How to fix your blown up chainsaw... WITHOUT buying new parts! Step-by-step diagnoses and repair!!!

[@donyboy73]

hopefully it's not a lemon!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Donyboy!!! Thanks for stopping in. Hoping to get your honest critique on my video. It was a lemon.... but I made lemonade!!!!

[@donyboy73]

@@DavesSmallEngines i knew you could!

[@Sensei948]

@@DavesSmallEngines compresion ? 140 psi good ?

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@Sensei948 yep!

[@Sensei948]

@@DavesSmallEngines kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKelp3uobrWWo9E naprawi to jeszcze ?

[@doggie946]

Glad I'm not the only one who works on a saw at night and then can't eagerly check it out because it will wake the neighbors :)

[@eltravieso111]

If the neighbors are sawing logs in bed, why can't I in my driveway?

[@williamb9376]

For someone who rebuilds old chainsaws as a hobby, i would like to say thanks for putting the time in that video. Always thought it would work but never tried it. Great video! Thank you!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You’re very welcome, William!

[@danielrogers7138]

I like your approach to repairing an engine that is “hopeless”. That Husky would run for a long time without any replacement parts added. People who can’t afford to buy expensive oem parts take note: “You can do this with a little Common Sense and a bit of Elbow Grease applied. Good video Mike!

[@jondor654]

In an age of need2repair. ...good advice .

[@bohydrus7108]

Back in the 80's we had to fix stuff like that. There was no Internet. It was hard to get parts and even harder to get money. Of the ring gets to hot and loses it's spring, you can spread the gap with a nut, heat it then dunk it,retemper it. Sometimes you just gotta make due. Great video.

[@BustedKnuclesGarage]

thank you for this idea 🤔 i have an old 1961 mcculloch 1-71 am working on right now and i noticed the ring did kind of lose its spring. thanks

[@vetterfellow]

Very well done Dave. A little trick I use that I see you don't do is, If you're screwing in a bolt turn it counter clock wise first to find the thread start. You'll feel the bolt drop down every so slightly to sink up the threads.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Yes sir! If I find turning it in by hand is a bit “off”... I’ll turn it back and try and reset. Good point!

[@phillipdavis4507]

I learned that trick back in the 70's, but never told anyone because everyone thinks your nutz

[@countrycalvin]

Good tip, my dad taught me that when i was a kid, still use it. always.

[@josecallard]

Yes well done 👍

[@Vikingman2024]

I was thinking the same thing, a tip I learned by myself, turn it backwards until it drops in, especially when screwing into plastic. I really cringe when people use a power tool to install the cylinder hold down screws without checking to see the thread is engaged correctly, very easy to cross thread. Great video, I just purchased a Chinese after market gas-tank/handle for the 272XP and I see that the trigger assembly is not working like the stock one should with at least three defects that I can see on mine, ripped off again! Thanks, excellent video!!

[@davidesparza8149]

Thank you Dave for producing such a great video. The camera work was spot on the entire time. It is obvious that you know your way around a combustion engine ,but just as impressive to me was the ease with which you presented the fix.You imparted a good deal of method and technique during your teaching process. I especially liked the fact that you kept a clean work area. I also enjoyed that you were very eloquent, if I’ve watched 20 how to videos I’ve watched 100 + , for me it’s difficult to watch the fix when the presenter is stumbling over the choice of words and repeating themselves. Thank you, I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@SteveAmos-x7v]

Huskys are the best . Great video

[@Finom1]

Looking forward to watching you porting your saws!!! You take your time and explain each step in detail. You are training the next generation of chainsaw restorers and modifiers. I am one of them.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Wow, what a great comment. I appreciate that. I can say... I am not experienced in chainsaw porting. This isn't something I've gotten into. There is a fella Tinman's Saws that seems to be similar in age and has a great way of explanation. Check him out!

[@allanhughes7859]

Not wishing to sell a bad saw being a personal choice as you put it is admorable sir and well done for being honest in your dealings a pity there are not many more with that attitude I have been had so to speak on a few occasions in my long life but as I say to my kids what goes round eventualy comes round and being honest always winns that I am sure Good vid and thanks for taking the time to share this with us mere mortals !!!!!!!!!!!

[@carl8568]

Yes, it's frustrating when you give people an opportunity to be honest but then lie to your face. Recently I had a guy sell me a Stihl chainsaw with damage undisclosed which I found when I got home. When confronted he just became aggressive and abusive. You can screw people over only so many times before it comes back to you in some way.

[@melonpopper6703]

I've done this back in eighty nine good to see someone as savvy as me in a pinch keep going making content.😍

[@colorocko1]

That was great. Thank you. I've got a 394XP and I'll be tearing it down instead of selling due to your video.

