Customer DESTROYS BRAND NEW $650 Stihl MS311 Chainsaw! (You win some, you lose some.) Story time.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@jonoffensend7519]

Fo some reason this made me think of a man who wanted me to look at his 1967 ford that had overheated , made a loud noise and wouldn’t start. I really didn’t want to do this job so I said $50 just to come out and look at it (this was a few years back) I went out and saw a spark plug loose so I put it back in, added some cool and and because it had overheated I checked the points, the were not opening so I adjusted them. Then I said go ahead and start it ! It fired right up and ran fine. He said that only took you 10 minutes, I’m not paying $50 ! I had a friend with me so I took off his distributor cap and said “ now take it to a garage” he paid and I replaced the cap and said I would never work on his vehicles again 👍😁

[@pennypackmtb2542]

I was in the repair field for 45 years. I learned to listen to the facts, not opinions from the customer. I was always amused by the sounds they tried to recreate. I also was amazed that once you think you had seen it all, then something like this comes along.

[@2023TMc]

I am the maintenance manager where I work. I learned long ago that we get more “help” than needed. 😊 I always tell my guys that you have to be a detective first, then a repair technician. The who,what,why always play a part.

[@robertpeters41]

As an old mechanic, when a customer comes in and says he did this and that, that's where I start looking for the problem. When your customer said he broke the carb, that was a clue. I really enjoy your videos.

[@kmech3rd]

Your opening monologue about understanding machines and listening to them made me smile. I recognize that exact feel. The funniest part is seeing where somebody else screwed up a repair or got tired, and said "good enough". The fingerprints are always there. Your mix of philosophy and machine-healing is heartwarming.

[@crowznest438]

Excellent comment.

[@saponi2]

The customer just used the wrong size of hammer to remove the flywheel.

[@kmech3rd]

​@saponi2 imagine if the customer had an impact gun and a Dremel. She'd have a three beer video at that point.

[@oceanheadted]

I think this could be the start of Chicanic the movie…

[@ljprep6250]

@@kmech3rd BLAST YOU for saying that and giving the idiots more fuel...

[@TF856]

I spent nearly twenty years rebuilding antique clock movements and I know the joy you get when something comes back to life. Especially when it's a clock that is over 100 years old. Fortunately there are some companies that make reproduction parts for antique clocks.

[@paulkleinkramer5065]

I repair broadcast transmitters for radio and TV stations and have for 30+ years now. I have a client with a top of the line high power transmitter located at a mountain top tower site in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You could think of it as the Stihl 881 Magnum of radio transmitters. Its a big beast about the size of 2 refrigerators setting side by side. I installed it factory new last August and it ran flawlessly for 9 month, then simply shut itself off. Since early June of this year I have devoted almost 200 hours of travel and troubleshooting to finding and fixing this unit. All the systems work properly independently, all Voltages and currents are present and all meet the factory's specifications, all fault lights are green and she's ready to operate... yet, it just won't start and obviously I've overlooked something; something deep, something uncommon. Your video is an inspiration to me to redouble my efforts and start tearing it apart system by system (again)! Who knows, maybe I'll find a hole blasted in the side of an assembly somewhere in there... maybe the electrons are leaking out. 😅

[@DempsterDave]

Grid leak, eh?

[@OrmondOtvos]

Look for bullet holes.

[@wild1bill1950]

I FIXED RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT FOR 40 YEARS AND YOUR FIRST 2 AND A HALF MINUTES BROUGHT TEARS THANK GOD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE

[@jasonc514]

That is in no way a defeat! You totally found the issue and did your job! The customer is the one who failed you. You Rock! Great video Bri. Thank you

[@faulltw]

The customer didn't fail her, he didn't know and brought it in. No harm no foul

[@averyhorton3614]

Truth!

[@kirdot2011]

Yes and she could still fix it if the customer was willing to pay a bit over 200$ for the cylinder housing

[@ggg-fv9zz]

Yes if it were your saw that wouldn't be the end.

