new dcs 401 poor running problem

[Jack2007]

Ok, the joke is on me 'cause I bought this Makita dcs401 online. First time I've experienced a saw not running right.

Engine was idling fast but otherwise ok for about 5 minutes. Then started to bog down with throtle. Got it going again, but it wants to bog down after idiling for a few moments and then throttling again.

Saw is factory new. Is this just an adjustment problem, or something else?

 

[Luke]

Not an authority but,,,,,, Mine was similar when new. Seemed to be very lean on the low speed jet. I cut off the limiter cap stops, took the muff apart and removed the restrictive plate in the front, might have opened up the actual outlet some, can't remember. Then tuned by ear and response, which ended up taching out at around 13.5 which was higher than the book said if I remember correctly.

Significantly better running saw now.

 

[bundy]

Dcs-401

Jack, I just ordered a 401 online. Keep us posted as to how you make out with your saw.

 

[sugarbush]

Not an authority but,,,,,, Mine was similar when new. Seemed to be very lean on the low speed jet. I cut off the limiter cap stops, took the muff apart and removed the restrictive plate in the front, might have opened up the actual outlet some, can't remember. Then tuned by ear and response, which ended up taching out at around 13.5 which was higher than the book said if I remember correctly.

Significantly better running saw now.

13,500 is to high, should be 12,000.

 

[Jack2007]

Not an authority but,,,,,, Mine was similar when new. Seemed to be very lean on the low speed jet. I cut off the limiter cap stops, took the muff apart and removed the restrictive plate in the front, might have opened up the actual outlet some, can't remember. Then tuned by ear and response, which ended up taching out at around 13.5 which was higher than the book said if I remember correctly.

Significantly better running saw now.

Well, I'm not actually interested in modding the saw.This one is for light use at my parent's house, residential. I don't like to mod saws anyway.

My first impressions of this saw are not positive. besides it not running, the thing looks and feels cheap. Made by Dolmar, however it has none of the pedigree of the 5100 imo. Absolutely junk compared to the 338 husky of the same size. Half the price, to be sure, but don't let anyone tell you this is in line with a pro saw just because of a few half baked features.

If the thing ran I might feel differently.....

 

[computeruser]

If the thing ran I might feel differently.....

I suspect you're right. Get the tuning figured out, gut the muffler, and you should be all set. It is a solid little saw with a proven track record for durability.

 

[Steve128]

No need to mod Makita 401/Dolmar 401!

Well, I'm not actually interested in modding the saw.This one is for light use at my parent's house, residential. I don't like to mod saws anyway.

My first impressions of this saw are not positive. besides it not running, the thing looks and feels cheap. Made by Dolmar, however it has none of the pedigree of the 5100 imo. Absolutely junk compared to the 338 husky of the same size. Half the price, to be sure, but don't let anyone tell you this is in line with a pro saw just because of a few half baked features.

If the thing ran I might feel differently.....

Modding may help, but I haven't modded mine. Some member's (I forgot who) have modded with excellent results.

The saw is very light and the plastic does feel different. I did have to spend some time adjusting the carb on mine. I noticed after about three gallons of gas through it, the saw just flat out ran better in every way. Off topic, this saw sips gas and gushes oil. Those three gallons of gas took me and others most of the day to burn.

But after carb adjustment, extensive use with hundreds of hours during storm work for family; I have come away more than impressed with mine.

I hope you get your saw's condition sorted out and become satisfied with your purchase. I had to modify the high speed adjustment a couple of times to get it right. But this could be me as I am not CLOSE to having near the mechanical ability of most on this site.

 

[cuttinscott]

The PS 401's generally need to have the limiter caps removed to richen the low speed the hi speed likes to be richened as well with a slight muffler work on the outlet (remove the little pointed tang) and after a few tanks of gas it will wake right up.

Scott

 

[SawTroll]

+1 for the lean low speed adjustment, prototype synthoms of that issue......

 

[bundy]

dcs 401

cuttinscott,
Do you have any tips on removing the limiter caps? I'm assuming this has something to do with the high and low speed jet adjustments. Thanks!

 

[cuttinscott]

cuttinscott,
Do you have any tips on removing the limiter caps? I'm assuming this has something to do with the high and low speed jet adjustments. Thanks!

Take Air Filter Hood off, remove Air Filter, carefully pull off the limiter caps with a pair of linesman pliers. Make sure not to bend adjustment screws. reassemble air filter and hood and then adjust.


Scott

 

[Luke]

Well,,,, I'm sorry for suggesting a "change" that addressed the same issues with my saw. I never thought of adjusting the carb and opening up a muffler as a modded saw.

Again sorry.

 

[Jack2007]

Well,,,, I'm sorry for suggesting a "change" that addressed the same issues with my saw. I never thought of adjusting the carb and opening up a muffler as a modded saw.

Again sorry.

Hey, no need to apologize, appreciate everyone's responses. It seems apparent that the carb will need adjustment, I just would prefer not to open up the muffler and make it louder. Although there is one next door neigbor that I've never really liked......

 

[SawTroll]

Well,,,, I'm sorry for suggesting a "change" that addressed the same issues with my saw. I never thought of adjusting the carb and opening up a muffler as a modded saw.

Again sorry.

I don't understand - you were pretty right on, weren't you?