[@mowtoegee7049]

Great video... I have a 2 stroke lawn mower with minor damage to piston and cylinder that I'm going to try this on. This has given me hope to re use the factory piston :) Cheers

[@smokeybailey3080]

Good job I’ve cleaned up several cylinders in my life I cut the aluminum out of the bore with my pocket knife didn’t scratch the cylinder then used sand paper to clean up it sounds rough but I didn’t think I any thing to lose worked fine. I was very careful. Thanks for good informative videos

[@aegan8329]

I know this is an old video, but to those who watched… when you see a piston that’s all cooked only around the exhaust side, that is usually from overheating. Factory mufflers on most saws are too restrictive and cause them to heat up when worked hard for a long time… if it was a poor gas/oil mixture the piston would be scored all the way around. I recommend, to whoever reads this, that you slightly modify your saws muffler to make it more free flowing. Not to make some hot rod saw, just so it doesn’t hold onto as much heat and risk smoking the piston like the one in the video

[@davidesparza8149]

Please describe the modifications to a stock muffler that you recommend.

[@carl8568]

​@@davidesparza8149 Best to pull the muffler off and have a look inside. I have a Stihl 462 and it is a very free flowing design, my Shindaiwa muffler has a restrictive cylinder inside it which will be removed to improve flow.

[@Nicnoir]

Glad I found you Dave. I've got 6 dead chainsaws and a grumpy Stil tiller. Hoping I can resurrect them all!

[@larrysayre824]

I have seen in automotive, when you have piston issue soak it with transmission fluid to build compression back up.I liked the advice about starting bolts by hand, after decades in automotive field have seen what being lazy can do. I have watched the younger guy's trying to get things done so fast that they will install spark plugs with cordless impact. Before I quit my job in the service station business I have noticed that my clients in landscape fields all switched to the highest octane fuel, they found it to be better for the fuel mix and caused less issue with carburetor. The down fall is the ethanol in gasoline

[@arthursoctomah9175]

Nice work on the ol Husky..👌 They are worth it!

[@toonybrain]

I love this video. Thanks for walking us through not only the dissassembling of this Husq but your thought processes at ever step. This was a fascinating video to follow along and learn about the components and the 3-D “diagram/schematic” of this and most chainsaws. I came across a Husq 440x that appears like it was rarely used, but feels like it has little compression. I bought a compression tester for under $20 from Amazon which arrived yesterday. I’m eager to take on this rescue. I’m quite familiar with my Stihls and have always babied them in maintenance and blade sharpening, but this Husqvarna is a bit unfamiliar in details. Not no mo’. Thank you.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I didn't think that piston could be saved and used again. Kudos to you sir! I "blew up" my early 80's Stihl 024AVS and was too intimidated to try and save the top end so I ordered a cheap ebay replacement. Your video gave me the confidence to put in some elbow grease and at least try to save an OEM piston and cylinder. And they didn't even look as bad as yours did so I'm hopeful

[@demetriogranados3879]

I always wondered if it was possible to repair those cylinders after the scoring and your video answered my question so thank you and great video !!!

[@Finom1]

Bless you for sharing your wisdom with us!!! Just an amazing amount of detail. I am an visual learner, so thank you so much for zooming in and taking your time explaining each step!!!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@itsmejerrythe1386]

Thank you Dave. "Although I am Not mechanical minded I enjoyed the watch.I have my chainsaw certificate and have used chainsaw for years but I have always have them fixed professionally when needed by the guys like you who know what thet are doing... Cher :-)

[@henerker]

Perfectly usable! The Meteor piston and separate rings will make that say an awesome machine. NIce jobl Dave!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You bet!

[@optician53]

Good work, Dave! ...Tip on refinishing; use stainless steel wool for the final polish. I've never rebuilt a chainsaw, but have been working with wood and metal in various projects for years, from building/repairing violins, to building a tiny camper. I recently refinished a cheap single action revolver using fine sandpaper, and steel wool in running water, and little soap. Comes out super clean and polished!

[@jonmulack4226]

If your using new rings, your better off with a slightly "rough" finish vs polished. You want the rings to seat in. New piston and rings should run through a few heat cycles before running full throttle, then move on to a load. Muratic acid works really good on the gaskets and gasket sealer used during the original factory assembly. I always use Yamabond semi-drying gasket sealer during assembly. Keeps gasket in place and helps with air leaks. Use any sealants VERY sparingly. a little goes a long way.

[@randyames992]

I have a Husqvarna 61 that I just love. Its never let me down.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Great saws!

