Crappy Stihl Cylinder - Looks like ChiCom Garbage!!!

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im sure brad was told hes up ffffffffffin fffffffff creek without a ffffffffffing paddle.

so whats the big deal theyve been getn cheaper for years just not that drastic. and it has always been if you want quality and want it done right build it yourself .
 
Alright, here is my 2 cents for whatever it is worth.

First of all, Brad has such a following here, it is just crazy. Stay humble Brad, I don't want you to go all rockstar on us. You really have to watch what you say or how you say it. Timberwolf posted about this with pictures months ago. Nobody even paid much attention to it. I think you (Brad) even commented on this stuff over at the other site. T sling'r commented about it too a long time ago. Now we got 20 pages of this stuff and it is the first time anyone ever heard about it.:dizzy:

TZ250 is dead on with everything he has said.

If that part passes longevity and runs good, then it is technical fine and nothing is wrong. You can't tell me that saw is gonna have a shorter life. I will also bet that if you tested a 026 with a Mahle cylinder and one with a Stihl cylinder, you wouldn't notice a difference at all. Does it make it ok for Stihl to produce cylinders that aren't as "nice" as Mahle ones, no. They should stick with Mahle until their cylinders are on par. They have a ferrari/ducati/bmw reputation to upstand, which should never be compromised because that is their MO. This isn't just a stihl problem though, just like dolmar air filter designs suck and let in saw dust and husky re-badges poulans and charges more. If Stihl replaces this cylinder, you got to commend the company for making things right, especially when nothing is truly "wrong". That is what I admire with Baileys, they make things right if something isn't.

I know Thall asked first, but I will take that cylinder and run it if you don't want it Brad.

I always love to hear what the dealers have to say....they are the ones that truly have to deal with this stuff. They have a large say in quality too.....

Stihl is casting these cylinders in house at VA Beach. They also do casting for other industries. That is what my dealer told me a while back.

Remember when Pontiac came out with the Fiero? They took a front end, welded the steering shut and used it for the rear drive.:dizzy: So this stuff has been going for years. Everybody always says they don't make them like they used to. Hopefully Stihl doesn't follow this road.

Someone give me a beer, or 3.:cheers:
 
I've got as many buddies on this site that are Stihl guys as I do Husky and Jonny guys, so truthfully, I'm not enjoying this thread too much. (But I'm sure glad that it's not a Husky cylinder that's in question.) But I do have a few points I want to make.

That cylinder is an embarassment, and the real hard-core Stihl guys that are trying to defend it by saying it would run OK, sound at best evasive, and at worse, just plain silly. There are a lot of Stihl guys on the other hand that are not too biased to call it as they see it. If this was Husky cylinder I would just cringe. I would not really be surprised to see stuff like this cropping up on some of the less expensive homeowner saws, regardless of brand. But on a pro saw, that costs more, but is outperformed by it's chief competitors, anyone with an open mind has to say, "Hey, wait a minute!" It may run, but for how long? I can't conceive of something like that holdng up like all of the 031's and 028's that are still out there.

A lot of conclusions are being drawn based on that cylinder. There are apparently some other examples, but whether this can be considered indicative of Stihl's current definition of "pro quality" is a question that cannot be answered based on just a few examples.

The real smoking gun, if there is one, hasn't been found yet. And that is the answer to this question: Has Stihl decided to source P&C manufacturing, including for some of their pro saws, to China? Yes or no. (A lot of companies are doing this crap now a days, and they try to smooth over the negative reaction to the word China, by saying, "But it's our factory". BULLCRAP!!!)

If the answer is no, and I hope it is, then there are probably just a few bad cylinders out there and they need to tighten up a bit on their quality control. I just can't picture a company like Stihl accepting quality like that. I get aftermarket P&C sets, (Forester), that look way better than that thing on Brad's bench.

If the answer is yes, then IMO it is a huge blunder on their part, and they are in the process of blowing it big time. If the answer is yes, then how do they justify the premium pricing? If they have decided to go that route, then it is a classic, short term gain approach akin to the short sighted nonsense that ruined both McCulloch and Homelite.

And one more thought: We Husky and Jonny guys shouldn't gloat over this because if Stihl gets away with it, we could be next.

Good post Spike. Let me give you the correct answer as to where that cylinder come from and why. That cylinder Brad said is marked Stihl, not Mahle. He also said the piston is marked Mahle, that I would like to see when Stihl makes there own pistons at Va Beach. They do not cast cylinders there, that is outsourced to Mahle. Me being the sneak that I am I made a call today about that cylinder Brad showed. That cylinder was made in Brasil, not China.