[@stephenk.5839]

It is not a defeat, when the customer had already effectively made the chainsaw a basket case with his messed-up attempt to "fix it" before he brought it to you to figure out.

[@jameslezak7882]

Some people are mechanics and some over confident. I'd like to know their thought process to get to a point like this. Can't explain what they did wrong to them and then it's your fault that they f'd up. What really sets me off besides hanging me out to dry with time in vested, is they bad mouth you to everyone! I got out of repair business back in the 80's for this reason! I wasn't ripping anyone off, but they sure ripped me off! My rant, whew! Great video! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️

[@joeromano5607]

I am a Stihl tech and when I started watching this it sounded all to familiar to. A few years back I had the same issue with a MS391 only the saw would start and run on high idle only, if you squeezed the trigger it would die but the kill switch would not turn it off???? After a careful inspection I found a small hole under the flywheel in the same area as your repair. The hole was small enough the the saw was actually dieseling, I could even remove the plug wire and the saw would continue to run until the throttle was goosed. It was mind boggling but that hole was just the perfect size to allow this to happen. Thanks for sharing this.

[@dansaver8247]

Good video with good explanations and no swear words at the diy customer.

[@bertram_oredrock]

It takes a person of strong character to admit defeat and share it with your followers. Always remember the tough ones. They will help you one day. I had similar instances when I was a Ford Master Technician. Often it due to a customer who tried to repair the problem and would "forget" to tell the service advisor what he or she did.. Thanks Chick.

[@michaelktm6061]

THat is why the pressure-vac test is such a great diagnostic tool. Also I have the used the Sthil and the Echo check sheet many times and they are great.

[@billcoomber4642]

A tip from my years from Echo, a drop of oil on the impulse line and look for spit back when pulling the starter might have told you the saw had a crankcase pulse problem. There can be many reasons why losing your crankcase pulse, (especially on older engines that have a reed valve)...than just a huge hole in the short block...been burned more than a few times on this one.

[@davidrice3337]

I have an echoe I forgot about - I put a new bubble on it - hadn't used it in 8 yrs at least - pulled the rope and the damn thing started - with old gas even !! I shut it off and poured out the old shit - it's running like a new one

[@thardyryll]

A word about non-OEM carburetors: While I usually swear by Stihl parts, when my 25-year-old brush cutter needed a carb more than 10 years ago, I was put off by Stihl's $100 price, so I went to Amazon and bought five knockoffs. One of them went on the machine, which I use year round, including two days ago. It is still functioning like new, and I have four new spares. The price? $6. Yes -- six dollars per carburetor, less than the sales tax in my state on a Stihl carb. One-third the price at the time for a Stihl rebuild kit, and those things never work. Apparently those knockoffs either came from the factory that supplies Stihl carbs -- or should be supplying them. Sometimes you get lucky.

[@dagrote1]

Similar experience. I put a $12 carb on a Kohler one-cylinder instead of the $350 (!) OEM and with a little reaming of one of the jets, it's been working perfectly. When a customer comes in, I give them the OEM quote (with guarantee) or the aftermarket price with no guarantee. Guess which one they chose.

[@thardyryll]

@@dagrote1Now that takes the cake. I know the manufacturer has higher costs to fill and hold replacement parts, but that is ridiculous. The other day I was looking through my Stihl parts drawer and noticed those knockoff carbs. Of the five I bought, I still have three. The two I put on my Stihls, which are heavily used, are still working - for more than 10 years.

[@CFRoach]

In repair shops I've seen a joke sign that reads: "Labor: $100 per hour. If you work on it first $200 per hour!" You need one of these signs : )

[@philliphall5198]

I have a sign like that but really I just tell them I’m to far behind to mess with it, you can leave it but I might not ever get to it 😊😊😊

[@paulzacher5672]

You have to know when to fix them. Know when to junk them

[@pseudocoder78]

I was thinking this, but for real there should be a minimum charge to evaluate whatever outside work was done on the machine. If it turns out it wasn't destructive it can be applied towards regular shop hours.

[@CFRoach]

@@paulzacher5672 aren't those the lyrics to a Kenny Rogers song?

