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

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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

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[@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 👍😁

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@patjones2863]

If you had done a proper Stihl Engine Check as Stihl prescribes, the problem would have been found quickly.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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

[@FLSTC53]

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

[@ozarkian3475]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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....

[@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..

[@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!!😊😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 😅

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Some JB Weld and bug screen will fix that hole.

[@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! 😅.

[@brianhillis3701]

If that piece was missing he knew what was wrong and failed to tell you.

[@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.

[@onthelake9554]

Constructive criticism : Working on small engines without a proper vac tester would be like running a tire shop without an air pressure gauge . Learn to use it and you will be amazed how much time and money guessing at parts (carb you ordered) it will save .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TXRebel71]

Don't feel too bad, had a Stihl 440 I completely rebuilt, new piston, cylinder, fuel lines, oiler, ignition coil. The coil went out after all the other repairs. Everything looked great, but would not run correctly at all, no matter what adjustments I did. Turns out the carb had a hair line crack in it and would not pressurize properly. I don't know how many wasted hrs I spent on that saw because of that.

[@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? 🤔🤔

[@paintnamer6403]

A JB Weld fix would make a good video to see how long it would last. Or Flex seal!

[@signor_No]

Project farm did this test for the head of the engine, jb weld did a good job

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 -

[@dansaver8247]

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

[@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

[@dustyroads834]

I thought you were going to show us a sheared off key- way on the flywheel. This was much better. Lol

[@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

[@skybugproductions7527]

I had a situation one time where a customer brought in a DR trimmer with a bad oil leak happened it was a bolt vibrated out of the handle and just happened to fall down perfectly in the motor right behind the flywheel and put a hole in the crankcase.

[@warddc]

a vacuum check on the crankcase would've revealed that pretty quick.

[@aptechknowledge]

What does that test consist of ?

[@warddc]

@@aptechknowledgeseal exhaust port and intake port with rubber. Connect vacuum tester to impulse line. Pull vacuum. Wait to see if holds for 5 mins or so. This tests crankcase and seals for leaks. Mity-vac works nice. You should pressure test as well with same tool. Spray soap solution if it wont hold pressure to find leaky crank seal. Or in this case giant gaping hole in case. LOL

[@aptechknowledge]

@@warddc thank you

[@jimbefit3073]

I think she KNOWS that.

[@julesviolin]

​@@warddcall very well in hindsight now you know what the problem was !! However on a newish machine you would not be expecting a crankcase leak that big or the reason for it ⚠️

[@ARoyalLyon]

I second that on aftermarket carburetors. Stopped by the really good Echo dealer when I was in town to inquire about a carb rebuild kit for my handlebar string trimmer. The counterman said he needed to see it as they used different carb manufacturers over the years. I discovered new replacement carbs on Ebay for around $18 with free shipping, which is practically a free carburetor, so I bought one. Ran OK for a few weeks, then during a long weed wacking session got weaker and weaker, bogging down rich, and finally died and wouldn't restart. With air cleaner off I saw it was dumping fuel into the intake, so I'm going to take the original to town with me to see about an OEM rebuild kit.

[@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.

[@stuffoflife5290]

Wish I had the information about after market carbs long before this. I have replaced a couple on the echo blower and hedge trimmer. Both ended up dumping gas as you described. Maybe a video on OEM V Aftermarket components would help a few of us trying to keep the costs of repairs down. For example what aftermarket items can you trust v OEM. Love your vids. Thanks for doing 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. 😅

[@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

[@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. 😂

[@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. 😁

[@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. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@shadymaint1]

I ended up with a MS290 for free. Used to work at a Stihl dealer as thier service tech. Guy bought in a MS290 that was only about a month old. It was still under warrenty. The guy said he let someone borrow it and they put strait gas in it. I pulled the muffler and sure enough, the piston and cylinder were toast. Since the guy said strait gas was run in it was not covered under warranty. Guy just bought a new saw and left his old one at the shop. It sat under my work bench for months. One day the manager plopped a box full of parts on my work bench. No work order or anything. He saidbit was for the saw under my bench. Should be everything to fix it. Said i could keep it. Put a short block in it as well as a carb kit. Have had that saw for about 20 years and have never had a problem with it at all.

