances.
The carbon coating on the piston top that Lakeside53 refers to has two influences. It reduces combustion heat transfer through the piston top, and it slightly raises the compression ratio. Both influences, within limits, can produce more power. The 5100 appears to have a very high compression ratio. Thus, a given depth of carbon will raise the compression a greater percentage than on a low compression saw of similar cylinder size.
It is also a conjecture on my part, but some brands and formulations of oils used in the fuel mix may do better than other oils to reduce wear. Since engine break-in is a form of wear, though desirable, a highly effective engine oil may prolong the break-in period.
It is presumptuous of me, but is the chain still as sharp as when it came out of the box?
THALL10326
The Champ
Scooter looks like they are giving you a fit in here. Lets see if I can help ya abit and clear the feild for ya. If your 028 is cutting faster than your 5100 you must have a extremely good running 028 or a poor running 5100. I've played with and cut with 100's of 028's and I've never had one in my hand that could cut faster than the 5100 I bought last year. That not to say your pulling someone's leg or anything, your 028 may well out do your 5100. However something is not quite right if its whipping that 5100 hands down everytime. The 028 just doesn't have the HP or the Rpm's to do it so by all accounts it should not be spanking that 5100 even though you say it is.
Now the flip side and I think Lakeside will agree with me 100% here. The 028 is one fine saw, always was and still is. There's tons of them out in the woods today 25 years old still running strong without a new jug and piston ever put on. Its never been known as a super fast saw but instead a workhorse, a long lasting saw. I like my 5100 alot but for me to say it will out live a 028 would be foolish and I doult seriously it will come close for many saws don't come close to living as long as a 028.
I think maybe you've gotton a lemon or something not right with your 5100. I think too you've grown used to how that 028 just keeps on running solid and I can't blame you, I love the way a 028 runs. They are solid runners. The 5100 and the 028 are like nite and day in the hand, no question about it. The 5100 feels nimble compared to the solid feel of the 028. Even so though the 5100, if running right, should saw faster than the 028. If I were you I'd have that 5100 checked over before giving up on it because its a fun saw to cut with. As for your 028, its one of the best saws ever made, Lake will agree to that I'm sure as well as many others. Most owners hang onto 028's so tight you can't pry it away from them, I know, I try all the time.
Last edited:
THALL10326
The Champ
Well hell I didn't see ya done already gave up on it, oh well. Thats a good price you have on it too, you will sell it fast for sure.....
Scooterbum
Addicted to ArboristSite
No I haven't give up on her.That's someone else's auction.It was for the guy who offered me 250.00 for it.
I'll just run her awhile longer and see how she does.
It was nice to get a few sane answers at least.Thanks!
As far as chains they both were fitted with Oregon round chisel brand new.
The safety chain that came with it is in the box for a backup where it belongs
I'll just run her awhile longer and see how she does.
It was nice to get a few sane answers at least.Thanks!
As far as chains they both were fitted with Oregon round chisel brand new.
The safety chain that came with it is in the box for a backup where it belongs
B_Turner
Addicted to ArboristSite
Based on what folks were saying and based on how much I like my 7900, I got impulsive and grabbed a 5100s very recently as well.
Maybe I was expecting too much, based on my 7900.
First impressions;
Certain fit and finish details not up to my expectations. I know it is silly of me, but I like my saws to be purty at least at first. I've enclosed a couple of pics of the plastic around the handle where the pieces don't meet. Bothers me to look at it. Other complaints include the finish of the air cover is not smooth and telegraphs all the webings, etc underneath. Not very purty to behold, and a letdown compared to the 7900. Decals on the flat below grip already cracked.
Power seems less than I expected, but that also should improve with time.
The rear handle somehow seems a bit hard and rectangular compared to all my other saws. Not really a problem, especially with gloves, but surprised me a little.
The saw revs up very nicely, but takes longer than my other saws to slow down to idle. Not sure if I can tune that out, but it drives me crazy to wait until the motor slows down enough to set the brake or move to the next cut. It's idling close to spec and has great acceleration, so i am not sure what I can do about it.
Once at revs, anti vibe is good. Chain adjuster seems to work well.
Haven't figured out to start it cold. Three pulls and it's flooded with no pop. Maybe one pull choke?
Bottom line for me so far is that I feel I got a bit impulsive and for now I questioning my choice. But I had to know for myself, and I still hope to resolve the issues. I know most folks love their 5100s, so maybe it's just me. Or maybe since the serial number is very recent Dolmar is rushing to keep up with demand a little? I really want to love this saw.
Maybe I was expecting too much, based on my 7900.
First impressions;
Certain fit and finish details not up to my expectations. I know it is silly of me, but I like my saws to be purty at least at first. I've enclosed a couple of pics of the plastic around the handle where the pieces don't meet. Bothers me to look at it. Other complaints include the finish of the air cover is not smooth and telegraphs all the webings, etc underneath. Not very purty to behold, and a letdown compared to the 7900. Decals on the flat below grip already cracked.
Power seems less than I expected, but that also should improve with time.