[@Jamesvh122]

I really hate elitist attitudes like this. People act as though you shouldn't be able to repair stuff yourself, and if you give it a shot and fail you should be punished by paying an unethical amount of money. What BS. You are the type of people who vote against right to repair, and take your car only to the dealership for things like an oil change or air pressure sensor. If anything charge the customer for the service hours that are extra or parts you had to re-replace, making someone pay extra beyond what industry standards are is not only unethical but immoral.

[@philadams374]

it's like on the wide word of sports......."The thrill of Victory.....The Agony of Defeat"!

[@frankmartin8471]

Water in the gas, so the customer started replacing parts to "fix" it, then brought it to you with the complaint that it wouldn't run. He obviously left out the part where something went ka-blam when he tried to start it after he'd replaced some parts. Great video. And a good reminder of what kind of hidden alligator can walk through the door when you least expect it. Brand new chain saw. Wow.

[@lrobie123]

this is exactly what happened....

[@peckprice]

I grew up in a small engine repair shop. Dad was the best of the best. He refused to "shade tree" or "cobble" things together. He fixed it right or he wouldn't touch it. Your explanation of the satisfaction of fixing small engines really resonated with me. I have some skills but sadly the new technology has run off and left me in the 1980's. In all the years he wrenched, Dad still talks about the 2 pieces of equipment he couldn't fix. I think you should probably publish your monologue on the feeling of being in tune with the machines as it is the best explanation i have ever heard.

[@thomasdodd4462]

I love that you mentioned defeat and humility when repairing small engines. I’ve spent 1000’s of hours on vehicles and small engines and rarely run into issues I can’t repair, but there are some that have beat me and It’s tough to admit when it happens

[@ggg-fv9zz]

I hate it when there are no more parts left in this dimension for something I'm trying to fix. Google search is a total waste of time and data is not cheap.

[@ggg-fv9zz]

And if I do find a part, they want to strike it rich for having what I need.

[@robertdavis6708]

A thirty minute Tig job would have him cutting wood this fall. I agree with you Bri. Reserching an engines woes are intrigueing. I love to tune a rough running engine into total tune.

[@slipperyblueclay2521]

After being a subscriber for some time now, I had to ask, “What make your channel one of the fastest growing channels I know?” It’s unique, truthful, entertaining, helpful, and real. You have the ability to connect with your audience. That’s why so many people watch your stuff!

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks so much!!

[@davidrice3337]

no brah - She's hot - that's why - hot and smart as hell - and kinda funny - but not over the top -

[@kbjerke]

Yesterday I learned not to use Dollar Store paracord to replace the pull start rope on the recoil of my Troy Bilt cultivator/edger. Dimensionally correct, but snapped on the first pull. Today I'm waiting for an Amazon delivery of *REAL* 550 pound test paracord. You *rock,* Bre! ❤

[@tonycuomo2298]

It's great when people try to save money by repairing their own things however, the price of learning can be costly.

[@oursweethomelife]

The price of learning is invaluable but so accomplishing . Like I say you cannot make a cake without breaking some eggs .

[@MrTheHillfolk]

​@@oursweethomelife Hopefully it's a small oops and you don't have total scrap,that's a plus if it's still fixable.

[@j.morrison73]

I love your tenacity. I guess more than several of my bosses throughout my career liked mine as well because they either wanted me to stay with them or have requested my 'moving on' with them. My motto is 'I love to be awed'. I always admired people who learn a job then do it to perfection.

[@dwhallon21]

What a story, and yes we are used to seeing you fix everything. Humility is a tough one, sometimes you can't win them all. That is one big hole that he should have known about before he brought it to you

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Wasn't the hole behind the flywheel? Bri didn't even go there until she admitted defeat and started stripping the saw down for an autopsy!

