Stihl 017 question.

[supermick]

Hi everyone,

just discovered your forum so i thought i'd take this opportunity to pick some brains regarding my saw.

I origionally bought it about 18 months ago from an arborist and have only recently experienced some difficulty. The saw starts no problem, but when the actual cut begins it seems to lack power and frequently stops (not cuts out, just refuses to cut). I can still cut but at the expense of a lot of gas and a lot of patience. It seems to have lost some 'go' and i cant seem to come up with an idea of what the problem maybe. The chain is brand new, and the fuel mix is right.

I was thinking spark plug but my saw knowledge is limited - Any ideas?

 

[Haywire Haywood]

I bought an 017 from the manager of ace hardware when I was moonlighting there a few years ago.... '95 or 96 I think. It would start on the third pull every time IF COLD, but get it warmed up and you'd better not shut it off till you were finished. If you did, you'd be yanking on it for 10 minutes getting it going again.

If I understand you correctly, the chain just stops in the cut. Is the motor bogging down, or does it maintain RPM while the chain is stopped? If the latter, your clutch is worn out, easy fix. If the motor is bogging, and you aren't cutting something beyond it's normal capability then you may need rings or worse, a jug too. Take the muffler off and pull on the starter rope slowly until you can see the piston through the exhaust port. It should be smooth and shiny without any vertical lines or gouging.

Then again, it might just need a good tuneup. I'm sure one of the pros will be along shortly.

Ian

 

[supermick]

Many thanks!

specifically as i begin the cut on any size log, there is a small amount of jumping, followed by a cease in rotation of the chain - Engines still going, revs ok - just no power. As ive mentioned the chain is new and tension is spot on according to both a manual and local arborist.

I just bought a new (well, second-hand new) stihl 028av to cover for it as im planning on attacking a fair bit of firewood this week but would like to get to the root of the problem ASAP. I suppose its a process of elimination. I also need to find a reputable place i could have it serviced so maybe if any of the English guys on the board have any recommendations that would be great.

 

[alderman]

Just a guess

Try checking and cleaning the exhaust screen.

 

[begleytree]

if the saw is running up fine and the chain is just stopping, check your sprocket and clutch. I've had spur sprockets break loose from the clutch hub (on 020Ts)
-Ralph

 

[martrix]

sounds to me like your clutch is worn out and is slipping, just like the clutch in a car slips when you cant get it to go forward.

 

[supermick]

This is all much appreciated guys. Thanks

 

[Bowtie]

sounds to me like your clutch is worn out and is slipping, just like the clutch in a car slips when you cant get it to go forward.

+1 Cheap, easy fix if thats it, sounds like it.

 

[Lakeside53]

It could also just be way lean because the tiny main jet is gummed up. Many aren't adjustible.

Although it's possible, centrifugal clutches usually don't fail that way...

 

[Haywire Haywood]

It could also just be way lean because the tiny main jet is gummed up. Many aren't adjustible.

The dealer I took mine to for repair quietly cursed the 017 as the worst thing stihl ever put their name on. His words tho, not mine. Does the MS170 still have only one carb adjustment?

Ian

 

[begleytree]

The dealer I took mine to for repair quietly cursed the 017 as the worst thing stihl ever put their name on. His words tho, not mine. Does the MS170 still have only one carb adjustment?

Ian

My 017 has one adjustment, my MS170 has none....
-Ralph

 

[supermick]

Just an update guys...

well i took the muffler off, and had a GOOOOOOOOOOOD clean out. Doubt if it had been cleaned at all judging by the thick layer of exhaust build up in it. Well, i took this opportunity to stick a new chain on, one or two other things...

Voila - thing starts up, saws like new.

Also, piston inside was faultless under inspection. Have got an MS170 now too, will see how it compares with the new type bar and one or two alterations..

Again, thanks guys.

 

[Lakeside53]

Good work! Run it on good gas, the correct mix, run it hard ("big" wood) now and then, and it won't block up the exhaust screen again...

 

[supermick]

Good work! Run it on good gas, the correct mix, run it hard ("big" wood) now and then, and it won't block up the exhaust screen again...

Will do - was running it on oil other than stihl - changed over now. I honestly felt a bit of a change running it on good gas too. Common sense i guess.


Gonna try the ms107 tomo on 'big' wood. Thats exciting for me. lol.

cheers.

 

[SawTroll]

Toss it in a dumpster, and get a "Wild-Thing" - at least they have some power.........:help:

 

[supermick]

Toss it in a dumpster, and get a "Wild-Thing" - at least they have some power.........:help:

How is a woman gonna help me?

:rockn:

 

[Lakeside53]

She'll spend all your money so you can't buy any nore wildthings..

 

[Lakeside53]

Toss it in a dumpster, and get a "Wild-Thing" - at least they have some power.........:help:

I'll make a wild stab in the dark - you haven't ever used an 017 ?

 

[maccall]

Toss it in a dumpster, and get a "Wild-Thing" - at least they have some power.........:help:

I'm beginning to think that if I could just find Troll's dumpster, I could get my hands on some really good saws for my use and needs...

:biggrinbounce2:

 

[SawTroll]

I'll make a wild stab in the dark - you haven't ever used an 017 ?

No, but a 180 - not impressive.......:greenchainsaw: