How To Tell WHY Your Piston is Destroyed

How to analyze the failed piston to determine the cause. Why is my piston scored on my chainsaw? Applies to 2 stroke, 2 cycle lawn and garden equipment, including weedeaters, trimmers, leaf blowers etc...
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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!
If you Google your issue, problem or symptom, you may just see one of my videos pop up! If you have an idea or suggestion for a video, please fill out this form---- www.stevessmal...
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]

Get new piston kits here--- amzn.to/2kbqoaT Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon You can see the "cheat sheet" report in the "community" tab on my channel!

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

can you do a vid on proper break in of the 2 stroke. Before I ever start a new 2 stroke I pus some 2 stroke oil directly in the cyl. then do heat cycles and then varying loads for the break in. I also use full syn but mix very rich for break in

[@kenstaring6257]

where is the "community" tab on your channel? I just always watch your new videos via the little bell notification.

[@kenstaring6257]

Never mind, Steve, I found it. Thanks for your response.

[@loolver5209]

Excellent video Steve, Thank you! Good visual for us on chart examples and close up examples from you with elaboration. THIS is how information should be passed on in a video!

[@gabrielrodriguez2315]

@@kenstaring6257 r dex is Hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi

[@myz34]

I'm a retired Echo and Husqvarna certified tech. Of all the small engine repair videos I've watched, yours are the most accurate in my opinion. Kudos!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

What a compliment! Thank you so much my friend....

[@dennismorris3220]

@ myz34 looking to be a small engine technician any info on how to go about doing that would be greatly appreciated I already know the basics well more than the basics but don't know where to start thanks

[@chrisheffernan7540]

Steve, I have been fixing small engines for 30 years now. Whenever I have a chance to learn something from someone I enjoy it. Great video. Not dry at all. Cheers

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks for sharing

[@donisiokukul8304]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon does a crankshaft goes bad

[@barrylee.freedman2203]

Watched again for 2nd time trying to get this info to stick as well as sort out the differences. I’ll never need to diagnose such things but it points out a more educated approach to using and caring for outdoor power equipment.

[@donaldblank8873]

I wish you could make a course for 2 stroke dirt bike owners. These people warming up their brand new bikes are destroying their $12000 machines then blaming the manufacturer for c***** engines. It's all over KZbin and it's crazy and I see it all the time. As soon as they fire them up they rev the cra out of them. And claim this is how all 2 strokes should be warmed up. Much education is needed in this department. Awesome video thanks

[@joserodriquez4270]

This video is nowhere dragging or boring, its actually very, very informative. I have learned a lot. I'm a typical do it yourself. After watching this video I decided to disassemble my leaf blower since it wasn't working, removed the piston, it had that varnish tar, I cleaned it really good, lube it put back and my leaf blower it back in business.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Jose! Thank You...

[@AuMechanic]

All good advice, one thing I would add is that any type of piston failure that scores the piston is most likely going to send debris off the piston down in to the casing and end up on the con rod and or main bearings. Be sure to do a good rinse and flush out of the crank bearings and close inspection and feel of the bearings. Turn the crank to make sure the main bearings still feel smooth and free of contamination and shine a good lamp and use magnifier to look through the oil slot in the big end of the crank to look for fine flakes or tiny silver colored specks on the big end bearing and try to flush it out. If you don't then the crank bearings may begin to fail and debris off them and or the bearing cages may end up scoring the piston and then you are faced with doing the crank as well as a second new piston and ring.

[@sabarslax]

Thanks ALOT steve! Im an arborist and by watching you video i learned so much about chain saw. Im gonna share this with every one at work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

The piston in the Echo backpack blower I got free had material pulled over the rings but in one spot about an inch wide. As this was my first two stroke project and was meant to sell I couldn't spend much. I ordered a piston kit from the only place I could find it but still have it in the box as I wanted to find why this happened and if I could fix the piston. There was a pencil tip defect in the cylinder that I gently ground away. I used a file to clean up the gouges in the piston and the ring grooves and sanded the rings on glass to get them flat. It pulled over so smooth and fired right up. So much for selling it as I need it now for some odd reason. Thanks again as this is on you like the free Stihl MS 170 I fixed for $20. Edit: I, once again, wrote a comment way too early but there's nothing I need to change. I'm just happy Echo puts out information like you showed as I have a lot to do and have years of four stroke experience and a week of two stroke.

[@alext8828]

Appreciate the time and effort that you always put into all your videos. This one especially. On the cold seizure failure, the piston needs to expand but the cylinder needs to warm up too. Parts of the cylinder are not subjected to as much direct heating as other areas are. Clearance on the exhaust side of the piston is probably the first casualty of loading up a cold chainsaw. Again, great job on all the videos.

[@kblair49]

Keep it up STEVE , I have worked on small engines for 42 years and your right on with your instructions! I like beer to!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@robertlangley258]

Yessir Steve is great I wish I was his neighbor, not just to get EXPERT advice about my two-strokes but just to sit around drink a beer and conversate. Great video as usual, keep up the excellent work SteveO, your the man!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@FSAM2132]

Just confirmed what id suspected with a second hand, almost pristine weed whacker i bought... Fuel looked like straight fuel in the tank & it has poor compression..piston is scored to hell so now looking for a new piston & ring to fit.. Great videos Steve.. keep em coming.. 👌👍

[@ringsidejudge4302]

Really a great insight into piston problems . What does a piston look like after a well cared for life but has just reached its projected lifespan . I have a Stihl SH86 which I have had for twelve years , I replace everything but never done a compression check . I watched your video on compression and am awaiting delivery of a cheap pressure tester just to find out pressure . With your unlimited experience , would piston and rings sort the no start problem , or would I need to replace cylinder as well . After inspection through exhaust port I see no scoring . Thanks for all your videos , they have kept all Stihl machines humming for a long time . The detailed info is outstanding , and the beer looks OK too .

[@robertboyet1639]

So many comments! I didn't read them all but I didn't see what caused my issue with an old stihl 032AV. What happened, for whatever reason, my crank to rod bearing came apart and parts of it were sucked up into the cylinder with bad scoring results as you might imagine. Pretty obvious after tearing down but not so much so by looking through the exhaust port. Thanks for your very useful and thorough videos.

[@andresd9146]

Excellent video. Now I need to take apart my 2 stroke on my ‘83 Yamaha G1 golf cart to determine the cause for the failure. Again awesome video and easy to understand

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@stevenrobley1]

This and your previous vid helped me a lot. I recently picked up a husqvarna 130bt leaf blower off the street, don't start, its compression, bought piston/cylinder kit for 100$!! Thanks!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@stevenrobley1]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon thx man, i am boycotting china!!! So the best thing I can do is buy individual parts from China in order to limit the amount of money I send to them, like...I bought the piston and cylinder for 100$..but if I bought a brand new blower unit it would have been 250$ so I limited my money going to chinese economy by 150$ !!!!! I figure this is how american manufacturing died... people buying parts instead of whole units... so anyway I'ts also good for environment :) because it costs less on environment to ship a piston/cylinder than a whole leaf blower unit!:):):):):)

[@FordManiac76]

Just tore down my WR450F dirt bike after 3 weeks of riding in the dunes. Was still running but was smoking. Sand had made it past the air filter (after all per cautions) - cylinder was polished smooth and there was burnt sand accumulated on top of the piston = full rebuild!

[@slingshot909]

I remember the days when we all drank beer at work, we were usually out of the shop, but not always.

[@nidalsultan]

Very beneficial! For pistons scored from the muffler's side. Could it be that the carbon residues are causing that if not cleaned from time to time?

[@adam_-adam]

Commin from a goped rider, i love your videos, helped me out allot with my goped 46cc engine, thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Cool, thanks!

[@randykish8242]

Always enjoy your videos! Great to see a Canadian Beer represented ( Kokanee ) for us Canadians who watch all the time!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks for watching!

[@hankpoth9681]

My brother brought over dad's old chain saw saying he was having issues with it. Got the muffler off and it shows lean fuel scoring. Love the videos, keep them coming!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@audiefied]

How could this be dry, I had 2 beers watching it!

[@unclep1210]

The cheat sheet is just like a spark plug diagnosis sheet. Jugs instead of plugs. I like. Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jeffreyrubish347]

I had coffee with this (10 AM) and still thought it was interesting!

[@thomasrice2284]

Most timely for my situation, I'm in the middle of replacing cylinder and piston on a Sthil 310 based on watching your referenced videos.. Any tricks or tips on getting the 4 torx cylinder bolts out? This is the best channel for this kind of information and it is appreciated.

[@passagecreekbees348]

Long shanked torx

[@andrewpowers6575]

I'm so happy to finally be learning about small engines. Thanks Steve! My Stihl Farm Boss is finally getting some much needed attention. My cylinder looks the overheated one, and yes, I'm surely guilty of cutting with a dull chain. Almost all the scoring is on the exhaust side, but there is also some on the intake side, lined up exactly with the piston ring locator pins. Why would that be?

