Can Dave Diagnose This Almost New Unsafe Stihl Chainsaw? - Video

[@donyboy73]

Watch Dave diagnosing a new non running MS261 Stihl chainsaw here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGe5Y3ehYsiYodE Watch Donyboy73 Teach Dave how to fix a Stihl TS500i cut-off saw here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33cmHprpNaco68

[@patthesoundguy]

There is a reason why you are still in business after many years. Doing repairs the proper way makes the difference. 👍👍👍👍

[@donyboy73]

and avoid lawsuits!

[@patthesoundguy]

@@donyboy73 Yes the best customers are un- injured customers 😉

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Wooo! Thanks for having me on Donny! Can’t wait for your next test!!!!

[@gasperajdnik5627]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🤠

[@rogermcdonald1607]

You did great Dave! Very interesting videos with you and Dony!👍

[@gasperajdnik5627]

@@rogermcdonald1607 yup 👍

[@carlmiller1034]

Great diagnosis Dave. My initial thought was that the spark arrester had been removed. I forget though if that is evident with the muffler attached. Anyway, great step-by-step walk-thru. I learned more on how the brake handle functions as well, which is awesome! Thanks again.

[@gasperajdnik5627]

@@carlmiller1034 yup 👍

[@jasmith1867]

I'm not a very good small engine mechanic. But everytime I watch your videos I learn something useful in case I ever do work on small engines.

[@Tobbebohman]

Pouring oil without a funnel and pretty much dont miss a single drop is a gift i do not have.

[@snoopdogie187]

Do it enough and you get good at it. Practice makes perfect.

[@shannongrim7212]

Ms250 bar oil blowing it out

[@tomnekuda3818]

Don is a tremendous mentor for a lucky apprentice.....reminds me of the fella that was my mentor. When I was young and he was teaching me, I thought he walked on water. We would go thru the same Q&A when we analyzed a problem...

[@Rickster2791]

I DID learn something today. I don't work on chainsaws too often but never knew about checking the brake first.

[@donpizzo8963]

Thank you, just bought a new 261 cm. Easy to inspect when cleaning the saw. That could save a headache. Nice job by the two saw techs.

[@donyboy73]

Great to hear!

[@kevinbyrne4538]

I thought that this video would be boring, but it wasn't. Dave has a great teacher (and Dave is a bright apprentice).

[@donvoll2580]

Good day. I had the same problem, I think. I found 170 in dump, looked like new . Mechanic put used clutch on & chain , everything works great. Thanks good video.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers Don!

[@markparee99]

These videos are great, Don. Don't know if you are planning more 'Can Dave Diagnose' episodes, but if you are, that would be terrific. I am learning so much from them.

[@donyboy73]

we are, thanks for watching!

[@markparee99]

@@donyboy73 Excellent!

[@rayritt1433]

I ran a saw successfully for years without reading a manual . Bought a new saw, the first thing I did was read the manual! I learned things I did not know previously, mainly around proper maintenance.

[@tonym6920]

I think you’ve got a winner with Dave, Dony!

[@donyboy73]

he's awesome!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Tony!

[@nheng6913]

I did this to a brand new MS170. As an engineer (but newbie to the chain brake), I expected far more from the brake system. It's a very poor design that can be destroyed within minutes by a customer. And being able to destroy the entire engine housing is just plain stupid. At a non destructive level of heat, you could be distorting the housing and throwing your crank bearings off axis. At least on the pro saws, you can replace $14 worth of plastic and a brake band. Oh, yeah, forgot the needle bearing as well with the stupid plastic cage. These saws really should have a hard thermal cutoff which closes the kill circuit. I think another 50 cents could be absorbed by the marketing people, even on a $199 saw model. Ok, limit for use of "stupid" has been reached. Great video !

[@tedjackson426]

Really enjoyed your video. It made me realize that there are always new things to learn. Also very impressed with Dave and his teacher. Dave for his problem solving skills and general communication abilities and Don for his teaching skills. Don's approach reminded me of how an experienced Science teacher would handle this. He did not just give the answers, but instead forced the learner through questioning to come up with the answers. Don also showed a lot of patience and insight in this exchange. Excellent episode and I look forward to more like this.

