Stihl 011AV - Known issues?

[Big feller]

I just picked up a 011AV from a friend who works for a mower / saw repair shop. It starts up well and runs for about five minutes happily but then the power drops off.

He thinks it is probably either seals or cylinder wear causing the problem. Are there any known issues I should look for? I have found a new pot and piston that I can buy for 75 bucks as well as seals and bearings for small change.
I reckon that if I get that done it should last a few years chopping firewood.

Any thoughts?

 

[computeruser]

Others probably know more of the service-side problems, but I do know that they like to clog up their muffler spark arrestor screen pretty badly, even when they're tuned OK and running good gas/oil.

 

[Lakeside53]

Before you change out the piston/cylinder, go through the fuel system. The fuel filter in the tank is probably blocked, and the hoses for the tank vent and fuel often disintegrate. Make sure the tank vent works. Check the inlet screen in the carb - it may be partially blocked.

 

[stihltech]

vent

The vent was the known problem. The fuel system tuneup is always a good idea.

 

[Big feller]

Diagnosis spot on - many thanks!

I checked out areas suggested and found the tank vent tube filter is missing and has been plugged with a screw:bang:

I can't find any pictures of the vent in position in my manuals. Is the tube supposed to go behind the carb, through a hole, and have the filter just above the sprocket?

I got this saw without bar and chain. I am planning to use either 12 or 14 inch - probably 14. It seems that the original had a 6 tooth sprocket but this has 7. Should I change back to 6 and get original spec. bar and chain or get new bar and chain to suit the 7 tooth sprocket? The saw isn't going to work too hard. If the going gets tough I will dig out the 045.

Anyway - a really big thank you. I can't say how impressed I am with this forum. Money couldn't buy the quality of help I see here.

Cheers.

Big feller.

 

[Lakeside53]

I checked out areas suggested and found the tank vent tube filter is missing and has been plugged with a screw:bang:

I can't find any pictures of the vent in position in my manuals. Is the tube supposed to go behind the carb, through a hole, and have the filter just above the sprocket?

I got this saw without bar and chain. I am planning to use either 12 or 14 inch - probably 14. It seems that the original had a 6 tooth sprocket but this has 7. Should I change back to 6 and get original spec. bar and chain or get new bar and chain to suit the 7 tooth sprocket? The saw isn't going to work too hard. If the going gets tough I will dig out the 045.

Anyway - a really big thank you. I can't say how impressed I am with this forum. Money couldn't buy the quality of help I see here.

Cheers.

Big feller.

Yes, the vent tube goes behind the carb and into the chain cover. There is a small grub screw that needs to be in the tube up near the tank end. This lets the air in but "slows" down the gas... usually... The tube terminates in a sponge to stop the sawdust and junk from blocking the vent. Not a great design, but it works.

I'd just leave the sprocket as is... it will work fine with 7 on a 14 inch bar.