The rear handle somehow seems a bit hard and rectangular compared to all my other saws. Not really a problem, especially with gloves, but surprised me a little.
The saw revs up very nicely, but takes longer than my other saws to slow down to idle. Not sure if I can tune that out, but it drives me crazy to wait until the motor slows down enough to set the brake or move to the next cut. It's idling close to spec and has great acceleration, so i am not sure what I can do about it.
Once at revs, anti vibe is good. Chain adjuster seems to work well.
Haven't figured out to start it cold. Three pulls and it's flooded with no pop. Maybe one pull choke?
Bottom line for me so far is that I feel I got a bit impulsive and for now I questioning my choice. But I had to know for myself, and I still hope to resolve the issues. I know most folks love their 5100s, so maybe it's just me. Or maybe since the serial number is very recent Dolmar is rushing to keep up with demand a little? I really want to love this saw.
Last edited:
bsjonny520sp
ArboristSite Member
Dolmar 5100s Cuttin some toothpicks
Cuttin some tooth pics !
very smooth
just breakin it in First tank of gas
trying to go easy on it
check this vid of the 5100s
http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q126/bs5100s/?action=view¤t=MOV00410.flv
stock low kickback chain
Cuttin some tooth pics !
very smooth
just breakin it in First tank of gas
trying to go easy on it
check this vid of the 5100s
http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q126/bs5100s/?action=view¤t=MOV00410.flv
stock low kickback chain
Marvinlee
ArboristSite Member
I agree with B_Turner's remarks. My saw has the same poor fit and finish as he describes and pictures. It is surprising, from a German company. I find the saw starter handle hard to pull. Makita, which now owns Dolmar, sells the saw under the Makita name in Great Britain. That saw comes with a decompresser valve as standard equipment. Since Dolmar is being sold in a variety of outlets that serve a broad range of buyers, the decompresser valve might help boost sales. As it is, the engine is harder to pull over than on a much larger older saw that also has no decompresser valve. Longer time users can advise if the hard starter rope pull is a temporary, new-saw, experience that will soon diminish. The Makita DCS 5000 saw is a blue and white color that looks attractive, at least on a monitor screen. As a personal view, I would like the aft handle to be slightly smaller in the vertical dimension. Users with larger hands might like it as it is. I won't make any judgment on power until I have used it for some time. As of now I am pleased overall with the saw and expect to use it for a long time.
zemmo
ArboristSite Operative
I hope it doesn't get any easier to pull, that would probably be due to loss of compression. I am 140 and 58 yr old, and don't find the effort objectionable, but it certainly is a lot harder to pull than my 350 with the button down. If the 7900 didn't have a button, it would be a problem, perhaps.
DOLMARatOs
ArboristSite Operative
Beware of purchasing Dolmar equipment via eBay. Unless you pick up your saw in person, the dealer is violating Dolmar's selling policy and has just voided the manufacturer's warranty.
RedMax has the same policy with their equipment. Unless the unit is set-up and run by the dealer and all safety and operating procedures along with maintenance, etc. a Dolmar dealer isn't required to perform warranty work and Dolmar isn't required to cover the warranty. This is very difficult to prove of course and for a dealer to "stiff" you on the warranty would not be cool.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. I'm suprised that this dealer (rlpowersports) is still selling these units on eBay. I have it on good authority that they have been warned twice by their Dolmar distributor for this practice.
RedMax has the same policy with their equipment. Unless the unit is set-up and run by the dealer and all safety and operating procedures along with maintenance, etc. a Dolmar dealer isn't required to perform warranty work and Dolmar isn't required to cover the warranty. This is very difficult to prove of course and for a dealer to "stiff" you on the warranty would not be cool.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. I'm suprised that this dealer (rlpowersports) is still selling these units on eBay. I have it on good authority that they have been warned twice by their Dolmar distributor for this practice.
Cool! This thread is saving me some money
Yup...learning lessons the easy way.
Scooterbum
Addicted to ArboristSite
Surprise Surprise
All "HYPE" aside I think I was expecting the Tasmanian Devil in a featherweight!!
10 tanks of gas.
She is a great little saw,did a muffler mod,got rid of the limiters and she opened up a little.
Little more torque in the cut with each tank of fuel just as I've been told.
I don't think I could ask for a better 50cc saw.
Fit and finish I could care less about.It still seems to be a well engineered saw.If I wanted pretty I could get that chrome pullon'
Still won't keep up with my 028S,but getting closer.
I think I just got lucky with this 028S.
All "HYPE" aside I think I was expecting the Tasmanian Devil in a featherweight!!
10 tanks of gas.
She is a great little saw,did a muffler mod,got rid of the limiters and she opened up a little.
Little more torque in the cut with each tank of fuel just as I've been told.
I don't think I could ask for a better 50cc saw.
Fit and finish I could care less about.It still seems to be a well engineered saw.If I wanted pretty I could get that chrome pullon'
Still won't keep up with my 028S,but getting closer.
I think I just got lucky with this 028S.