[@larryreno8293]

My first saw I ever acquired suffered a similar fate. I’m still amazed that people will spend good money on a great product and not spend 10 minutes to review the owners manual. Well done guys.

[@johnclarke6647]

I started cutting 50 years ago when there was no such thing as a chain break. I do not use them as much as other folks, because I don’t use them like folks that grew up with them. About the only time I use them is when Incrank up a saw to let it warm up. Then, I turn them on and let them sit on the ground to idle and warm up. I will also turn them on when the saw is not in my hands and is running, otherwise the chain break is turned off. I don’t start a saw with the break on. It makes them harder to start when you are cranking 70+cc saws, as I usually do.

[@larrymoore6640]

It would have been nice if a estimate for the total repair was included versus a price of a new one.

[@THEJR-of5tf]

Larry moore/ "an estimate"

[@timbrown2637]

It seems like they should stop using plastic in critical areas whether it's a "homeowner" saw or " Pro".

[@fillslawncare]

You are 100% correct at 11:15 Don

[@donyboy73]

right on Fill!

[@michaelwong4579]

I'm a fairly new Stihl chainsaw owner. This is very helpful information and certainly increase my knowledge in maintaining and repairing my chainsaw. Great job!.

[@brianking1138]

Good job Dave. I am always amazed to see what people do to their equipment.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Brian! Thanks! It is something, isn't it?

[@briankemp5206]

Dony your a great instructor! Dave you are a fantastic apprentice, able to learn and be molded into a master. Learn everything you can from Dony. Remember learning never ends.

[@donyboy73]

Wow, thanks

[@robertforster9736]

Safety is number 1. I will not let anything out of my shop ,especially rideon mowers when a customer tells me to just bypass a switch instead of replacing it. Major liability issue. Excellent video 👍

[@donyboy73]

I agree 100%

[@enginebae3471]

Bought a used saw once that was basically brand new and fired right up. Got it home and realized the chain brake didn’t work. It looked exactly the same inside. I’m guessing he got the quote to fix it and bought a new one and passed it on to me as a saw “he really didn’t need anymore” 🤦‍♂️ great video guys

[@bradanderson1024]

Great video. When ever I pulled the clutch hub or replaced the spur sprocket or rim sprocket , I would always replace the clutch bearing. The rollers are metal but the cages are plastic. If a clutch bearing goes the needles can go at a angle on the crankshaft and destroy it. Cheep insurance for couple of dollars In this case the saw was shot. Proper training at the point of sale can avoid this at the still dealership. Just my 2 cents.

[@richardarmstrong3443]

When you pour, turn container sideways to have a smooth flow and less mess or turn opening to top and pour

[@cto511987]

I caught that too, impressive indeed. Not a single drop of chain oil spilled, makes me question my abilities here. After all it is possible.

[@sudburyhouse]

I was thinking the same thing! You figure that out after your first glob dumps all over the place. I was waiting for Donny to ask Dave if there was a better way to do that!

[@CFProton]

A marvelous “what did it” instead of “who done it”. Great job on another learning video :-)

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Carl!

[@donyboy73]

Glad you liked it!

[@waiakalulu3501]

Thank you for dropping knowledge and showing us the steps. It's a great feeling to go to a place on the internet and get good solid information. Certainly do appreciate all the work you put into these videos and for having an apprentice. A lot a guys are selfish, and they take it to the grave. You're sharing the wealth of your experience and skill. It takes a strong man to do that. Mahalo!

[@stephenspreckley8219]

Quite funny really, 40 plus years ago I was ripping slabs with an 090 equipped with a 42" bar and it had no "safety" brake, it also had no cut off switch and we had to choke it to stop it. It also had no muffler and the handle bars were held together with fencing wire. This was the saw I learned on working with a bushman who was one of Australia's champion axemen. He was a rough old guy and I did learn how not do do many things!

