Check Your Chainsaw Piston and Cylinder For Scoring

Check this before you waste any more money. Decide if your unit is worth repairing or not!
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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly.
Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment.
I do my best to teach you how I easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many years so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to you. I want Steve’s Small Engine Saloon to SAVE YOU TIME, FRUSTRATION AND MOST IMPORTANT, MONEY!
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Disclosure: This KZbin video is provided for informational purposes only. Steve is a qualified small engine mechanic and is working in an open and fully ventilated shop for the purpose of making this video. Small engines should be operated outside in fully ventilated areas only and it is important that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure that you take all proper safety measures before attempting any project.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Buy a compression tester here ---- amzn.to/2jGmoOC Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon

[@amirulmallick9602]

Hii

[@amirulmallick9602]

Hello

[@amirulmallick9602]

Bolo

[@THPOOKY]

Steve gives out literal tons of free valuable information years on end, then apologizes lol. Truly a gem of a human being.

[@martinstreeworks3310]

Steve another good quick point to include in this video is mentioning the two most common reasons piston/cylinder scoring and seizure happen and that is number #1 bad mix or straight gas, this will toast an engine immediately but the second reason is much less known and it happens gradually over time and it is number #2 cold start n use, never fire up a saw and immediately start cutting with it because the exhaust side of the piston heats up and expands much quicker than the cylinder and if you go wide open throttle under load when it is still cold you will get metal to metal contact between the exhaust side of the piston/cylinder which will cause micro scoring each and every time you do that so when starting up a saw let er warm up for a good 15 seconds or more before ever touching wood, the better warmed up it is before starting the cutting the less immediate wear happens on these parts and believe it or not if you properly warm up these engines before cutting many times they will last 5,10 and maybe even more years under heavy use. Good quality mix 40 to one and proper warming up period will help make a saw engine last a very very long time, given that it is a brand name to start with such as Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, etc etc.

[@fishnewhere387]

Love your channel! "I won't mention Rick's name" haha

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks Buddy..

[@CALVINLNIKONT]

Well ... he didn't say his last name but it's a fairly small area. Still funny!

[@Napsterdell]

lol

[@markatkinson9963]

Ha!!!!!!

[@amirulmallick9602]

Hii

[@pazuzutru-truluv7094]

I owe you a beer 🍺 I thought my Stijl MS 181 was fried and watched your video on how to start taking it apart. We were just about to buy a new one tomorrow for £315 a so I thought I had nothing to lose in taking it apart. Went to take the spark plug out to check the piston like you instructed and found the spark plug had worked it’s way loose and was just flopping about. Tightened it up with my fingers and it started straight up. Seems that you have saved me £315 - I guess that’s about $500. Thank you from the UK 🇬🇧

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@matthewsharp6597]

Not gonna mention Rick’s name, lol..... love it...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

hehe

[@MikeTatman]

Hahaha

[@johnbernstein203]

Steve... that was an excellent presentation, clear, precise, and easy to understand. The photography was spot on! Thanks for another great video,

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks John...

[@jimsmith2601]

Hey Steve.... if shops usually spend only 5 mins to determine if something is worth fixing or not then why do they charge 30 mins to 1 hr MINIMUM for their shop time just to look at it? You walk in the door already knowing you have to pay them 30 mins to 1 hr for their time but their time is only in reality 5 mins. Doesn't seem fair but thank you for helping us out and saving us money by telling us what to do BEFORE taking it to the shop. Keep up the great videos my friend !!!

[@kelton5020]

It's because between the bookwork, and meeting with you when picking up and dropping off, it always takes more than just 5 minutes of time.

[@michaelphillips8055]

you are eat up with it

[@aerospot2]

Glad you are doing a 101 class on these little engines. A lot of folks just need the basics to get started. I've saved money and equipment through my learning career. And you have taught me many things about these small 2 strokes I should have known, but didnt... Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@andreyzagoruyko5390]

One of the most helpful vids I've ever seen on this topic. Deciding whether to toss some stuff that has only 50psi. THANK YOU!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bruceparr1678]

If you have a scored piston but the rings have not become stuck you can restore some of the compression by running 30 to 1. They will often run for a long time and give good power if you cannot afford a top end kit.