[@karlrovey]

Too dull or sharpened too aggressively will do the same thing. Brand new Stihl chains can be a little too aggressive for their smaller saws (of course, the wood being locust and requiring almost the entire length of the bar doesn't help either).

[@allenhuling598]

Another great video, Steve, thanks! I'd like to add a comment for conversation and or comment regarding mix oil. Living on the coast and many boaters, I know folks who think it's just fine to run outboard two stroke oil for mix oil in their saws. As I understand it outboard oil relies on water cooling instead of air cooling and therefore the temp range of the oil's protective capability is vastly different. So, don't use it!!!

[@brucekoch3361]

Great videos Steve! Well done, educational, a bit of humor included. What more can we ask for? Many thanks for your time and effort to create worthwhile videos. :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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

[@rogervonschleusingen4603]

STEVE , YOUR A SMART AND FUNNY GUY, LOVE YOUR TAKE ON LIFE.....I,M A COFFEE DRINKER.....STAY AWESOME BROTHER !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@muzzaball]

I like to refer to it as Mechanical Sympathy. Love your small engine, take care of it, follow the correct procedures and it will last. Thanks for another great video Steve, cheers mate.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@clemanderson6364]

awesome, seen the arrow and knew I could not go any further until I found out why. thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help!

[@Billster1955]

Thanks Steve. I was able to find both pages of that analysis report online and print them out.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@alexmatthews2332]

This was not dry at all this is good stuff and accurate, keep your jets a tad rich and 40:1 mix with quality oil!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I couldn't agree more...

[@tomboone2583]

I wish i had a small engine mechanic as knowledgeable as u Steve & as personable! 10 thumbs up

[@markatkinson9963]

Also,.... warm your saw up.

[@mattobermiller5041]

I've been running Amsoil's Sabre 100:1 mix in my Stihl saws really hard and for years and LOVE it. Way less smoke and lost track of which gas jug was mixed, which one was straight gas and refilled my 1/3 full 1.5 gal woods saw jug with straight gas 2 days in a row. That is, I had a half gallon of mixed gas left in the jug after an easy morning, refilled it with straight gas, cut the next morning and had a half gallon of very diluted mixed gas left in the woods jug, refilled it with another gallon of straight gas and ran the next morning, wasn't till I brought the saw down to the truck the 3rd day and filled it straight from the straight gas jug that the saw siezed up.

[@xHadesStamps]

@@mattobermiller5041 Uh, yikes! Poor saw that got the straight.

[@eddymumford4086]

i started using blue boat oil mix so far so good I'm using it on a old test weed wacker 😁😁😁

[@reinerressel975]

Brilliant Steve , I run all engines which not run every week with Alkylat fuel 2 and 4 stroke , not with environmental crab from the gas station ! Results : no gum no melted rubber hoses and gasket’s and so on , they just run since 42 years of infrequent usage . Carburetor adjustment : max rpm and then go rich until the rpm is dropping ! Lean air fuel mixture = high burning temperatures !! Skål from Sweden .

[@craigchampagne969]

Hi Steve. Thanks for all the videos. I've been a mechanic now for many yrs-thru the yrs a mix of cars and small engines. These days just small engines for a large landscaper in VA (along w/the hustlers and grandstands). Sometimes I like to watch to confirm what I know and sometimes to learn more of what I dont...hence this video. Its funny the cheat sheet is from echo because its the brand I wanted to take on when I had my own shop unless it was a chainsaw where I would go with the stihl. My boss just killled his favorite ms660 so I will print down (in color of course) the sheet and compare to see the cause. I think it ran too lean or too hot or both because the plastic was untouchable above the head and the exhaust side was scored. As far as the oil in my opinion....I'll stay with 36 to 1 all day everyday and unplug those arrestors with the torch verses torching a motor any day! I dont care how good that oil is 50 to1 is just asking for trouble-rediculous. Keep on videoing!!!

[@patspangler2351]

Excellent presentation!! Getting ready to work on an old 1987 Stihl 011 that is hard to start. Just ordered a compression tester you recommended. Watched all your 6 videos on why my saw is hard to start.....I feel very confident after watching your vids that I can tackle this job!! Thank you!!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@patspangler2351]

Steve's Small Engine Saloon I did all you diagnostic tests, cleaned carb, 120 on compression test, new gas filter, gas line and spark plug. It runs better than it ever had. I used some premixed 50:1 gas. Any recommendations on brand or ratio gas for this stihl 011 AV? I have always mixed my own with alcohol free gas at a ratio of 50:1... ...it still runs and has good compression so I must be doing something right.