[@sudburyhouse]

Dave you chose the right guy to apprentice for! Donny is my go too guy for all my small engine needs! When viewers click on a channel title they are looking for answers without spending hours listening to babble that has nothing to do with the video! Donny is all information & technique. I especially like that he tells you what tools and size to use and part numbers! Too many ahh and umm videos explaining things half assed! Good job Dave!

[@jimwesselman]

Would not have thought you could do this since I immediately release the brake after it is running! Don’t think I will try this at home! Thank You Dony and Dave for sharing!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Jim!!!

[@Bhill-jo2wg]

Love the videos guys, they have Helped me tremendously keeping My chainsaws, lawn and garden gas Powered equipment in top condition.

[@milltek2]

Donyboy73, I never cease to be amazed at the sheer scale of your knowledge and professionalism. I am sure that Dave realizes just how lucky he is to be learning from you!

[@nheng6913]

And a safety FYI. The housing has molded in protrusions like single steps around the band. These position the brake band at the proper height relative to the drum. When the clutch / drum / band heat up, most of the melted mess from these little steps ends up smeared on the brake band. You can Dremel or Xacto knife them out but can't count on the brake band being held so it's free when the brake is off.

[@marcelcanicchio8877]

You are a very good teacher Don, i appreciate and i am a very happy subscriber to your channel. I learn a lot from you its a simple channel to learn.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Marcel! He is a great teacher. I am learning lots.

[@donyboy73]

Wow, thanks

[@marcelcanuck]

that crank seal might have over heated as well . might be a problem down the road

[@donyboy73]

yes it could have!

[@tc3603]

Great vid guys. Was doing a bit of piston sanding todày Dave on a blower. Ended up with 145psi. Light damage on cylinder and rings. Piston skirt had bad damage.Polished it after sanding it with wire brush on drill. Had good compression when I bought it and didn't remove muffler. It was cheap for reason.

[@donyboy73]

Nice work!

[@chadrogers4635]

This chainsaw is one of the models that the oil pump isn't connected to the clutch drum. So this saw can have the chain turns backwards when sharpening. Dueto the fact the clutch drum spins freely until the clutch spins fast enough to grab the drum.

[@jimlem42]

Excellent! Kudos to both of you. And to all who missed the problem but realized “safety first!”

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Jim!

[@jerryschneider145]

Great video, I learned a lot. All my chainsaws are so old they do not have chain brakes, my bad.

[@mikespain8655]

Don is one of the best. Integrity, straight shooter, great attitude, great repairs, always puts the customer first. I can't imagine the lack of experience a person would have to have to run a saw with the chain brake on. It immediately bogs, and the chain doesn't move. Probably never ran a chainsaw in his/her life to burn up the brake/clutch/drum/plastic like they did.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Mike!

[@paulfroese1469]

Thanks bunches Donyboy and Dave. So much appreciated.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers Paul!!!

[@randyrejer4219]

Don you are a very good instructor. I usually learn something from your videos. I rarely run my chainsaw but I’m going to check the brake today.

[@paulrickford6154]

Another very god Video. A very good Teacher and Student. Thank You.

[@draftplus]

Not only a great mentor but a great student. You don't find that combination often anymore. Instead of stickers, I have this daughter that still lives at home.....

[@batbawls]

Potential injury (of anyone, not just me) isn't worth the little bit of money saved. I'd go with the Stihl authorised recommendation for sure.

[@mpccenturion]

Last summer - my brother and I were working at the Family farm. He had a STIL - and he used HIS gas. He ran out and I grabbed a jug from years ago - Honest - the saw would not start - we poured the gas out onto wood and lit our evening fire. I had an hour till the gas station was closed. I ran down - 20 miles away - and bought Prem Fuel - and the saw that would not start - went back to running just fine - with good fuel and his engine oil - Stil - as he said - THEY make stuff that makes their gear run - so I follow that! I have to agree - having seen it for myself.

[@karlrovey]

My guess was the brake as soon as you said it was a safety issue preventing its release.