[@kennethhawkins6777]

Thanks, Dave you’re a godsend. I’ve got a echo with the same problem. This has been a great help. Thanks to you I am inspired to try to do the same on my 550 echo explanation point.

[@inhocsigno9151]

Surprised you didn't use 2 cycle oil for lube inside the cylinder. WD40 is basically water displacement and a mild solvent. It's good idea to let a saw engine warm up before giving it the beans. Nice repair, I try that if needed. Good video.

[@tjgrossman]

Ever heard of cold seizing…no way would I be revving a cold saw like that!

[@alanmeyers3957]

@@tjgrossman did it seize? No, good.

[@deda_Rajko]

Exactly what i was thinking, also its easier to put piston and ring inside cylinder if you lube it with oil, wd40 is not meant for this I was really surprised he didnt do such a common and well known thing which makes huge difference Also cylinder survived so well because its a good quality, bad quality cylinder will not survive like this and will need replacement

[@bugsdoeproductions4265]

did I just learn how to repair cylinder head and piston. Thanks Dave nice video!

[@whiskeywhiskey9696]

1: great content. I was looking to keep things as minimal as possible for my repairs. 2: your voice... you have a million dollar voice! Time for a youtube channel of you reading the classics.

[@collinisenhart4728]

DWD great information for a ignorant newbie like me. Thank you!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Collin! I’m still learning too! Cheers

[@kostasbessas3595]

Awesome video!! Really enjoyed it. Thank you sir!!

[@jenmclernon9249]

Perfect fit for my Echo CS-370, and the chain cuts very well kzbin.infoUgkxBd8qUztQUCL8Rm1-aIig5ViBT2E_kO_6 . I had been using a Stihl chain that I had sharpened several times (sometimes at a shop, sometimes with my own electric chain sharpener), and there's no comparison -- the new chain cuts much better and holds its edge longer. We'll see how the new chain holds up when it needs sharpening, but for now I'm happy.

[@troopygino]

Fairplay! I've never done any serious chainsaw repairs and thought this was really impressive. I thought with the piston looking like that youd need a new one for sure.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Legacy! Thanks!!! It turned out well. I can't guarantee how long it will last however.... it seems to be working great still!

[@rkelly5803]

Great video, that saw will cut much better with a sharp chain.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for the tip! You're right. Chain has been sharpened and its running great!

[@williamlockhart5031]

Great video! I have a Stihl, that I was told, needing replacement of a scorched cylinder and piston. Your video has given me the confidence to at least try to fix on my own. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this presentation. Know that your two hours of work is reaping an even greater dividend than one revitalized chainsaw.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey William! That’s what it is all about for me!

[@fleamine]

* Tip from a mechanic.....If it has at least 50lbs compression, it will run.

[@sluggonotnancy6178]

Excellent video....very well done all the way around. Good job.

[@markmckeen5705]

Nice to know you can save a piston and ring thats quite damaged. Great job Thanks .

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Mark!

[@stevengullison5123]

Good afternoon, very interesting. I am going to try one of my old saws.I have nothing to lose. Thank you for taking the time to video

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Steve! You’re right - nothing to lose. What saw are you going to try it out on?

[@jasonsmyers7818]

Beast of a saw I've bin run'n the 70cc saw forever, the 372xp/2172cs the best most productive saws ever built, logger life

[@DavesSmallEngines]

That’s awesome Jason. I love it!

[@eugenekupka9810]

I have done it before lots of TLC and piston rings and it'll work !

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Sounds great!

[@markatkinson9963]

This was fascinating. Like watching a hip replacement for a chainsaw. Thank for sharing this. I may have to do this for an old Jonsered I picked up.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Totally worth it to try - nothing to lose!

[@craigjones1115]

Great job bringing it back from the dead 👍

[@ackeheh]

Im in the process of doing just about the exact same thing. 272xp scored. Cleaned up the aluminium transfer in the cylinder and it looks like new. Sanded the piston just for fun and started realising this OEM beat piston is probably still better than a cheap china one. So I ordered a new piston ring and oil seals (incase the saw needs them). So I spent about 10$ on parts. Its amazing what a little elbow grease will do with these old quality parts. You can really go to town sanding the cylinders too. Really quite hard to get through the plating.

[@DarrylSparlin]

Very good video. I really enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelgarner4229]

Pretty good skill set especially if you find especially if you find yourself in a deserted island with no parts.

[@peterellis4262]

So I cooked an 070 knockoff recently because I can't tune worth a darn ;) This video gives me something to think about when I pull it apart and evaluate the situation, thank you.