[@markbaker1843]

Sounds reasonable as have actually poured a little 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. regular motor oil through the spark plug hole of a saw with scored cylinder. Will temporarily increase the compression enough for the saw to start. More of a troubleshooting method for us home hacks who don't have fancy compression testers, scopes, do not want to tear the muffler off for a look inside. Reason being of course when the saw stops will not restart without given another dose of oil.

[@mikemitchell9157]

​@@markbaker1843you need a compression tester every small engine I've ever touched other that those ezstart caps lol. They all have a very hard pull you feel every stroke of the piston chainsaw and other hand helps should hang when you hold em by the pull chord. If it don't hang then it doesn't have compression

[@tribejones4856]

Dad you mean on this little hanging technique could you explain more please😊

[@homers7777]

Steve. Thanks for explaining things in simple terms. The speed that you talk and the way you deliver your videos is exceptional. Im currently learning small motors and my instructor make this video so hard to comprehend. If your ever in Australia... beers on me.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that!

[@grahamwilliams7578]

Anybody else wish they would have watched this before rebuilding the carb? ✋thanks for the great info Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@paulwilk69]

Just started a side business to my garden maintenance job fixing 2 stroke machines , first mistake on my first customer buying a carb kit when its piston is shot . I can get it to run at full speed but wont idle at all . Lesson learnt , 1st check : compression . Thank you .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks Steve, I did waste 4 hours trying to start. Will be buying another chainsaw and this this for parts.

[@robertchall8576]

Good tip I bought a tester 40 years ago to use on a car motor it is worth the money to check saws and blowers with.

[@snuffysmith4530]

Crap! I should have watched this video first! I bought new carb kit that included new spark plug, fuel filter, fuel lines, and spark plug. Trimmer still wouldn’t start. I remembered I had a compression tester and decided to check the compression which turned out to be only 50psi. Thought that might be low so decided to consult YT and found this video! Guess this confirms the engine is for crap and since it’s a cheap Yardmachine Y2510 I won’t be fixing it. Glad the carb kit was only $16 on Amazon not not too expensive of a lesson to learn. Thanks for your video!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Can't believe we did not watch this video sooner, great thing to bring to the attention of your subscribers and others watching. A tip from Eliminator Performance always check the head bolts on the cylinder head also. We have had a number of chainsaws that would not start only because they were losing compression from loose head bolts and even had one chainsaw where one head bolt had come completed unseated and fallen out. This is now standard procedure on all two stroke equipment since it appears the vibration has caused these head bolts to loosen off.

[@dennisnarayan4914]

Extremely helpful Mr. Steve. Awesome videos. You've explained it so plainly, that you make a perfect teacher. I've learnt so much while watching your videos on 2 stroke engines. Now I'm able to repair, restore and troubleshoot weedeaters. Thanks to you. God bless you 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks!

[@deblawson1575]

Hey retired firefighter here and I really enjoy your channel. I know my saw enjoy's you also, lol. Take care and God bless

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thanks Steve I will definitely put my dad’s chainsaw on the compression tester it’s definitely scored but still runs .

[@malvernmascal6761]

Steve I think you are the best I wish I could fix weed whacker and lawnmower like you

[@alandrake3635]

Thanks so much for this! It happens that my two saws are exactly the makes and models as your examples. And the Poulan is calling for exactly the inspection you describe, so super timely! This was the most useful 14 minutes I've spent in quite a while!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

These videos are gold

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@martymcgill1312]

"Everyone knows where the muffler is ... it's where the smoke comes out." LOL, I died after hearing this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@jamiehilliard1300]

I have the same ms 230 you have, I had it 10 years now, I just changed the plug in it the first time this summer, it runs perfect no issues, I use Sthil oil and premium fuel and I cut 5-6 cords of wood every year, I guess doing maintenance will make a saw last a long time.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@Luggiefrank]

A big thanks all the way from Scotland. Long story short you educated me enough to fix my chainsaw, luckily i think I'd added too much oil to the mix, piston was still in good condition, changing the fuel and cleaning spark plug done the job.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Nice work!

