will a loose muffler...

[snapper]

Hurt anything?? My new used shidaiwa saw has one bolt that is stripped and the other is too long, so it spits out one bolt, and the muffler is loose. I t runs better loose, and with ear plugs noise is of no concern. So am i going to damage the saw with a loose muffler???

Thanks Guys!! snapper

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

i think that one of the functions of any muffler is as a heat sink. Even a straight hunk of plumbing pipe on a mini bike. So i woud think on and tight to thermally conduct and drain. Especially @3x+ RPM than mini bike.

Also maintain tuned backpressure etc.

 

[tony marks]

either recut the threads. or u can try jb weld in the hole and then reinsert your screw . leave to cure at least 2 days.
if u want to get fancy wrap some saran wrap around the stripped threads.
the jb wont mess up the wrap ,and u can unscrew it later.. mabe.. good luck.
i hate to give out the secrets ive learned.

 

[John in MA]

A loose muffler can let crap into the jug, make the saw run lean, raise the temperature, and actually damage the mating surfaces from rattling around.

Helicoil the stripped hole and get a couple new screws. Probably metric socket-head cap screws.

 

[Steve Bunyan]

The tree service I work for let a loose muffler stay loose on a Stihl 020 and it has destroyed the saw. The extra heat has melted the plastic off the side and bottom and the extra vibration rattled and loosened the remaining bolts to the point where they wouldn't hold. Now the muffler is biding it's time until enough plastic melts off for it to fall out. Meanwhile it spews out black juice, stalls at random and causes hearing loss to anyone that uses it.

I hate to say it but it "Stihl" cuts like a sonofabi**h and hasn't let us down yet. Of course nothing can replace proper maintenance and respect for the equipment. Using a saw with missing parts is the beginning of the end for an expensive tool.

 

[Steve Bunyan]

Ah Rocky!
I knew I could count on you to make me regret posting.

I work for a company with one boss and two workers and I'm the cutter.(I know it sounds scary.) I own one folding hand saw and the rest is the company's. The chainsaws in the fleet are a Stihl 020, a Husky 345 , and a 372xp. Of course I use the 020 to free my other hand to control wood as I work from the bucket truck and it's an easy choice when I "climb."

The boss is in charge of paying for repairs. I did my best to get the bolts to stick and then suggested taking it in. The boss came back with new bolts and loctite and that didn't take. Thus began the downward spiral to a trashed saw.

I've been with the company my whole "career" and have watched negligence cause all sorts of equipment to go to s**t. I shake my head everyday but I have to work like everybody else. Cutting pigs at the local hog plant doesn't pay the same as tree work. I have respect for the equipment but I shouldn't have to pay for repairs or refuse to work until somebody is paid to tighten spinning bolts.

I do my best with my conventional methods(one carabiner and a handful of knots.) I've learned a lot from this site but mostly it's a reminder to use common sense and safe methods.

As I reread my post I see that I should also learn not to get all piled up over some words on a friggin' computer screen.

Anyway, I visit this site everyday and it makes me feel important to throw in the odd post. I like to think that the views from someone on the garbage side of the trade can, if not help, than at least entertain others.

 

[Stumper]

Brian, You should always wax your saws for hairy removals.

 

[SilverBlue]

Ahem,,, what kind of sicko uses a “scrench” on a chainsaw? And to add insult to injury just blow it off! What did it ever do to you??
My gawd! I bet some of you leave it in a cold gargage overnight too

 

[IOY1]

Yea,you do not want to think about using a strench on a saw.I guess the factories just include them for you to look at.
I always make sure that my saw is in a heated garage.If it gets cold outside,I guess it will stay inside.You have to keep them harm.

 

[snapper]

Not that i not do maintenance on my saws it is just i got this thing used and the bolts came stripped. When i got it i went around and checked all the bolts, and tightned. So now that i know it is a bad thing, i will go to my hardware store, and find a a self threading screw to fit and fix it right.. Thanks!!

snapper

 

[snapper]

got it fixed, but it must of run lean when it cam loose because there is some light scoring and i can tell it has lost some compression, but it still starts goods and doesn't seem to have lost any power. So it ought to work good enough for me..

Thanks guys!! snapper