Stihl 032 av hard to pull

[jacktheoysterfarmer]

I have a nice little 032av that bulked up in compression it seems within a week. Pulls free without plug and the rope pulley is in great working order. Put a little wd 40 in the port but still wants to take my arm off. Do I start with looking at the cylinder? What else could cause this?

I don’t want to buy a new saw, I like the grandpa tools

 

[Conquistador3]

Start by removing the muffler and look at the exhaust port and piston for carbon buildup: that's usually the most common cause of abnormally high compression in old saws.

We'll move on from there if it still looks fine.

 

[homemade]

Agreed. Carbon build up on the piston top will create a tighter and tighter combustion chamber.

 

[jacktheoysterfarmer]

Thanks! I’ll tear into it tonight and hopefully come back as someone with a working 032 again!

 

[jacktheoysterfarmer]

Start by removing the muffler and look at the exhaust port and piston for carbon buildup: that's usually the most common cause of abnormally high compression in old saws.

We'll move on from there if it still looks fine.

Piston and rings look good, top of cylinder looks a little rough

 

[HarleyT]

It doesn't take much carbon to cause a problem.
Does the saw have points?

 

[jacktheoysterfarmer]

It doesn't take much carbon to cause a problem.
Does the saw have points?

I’m not sure. This is my first time taking a saw apart and I’m very green when it comes to knowing where everything is and what it is.

 

[HarleyT]

Take off the starter and see if any wire is going under the flywheel.