[@philanderson8419]

Enjoy training along with Dave. Very informative! Quick question. The stihl dealer suggested using the ultra oil in my ms170. I noticed the mixture was a lighter almost amber color, not the usual bluish color. Is this normal for the ultra mix? Thank you

[@mfk12340]

The saws I use don't even have a chain brake. They are a good safety tool though.

[@latestplague3762]

Lesson I've learned- ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have the right shaped carb adjustment tool in my back pocket or close when starting a saw I know nothing about. Worked on a older husq. awhile back that once I started I couldn't get shut off and I knew engaging the brake would burn it up. When it started this saw ran WIDE OPEN. The killswitch wouldn't work and it couldn't be bogged down. Turns out the wire on the laminates had been crimped into inside the cover. It affected the current (which was why it ran like it wanted to explode) and prevented the killswitch from working. I've mentioned that particular saw in many posts because it taught me several different lessons and a saw running like it did can make you uncomfortable very quickly. Luckily I had the 3/8 screw driver I use for most carbs on me and was quick enough to screw in the jets and stop the fuel feed which I can't lie was scary with the way it was running. BTW Dave seems like a good young man. Nice to see younger people who appreciate the knowledge others have a gained.

[@ryanbruner8928]

That was the first thing that came to my mind when I read this.If I didn't know how to work on my own saws,and I lived in Canada,I'd trust Dave to work on my stuff now :D

[@fillslawncare]

Before I watch the whole thing, my guess is Chain break won't work. Edit: Bingo!!

[@williambray1611]

That's what I was thinking too when Don said it was unsafe.

[@fillslawncare]

@@wg4405 When I worked at a shop, the owner would not allow us to work on saws that didn't have chain breaks. We weren't even allowed to diagnose them, even if it was just bad gas. Liability is #1 in this trade, especially for big corps.

[@nayster0814]

@@wg4405 all my saws except my 385xp don't have chain brakes

[@tmurray1972]

That was my first thought as well to check it before even starting it.

[@pville5548]

Dave did a great job in his diagnosis. Only one question I have, why is that RC plane still sitting in the top section of the toolbox that has been there for months? Must not be using any tools from the top tray. Time to hang that fuselage from the ceiling and free up the captive tool box. Smiles. Again, you both are doing a great job and I hope your duo is picked up by more craftsman putting apprentices under their wings. Great learning experience for both the apprentice and the viewers. Two thumbs up.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you Ron!

[@donyboy73]

hi Ron I have no time to fly!

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Don, I would pay money to just sit and listen to the stories you could tell about all the issues that are brought to you in your shop! 👍

[@donyboy73]

Wow, thank you

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Thats good to know you are dealing with a good reputable shop glad i showed up for class today. Lol

[@colehara]

I used to sell Homelite chain saws. We had a customer come in complaining that the saw was a piece of junk. The engine was going so fast that the chain was always turning and the saw didn't cut worth a darn. Turned out he had noticed a screw on the carb (idle screw) that looked loose so he tightened it. Also he managed to install the chain backwards which is why it wouldn't cut. Luckily the drive sprocket wasn't damaged so all was well in the end. All that could have been avoided if he had just read the owners manual.

[@richardstrada212]

Congrats Dave! I learned a lot as well as a DYI-er!

[@donyboy73]

Right on!

[@stellarproductions8888]

I loved how you practically threw the saw towards Dave, then later threw the wrench, the comedy is excellent in this one. Yes, Dave, don't lose Don's screws, or you'll be screwed LOL! Boy oh boy, another brand new saw damaged, because users, can't be bothered to read the operating manual. Please don't send the clip to the moon and back lol. I am really proud of Dave, he's turned into an excellent mechanic already. I am not a Stihl dealer, so even I learned something in this video. Awesome video, I really loved it! :)

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Stellar! Thanks again for the continued support. I'm glad you picked up on the humour. Cheers!

[@donyboy73]

thanks stellar!

[@Gary67242]

Dave deserves an A...great video !, thumbs up

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Skid!

[@donyboy73]

he got stickers!