[@flashwashington2735]

@@dans_Learning_Curve He saved himself a ton of money by doing it himself? 🤣🤣🤣Compromisef case. Factory? By idiot for idiot? 🤔🤔

[@3rdsamdan]

I'm absolutely enthralled, video after video. We've got hacks working on small engines in my neck of the woods. You have proven there IS a right way to do things. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@jerrystauffer2351]

This is possibly the most relatable internet repair video on a machine I don't expect to ever own I've ever seen. I feel your frustration.

[@benpoe4335]

I can relate. Having retired from IT, and doing years of PC repairs, I’ve often been scared when I heard “I tried to fix it” because I know that there are “extra” variables and the customer is not going to share some facts that help.

[@klesko55]

My first question is always. Before it stoped working did you change anything, settings, add new software, a printer . . . or do something unusual. . . Time and time again they LIE! 😅.

[@chatrkat]

Once again, solid proof, some people should never be permitted to own tools.

[@chatrkat]

@@Nimblebee-iy4nzYes I too have met a few similar individuals. Definitely keep your tools out of his hands! 😁

[@Last_Chance.]

My wife and I just love you so much ❤️

[@delseckora5327]

Glad to know you have those type of customers that try the repair but don't know how and won't admit everything they did

[@ginamiller6015]

Very true words spoken about learning to listen to what the engine is telling you. Especially with 2-strokes, they have a personality of their own. This skill comes from experience, along with some trials and errors along the way. Thanks for another great video 🫶

[@richnorman5017]

Looks like the customer was trying to pry off the flywheel and broke the transfer cover is what I anticipate. The other side of the plastic looks scarred up also. Always a bad omen when a customer brings equipment in after they’ve worked on it and it doesn’t run. Absolutely everything needs check as you found our. Tried to save money but ended up costing him a lot more by doing it himself… Good one Bri!!!!! The frustrations of your profession!!

[@bkdarch]

Water in tank and busted carb removing it is a good indicator MR ignorant vice grips was beating on this saw and just keep looking for more self inflicted damage.

[@michelbrodeur6055]

I see from the comments that the point of it all is you did your job on what was a new saw but didn't imagine what the problem was because it's not something a reasonably apt small engine mechanic would expect. I appreciate that you still have all your hair as it didn't get torn out or rubbed out. Good learning experience and I am happy to see you not wearing your beautiful ring while working. Thanks for this and all your videos.

[@ozarkian3475]

Customer finally knows where that nut/bolt they couldn't find during initial reassembly, went...

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Always surprises me how some people want to solve anything with brute force. I thought Ive seen everything but breaking the carb and engine block while replacing the carb and coil is on a whole new level.

[@williamstuessy1611]

This is a great video. One of your best. The opening monologue is spot on, when a machine that is not working can be made " brought back to life ", the feeling is really good. I wished you lived closer to us here in the Northeast. Honest mechanics are out there, but they are becoming more difficult to find. You and DieselCreek and Sasquatch from Minnesota are the only ones to watch !

[@Chickanic]

Thank you very much!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Hey, we watch some of the same channels! I live in MN. I've been trying to meet up with squatch for some time now. He's always at a show when I have to work. If you're wondering why I have an old car in my profile picture, there's a playlist on my channel.

[@geraldsmith3423]

Honest any trade is getting hard to find.

[@JosephTodd-ms6rf]

Process of elimination can be expensive! And time consuming! But ya found the problem , and it ain’t always fixable! Been doing my own saws for over 30yrs now…. Thanks for the videos! Never to old to learn!

[@tincanboat]

I'm thinking when he set the fly wheel down to remove the coil the fly wheel is a magnet and picked up something where he set it down.

[@czechmate6916]

I thought the same thing. Because there was a lot of metal shavings underneath the flywheel when she took it off.

[@philliphall5198]

Makes sense to me 😊

[@StarSwarm.]

Yeah have a look at the close up. You can see where it’s been bashed multiple times. There’s still evidence of it next to the bashed out area.