[@justfishing6067]

I thought i took such good care of my little poulan pp5020av. Nice Oregon bar and "ripping" chain. Just a touch of nitromethane for a little more pep... Broke her out to finally take out a pesky tree, started fine, didn't feel quite right. Cutting the tree, it felt a little gutless. Fresh fuel, fresh 3 capfulls of NM... I get the tree down, sliced it up into bite size pieces. I decide to dig into the saw, cleaned it up and looked it over, preparing to rebuild the carb... Pulled the muffler while cleaning the wood chunks out, and i see it. My rings and cylinder wall! Chrome lining had some light gathering properties... Now i wonder, am i sure i didn't pit half of the oil in the last premix fill? Saw is cheap, looks like fun to rebuild... meh i ordered the parts! Plenty of beer on hand to complete the job!

[@leathamccloud3968]

Thanks Steve, you just verified what was told me yesterday about my remington chain saw.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good to hear

[@toonybrain]

Excellent video on multiple levels.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@press2701]

Nice! My old neighbour gave me his 'old' Poulan 36cc woodshark, said it "was crap". I know nothing about saws, but free is hard to beat. And it came with a chain sharpening kit. Saw the fuel lines were cracked up. Spent 6$ and 6hrs to fix (3hrs of how to get lines through those tiny holes, 2hrs figuring out they were in wrong to begin with). Used you 'chain oil spray' test (1hr to clean the blade), now oiler works. Tensioned like you said (blade held up). Oh boy, I never checked the piston. I'm running out to the garage right now... wish me luck!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

GOOD LUCK BRUTHA....

[@doorguru168888]

Before trying to get the hose in the holes, I make sure I have an inch or so of excess hose and garb the end and stretch it until it is slightly pointed. (Heating it helps) ,or slice the hose with a razor longways then push it far into the tank, then I am able to garb it with needle nose pliers.

[@bobdelaplage690]

Rick is our man!😅

[@doorguru168888]

I bought a very nice MS271 locally that had no compression for 100.00, found an excellent piston, cylinder and crank with very low (2) hours on ebay for 120.00 and now I have a very nice chainsaw. For a little more, I probably could have bought a used MS271 online, but then I wouldn't know it's history or what shape the cylinder was in, plus the shipping would have drove the price up. The old cylinder that I removed is probably salvageable too, so I can use it for another build. BONUS: It was fun doing the repair and it brought me satisfaction! (looks like that bad cylinder on your bench is from a MS271).

[@larrytyler8601]

Your a good teacher

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@peterzenner2020]

This is great. Appreciate the fact that I didn't know that the piston (without oil) would get hot enough to melt and bind the rings... in addition to scoring,

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@harmonicresonanceproject]

Extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rogervonschleusingen4603]

THANK-YOU VERY MUCH STEVE....STAY AWESOME !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Rock on!

[@shep6123]

Going to check it out I got three chainsaws won’t start oh I had it running but it just keeps it’s hard to start it you got a poor poor poor to get started

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@jojoba_hotkey5439]

This is super interesting thanks! I never understood how engine parts actually worked before this...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help!

[@6900pilot]

Hey steve i just checked my year 2000 stihl 029 super through the spark plug and its as smooth as a whistle inside. Thank you for this video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@gulfcoastlumbermonticello2827]

Great videos man...I catch myself watching a lot of them here at work and even at home out in my shop while I'm tinkering around. Thanks again and keep 'em coming for us here in North Central Florida! 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

That is awesome!

[@woodfinchcrafts7267]

Watched this a few days too late for me (I bought a new carb which did nothing)...but great video. Far more insight than 99% of what I looked at before. Only thing I can add is hold the rope and see how slowly the saw drops - I can't even pick mine up. That will give some idea of the compression

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@Sparky-pk6fh]

Hay Steve I love your videos and your whole beer thing. You are a very knowledgeable person and I want to thank you for all your help,,, ok quick story family member dropped off three chainsaws so bought three carbs. Change carbs one can’t get started other runs very erratic even after tuning. Moral of story two bad pistons lol. Thanks again Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

Wow! You`re a real professional, not only in mechanics, but as a presenter...thumbs up my friend. Really educational and your pictures are awesome. Keep up the good work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@AldoSchmedack]

200% agreed with that comment.

[@ScottTheCoffeeGeek]

Saved me hours of fiddle farting with this video. Thanks! In 5 minutes I had diagnosed a heavily scored piston with this video! Well done

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You`re Welcome...and Thank You...