[@Bungi81]

Hey guys. Thanks for this Video 👍 Often you can see this mistake on hobby-users chainsaws. Also a chain mounted in the wrong direction is a favourite version...🤣 Greetings from germany, Stefan

[@donyboy73]

greetings from Canada!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching Bungi81! I always look for your comments!

[@Bungi81]

@@DavesSmallEngines Hi Dave. Thanks a lot😉 I think, learning never ends in a life. And for all of us who is doing this wrenching on chainsaws and other stuff it‘s very interesting to see, how other people are working on common projects. Sometimes there are only small tricks that makes the own work much easier...🤣👍

[@GUEST-qw4te]

I would also recommend replacing the crank seal. That kinda of temp generated, most certainly was transfered both inward an outward. Thus meaning that the crank itself most likely heated up and did minor damage to the crank seal. As such that the seals are a plasticine rubber mix, you can bet that its minorly damaged at the minimum.

[@larasea741]

I have been watching your channel for a while. I own 6 Stihl chainsaws and enjoy working on my saws. I'm retired and looking for an educational class or course for chainsaw repair. Do you have any recommendations on where a guy could get some training? Thanks in advance.

[@dula4552]

That was really enjoyable! Learnt a lot from this video thanks! 😎

[@JorgeLopez-wu8jy]

Very good videos.thank you.

[@chuckuu9294]

Always like watching you Dony and Dave analyzing a job. Great stuff thank you.

[@donyboy73]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevemoore8599]

I have had several come into my shop like that. Only on customer wanted to argue that I should do the just the brake band. I explained the issues to humans why the case needed replaced. He took his saw to another shop. Was back 2 days later to buy a new saw. Left me his old one for parts.

[@jonsworld5307]

id just run it without brake old saws didnt ever have them for factory

[@nightriderrv1139]

Great person to teach he is willing to listen and learn

[@suec4630]

I never heard of putting the brake on before starting it. Some poulan / craftsman saws will not start with it on. I am a 2nd generation sharpener and small engine repair person. My dad taught me everything and also I took a Foley-Belsaw at home class. Before, I didn’t know why what I did to fix it worked 😬 I am a one person shop. I wish I could be your apprentice for awhile.

[@leifvejby8023]

Some Jonsereds saws shut off the ignition when the brake is activated.

[@andrewcornford2306]

The MS291 goes to high revs once it first starts due to the double choke system. I use an MS291 as a pro user, great saw for the last three years.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Any issues at all?

[@andrewcornford2306]

Hi Dave, not one problem with my MS291 in the past three years. I do look after it as it's my tool for work.

[@JM-dt9oo]

well that was interesting to see the proof in the pudding of what I had re\ad in the manual about not revving with the brake on, and the use of a tool to check chain if moves or not.

[@PupaLou30]

I guy can really appreciate a thorough and expecting high quality repairs.

[@jasondavies4887]

I have a Stihl MS391.What is the little black plastic square thing with the spark plug lead called. What would cause it to stop working, and is it a common problem?

[@lindaj1947]

Excellent information and instruction!!!!

[@tomfillmore9710]

Good job Dave you have a great teacher take care

[@davidsprocket5141]

Would you do a pressure vacuum test to see if the crankshaft seal on the clutch side was damaged? Love the information on your channel.

[@heavysnow8616]

I have to believe the chainsaw is one of the most dangerous tools one can pick up. Compounded by the fact anyone can purchase one without a special certification or safety class. It’s imperative repairs are done properly to provide the safest equipment possible. Dave, you’re learning from one of the best. Take full advantage and ask Dony everything you don’t understand. Troubleshooting takes time to master and there is always more to learn. Dony, great passing on the info from the trade. Keep up the excellent work and I hope your family is well. Be safe and God Bless all!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Michael!

[@tmurray1972]

Good show guys. Dave is lucky to be training with Don. Also I’m starting to think there is a lot of people out there buying saws that have never been around any saws before...lol, aye.

[@donyboy73]

yes too many and it's dangerous!