[@praecantrix]

it's nice to see you share a story of failure as we all have them. as i was listening i kept waiting to hear 3 tests. 1) muffler off and piston visual. check. but 2) impulse check and 3)pressure/vac test on cylinder i didn't hear. fuel not getting to cylinder can sometimes be a fuel line or carb but as the case was here, if you have a bad enough air leak it won't draw fuel. if a saw won't start after i visual the piston and clean the carb then i always (usually) test the impulse and pressure/vac the cylinder before replacing parts

[@markh.6687]

Sometimes an issue just gets by us, no matter how good or careful we are working. I'm not happy about those either, but it reminds me to recheck things (and recheck my thinking) when I think I've got everything right. Applies to people, hardware, documents, and everything else.

[@marcmyers1465]

Normally catastrophic failure is obvious, but small engines have "ALLOT" of hidey holes. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@dave-uf8ir]

Get it customer induced problem saved a whole lot luv ur Chanel cheers ❤😊

[@michaeldennison7298]

Hi Bri, you keep adding content on this channel and we who are hooked on your channel will keep absorbing what you put forth! Kudos!!😊😊

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I spent decades trying to teach people that their ears are their number one diagnostic tool. Anything that has movement will tell a GOOD mechanic what is most likely wrong. Nice to see someone who gets it too.

[@bartwright430]

Bri, you are always so brilliant, evervescent and knowledgeable. You inspire me. Now, if I can only make the time to rebuild the carb on my srm 225. I know I can do it. Thanks for all your help.

[@levent8208]

I am impressed, you have a real talent to tell stories, this was really funny too.

[@grifonks]

I like Hyway brand piston and cylinder kits for MS311/391. My personal worst recent saws was a ms462 that was run over by a dingo, little grapple that fits through a back yard gate. Intermittent loss of fuel. The extremely thin wire that runs from the coil brain box to the fuel control solenoid snapped inside its wrap. it would show continuity but when it got hot it would loose control of the normally off solenoid. I've since seen it in a ms661. At least the harnesses are relatively cheap. Rock on Bree!

[@OrmondOtvos]

That must have been a stinker to find. Thermal failures suck. Just like poor quality rubber diaphragms in cheap China carbs. There's nothing that can't be cheapened.

[@billbarta-fm1lq]

I watched your vid on getting a Stihl 250 started. Couldn’t pull it. Ended up chain to tight. I’m never too old to learn. Thanks for the help.

[@K-Fred]

It was nice of your customer to create a hidden problem to fix! Sorry, nobody wins on this one. Love the videos.

[@marcmyers1465]

That's why most of us watch these videos to learn about the "Not So Obvious" reality of small engine repair. Nothing is ever Truly Idiot Proof... Merely Idiot Resistant ! ☝️🤨

[@fivespeed3026]

We win. We definitely win. 😂

[@dsplawn55]

There's still hope for that Stihl. It'll take a while. JB Weld. Small amounts at a time. I did it years ago to an Evinrude crankcase. Right at where the crankgoes by. Very close tolerances. Otherwise it was junk...like your customers Stihl. With patience I completed the task. Off to the lake. IT WORKED!!! And it never quit working. I couldn't believe it! Don't throw it away just yet. I'll come by and pick it up. 😆😊 😊😊

[@pete1735]

JB weld is the best that is what I was thinking she should have tried

[@mikehamilton3833]

Great story, Bri. Your two cycle knowledge is amazing. I can fix four cycle fine, but have no success on two cycle. Have three dead chainsaws in shop floor as evidence of my 2 cycle frustration. You are an amazing small engine mechanic. Thanks for your videos. Love them.

[@louisaugust1815]

It's one of the first things I recognize when I'm doing many repairs. The previous person didn't know what they were doing. I'm sometimes shocked at what I find in the simplist repairs done by someone else.

[@michaelglynn2638]

I was thinking "timing slip" but did not expect that!! Quite a curve ball. 👍

[@dagrote1]

Same. If it has good fuel, top end compression and spark, and a clean carb but still won't even crack, I think timing key. If that's not it, then it's time for a leak down test (a real pain).

