Proper Maintenance Practices Thread

[DSS]

So according to Neils first post with all the pictures, I have to paint my carb once a month???????

Jeezo flip, just when you think you know it all, some smart ass comes along and changes the rules !!!!

LOL......JK, this is a good thread.
Seems like you forget the simple things after awhile.

 

[NEP]

So according to Neils first post with all the pictures, I have to paint my carb once a month???????

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

I see you have all overlooked an important maintenance point! I missed this a few years ago and got rightly chewed out for it here on AS!


Always check your exhaust port for bee pollen before you start cutting!

 

[Wasatch Stihl]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I wasn't aware that the life of pre-mix was as short as 30 days.

If you know you aren't going to use your saw for a few months, is it better to run it out of fuel (possible lean condition) or leave the fuel in it and drain it (and refill it with fresh fuel) later?

Thanks again for all the info. I appreciate it greatly!

 

[StihlyinEly]

When I'm all done cutting for the fall season, I run them empty. I don't think just draining the fuel tank is enough, because there's still some fuel left in lines and the carb to work its devil magic during the downtime. I'm usually tinkering with them over winter anyway, and that involves running them now and then.

I run 92 octane non-ethanol in all my small motors and that has a much longer shelf life than regular unleaded with ethanol. My mechanic friends tell me it's good for about 3 months.

I suppose a person could run in some fuel stabilizer, but I haven't done that. Interesting to know what the verdict of the true sawhead mechanics here on AS would be regarding stabilizers.

 

[Wasatch Stihl]

Thanks Stihly!

I confess this thread has made me feel guilty...

My old saw (and mid-size in the three saw line up) is an 038 AV Magnum II, which I bought new back in 1990. That thing has run flawlessly since I bought it, and it gets cleaned occasionally, but not as religiously as I should be doing. It deserves better and I'll do that.

That saw was $527.00 back in 1990.