Piston problems

[chainsawworld]

seems to me that there are way too many variables here. the saw left rube's in good running order. it was shipped from one coast to the other.
is the saw being run at the same octane level as set up? the same mix ratio? same altitude? run at extreme RPMs out of the cut for long periods of time? during shipping was the saw dropped damaging a seal. did a friend adjust the jets? sometimes you can find a saw that just can not be worked. it may sound real good than hit the wood and fall on its face, or not be able to withstand the mods and blow up(actually blow down because the fuel mix pushs the piston down). stock saws are the same way. sometimes you find a real runner and the next same model is a pig.
attempting to make a call over the net with pictures is not fair to anyone!!! marty

 

[Marky Mark]

Here’s my side. I called mike about building a 4cube saw and then went ahead with a bigger saw the 2100. Mike quoted me a price of $350 dollars plus shipping.Mike mentioned he could build woods saw. I agreed to the price. At that time I didn’t own a 2100 so I purchased one from ebay thru the Sawking. I explained the situation to the Sawking No big deal. I had also spoke to mike about going over the saw from the sawking. Mike Agreed and I said if there are any problems wrap it up and send it back. I could careless if I have negative feed back from ebay. Mike said he had a saw to work with. And about 5 months later I had a Rupley 2100.

I had sent an email to mike about 3 months later asking were the saw was. He said it has an air leek so it will be longer. He also wrote “it’s raining out and I got hit in the head with a softball” What happened was the piston cracked, so mike replaced it from his stock.

When I arrived home I saw the box on my porch I opened it and couldn’t believe that there were 2 screws missing from the muffler to start with and the chain guard was cracked. It was dark so I decided to run the saw the next day. I had purchased loops of Carlton chain and 2 GB bars from Jeff. I filled the tank with Mazima K2 40-1 mix of Texaco 93 octane gas. After filling the bar oil tank. As I was walking outside from my shop the gas was pouring out and I figured I may have poured to much gas and it was just dripping. But the first cut my chaps were soaked with gas.

Did the saw start yes after about 20-25 pulls. I then made some cuts in a oak log about 18” and the saw had no power what so ever. I swear my 357xp walkerized would kick that saws ass no problem. I made 5 cuts with the saw in the same log and from frustration packed it up.

The saw was brought back into my shop I discover a hole on the chain side of the tank that was plugged with a compound like JB weld. I also noticed that the saw was never completely broken down or for that matter blown out with an air hose.

I called mike and Explained to him it was my understanding that the saw was to be inspected by him and then built but when I mentioned the Muffler he said” that’s what I had to work with” I asked if had any screws around for him to use no answer.As for the gas tank he explained that he didn’t fill it up all the way and when he ran the saw it was up to his standards. I don’t recall him saying that he ran the snot out of it either. I also asked him about the sprocket he proceeded to tell me that it was good and he didn’t see anything wrong with it. Mike told me to bring it to my local guy and get it fixed. I dropped $350 for Mike’s work and another $250 for the saw and about 65 bucks with all the shipping.

I then asked mike what he wanted to do he kept telling me the saw was fine and he did his best work on that saw. I also made mention that he do his best work, as best as he knew how to. Mike said stated several times that ask Ken Dunn about his work, I had work done by Mike not Ken. I said to Mike call me with what he wanted to do, He never called. So I sent him a few emails. He told me to call him. I did .
Mike did say he would refund my money providing I return the saw he keeps the saw and he would refund my 350. I would also have to pay shipping. Is that fair. Then when Dan Henry came to pick up the lathe he brought a 2100 I had him build for me from 2 saws I bought. We couldn’t get the rupley saw to start. I took the cover off the carb and discovered that the Diaphragm was made out of gasket sealer. I am no 2 cycle engine repairman but I know when I have been had.

When I called mike I spoke to someone on the AS board and he said to try to work it out with mike and I did. This was not my idea, return his piston and cylinder Mike gives me my Money back, I Keep the saw he said no way. He also called me a Little man for posting about his work on the web. That it’s easy to hide behind a keyboard. I explained that the work he did was halfassed and there is no way he should be building saws for people. I did ask Mike for people he has built saws for he never replied to that either. I made mention that I would bring the saw to Clearwater and see what people thought about it, Mike made mention that he would fight me. I don’t want a fight but I do want my money for the Boat anchor I have.

Mike also stated since I gave my lathe to Dan Henry I should have him do the work. with his new lathe. I recieved 18 email about the lathe Dan was to only one willing to drive and pickup the 3 ton beast. If he didn't it was going to be scrapped the next week.