[@garymcdonald6529]

First thing I do is grab the pull cord and lift the unit and let it hang, it should pretty much hang off the pull cord. If it doesn't there is compression issues.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL Gary, I almost put that in the video! Should hold its own weight....good rule of thumb. Thanks for commenting on that, awesome.

[@kdog01100]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon my 61 husqvarna can't and has 149psi but it pretty heavy so i would have to say with the exception of some older saws like my 61 I really love your videos your one of the best small engine guys to watch☺☺

[@paulbjork4762]

Thanks for all the great tips on troubleshooting small engines. I have a husky 570XP that runs fine, piston and cylinder looks fine. I was curious about compression so I got a tester... Pulled and pulled, came up zero. Thought maybe the tester was bad. I broke out my 40 year old craftsman press on tester. I was able to make 25lbs...I knew that the crank seals were good.. my suspect was the decomposition valve. I pulled it and found the rod was bent, so it would not make a solid seal. Must of been enough to run, but I’m sure it would have caused a major problem if not addressed. New valve is on order. Thanks again for the money saving tips. Guys with big saws with the Decomposition valve need to check that it is functional properly during the compression test.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kenk3102]

....great DIY video Steve......thanks for posting....I am currently restoring a classic Stihl 026 that was never taking care of properly....I took off the muffler and looked at the piston...it has a little scuffing, but not bad and the rings are free...moveable.....I took your advice and ordered a compression gauge...waiting on delivery....I'm hoping the reading is over 100 psi, but if not, I will replace the cylinder and piston....thanks again for a great video that gives me the confidence to do this myself...keep the videos coming.. :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Kenny!

[@MissouriOzarkHillbilly]

I currently have a 5 month old Husqvarna 395XP in my shop with a completely destroyed piston. Actually found pieces of the piston in the muffler. I'm pretty sure this one is worth fixing. Wrist pin needles are good, crankcase innards look and feel good.

[@coconutcrab4martin]

Good drinkin buddies explain clearly like this. Rick, mistakes can happen to anyone.🍻🍺

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Marty!

[@lundsay]

the best way i find testing for compression and easiest for everyone is just grab the pull start of the machine and pick it up by only the pull start handle only. dont yank the pull start. the machine doesnt drop or start cycling strokes, for sure i can tell that it has good compression. if not, the handle cant pick it up or cycles through strokes it tells me that it has bad compression. 2 symptoms i know the cause of bad compression is that ether the customer had be mixing improper mixture (less oil) or they have had overheated the engine by not checking to cleaning air filter, anything clogging air from pull start vents to arround sleeves on the cylinder or also happen to overheat and score the piston by reving the saw without putting a load on it

[@priscillawells8077]

G

[@duaneplant6603]

Steve, Thanks for all the info. Now have to decide if I am going to try and repair the free! Stihl MS311 that I was given in a bucket! Really came in a 5 gallon bucket! At 79 I have time and energy to try it. Might be fun!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Go for it!

[@stevehood79]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@jimb4978]

I am presently replacing purge bulb & fuel lines on my Poulan 4018 chainsaw & I did observe the piston & cylinder through the exhaust & looks to be in good condition as you showed in your video. The pullcord test is also hard enough to pull so compression should be acceptable, but I will also look into getting a pressure gauge.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good stuff

[@dfields9511]

Good reminder I always use ethanol free fuel mixed at 40:1 for my 2 cycle engines. And always use synthetic 2 cycle oil.

[@henryalvares7672]

Hey Steve is me again I am working on stihl 029 ( I know is an old piece of junk is just me, a 'friend' gave it tome very abuse saw )any way when I go to use a make a gasket (yamabond 4) to put the crank shaft in do I put the parts together as soon after I make the gasket on both surfaces or I wait like 24 hours until is hard, I hope you understand what I am trying to say my English is terrible,and I still like your videos is nice to learn and to have fun at the same time, and I am still only drinking one beer (cold) at once. thankyou for you patience, your videos are explain to the point .

[@kenstaring6257]

Thank you very much. I learned a lot and it will save me time and possibly money on trying to get a 30 yr old chainsaw running.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome, and good luck...