[@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!❤

[@kens.3729]

STIHL Brand might be Made in the U.S.A. but it’s a Disappointing Brand. Who hasn’t had Issues with STIHL Products more than once ? Issues in 1-2 years in Warranty. 👎

[@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!

[@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! 👍😎✌️

[@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! 😁

[@tomcren59]

A pressure /vacuum check that any STIHL Tech would have done would have detected that in 15 minutes or less. A valuable tool that pressure vacuum pump.

[@beingthere597]

Yep, the flywheel magnet picked up a stray screw, probably from the starter. My question is: how did he break a hole in the crankcase and not realize it? Maybe he loaned it to that no good brother-in-law. One thing I do early on for a non-starter that should start is a crankcase pressure and vacuum test. Solves a lot of mysteries. Also a check for sheared flywheel key, although unlikely on a chainsaw. Good story!

[@kenromaine2387]

Maybe the engine had water freeze in the lower block? She talked about water in the fuel tank.

[@beingthere597]

@@kenromaine2387 It's possible if the saw had been left outside with the spark plug out, but it would have to have been completely full of water with no headspace for the water to expand. The open spark plug hole would have provided a pressure release point unless the freezing was extremely fast. Also, I would expect a rupture rather than a small hole.

[@michaellitscher9456]

I had a Kawasaki 100cc two stroke motorcycle that wouldn't start. Had compression, fuel, spark. The shear key for the flywheel had sheared. The cam for the points is on that flywheel. So while it had spark, it was sparking at the wrong time. It's always the last place you look!

[@independentthinker8930]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love how you described the Victorys Just glorious Hearing It purring smoothly 1:00 @Chickanic

[@mauricejefferson1836]

There is no defeat when a customer attempts a repair then brings it to you for a "cheap" repair of damage(s) they caused.😊

[@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!

[@wayneswonderarium]

At the very least, now we all know there's another possible explanation for a non-starter even when all the other conditions are there

[@lonniehensley661]

i always love your video's always learning and seeing new things, i do have one question, when you found the hole in this chainsaw it made me think, with the way :some" people are now days , i was wondering has anyone ever tried to "claim " that you caused the damage and should pay for it, if it hasn't happened you are lucky, but i would expect it someday from someone . the world has just got that crazy now days . people are very lucky to have someone with your skills to be able to work on chainsaws etc. great show . two thumbs way up!!

[@cherylinoklahoma9624]

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

[@morrisschwarts4826]

I had a similar problem on a Deere tractor. I spent hours on it. It still wouldn't run. New carb, plug, head gasket. It turned out to be the carburetor base gasket. It made the carb not work. It was cut wrong, ever so slightly. I got an OEM one and it fired right up.

[@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.

[@TheHomePros6221]

I’d Jb weld that hole and call it a day, I bet it would last a very long time

[@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.

[@toenails.]

I've never had luck with Stihl. Bought two brand new MS461 saws and both would quit when they got hot. Now I only use Echo saws.

[@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 🫶

[@denisrhodes54]

reminds me of the time when my coworker was working on a Jacobsen SnoBurst. he had already rebuilt the carb. and had it “run on prime “ via the spark plug hole, but couldn’t figure it out. i get it, doesn’t run on prime though the intake. after closer examination, i found the magic window.

[@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.

[@dab1068]

That's the first thing I though of when you said the carb. wasn't moving fuel - there's a leak in the crank case. Well, I guess leak was an understatement. LOL.

[@scottfoster2487]

A quick leak down test is key to fixing a no start saw diagnosis.