Here is part of and email from mike “I have no animosity toward you and want to help if I can. I have built a lot of hot saws and you are the first complaint.
Now I am the bad guy? You must be an only child and very spoiled to always want your way or no way. I can understand if you have been divorced because you would be hard to live with. Mike



My first email to mike
Dear Mike,
I was so excited to see the package at my door I just couldn't wait to fire her up. After opening the box and putting on the new GB bar and chain from Jeff Sikema. I filled her up with fuel and Bar oil and let me tell you when I went to pull on that cord I had Gas all over my legs.

That gas tank leaks, lot. I then proceeded to examine the saw and after taking off the chain guard I noticed that there is a hole there and it has been plugged up with some type of compound. I have enclosed a picture of the hole."jb weld maybe"

I was under the impression that this saw was gone over by you and ok'd. As I stated I wanted the saw to be looked over and then modified. I also would have like to have seen the saw striped and cleaned, is that part of the modifications.

The sprocket is very worn and I also would have liked to see that replaced. I had stated if you came across any snags let me know and we can deal with them. How much could a sprocket cost?? There is also a crack on the chain guard I would have like that called to my attention.
If you could please contact me at your earliest convince to discuss this saw.
Regards,
Mark

Here is and email when I asked where my saw was.
I can send the saw right now if you want. It idles real fast because of the leak. You will have to find the air leak but it runs good. Mike”




That is from someone I paid to build me a saw.
In closing I will post some pics of the saw’s case. Did I try to work this out with Mike yes, He wants me to pay for all shipping for him to work on the saw, I don’t think that’s fair, I feel it’s the cost of doing business. I am also still laughing at myself for being so foolish having Mike build me a nitemare.

 

[Marky Mark]

Here's a shot of the chain guard this was accepted for my project.
This crack is about 3' long.

 

[Fish]

It is actually a good thing that this biatchfest has reared it's
ugly large head on this forum. It boils down to the best
bullshatter winning. I deal with this tripe daily, and am getting
more and more cranky about my dealings with this ****.
It sounds like the complainer, sent a piece of garbage up to
said saw builder, and the flurry of jabber is open for speculation.
Even after correspondance between the two people in question,
both would likely agree that the saw in question was pure junk,
and after a long line of crap, the builder agreed to look at this
junkpile, because the "customer" didn't want to spend a fortune.
Who knows the details of the original discussion, but all of the
posters here will heartily agree that this saw is a piece of crap.
If it was a new saw, out of the box, you would have something
to ????? about. Bringing this fight to everyone only damages
everyone's credibility, which is the original intent.
I have people bring me total junk daily, and it is
a future trap for contreversy if I allow it to be dropped off for
repair, so I am getting quite pessimistic about these long
winded, "I have been wronged"! stories, as they hold little validity

So were you planning on paying the $60 + for a new chain guard?
Helicoil for the muffler bolts? New Muffler? I doubt it. You saw
the add for the $30 tune up, and assumed that meant everything.
Modifying a saw is one thing, but shipping a piece of junk and
expecting a miracle is another.

I have no knowledge of the fight in progress, but know the
particulars from experience.
I might be mistaken on a few details, but I know the old song well.
I may be way off base, but I doubt it. But I am always trying
to piss off someone.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Fish, good reply. All I know is you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
P.S. I so happen to be the biggest bullchiter here.
John

 

[Marky Mark]

Fish,
Did you read my whole post??? I did mention that the saw was to be inspected by Mike, He did claim that he inspected this saw. He had 3 days to go over the saw if there was something he didn't like it would have to be sent back to the sawking. The ball was in Mikes court he made the call on the saw not me.

Fish if you feel cost is a factor with me your wrong VERY WRONG,
here is a toy I could buy 10-12 088's woods modded easily. I have no problem paying for high quailty work.

Shooten the **** John with the Street Sweeper.

 

[z4lunch]

MarkyM How bout a topper!!!LOL
Steve

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Steve, because I am also a good shot with a .22, but am afraid of heights, I prefer to do my arborial limbing with a rim fire.
check out how close I am at 50 paces and peep sights.
John

 

[z4lunch]

John,
they allow guns in Canada...I thought you guys where lucky to have WildThings available for the woods
Steve

 

[Bill G]

Mark,

This dispute is none of my business but I do have a couple observations.

The first is I have dealt with the seller you bought the 2100 from. He had been very honest and forthcoming in disclosing any problems with the items he sells. Did he sell it to you without disclosing the leak in the tank and the cracked cover ? If he did then I would have been in contact with him.

The second thing is that you imply money was not an object. If this is true then why did you go with a 2100 ? In no way is this meant to be criticism just a question. There are other saws that I think would have been a better choice if money was not an issue.


Just my random observations and not criticism

Bill

 

[jokers]

Hi Bill, of course I can`t answer for Mark but the 2100 with a thin ring piston can make a wicked saw.

Mark, the cracked chain cover would not raise an eyebrow in most circles of experienced saw users. If the saw were to be pristine or "as new" it would be an issue but it shouldn`t be on a woods saw.