[@kenstaring6257]

The saw looks brand new. The pull handle does move the piston up and down. In fact, the thing tries to pull your arm out of it's socket when the cord retracts. So my next step now that it's warmer, is to give it a shot of starter fluid and try it again. But, from what I have read- if anything is subject to failure it's the "solid state" part of the saw. I'm guessing that the solid state part is the ignition. So we'll see, but I agree with you, I'm not giving up on the saw until it proves to be too expensive to repair.

[@robertmason5836]

Great video

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks!

[@airborneexplorer]

Steve you are awesome. Make me feel like we are good friends hanging out when I watch your videos. Lol

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thats pretty cool man...

[@polikalo74]

Love you work and honesty brother👍 i wont't lend my saw to Rick!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@theadventuresofshellyandfr5618]

I did that to my 26cc Zenoah when my signal I got jammed by a police radar. Engine was screaming without water cooling on the other side of the lake. By the time I got to do it to shut it down the piston was seized. It had bad scoring on the exhaust port side. I sanded the cylinder. and install a new piston and rings. The compression was mostly restored and the motor ran fine.

[@Atontechbrokers]

Great video thank you! Now I know what to look for. I’m running in to the issue of my chainsaw not starting, it does when it’s choked, but when I give it gas it dies. Or it would rev real high then die. I found your other video of the “crickly” diaphragm fuel filter that I could also check.

[@anthonywilson4873]

Nice Steve cheers mate Nick😀

[@swordfish1120]

I have a Stihl 193t (with some scoring on the exhaust side) but it runs great and the compression is good. Are most scored cylinders doomed to eventually fail? Is the time to change out the piston/cylinder when the compression gets below around a 100psi?

[@attheranch3830]

Thank you, you're a big help!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear that!

[@avmgeorge]

"I won't mention Rick's name..." LOL

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL! OOPS....

[@joncanary4778]

Thanks Steve, looking down a 266 SE right now. Fells like really low comp. but fun to fix the old one up. Cheers, Jon

[@laurijorgenson6683]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and teaching us so well.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome...

[@timralston6379]

Great video as always, Steve! hmmmm, wish I'd seen this video a week ago before ordering that full carb replacement/fuel lines (only $20 though). After pulling apart the engine, major scoring, stuck piston rings. Learned a lesson about the adequate feel of the pull rope and compression. Not fully sure why it failed, maybe raw fuel. Now, should I spend about $70-$80 on a cylinder and piston kit for a $180 tool?

[@tmackie1694]

Aloha and thank you. Just ordered the compression tester you recommended 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Steve another GREAT VIDEO. THANKS AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE SUCK COMPLETE :clear :easy to understand even for me. Lol. I think you’re the best on all of you tube. SERIOUSLY I DO. HAVE YOU EVER WORKED ON ANY OF THE BRIGGS ALL PLASTIC CARBS YETT. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A VIDEO ON CLEANING AND REBUILDING THEM. THEY ARE ALL PLASTIC CARBURETORS. THANKS AGAINN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Paulrusheed]

Steve! Like the videos. Big help. Pistons look good on my 2 saws. Stihl ms 250 and husqvarna 41. Neither is running right. Going to keep watching your videos. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome...

[@jeffery19677]

Saw this video before. Had to come back to get the link to the compression tester.. :-) Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@malvernmascal6761]

I live in Antigua and Barbuda

[@miguelplascencia6093]

I have a husqvarna 142 e series and has a scored cylinder on the exhaust side it has good compression when I pull and it always starts right away

[@nightshade2021]

Thank you so much for this presentation. It was extremely helpful

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're very welcome!

[@realmikeq]

🚤 Steve i do restorations on late 40’s early 50’s vintage outboard motors, whenever i check for compression on motor I give the cylinder a “light” spray of engine storage spray to lightly lube a dry cylinder that might not have been moved in over 20 years. Someone told me that would drastically affect the meter reading. I feel it will be a truer reading of the working load. I feel Im correct, am I wrong?

[@DamianBecerra-e5j]

Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Welcome!

[@caseylee001]

Thanks Steve I watch all ur weed eater videos an now mine runs great thank man

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@michaelmartin8630]

Really good explanation Steve on how to determine a compression issue. I really liked your informative video. Obviously you look at this from a small engine mechanic's viewpoint on what a customer should pay to repair a machine versus just buying a new one. But this video didn't really help me with what I was hoping to learn. I have a Sthil HC56C hedge trimmer. I already know I have a bad piston and I know that it is not cost effective to pay my local dealer to repair it. But I want to repair it myself. I already have the replacement piston and cylinder. I was hoping to find a video that actually shows the DIY way of replacing a piston. No knock on your video. It was great for what it was but it came up short for what I was looking for. You obviously know what you are doing! Peace Brother!