Now the interesting part as it was told to me. The only time Stihl uses cylinders from Brasil is when Mahle can't keep up with demand. Thats why its very rare to find Stihl pro saws with Stihl branded logo cylinders on them without Mahle written on it too, they are usually all Mahle. Oddly I'm not sure if they were telling me that cylinder is made for Stihl or by Stihl but I will indeed find out.

Now if what I was told is true it doesn't look like Stihl is suffering at all but like you I agree, that cylinder did not look very good compared to other cylinders I have seen.

I tend to disagree with the running that cylinder part. If that saw runs as good any other 260 and it lasts like any other 260 there is nothing performace wise wrong with it, appearance yes, alot. I can't help but wonder how appearance affects the tree, does the tree say get away from me, I know your ugly on the inside, I don't think so,:cheers::cheers:

Now can I post my quailty control failure at Husqvarna pic Spike, please,LOLOL
 
Good post Spike. Let me give you the correct answer as to where that cylinder come from and why. That cylinder Brad said is marked Stihl, not Mahle. He also said the piston is marked Mahle, that I would like to see when Stihl makes there own pistons at Va Beach. They do not cast cylinders there, that is outsourced to Mahle. Me being the sneak that I am I made a call today about that cylinder Brad showed. That cylinder was made in Brasil, not China.

Now the interesting part as it was told to me. The only time Stihl uses cylinders from Brasil is when Mahle can't keep up with demand. Thats why its very rare to find Stihl pro saws with Stihl branded logo cylinders on them without Mahle written on it too, they are usually all Mahle. Oddly I'm not sure if they were telling me that cylinder is made for Stihl or by Stihl but I will indeed find out.

Now if what I was told is true it doesn't look like Stihl is suffering at all but like you I agree, that cylinder did not look very good compared to other cylinders I have seen.

I tend to disagree with the running that cylinder part. If that saw runs as good any other 260 and it lasts like any other 260 there is nothing performace wise wrong with it, appearance yes, alot. I can't help but wonder how appearance affects the tree, does the tree say get away from me, I know your ugly on the inside, I don't think so,:cheers::cheers:

Now can I post my quailty control failure at Husqvarna pic Spike, please,LOLOL




So much for Chicom....
 
So much for Chicom....

Well I was in the know about 2pm today. I figured letem make have a ball for a few hours. All that talk of have they or haven't they, oh my what have they done, they are going under now, ha, they are selling more than Mahle can produce, and there was a time when they had the same problem with pistons, that why they build they're own now. I think Stihl should get into the cylinder biz full swing and cut out the middle man, they sure make a fine piston, even Brad said so,:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
 
Let 'er rip ole buddy! We got to restore the universe back to normal here.

Spike I'm a very evil man. I did something much worse with that picture. I sent it to 2k to shove down Woodies throat,hehe Spike stay tuned, 2k is gonna give Woodie a fit with it, were gonna get to see the other side squirm and go oh noooooooooooooooo, how can that be, they must be going down hill, its a ChiCom case,hehe. I know, I'm such a common low life,:hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange:
 
Well I was in the know about 2pm today. I figured letem make have a ball for a few hours. All that talk of have they or haven't they, oh my what have they done, they are going under now, ha, they are selling more than Mahle can produce, and there was a time when they had the same problem with pistons, that why they build they're own now. I think Stihl should get into the cylinder biz full swing and cut out the middle man, they sure make a fine piston, even Brad said so,:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:


Yup, their was a thread a while back about 066's around 1999 having
Brazil made cylinders............I have 2 066's that do.


TT
 
Good post Spike. Let me give you the correct answer as to where that cylinder come from and why. That cylinder Brad said is marked Stihl, not Mahle. He also said the piston is marked Mahle, that I would like to see when Stihl makes there own pistons at Va Beach. They do not cast cylinders there, that is outsourced to Mahle. Me being the sneak that I am I made a call today about that cylinder Brad showed. That cylinder was made in Brasil, not China.

Now the interesting part as it was told to me. The only time Stihl uses cylinders from Brasil is when Mahle can't keep up with demand. Thats why its very rare to find Stihl pro saws with Stihl branded logo cylinders on them without Mahle written on it too, they are usually all Mahle. Oddly I'm not sure if they were telling me that cylinder is made for Stihl or by Stihl but I will indeed find out.

