Stihl MS440 and compression release

[Mountainman]

I agree with the previous statement. But then, an 090 without a compression release would be a bear to start, and terribly hard on starter parts. I never used the compression release on my 046 to crank it until I had it power tuned. The added compression made the compression release feature pretty nice. But I agree that it's pretty much useless on a 26 or 36 series saw.

 

[Crofter]

Originally posted by bwalker
[If you are not man enought to start a 044 without a release than you have no business running one. [/B]

Ben, you are looking for trouble again. For one thing there are quite a few female sawyers here too, and I believe it has come up before about arthritic fingers. I have a 260 and I make sure to grip it well and pull sharply; no problem, but I have had the occasion where I was a bit lax and had it kick back and it hurts. I also have a 365 Husky with decompression valve and it is more pleasant to start. If I choose not to use it I can, but when the saw and my fingers are cold I appreciate having it. Work smart not hard! I'd be willing to bet there is more saw down time due to recoil probs. than defective decompressors. Are you a betting man

Frank

 

[glens]

Crofter,

Not to mention that a compression release makes for smooth and easy work of the first half-dozen pulls after a saw had been stored with the fuel system purged.  That regardless an operator's manliness or saw size.

If/when the release starts to leak, however, any previous convenience becomes very worth much less.
<hr>
Bigsnowdog,

Please enjoy your new saw.&nbsp; I'd offer to trade my relatively-low-hours 036 (which has a release) straight up, but I'm afraid it would not only be a waste of time, but especially that you'd find it insulting.

Did you actually handle an MS440 which had a release or was it in fact an MS460 (or perhaps the MS360?) and you simply lost track of that fact?

 

[gregger2k]

I just bought a new MS440 yesterday and it DOES have a compression release. The dealer mumbled on how this must be one of the newest ones because it has one. I have not used the release yet though, I have only started the saw a couple of times.

S/N 56278xxx

Any tips on how or when to use it?? The manual does not even mention it!!

Thanks, Greg

 

[Bigsnowdog]

Thank you, Gregger, for helping me to not feel so incompetent from having believed I had seen a 440 with a compression release.

I saw a 440 with one, and the dealer told me it was available on the "new" saws.

thank you....

 

[Mountainman]

When I was at Madsen's this past Spring, they told me the 044 would have some improvements starting this Fall or so. I believe they said the crank would be stronger as well. I assume the compression release is part of that same wave of improvements.

 

[Tony Snyder]

I think the compression releases are good in general. You get a little age or a lot of miles on that starting arm, you may not feel so mocho.

 

[bwalker]

Anything else differant? I will have to rub it in to my dealer that he doesnt know his product. BTW I just picked mine upa montyh ago and its doesnt have a comp release. My saw had to be ordered so I dont think it was old stock. Maybe its a 2003 feature.

 

[Beavergirl]

Originally posted by bwalker
Or a ms 260 pro. If you are not man enought to start a 044 without a release than you have no business running one.

I wholeheartedly agree. If you're not man enough for a 044, then a 046 will suit you as if was tailored.

C-

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Originally posted by bwalker
BTW I just picked mine upa montyh ago and its doesnt have a comp release. My saw had to be ordered so I dont think it was old stock. Maybe its a 2003 feature.

Hehe, I can hear them now...
"Het fred, we gotta sucker who'll take one of those old early production 44's in the back corner, dust it off and get it shipped out!"

<hr>

Being "man enough" has nothing to do with it.
The compreeion release is just another saftey feature. It not only saves on wear and tear of the starting system, it also save on wrist, elbow, and shoulder repetitive motion injuries.
It doesn't matter much for you weekend warriors, but if you're pulling that cord every day for 25 years, the difference is not subtle.

 

[stihltech]

440

Guess you will have to go after me too about the compression release. Have never seen one yet, and nothing in the literature about it. Guess somebody at Stihl forgot to tell us about it. Usually we hear about new models and features long before we ever see them ( the 270 for example).
This valve just appeared, SURPRISE!
Check and see if there was any price difference. Nothing in the new price book.