[@ninjacouch9351]

Excellent video. Ty ty ty.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@gt9390]

Thanks so much.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@warped2875]

That yellow saw right there, you keep poulan and poulan on the rope, ...and it still won't start! 😆🤣😆😁

[@obedb093]

Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@burlshepherd44]

Saved me time and money, thanks dude.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help!

[@tonyy5482]

Darn, my 10 year old Ryobi RCS3535CA chainsaw is finally toast :(. Seemed to going well until it just stopped halfway through a log cutting session. Changed the fuel, cleaned the carb, then replaced the carb, still no joy. Watched this video, figured out how to remove the muffler (2 hidden bolts) and "low and behold": scored piston visible through the exhaust port :( Perhaps I didn't mix the Oregon 2-stroke oil into the gas in the gas can sufficiently; or perhaps it just got too hot; or perhaps it didn't care for Oregon 2-stroke oil (I normally use one of those little Stihl plastic ampules) although I used the same fuel in my old Stihl strimmer/weedwacker, without problem so far. Thanks Steve, at least I finally know that it is time to move on - battery chainsaw perhaps. Oregon CS300 perhaps?

[@johnweber6147]

Those MS saws pull over harder than any chainsaw I've ever used. I don't know if it because of their compression or too small of a pulley on the rewind.

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

excellent advise! I'm over from the channel BC Truck... he was gushing over your channel today. Keep up the good work!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks buddy...

[@sbreitensteinful]

I work on two stroke fire pumps and countless time folks have run straight gas. Unfortunatly they are a $ 2500 dollar pump. So needless to say I do get the pleasure of rebuilding them. Started pre-mixing barrels of fuel to combat the problem.

[@TheJeepxj17]

Thank you brother, good video. I wish to gain all your knowledge one day. I work on a lot of small engines

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on brother, glad I can help...

[@johnhein1617]

I was given a Husky 440 chainsaw that didn't run. I checked the compression and it was only about 70 PSI. I decided I would like to try rebuilding the saw as a hobbyist project. I bought an aftermarket top-end and installed it. I still only had about 70 PSI after the new top end was installed. Is there something else that can cause low compression besides the top end (cylinder, piston, piston ring, wrist ping, and wrist pin bearing)?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Good job dude! It seems like no one will work on 2 strokes anymore here in the Pacific Northwest where I live.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@mathewmottram]

Good video mate don't know how you kept a straight face when saying Rik's name 😂😂

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL, he's not impressed!

[@caldwellrepaircentercaldwe9065]

spot on . however i always use the tester first saves a boat load of time.

[@danieleells1276]

Great work Scotty good information!!

[@fustratedfisher]

Great job and presentation, but four strokes need compression also if the valve seats are toasted or the cylinder is scored the engine will have low compression and will have low power or won't run. I don't need to tell you just shouting out. Keep the vids comming love them very informative.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very true. The reason I said this doesn't apply to four strokes is because if you pull the muffler off and look inside, you cant see the piston. You will just see the exhaust valve! I definitely could have been more clear on that. Oh well, I live and learn....

[@fustratedfisher]

Steve's Small Engine Saloon well after I hit send it hit me and I realized that's what you meant to say. Lol. Great info though. Wish I had the tall pines like you have on the west coast up there well I should say the island .. Have a great day

[@stefanodogg280]

Top flight and to the point presentation. Subscribed

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@anthonywilson4873]

If you rebuild engine do the crank seals, if air is leaking in there it will do it again, air leaking in leans the mix. So fuel wrong mix or no mix. Carb set to lean or air leak on carb gaskets to cylinder or crank seal leak or crankcase gasket leaks can all cause lean mixture overheating and burned barrel and piston. Ouch.

[@eshskis1]

Thanks Steve ! great lighting and camera skills..

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@lagoonrd4173]

About that time when I sit down and open a cold one, this is the best show for that! Always good content! I’d like to see one and hear your opinion on over bore kits for pro series saws.