[@garny3766]

Yeah. If it won’t even pop with a shot of gas directly into carb…it ain’t the carb. If she ever spent time working on snowmobile engines, Leakdown test is the name of the game when problems like this arise

[@rickvanhartingsveldt8641]

Nope. That hole is outside the cylinder bore and also below the rings. Leak down test is done at TDC. This hole is in the side passage that feeds the intake ports halfway down the bore. A whole engine pressure/vacuum test would have found this as stated in an other comment.

[@garny3766]

@@rickvanhartingsveldt8641 yup. Not sure if you realize a leakdown can be done at bdc on 2 cycles🤯 you can use the spark plug hole for hand pump not just intake plug or pulse port or exhaust plug. I’ve just always called it a leakdown whether you’re doing combustion chamber(high pressure) or crankcase case (low pressure/vacuum)

[@scottfoster2487]

@@rickvanhartingsveldt8641 Reread my comment as you faile to understand what was said.

[@rickvanhartingsveldt8641]

​@@scottfoster2487Sorry. Got interrupted on my reply and it posted. Now it sounds rude. Not intended. What I meant to say was after 40+yrs of 4stroke work and 10 yrs of 2stroke work mixed into that, leak down, and pressure/vacuum testing, have distinct differences in my thinking. I hated doing vac/leak tests on saws because of the test set up hassle so I didn't do many. After your reply and thinking back I recalled that the crank was to be rotated during the test so that it was also a kind of dynamic test that allowed all possible rotating conditions to be tested. So, yes, you are correct as understood when applied in a modified form as described in your answer to 2 strokes. A "classic" leak down test would not find this hole though.

[@reallyjimreally8210]

I have a quick question, I hope! I'm in Florida and in the days after Idealia hitting my area I ran out of bar oil and no one had any. As a result I wasn't able to cut some bigger trees. So here's my question: Is there a motor oil I could have used in place of bar oil on my Echo chainsaw. Someone told me that oil is oil but I don't know.

[@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.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Holy crap it won't Start Because there a Hole in the side of the cylinder behind the Flywheel wow Didn't see that coming 😮 7:00 @Chickanic

[@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.

[@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! ❤

[@michaelstoliker971]

This customer caused his own problem and then sent it off to you. This is just another case of "You can't fix stupid".

[@kingscairn]

Stupid should hurt

[@tomrogers9467]

I always added a 50% aggravation charge to basket case jobs.

[@kenibnanak5554]

I remember someone who once dropped a small spring down the throat of an engine intake on an Oldsmobile Cutlass and who just shrugged and put the carburetor back on without fishing the spring out. Yes, the car started and ran well. For about a month or so. Then there were noises and clouds of smoke. LoL That engine's insides were completely ruined. The first few weeks that spring had just rolled around. A few bumps in the road and it eventually found (several) spots where it could jam things up and cause gouges and nicks as it began its self destruction process. Nothing wants to die alone, so it took the engine with it.

[@TheRunAndGun10]

Awesome as usual Bri. Under what criteria would you have done a vacuum test that would have saved all this work?

[@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.

[@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!!!✌

[@noimagination99]

Why not JB Weld it? Or even patch it with Al "brazing" rod. And what do you think caused that? I think it looks like it broke from the inside because of the place where metal at the edge is bent outward, but I think it tore off from right to left, leaving that outward bent piece.

[@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!

[@mikestevens735]

I have a ms391 at a shop since January waiting for a new coil from Stihl . The saw is only 1 1/2 old . Beyond frustrated

[@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.)

[@RonHelton]

So we can't automatically assume a carb is bad when there is no fuel. Further inspection is needed. Got it. I did a similar thing with the AC on my vehicle. I ass umed that since the vehicle had not had AC service in 20 years that the freon had leaked out. So I went and bought freon to recharge it. Turns out it had plenty of freon and that the problem was the compressor switch. I should have remembered to check that switch from my experience with previous vehicles that I had owned which had the same problem.

[@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

[@HalsPals]

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