[@tinkergene]

Hey Bri - I am working on a Sihl weed whip - tried a lot of things - weak spark - someone said it could be the magnet in the flywheel cracked / broke - is this possible ?🤔

[@dagrote1]

Anything's possible, and a bad magnet on a flywheel could do it. But it's not the first thing I'd think of. I'd do a visual of the magneto area first: dirt? wires good?, gap right? Then I'd check the timing key on the flywheel? Sheered? That wouldn't affect the spark/current, but it would keep the engine from firing. If it's a bad magnet, there's no fix for it beyond replacing the flywheel and seeing what happens. Good luck!

[@timgannon2993]

I been a mechanic 37 years I feel your pain

[@ToreDL87]

@@tinkergene Well, if you loosen the coil screws and when you spin the magnet around it should pull the coil into the magnet. If not, there's your issue.

[@jimstraightshooter163]

That had to have made hell of a sound when that busted

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I wonder if he remembers when it happened?!

[@michaelpowell9164]

No doubt in my mind the owner remembers the noise it made when it broke. he may not have understood what the noise was......but he knew.

[@chucksmoko5348]

Maybe a screwdriver to pry off the flywheel did it. It wouldn’t have been running with the original gas with water... so something broke it while not running.

[@marcmyers1465]

​@@chucksmoko5348That blew from the inside out. The flash is still hanging "out". 😉

[@jacquejecker4435]

What about all those rotary scratches on the outside of the case?

[@colinweir5807]

Another one for your note book of experience. That's why I like this channel. You show all the ups and downs of your business. 🐯

[@wapitiRack13]

I learn so much stuff in your channel. You put your point up front and take us for the ride in short amounts of time. This is why I watch a lot of your videos. Well done Bri

[@zanenelson8564]

We watch your great videos, my wife and I, and always learn something. She and I have been restoring antique motorcycles for 40+ years now. When people know that you are good with engines....they will bring you chainsaws, weedeaters,etc to get running. What prompted me to write you was your introduction to this video. My wife loved it since you covered something that she has been trying to get across to me for years. I suffer (as you seem to) from never wanting to give up on a project. I admit, I have taken things apart and reassembled them many many times because it's so difficult to admit that I just can't get whatever it is to run or run like I want it to. Both my wife and I thank you for this video. Your words somehow made me feel that it's OK to admit that we are not miracle workers......and just maybe it's OK to let some things go.

[@independentthinker8930]

Back when I worked on boat motors, it amazed me what people would do!

[@geraldsmith3423]

I like all of your feed back still learning at 76.

[@MrsSunshine75]

Well I guess doing a pressure/vac test before ordering any parts when working on an unknown 2 cycle would be a good idea! Good video, your beautiful girl!❤

[@jonburke2038]

After working on Stihl saws for many years, I feel your pain. Customers are their own worst enemy when they don’t know what they’re doing and try to fix a saw.

[@cherylinoklahoma9624]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us. Absolutely love your channel because of your expertise and integrity.

[@heymakerphd1982]

You were sounding like some in the medical community. For the few you can't fix, you are still a "miracle worker"!!! Humility is a hard lesson! I know, because I've had to learn it myself. I feel it was worth it because I've learned better than anyone else I know, better than anyone else in this county, maybe farther!! Like the song says, 'It's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way"! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Still,...wish I could fix small engines like you do.

[@PaulPetrulis]

Defeat in the way of your time, but not certainly in your determination, or focus. Lots of respect for you and your drive. Great job! And thank you for sharing! Who would have thought it was this unless someone like you was driven, patient, and smart enough to figure it out.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

The process of eliminating suspects is and arduous one...Bless Your Heart.

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Absolutely loved your monolog! It was word-smithed with perfection and 100% from the heart! This is why so many of us watch your videos, you are so real with all of this! "its broke broke, like double X double X" see what I mean, you are so real with us!

[@pmdoit]

I absolutely love this video. Yes, you are human and you're hilarious. I love that you can poke fun at yourself and present this in a very entertaining way. Keep doing you. We love you!

[@ns4wsm]

Wow! Stihl has really gotten pricey! Thanks for your honesty ❤

[@viperstrike3827]

Even though I am a Stihl fanboy I completely agree! They could lower their prices!