[@joeorapellojr6417]

Excellent Video..Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@SmokeyAlex]

I really enjoy to watch it! Good job man keep it up

[@chrisoxley7148]

Hey Dave ... I really enjoyed this build and appreciate your strong ability to teach. Also ... this saw absolutely rips ! I was super impressed at how strong she runs and how much Ash and maple she swallowed up so quickly . Thanks fer selling me this saw brother !!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Awesome!!!

[@tc3603]

Dave u have ended up with a nice saw that many would like to own . Great repair

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You got that right!

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thanks for making this video very helpful and educational 👍🏽👍🏽

[@tappet1000]

Good work . Nice pertinent comments. Camera work was of good quality. You have a good voice for naratn. Keep up the good work.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Harold! Stay tuned for more!

[@keeganfoster1792]

Awesome fix man im really impressed how well that worked

[@dongin01]

Great instruction! You can work in my shop any time! Just put the lid back on the acid immediately......

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Yes sir! Will do. Thanks Don!

[@richard-depaultandthedoubl174]

Tried all that with an old Johnsered years ago but no luck. The compression did not pop up enough. Happy for you and nice work.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Richard! I think it’s always worth a shot.

[@mgtowlevel5293]

Great job!

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Hose clamps make great ring compressors. Good job. Getting her going.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I'll give one a try!

[@1anthonybrowning]

Well done. Never occurred to me to try this.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks!

[@MrRmh3481]

Good Job Dave. I bet it will run for another 10 years just like it is.

[@stellarproductions8888]

Dave, I am so proud of you! I wasn't sure if the sanding was going to be good enough to work, but a combination of that and the Muratic acid, seems to have done the trick. Also a good diagnosis on the stuff you found wrong like the loose bolts and stuff. I am happy for you buddy.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you!! I appreciate it.

[@beingthere597]

I do this sort of repair all the time on equipment for my own use (not for other people). I do spend $12 for a new set of Caber rings. I have found that Stihl chrome cylinders in straight gassed saws are rarely damaged and will clean up fine. I restore pistons that would make the purists gag. I do make sure that (1) the piston grooves are clean and free of aluminum transfer and (2) the bottom of the piston skirts are within reasonable tolerance (skirt to cylinder clearance < .0035). The critical areas are the rings (for compression) and the lower skirt (to prevent piston slap). They run fine.

[@cylancedugoud7305]

Fun video! Great breakdown. I've got a couple old Poulan's with some scoring. One's got seized rings. I think (once my shop warms up this summer) I'll break them down and see what comes of a little clean up. Thanks again!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping in.

[@adnacraigo6590]

I was impressed.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks!

[@tc3603]

Dave you have been a good student, done your homework and are adopting the same style as the miestro your mentor don. Enjoyable vid

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you kindly!

[@tc3603]

@@DavesSmallEngines 👍 it would be great to see some vids on older Stihl, Jonsered ,Husqvarna ,Dolmar,Echo,Tanaka saws strimmers blowers if u happen to find any blown up examples that need redirection. It's great to see these bargain finds

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@tc3603 I have a Partner Pioneer 7000 I bought at a garage sale fully disassembled. Would you like to see a video on the rebuild?

[@tc3603]

@@DavesSmallEngines that would be great. Cannot beat the older stuff . Looking forward to it

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@tc3603 sounds good... I have a much bigger project I’m about to get underway. Well, several actually. But this one is pretty big!

[@andymurkle4931]

Yeah. A real engineer

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Andy! Thanks for watching.

[@mikemckenzie9291]

Such an informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Mike! Appreciate the kind words.

[@The78copeland]

I have had my 272xp for long time now and it still cuts like a new saw. With 28" bar, double dog, full skip chain and full wrap handle makes big jobs easy

[@pbhd8]

Great video thanks from 🇬🇧

[@dougwood6186]

I have got many chainsaws going this same way for my self and other peoples saws . The agent have said they are not worth fixing or going to need new cylinder and piston add labour to that and it comes close to the price of a new saw . I understand they want to put a warranty on the fix but if its just a firewood saw used a few times a year then many of the saws I’ve fixed have gone for years . Often its been run lean on the air/fuel mixture or the oil ratio is not correct . Once the ring pinches usual inline with the exhaust port then the saw wont start . Two strokes need good compression both on the top side of the piston and crankcase as the fuel/air mixture first enters below the piston through the reed valve and is compressed on the down stroke then as the piston clears the exhaust port the mix enters the cylinder . Any damage to the piston or ring will effect this process and saw wont start . Also poor crankshaft seals will also affect starting . These aren’t the only reasons a saw wont go but if its got good spark and fresh clean fuel and fuel filter plus a clean air filter and still wont start the its most likely a pinched ring or piston damage

[@Billster1955]

Thanks Dave. I just got an Echo saw that won't start and found scour marks on the piston. I'm hoping to be able to save the cylinder and maybe even the piston after watching your video. Loved the muriatic acid trick. Something to think about. I heard to check for is gray discoloration on the crankshaft and down below in the case. I was told that should all be cleaned up with carburetor or brake cleaner or that material will work its way back up into the cylinder and cause more wear. I really enjoyed this video and the great detail.