Now if what I was told is true it doesn't look like Stihl is suffering at all but like you I agree, that cylinder did not look very good compared to other cylinders I have seen.

I tend to disagree with the running that cylinder part. If that saw runs as good any other 260 and it lasts like any other 260 there is nothing performace wise wrong with it, appearance yes, alot. I can't help but wonder how appearance affects the tree, does the tree say get away from me, I know your ugly on the inside, I don't think so,:cheers::cheers:

Now can I post my quailty control failure at Husqvarna pic Spike, please,LOLOL

so it looks like there are alot of cylinders being built down in brasil. Erick, timberwolf,brad and treeslinger has all commited of this.
 
Now the interesting part as it was told to me. The only time Stihl uses cylinders from Brasil is when Mahle can't keep up with demand. Thats why its very rare to find Stihl pro saws with Stihl branded logo cylinders on them without Mahle written on it too, they are usually all Mahle. Oddly I'm not sure if they were telling me that cylinder is made for Stihl or by Stihl but I will indeed find out.

In case anybody doesn't know, Husky also has a factory in Brazil. Maybe they made the cylinder for Stihl. LOL

BTW, last year I got in the last four 55's that I will probably ever see from Husky. The box looked a little different, took a closer look and they were "made in Brazil" They seemed fine and are all still running as far as I know.

Other than that, I can't say too much about Brazilion saws, but the chicks down there sure are hot, aren't they?
 
You feel compelled to comment on Stihl quality, please comment on Ford quality.

Why? This thread is about stihl's quality (or lack thereof), not Ford's. Changing the subject is a THALL tactic...



.

I'll comment on it!

Two vehicles: 99 F150 and a 99 E-350.
Both had the Triton V8
At 22,000 mi. both needed a right side head gasket
At 44,000 mi. both needed a right side head gasket

Traded the pick up for a Tundra in 2003.
Still have the van.

AT 62,000 the van needed a right side head gasket.
Haven't gotten it fixed, just been feeding her oil very 1,000 miles.

BTW had to pay for about 1/2 of the head gasket repairs the 2nd time around, on both vehicles. Pretty frustrating!
 
Wow. I'm finally caught up. Lots of good posts. I agree with most of them.

Tom, I can't blame you on your position with someone other than the purchaser bringing in the P&C off a new saw and not wanting to deal with it. The difference here is that I'm not just a walk in asking for a favor. I've spent thousands of dollars on Stihl part with them over the last few year. We have a great relationship. One of the two owners of the shop took it and agreed to do what he could for me.

I believe it was Tom and Erick that both mentioned something about the following. You see, when a customer sends a saw to me and includes a check to perform said work, my reputation is on the line. This cylinder simply does not meet my standards. It does not represent the kind of quality that I want to put out. The owner of the saw is very grateful that I didn't just mod the cylinder and not say anything. Here are some exact quotes from his emails. "Maybe that's part of the reason I was disappointed in it's performance after buying my NE346XP. Perhaps it wasn't really "putting out" like it should have been." "I'm glad your conscience enough to examine it and not just do the work. " Like you said, it's not just about Stihl for me.

I'm very glad to hear that most cylinders are still coming from Mahle. However, the cylinder ont he 260 Pro at the dealer tonight looked just like this one.

I'm sure I missed some more good thoughts you guys brought up.
 
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I'll comment on it!

Two vehicles: 99 F150 and a 99 E-350.
Both had the Triton V8
At 22,000 mi. both needed a right side head gasket
At 44,000 mi. both needed a right side head gasket

Traded the pick up for a Tundra in 2003.
Still have the van.

AT 52,000 the van needed a right side head gasket.
Haven't gotten it fixed, just been feeding her oil very 1,000 miles.

BTW had to pay for about 1/2 of the head gasket repairs the 2nd time around, on both vehicles. Pretty frustrating!

That would just piss me off.
 
All that talk of have they or haven't they, oh my what have they done, they are going under now, ha, they are selling more than Mahle can produce

Okay...so is stihl doing the honest thing and discounting the saws that come with the garbage jugs?

I don't think it's fair to pass off a pro-grade saw with a crap-grade jug, so I'm sure stihl is now offering two separate models at two separate prices.

Right?

Don't pat stihl on the back for 'selling more than Mahle can produce' when stihl turns around and supplies a cylinder that looks like it was cast and machined in a high-school shop class.


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