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

I recently bought a brand new 311 for $550 from our local small-engine guru mechanic/Stihl dealer. He was hanging up his wrenches after several decades of service to our community. Maybe he gave me a deal (I have bought 4 other saws from him) but the price for me was a no-brainer. My saw runs great. I haven't tried running it with water for fuel, however.

[@viperstrike3827]

@@Firedog-ny3cq We bought an ms311 for 5?? $ back in about 2015. They are more like 6?? $ now in my area.

[@allanbarber4038]

Love your channel, this is one of your best! I feel your pain. Over 60 years of fixing stuff and failing sometimes, I've learned that life can really bruise your ego. This is probably good or we all become insufferable to others

[@ggg-fv9zz]

Looks like a job for jb weld! I've fixed a few holes in Briggs crank cases put there by the lawn repair shop to keep people like me from getting their old mowers and fixing them.

[@avid6186]

Came here looking for that answer 😂 I would probably try something like that if it was mine, but a customers saw? Not so much.

[@ggg-fv9zz]

@@avid6186 it might be better than completely giving up

[@ggg-fv9zz]

@@avid6186 if the hole is round enough it might be possible to drill and tap and plug it.

[@avid6186]

@@ggg-fv9zz same answer really, if it was mine then yes, worth a go, a customer's not so much. You have to be able to do it for a reasonable price, less than $100? And be willing to guarantee it. Are you sure you got no swarf in the crankcase etc? Not worth the risk to me.

[@johnp.schilens8276]

It does it so happens.I am working on AMS 311 myself.I'm putting the piston and wrench in the jug.I haven't got to the flywheel and I looked Uber the whole saw, but your video was very helpful.Thank you

[@markmcmeen287]

Excellent example of "there is always a reason" for everything. The frustration happens when we can't find the reason. Thanks for sharing your determination with us. I hope the customer appreciates it (if he can get over the reality that he screwed up.)

[@deerslayer6419]

I consider myself pretty good at small engine repair. I'm the guy that all your friends bring their stuff to, to get fixed. I love your videos, I always seem to learn something. I've seen holes/cracks in cylinders, but not tucked away like this one. Thanks!

[@shermanhofacker4428]

A bit of jb weld should get it going just fine!😃 Actually, I have a friend who is a whizz with TIG welding that could probably fix it for real!

[@jimhofoss9982]

@sherma… that’s exactly what I would try before ordering another cylinder….piece of tin and jb weld.👍

[@jeepanimal2943]

I was wondering that myself. Could the cylinder be TIG welded with an aluminum rod? Seen it done on old Harley engines.

[@gungadingo]

@@Ridingbearswhat would make you think cast iron? Clearly aluminum, only the cylinder sleeve would be iron.

[@t3chnicianb3000]

I appreciate your passion for truly fixing engines! If I hear a small engine stumbling and struggling to run I want to go and adjust it so I can have peace of mind. But that is a can of worms I know better than to open. Your customer handed You a basket case (i.e., live grenade). There is a rate chart for that: If you already tried to fix it yourself ... $200/hour. I am certain You have seen it. I dig Your channel. ✌

[@robrailroad1050]

What a great story & demo of the trials and tribulations of your craft. I have to say, you are entertaining and smart with all your info. Thanks Doc Bri. You are putting out great videos. You make this crap fun. Please keep up the great work!!!✌

[@HalsPals]

Some people are just born cool. I love this Chick-anic!!

[@wb8nbs]

Seems like you could come up with some kind of quick vacuum gauge over the carb input. Would test leakage in the crankcase and the reed valves.

[@RodgerHopkins-w5h]

In my younger years i repaired tvs an radios, a guy brought a radio apart in a laundry basket and wanted it put back together! of course my boss gave it to me! i put it together hoping all the pieces were there! amazing that it worked and only had to add dial string. you never know what will come through the door!