 

[stihltech]

44

Nothing in price book, catalogue, or on my shelf. Guess you saw it before I did.

 

[Bill G]

I do not see a compression release as a "wimp" feature like some seem to. I just sold a 044 yesterday which of course had no release. I was "man enough" to start it but I wished it had a de-comp valve. I told the buyer (about 55 yrs old) that the lack of the valve was my only complaint. When my 66 year old father is working with me then I want him to be able to run any saw I have even the 3120XP or 084. He does not need to go to the chiropractor on a daily basis. If a person is a wimp for using the valve then so be it. I have a 272XP Husky and I use the release on it most of the time. If that makes me not "man enough" then I gues I am a wimp. Also think about how many of you would want your wife trying to start one without a valve. The best way to turn off a person to using a saw is to have them have a bad experience. Also think about the simple fact that no one forces you to use it. If you know you never want it I believe it is a simple job to plug it.

just a few random thoughts.

Bill

 

[rupedoggy]

"Deco" valves are a function of compression ratio not just the displacement. Some 3.6 CI saws have them and some 6 CI saws don't. I have built some performance saws that I would challenge Mr. Walker to start without a valve. John Lambert just about took out the grill of my truck when he attempted to turn over a hopped 066 by drop starting. This was at Clearwater. I know Mr. Walker is a gun aficionado and bet he owns at least one rifle with a muzzle brake or at least a recoil pad. Doesn't mean he shouldn't shoot it in my opinion. Does he wear ear protection? Eye protection? A warm coat if it is cold? Sometimes inventions are convenient, practical, made to increase safety or just plan nice to use. If someone uses them I don't believe anyone should berate them for doing so. Will you rethink your position Mr. Walker? Mike

 

[bwalker]

Mike, I agree with you that a decomp valve has its place. A tuned or otherwise 066 or 088 needs one. Saws like the 026,036, and 044 do not. I have never owned a tuned saw(will soon) so I can not comment on that, but I know stock the 044 is fine with out one. BTW I didnt mean to berate anyone. Just makeing a light hearted stab that is hard to tell over a computer screen.

 

[Beavergirl]

Kinda takes the fun out of some things doesn't it Ben? When you have to explain the punch line to your own jokes.

I thought it was funny hence my own reply.

Wishing us better luck next time.

Candice

 

[chainsawworld]

the decompression valve or compression release is not for the operator of the saw. it is to relieve the stress on the nylon parts in the starter side of the saw. more nylon parts are being used to keep saw weight down(ie. pulleys,pawls,flywheel fins,etc). i've had guys come in with wiped starter sides and tell me "me so big and strong, me tear starter out of saw" i'll ask if they use the decompression valve. "me no need valve. valve for sissies" i guess your saw is a sissy. to prolong its life, it needs the valve. after the brief explaination i always get the same response. "i didn't know that".
marty

 

[WRW]

Engaging the pawls prior to jerking on the starter rope would probably help save the neanderthals starters moreso than using the valve.

 

[chainsawworld]

pulling the starter t-handle tight is also part of the starting process.
1 set the chain brake.
2 set the decompression valve.
3 set the choke.
4 turn the ignition switch on.
5 holding the loop handle with your left hand, rear handle between your knees, right hand on the t-handle pulling it untill it sets, pull firmly and strongly. do not let go of the t-handle at the end of the pull but follow it back into the starter housing. repeat untill the saw "pops". reset the valve, push the choke in and repeat step 5.
never pull a decompression valve out on a hot saw. the plastic piece will come off in your hand.

*****this is just a brief narrative and not instruction. all training should be done hands-on by a quailified instructor.*****

i use the husky 372xp for training. i teach the students to work a circle around the saw to keep it simple. pre-use inspection,5 steps in a circle. starting,5 steps in a circle. parts of the cutter,5 steps. felling plan,5 steps. de-limbing,5 steps.
Marty

 

[Tzed250]

Sometimes

When you are hung halfway upsidedown in a Sycamore try to get that last pruning cut without another tie-off, it is nice to have a saw that will start with a minimum amount of energy input!