Lousy fuel filters makes for service money

[Lakeside53]

The thread heading says it all.

If you have a saw with one of these - DITCH IT (the filter).

I get literally hundreds of saws a year with the crappy Zama type fuel filters in them. Every time I pull one out, the carb inlet screen is blocked with filter and other material, and there is crap in the fuel hose. Some saws have run so lean that they are on the way out, or trashed.

To be fair.. the problem is often the end user - old gas in tank, two or more years since a filter change etc etc etc... If the fuel filter was changed every year, maybe they'ed do their job. Maybe. I get plenty of saws with other filtes just as abused, but the carb inlet is usually clear.


I'm not pushing Stihl filters over Husky or whatever, but there are better filters available.

The filter on the left is the Zama filter that has obviously been siting in gas. The right is a Stihl filter (about $5.50) shown with its $2 insert. Just change the insert each year or two... or if it gets dirty.

If your dealer gives you a funny look when you ask just for the filter insert, it's 0000 358 1800. Only available for the smaller body filter. The large filter type you need to replace as a unit.

My advise - don't buy the Zama type of filter.... it isn't worth it. if you have a saw with one in, then check your carb inlet screen.



036 carb - blocked screen - the saw was actually running, but really lean.

Zama - Stihl Insert - Stihl filter.

 

[GASoline71]

Thanks Andy! I just bought a new filter for the 028... guess I need to check it out before I install it.

Gary

 

[Lakeside53]

It fit almost all the Stihl saws... 0000 350 3500 (PIctured)

But on pro saws I recommend the larger filter, and even on the 200T. - 0000 350 3504


Price is the same, but we can't get the inserts for the 3504 (yet).

 

[THALL10326]

Good thread

Nice tips there Lake. Keepem coming.....

 

[spike60]

Good work, Lake! Especially with the pics.

I'd like to add that I have also seen some HORRIBLE aftermarket air filters on the 372's. Not the place to try and save a buck.

 

[PES+]

What happens if the snap apart filter housing comes apart while the saw is running and you don't notice it?

 

[Lakeside53]

It would be bad, but it doesn't really happen. Heck, even the old orange filters with the sponge/lead were "snap part" and they were used for 30 years.

I often try to change the filter insert "in the tank " and it can be a bit?h to get them part.

 

[Lakeside53]

Good work, Lake! Especially with the pics.

I'd like to add that I have also seen some HORRIBLE aftermarket air filters on the 372's. Not the place to try and save a buck.

same with 028, 038 and 024 aftermarket air filters - junk.

 

[PES+]

Next question.....Chuckiehow took his brand new Stihl back to the dealer and they have apparently traced the problem to a defective bar.....
Now who was the vendor on the bar? and how did the saw pass it's full functional test at the factory with a bad bar?

 

[MillinginOz]

Thanks Lakeside Ive been using those Zama filters in saws here in Oz for years and never gave it a second thought now I'll definatly be using the Stihl ones thanks again .Peter

 

[Lakeside53]

PEST...now you're onto bars???

First you assume the diagnosis is correct... secondly I can't image any problem with the saw/bar/chain/whatever that wasn't apparent to a trained eye, so I'm not sure where the dealer is coming from. And if you'd read that thread - the saw was changed from the .325 to the 3/8 set-up.. and.. saws are not run with bars and chains at the factory - that's the job of the dealer.

.... but, why don't you just say what's bugging you, 'cos all this transparent obscurity is tiresome...

 

[Lakeside53]

Thanks Lakeside Ive been using those Zama filters in saws here in Oz for years and never gave it a second thought now I'll definitely be using the Stihl ones thanks again .Peter

You don't have to use Stihl.... Stihl's are good... but just use a proven brand ... The filter I see in Husky saws now and then seems o.k. Large solid cylinder of porous plastic.

 

[PES+]

I am sorry his nic is John Cusick Jr it appears

The quality is going down and you yourself have stated that Stihl does not pay enough for warrantee to the dealer/ The dealer that pays your pay check.....not Stihl.....so you confuse me no end

 

[PES+]

I have little if any tolerence for BS

BS is BS no matter who publishes it......common sense and rationality go out the window when someone mistake's a manufacturer of anything as all powerful and inerrant

I would never make a statement that Stihl builds nothing but junk as it would not be true

 

[BostonBull]

I am sorry his nic is John Cusick Jr it appears

The quality is going down and you yourself have stated that Stihl does not pay enough for warrantee to the dealer/ The dealer that pays your pay check.....not Stihl.....so you confuse me no end

Not sure who made this statement of not getting paid enough. But if you go to all the schools,namely the gold, that Stihl wants you to go to they pay your full shop labor rate during warranty work no matter how high it is.

 

[PES+]

That was the way it always was.....though I remember Lakeside making reference to a lower rate than regular so perhaps he is not Gold certified?
I do not know

Please do correct me if I am wrong Lakeside

 

[Lakeside53]

I am sorry his nic is John Cusick Jr it appears

The quality is going down and you yourself have stated that Stihl does not pay enough for warrantee to the dealer/ The dealer that pays your pay check.....not Stihl.....so you confuse me no end

What? you're now onto warranty? but I'll go there...

Warrantly service is such a tiny share of our service work we'd stave no matter what they paid us...

If quality was going down, I'd expect a big surge in warranty work.. Not happening... Where's all your data coming from?


Just saw you other thread; no, I'm not "Gold". "Gold" is tired into the business model a couple of ways - you can then be a "Elite" dealer on the Stihl web site, and yes you can charge shop rate for warranty. Pity there wasn't more warranty to make it worthwhile BTW, some states require warranty to be paid at shop rate, gold or not. WA isn't currently one of the them

There will be a big surge in "gold" out west when Stihl decides to allow gold courses to be performed at other then VA.

 

[michael j]

Gonna pull mine in the mornin' and check it. If it's junk I got the #. Thanks.

Mike

 

[Urbicide]

Another excellent post Andy.

 

[chuckiehow]

Next question.....Chuckiehow took his brand new Stihl back to the dealer and they have apparently traced the problem to a defective bar.....
Now who was the vendor on the bar? and how did the saw pass it's full functional test at the factory with a bad bar?

Yes, that was JohnCusickjr with the bar problem. I've got my own unique set of problems which I'm thinking is centered around low compression. I've never installed a set of rings but I'm about ready to find out how it's done.