[@mikepaterno4955]

Awesome video Steve. I started rebuilding saws and you need to know why the piston is damaged before replacing.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great point!

[@Russ-od2yy]

Awesome taught me a lot. I am 99% sure mine was overheating now, hopefully I can fix the bloody thing now

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@MtlCstr]

Wow! I had no idea there was a piston on my unit. The wife will be so pleased.

[@ikilludead2timestwic]

is it pis... going up and down... lol

[@unclep1210]

As long as the compression is good. Haha

[@jerryschneider145]

Thanks to you Steve and Echo for making that diagram sheet.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Our pleasure!

[@dougm1911]

So Frenching awesome Steve ,I'm learning so much from your videos .can't thank you enough ,don't ever stop making these videos !!! Thank you !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@mikedee8876]

Your stuff is great Steve....especially the Magic washing machine...... One point you didnt fully make on 'cold seizure' in a chainsaw is that the piston expands faster than the heavier cyllinder, especially the exhaust side of the piston...you either left out the cyllinder's role in the warmup, or I didnt hear right.... great vid....so far all my chainsaw compression losses have been leaky seals and carb/air leaks....frying the exhaust side.

[@ronaldwilkins6056]

A kid at work filled up two ts420 chop saws with straight gas a few years ago- both seized within a couple of days tops...the company now buys premixed in 55gal drums.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@GoCoyote]

Wow! Thank you for giving me (and us) such great info. My step jerk was a logger when I was a child. He taught me the basics of felling, but not the basics of chainsaw mechanics ( I don't believe he new them), so the mechanics have been a mystery to me. Until I discovered you on KZbin! Because of this, and other, videos of yours, I was able to tear down my wife's old husky 40. (way easier than I ever imagined) It had stopped working due to a clogged fuel filter. Fixed the filter, but then it soon started having problems. Thanks to this video I tore it down and found the piston to be worn in the exact way that your video showed when starved of fuel. I am planning to replace the cylinder head and piston. I will look to see if you have a basic "things to replace when rebuilding chainsaws" video. Ps. I loved the "magic Sink". Gives pause to examine our male privilege. Keep up the good work and fun!

[@Bullyveldt]

Thanks for the video. Helped me diagnose sons dirt bike issue. It is between a lean scenario and overheating, which makes sense, because if lean, there's also heat! This helps as I can figure out it was my mistake with the jetting and needle position on his carb. And also a bit of training a 13 year old that always pinning it is fun, but mucho hard on equipment. Live and learn, thanks for helping with the learning part!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped

[@Bullyveldt]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon and today I threw in the new piston and ring, and she fired up and all is good! Now I learned a lesson regarding jetting where the test was first and the lesson came after! Lol Thanks again!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Wow! Don't know how I missed this first time around. Popped up in my feed, and I thought you changed your branding. 😇 The only thing I would add is a 4-corner seize. As the name implies, four long, skinny marks on each side of the gudgeon pin caused uneven piston expansion. I think it's more common in the 2-wheel, go faster world: Basically a cold seizure caused by not warming up before going WOT. It is often caused by poor clearance/tolerances on mismatched iron cylinder re-bores for one-over sized pistons, and crank/con-rod upgrades. I think it's less common in the lawn/garden equipment world as piston replacements are so often sold a a complete top end kit. Great video! 👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Stella Love! You might like this video also on 4 corner seizing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/boKWe2SZi6x1r7M

[@daphlavor]

Something to add is shake it up! Fuel mix that separates is a common cause for a seldom user of random equipment. Thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@thomaslockley945]

Some reason I can't see any comments but I'm happy u made this video finally got a weed eater to run after few years sitting up an it locked up once then I got it loose an was thanking about putting a cap of olive in it cause it kinda has a weird smell off it

[@bustjanzupan1074]

Thank you 4 your video. How many years of experience with 2 strokers are you having ? Peace with you from old Eu.

[@johnh613]

Excellent video you are a very good teacher thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge I'm 77 years old and you are teaching me so I can keep my saws and small engines going till I'm 90 love your videos keep em coming but I'm only going to stick to Molson Ice and Ezra Brooks burbon 😀

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on John! Thank You...

[@robertvermeersch1133]

Awesome as always. Clear and concise.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Much appreciated!

[@CaptainLennox]

Thank you so much for making that failure analysis sheet known to me!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

It's in the "Community" tab on my channel....