The worn rim that Mike didn`t replace does seem petty from both perspectives, the buyer(you) and the person checking it out(Mike), but was he supposed to refurb all aspects of the saw?

As far as the gas tank leak goes, it was apparently patched by someone other than Mike prior to it`s arrival at Mike`s. It looks like someone tried to weld it before the JB treatment and they only buggered it up worse. It`s very difficult to get a good weld on the magnesium cases, especially when they are fouled with gas and oil, therefore JB Weld is an acceptable method of repair but it has to be done right so that it doesn`t leak. Believe it or not, JB Weld can be applied so that lasts for years.

In summary, I think that many of the minor issues at hand are subjective and are thus open to interpretation and opinion. I`m glad that I am not involved.

For what it`s worth in regard to SawKing: I bought a Silvey grinder from him that did not look like the picture used in the ad. The grinder was in perfect working order and the deal went smoothly, but the grinder was misrepresented with the picture he posted.

Russ

 

[Jacob J.]

<p>Jokers-<p/>
<p>If I may ask, was that a round grinder or a square grinder? I think I had seen that auction and had even bid on it. I agree on the 2100 as a hotsaw, it does very well. With the 56mm bore, and those deep, heavy transfer ports, that thing is begging to be hopped up. A thin ring piston is the way to go but for a hot woods saw I'd go with a better carburetor too. The 2100 can run an 084 type Walbro WG3 or Tillotson HT1A without being overcarbureted, if the engine is ported correctly and the muffler is opened up. As far as any "petty" issues are concerned, I say if a person is charging $350.00 to go through a saw without major work like replacing the main bearings, crank, entire top end, or other "pricey" parts, then getting the small stuff like nuts and bolts, or a sprocket shouldn't be a problem. If it's such an issue then a builder should itemize his labor costs and parts costs to justify the money spent.<p/>

 

[JimL]

Here is my personal opinion on what went on,

First thing I would have done is Preasure/Vacuum tested the saw, then popped off the muffler to check for scoring. Looked it over and if it hadn't been up to par I would have called the customer and sent the saw back.



I build kohler pulling motors for guys, A couple months ago I recieved a motor that a guy bought and didn't have any idea what was wrong. Turns out the rod broke and cracked the bore. t only cracked about 1/4" of the bottom of it, I could have easily bored it and made it work. I called him with my findings and he said he would find another block. A week later I had a block.
I machined it and did my work to it, come to find out it had 2 broken off headbolts in it. I spent 3 hours getting those 2 bolts out and never said anything to him about more money. Then I found the threads on the block that hold the carb on to be pretty stripped. I put a helicoil in it for free. Got it all buttoned up and ready to put in a plug, come to find out he had a head for a LP gas engine, I had a spare head and swaped them out no problem.

Sometimes a builder/mechanic needs to step up and fix whats wrong instead of just halfassing it.

I think you should send back the jug and piston, the only 2 piecees that had any work done to them and get your $350 back.

 

[dbabcock]

I don't think anyone here is qualified to make any judgements on this matter without knowing all the facts. Since we are not either Mark or Mike, we will probably never know all the facts. I happen to like both guys and have never had an issue, ethical or otherwise, with either of them. This disagreement will never be solved in open forum here on AS. All this issue is serving now is people who get off watching other people's conflicts and fanning the flames to make them more sensational.

 

[jokers]

I`ve got to agree with Doug, this thread has had it`s day and now it`s time to move on. The only people who will be satisfied by it`s continuance are the ambulance chasers. Hopefully Mark and Mike can work this out between themselves now that we all now there are some issues.

JJ, maybe I worded that statement about the rim poorly but the intent of my message was that neither one of these guys should get too upset about a 3 or 4 $ rim. I think $350 is abit on the steep side for a woods job but then I don`t know the particulars of working on 2100s. If I had spent that kind of money on a job I would have been pleased to have it come back with a new rim, but if I hadn`t requested a full refurb on the saw I couldn`t really ????? if it came back with the rim it went with. I agree with the notion that we are putting our "good" names on every job we do so we should take care of the small details but I wasn`t there building the saw so I can`t accurately say what happened.

This whole thread is sad because we`ve got two guys who have always been known to me as good guys getting gutted here. I`m sorry that Mark got a buggered up saw and I`m sorry that there is the element of doubt that allows us to believe that Mike screwed him. Let`s let it rest.

Russ

 

[jokers]

BTW, it was a Silvey 510 if memeory serves me JJ. The picture made it look much newer or less used than it was but as I said it was perfectly functional, except for the broken wheel, nobody seems to know how to ship a grinder and wheel without the wheel breaking enroute. I even had the same problem straight from Silvey, broke the lamp housing too. They of course made good on it immediately.

Russ