Straight gas question

[S Tebo]

Hey guys- I'm sure this question has been asked times already- but here it goes. When you're looking at buying a used saw- what are the easiest to identify tell tale signs if it had been strait gassed? Locked up, look of the piston/scoring etc?
Thanks,
Scott

 

[Walt41]

Pulling the Muffler and having a look in bright sun will tell you what you have pretty quick.

 

[S Tebo]

Pulling the Muffler and having a look in bright sun will tell you what you have pretty quick.

I'm guessing rainbow colored metal from the high heat buildup? Anyone have any decent example pics?

 

[pdqdl]

Pull the rope gently. If it goes puff-puff-puff instead of pop-pop-pop, you need to keep looking for a good saw.

If it won't pull at all? That is a very bad sign.

If it starts well and keeps running well for more than 5 minutes, you can assume it's ok.

 

[Walt41]

I'm guessing rainbow colored metal from the high heat buildup? Anyone have any decent example pics?

Scratches on piston or cylinder walls are an issue, I keep a small mirror in my toolbox to see in spots that have little access, it is handy for chainsaw inspection as you can use the sun to reflect light into the muffler opening to really get a good look.

 

[S Tebo]

Scratches on piston or cylinder walls are an issue, I keep a small mirror in my toolbox to see in spots that have little access, it is handy for chainsaw inspection as you can use the sun to reflect light into the muffler opening to really get a good look.

Guys- Thanks for the replys- this is the kind of info I was looking for- very helpful.
Scott

 

[HuskStihl]

This is always something of a contentious area, but I really like to put an accurate compression tester on any used saw I'm thinking about buying. I am well aware that compression is not the be all and end all of measurements, but if its low there's a pretty good chance you've got some ring issues at least, and I won't buy it unless I'm willing to rebuild if necessary. If it has good compression, then there's a very good chance things are OK, I'll still pull the muffler tho. I have seen saws with nice looking exhaust side, but low compression due to intake side scoring, and I've seen saws who's compression was artificially high due to carbon deposits, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Used saws will almost always need something, that's why their cheaper

 

[pdqdl]

Most folks that are selling a running saw will ask you to pay for it before you start turning bolts on it. I know I wouldn't let any nimrod with a tool box start breaking it down to see if it was worth the price.

A compression check is fine, but that muffler will stay on any saw I am selling. Can't reach a price...put it back on...Next buyer...not serious at all...put it back on...7th buyer: Say! This muffler gasket isn't any good, and the bolts feel loose. Muffler falls off and needs a new gasket all the time, doesn't it? Sorry, I was looking for a better condition saw.