[@johnburns4624]

You have the BEST how to video's out there. Help. I have a stihl ms391. No spark. Replaced ignition coil and wires. Still no spark. Used business card for gap. The old ignition wires were damaged. Still no spark. Any thoughts?

[@donyboy73]

do you have spark with coil switch wire disconnected?

[@adriancoolen7935]

Good information. I have the same saw. Was that one worth fixing once you factor in the labour. Cheers.

[@axellesel6005]

dave videos are the best ones

[@humilityisimportant]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@gigiraymond9267]

Thank you Gentlemen for the video , always learning new things . May God bless you .

[@donyboy73]

Our pleasure!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers Gigi!

[@suec4630]

Holy cow! Excellent video again. Thank you

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Sue!

[@donyboy73]

@@DavesSmallEngines THANKS SUE!

[@adamslawnequipment2001]

Nice video, have a question, do you fix 2 cycle lawn boy lawnmower’s once in a while 2 stroke Engine oil do you recommend for not just for lawn boy’s but any 2 cycle

[@delngenjen9043]

Thx for sharing . New knowledge for me today thanks for makin the video! I dont even have a chainsaw yet, but it was very interesting for me👍👍

[@simonsays103]

Good going Dave! Good to pass your mentors test. I wouldn't have thought the whole housing would need to be replaced. Gus i would have caught the break thogh.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

There’s one way, and the right way!

[@donyboy73]

Right on!

[@DragonflyAcres2022]

Thank you very much I got smarter today.thank you for sharing

[@DavesSmallEngines]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching!!!

[@josephrich6014]

Another excellent video. Thanks to both of you.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks again!

[@shermankearns200]

Great job Dave got a sticker! I allways ask my surgeons if I get a cookie if I do well!

[@sschrybu]

I think the blame for this should be equally shared between the owner & the manufacturer. A better design is required for the brake so that a non-professional user can't destroy the saw. How about having the brake disengage or limit the throttle?

[@nheng6913]

So a professional can still destroy one :)))

[@tennesseeriverfisherman9964]

So how does the chain brake actuate? Does it lock it at the clutch drum or the pads? I've never taken a chainsaw apart, and with a scorched chainsaw with a locked up wire, it's hard to tell.

[@donyboy73]

it locks up the sprocket drum

[@wildefox1478]

Awesome video and great job diagnosing that saw Dave, your apprentice is doing very well Don! It's unfortunate about that brand new saw, that someone ran it with the brake on and melted it.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Wildefox! I have a good teacher.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks 👍

[@treebeard2159]

Thanks Guys always learn a lot from these videos- anymore coming up on the 261 mine is stalling when chain brakes applied clutch/cover/bearing all replaced with genuine parts?

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Sounds like the clutch is sticking. I am waiting on parts for the one we did the video on. I'll be doing a full repair video on my channel and then Don and I will do an in person follow up here on his! Cheers!

[@donyboy73]

check clutch springs

[@treebeard2159]

Thanks for the reply guys- it’s a new clutch with springs from stihl but there is still movement in the clutch cover so when the brake is applied the engine cuts out my suspicions are the old cage bearing has worn the crankshaft very slightly- I’ve heard this is a thing?

[@tomriblett2979]

always like your teaching technique

[@donyboy73]

Glad to hear that!

[@timceltic6439]

Donny I have husqvarna cuts fine when you stop it and leave for 15mins it won't start.

[@sheepdog271]

Thanks for the info!!! I'm learning alot from your channel!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers SheepDog!

[@ng-ht1vx]

With a situation like that, wouldn't you be replacing the clutch side crank seals as well?

[@donyboy73]

if it's damaged yes I would

[@danielpadgett2831]

Don't have a 2013 ms271 does it have a zama carburetor on it?

[@SIUDR7202]

Good job! Question and I am sorry if this was asked before. Can I hurt my engine 16.5 B&S 4stroke on my Ariens platinum 30 snowblower by running all the gas out of the carb stalling it? Putting it away until next winter... Thanks for the videos and your time.

[@donyboy73]

no you won't