[@harrisonp3727]

Nice save!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks!

[@slayer77000]

Thank you for the information.

[@spelunkerd]

Excellent.

[@RumfordSledhead]

Looks to be an OEM cylinder, good stuff.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@boots7859]

Nice long video! Although I cringed when you started with 300. Were it me, I'd start at 600-1000 even if it meant a little more sanding. Agree with the pre-cleaning, or a bucket of steaming hot water with some Dawn. Once you've gone that far, I'd throw some engine paint on the exposed metal maybe. I've got a Poulan Pro that runs great but clutch won't spin and you've convinced me to give it a go.

[@brentazevedo3845]

Excellent!

[@billcasper]

Nice! I didn't think this was possible

[@dyer2cycle]

..I appreciate what you are doing here, but I would clean up the cylinder as best I could, and throw in a fresh Meteor piston with Caber ring..they are not that expensive, and it would likely be more reliable and last longer...I would reserve trying to save the piston for saws where the piston is unobtanium..272 pistons are easy to find, and a decent/very good aftermarket one is $25-$40...when you sand on a piston, it removes material and also can easily get it out of round or too much undersize...

[@danhal9966]

Thanks Dave, I learned something today!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Dan!

[@garyprice6651]

That was awesome

[@andrewsmith7287]

Good video Dave thanks for your tips will come in usefull

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching!

[@localcrew]

Putting this one solidly in the “Win” column. Just subscribed!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks so much. I’ll keep making more videos! Appreciate the support!

[@BobGilman-in3wh]

Good job

[@robstone5333]

Excellent job. Thanks for the vid.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Rob!

[@hopefilledsinner3911]

Love your show. Though it really messed with my head watching you work without the top on that bottle of acid.

[@getonlygotonly]

that's a nice saw to begin with

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Sure is!

[@lundsay]

11:50 Hey dave i would of used a air chuck and try to blast all the crud out arround the base and arround the carb before removing the cylinder to prevent less chance of debrie getting into the crank as i would be to be pulling off the cylinder

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Good call - I ended up spending about 5 minutes blowing it out at 150psi before reassembly. I will do it before next time.

[@gregritter377]

Hey Dave I got a little trick for you as you assemble the wristband and Ring and Kirsten take some of your oil mix for gas and an eyedropper and put a drop of oil on the wrist pin and on the rain and any part of the crank that you can reach it swollen sure at least the first firing that it is not dry

[@rooster3019]

Also wondered why you did not coat the ring and cylinder with some oil instead of WD. I guess it worked. Would it have been helpful to have used a small engine cylinder hone to briefly to cross hatch the cylinder walls?

[@bdmenne]

very satisfying

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers!

[@Finom1]

Just an amazing educational video.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Glad you think so!

[@hillbillyfranks]

Good job you gotta do what you gotta do Go old school do what you gotta do I like that good job

[@tlc8865]

great video, thanks for sharing. I've rebuilt a Husky 51 and made a 55 out of it. Good to see other perspectives. Peace!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey TLC! Thanks for the kind words!

[@rileycallahan6529]

My 55 just burned up yesterday, but the ring isn't seized so I hope i'll have an even easier time cleaning it up than this. Going to carb dip the whole cylinder too. Speaking of 51s, I sold one not too long ago that was essentially factory new, and now I wish I kept it! Some of the best year models and chassis ever made.

[@obbiebeal3060]

👍👍👍👍 10,000 Times, from the bush in West Africa.

[@hiscifi2986]

I have cleaned up quite a few seized up piston ring grooves, some of which were carboned up as well. I used a sharp piece of metal (old ring piece or chisel.) to cut away any excess metal. The ring should then have about 2 thou clearance, and should wobble about a bit when pushed into the groove from outside... making a figure of 8 with the piston. Hope that new piston and cylinder sits on your shelves for a few years

[@sweethoneyinc.8649]

nice work man

[@Thomasploeg1968]

The acid works great on crank shafts as well

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Good point! I'll try that one day.

[@cjlomax2156]

Very Impressive work Dave! Now that's dedication bro!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching. CJ! I’m happy with how it turned out!

[@gtw9998]

Very good video very helpful and interesting

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey GTW! Thanks for the kind words!!!