[@jimandnena4]

My uncle once asked why I was wasting time fixing my lawn mower. My reply, "the satisfaction I get from getting it running is worth any amount of money". Nena brings home abandoned mowers every Spring so I fix them. We have never bought a lawn mower! We have given several away. 😁

[@markdietrichcochran2274]

That's a shame. My first saw was a 311 and it served me well for years. Love your videos and this old saw dog has learned a bunch from them.

[@toddb930]

Wow, that's crazy! When you pulled off the pull-start I thought you were going to find the flywheel key sheared so that the flywheel timing was way off. 😅

[@OrmondOtvos]

I was surprised to see how easily the flywheel popped off. Figgered it was editing. Gotta watch those magnets. Coulda been a loose part stuck inside the flywheel.

[@chrisschmidt8470]

I’m a chainsaw guy and I learned to always check fuel, compression, spark and pressurize the crank case when I have a no go saw. Learned the hard way also.

[@squangan]

As someone who’s been running and working on chainsaws sine I was way to young to be doing so I can say I didn’t see this coming.

[@RoboDriller]

Seen it happen on a Polaris 650 triple. That seal blew out and caused lean issues couldn't resolve. It was hours and hours, found it with a can of either buy accident

[@stevem6711]

I have a 311 that is 9 yrs old. Works like a champ and never had an issue with it. Yes, I've been where you were talking about. I occasionally run into some piece of machinery that just can't be fixed. very frustrating indeed.

[@jeg1353]

It wasn't a failure. You COULD fix it if the customer wanted it done. The problem was something you don't usually look for but you found it anyway.

[@maddogrk1]

I like the way you think, and I understand that frustrations, even though I don’t know anywhere near as much about small engines as you do. Best wishes

[@FLSTC53]

You didn’t fail ! You found the problem and probably would have fixed it if the customer agreed

[@mikesantimore6971]

I love you videos. You have taught me a lot. Just remember if that scenario happens with you again just spraying just mixed gas through the port to get into cylinder it oughta run or not you didn't really have to go ahead and buy a carburetor before proven that. And you're the prettiest mechanic I have ever seen

[@countrylifetales2700]

I love your videos. You're a great story teller, you're obviously a good mechanic, and you're an awesome human being for sharing videos to help us better understand our small engines. Cheers.

[@dr.detroit1514]

The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat! Toughest problem I had with my home equipment, was a snowblower that would start and run for a short while, and then in use would just sputter and die. Repeat, repeat. After trying all parts that made any sense to me, I finally on a whim took off the muffler to look at the exhaust port, to find it rattling. Turned out there was a broken off baffle inside the muffler that would stand up at the outlet occasionally, blocking off the exhaust and killing the engine. New muffler fixed it.

[@darrenpethoud9554]

Probably should have done a pressure/vacuum test😁. But as the saying goes, shit happens. And it’s happened to me too. I see this kind of thing alot when the customer’tried’ first. Lesson learned! Love your videos!

[@DanaGillum]

I wanted to start a website for what you do. No need to. Your presentations are right on and rock solid. Mahalo! 70 and 30 years of experiences and wisdom.

[@jimjackson9381]

So when you have a situation like that, where you spent time working on the machine but you can’t get it running because of issues beyond your control do you charge the customer or do you write it off. Jim.

[@Chickanic]

No, I don't charge them. Just chalk it up to a lesson learned.

[@haroldhodge7770]

I couldn’t agree more satisfaction in fixing small engine

[@mongrel1799]

If you don’t charge him, do you keep the saw? I’d save the new carb, buy the cylinder/case, reassemble with original carb/coil, and try to sell for profit. I realize you’re up to your armpits in repair work, so maybe it’s a “downtime” project. Such a shame for a machine that’s barely used.

[@judyhall2680]

I know nothing about small engines, but I love watching your videos.

[@oldcdawg1]

Pressure testing the crankcase is a valuable tool in engine testing. Looks like it would have saved you a lot of time and money on this one. The Stihl engine checklist would have found this in less than 30 minutes.

[@billstmaxx]

Likely should have done a leak down test.. sure its new.. Even a new seal or a hole in the side will show that on the leak down test..