[@JesusCruz-my3ob]

Learn about small engines is NEVER boring, Never.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@philliphall5198]

True you have to love it and enjoy what and why Tools are high

[@comanchejr921]

I love your videos my friend, can u answer something for me. My Husqvarna 125b blower. The cylinder head looks good to me and so do the piston. The only way I can get it to run is put a little oil in the plug hole. I know it’s low compression. But which is wore out , both of them?

[@scottlandrith5814]

Steve I have a 562xp husky that seems to start bogging down after running for a little bit when it is hot

[@davidallard9611]

Thank you for the video, very good information. I know you made this video some years ago, but I have a question. If there is scarring on the piston and/or cylinder wall will that cause compression problems. My Echo weed eater starts, it revs, and can run the entire time I hold the throttle open. But as soon as I release the throttle it dies. I pulled the cylinder off and there is scarring on the piston. I’m sure my piston is shot. I put regular 87 gas in the tank and used it quite a bit, then one day it just died. I put 2stoke fuel in there, but it won’t stay idle. I inspected everything else, but the piston seems dead.

[@bobbybass5752]

Great video Steve. I live in a house at our local VFW. I main the grounds and lake on property so I try and do my own repairs to save the VFW much needed $. This vid will definitely come in handy

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

That is awesome!

[@AccessTerminated]

What would you suggest that would cause scoring on both left and right of the poston? Both sides just in front of the piston pin.

[@winstonalpha1286]

I got a question i hope you can answer for me......so i got some damage on my cylinder head and piston....the cylinder head has 3 tiny raised burrs inside by exhaust port can just notice them with your finger ....rest of the bore is nice and smooth....do you think if i hit it with a hone quick to smooth out the burrs and add a new piston and ring i will be good to go with no problems ? Is there any wiggle room with a tiny hone and oem piston and ring ? Thanks man.

[@phillipkirk1257]

Everything on the money! Nicely said got problems with 2-stroke dirt bike! Too much heat don't buy cheap oil I found out! Very good topic! Rebuilding bottom end to ride this summer! Thank you for all the good tips!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you!

[@charlesholt5658]

You put out some very good informative videos, and have helped me on several occasions. Thank you!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You are so welcome!

[@blatorden]

Very useful info for my weed eater and chainsaw. Thank you, Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good stuff. Lots of throwaways out there too.

[@rmc489]

Great video. I just pulled my saw apart, classic lean seizure. It's a real struggle to keep a saw from two-stroking when milling, so you lean it out... In my case a bit too much

[@tinoarreguin8850]

Is it worth replacing the piston on a echo pb 1000. I was told my piston were scored bur I don't know how bad . So far I replaced the carb, spark plug, air filter and gas filter.

[@buckwheat7424]

Steve I picked up a david bradley model 758g it was pretty cheap 75 plus sh for 140. There was only pictures of the top. So I took a chance. It showed up with every thing that it came with. And overall Excellent condition. Low hrs. No corrosion. Pulled the exhaust and piston has fairly good sized grooves. The inside air cleaner mounting face was upside down. The air cleaner was sealing some what ok. It was the other side carb gasket had only 2 points to seal. So I figured. Dirt and chips were sucked in. I pulled the reed valve. Clean in cc. Surprisingly. So then I thought lean and noticed the cylinder was colored burnt. It's got compression. Plug tip is ok. The porcelain is tanned. No spark. How do I get the flywheel off? Not the hammer thing with a whack on the cs end is it? I was gonna rinse it out but maybe just run it. Rings aren't nor were they ever stuck that I can tell. What happens when they get hot like that? Case gaskets get thrashed? Thanks

[@Panchdara]

Excellent video, well explained, presented and illustrated. Question... a Stihl blower (as that's what I'm working on), has had someone install the piston backwards. Foolish me failed to inspect exhaust outlet before installing new carb... I saw the piston ring pin in the exhaust port later! How about a small segment on how to diagnose starting issues - in this case, I put a little fuel in plug and it ran, real, real bad - if at all. Them checking plug it was totally dry. Piston (having disassembled is scored on the retaining clip side of wrist pin (perhaps not related?)... just a thought. Have a great weekend - have a frosty on me! Best

[@VE1AXC]

Fuel restriction , lean running, .... don't underestimate the fuel filter, even if you just replaced it. Some of the fuel filters I've been using , specifically 38-9227 from Rotary(503443201 substitute) had loose plastic flashing material and flopping around inside the filter, blocking the filter outlet, causing a "check valve effect". That would certainly cause a lean condition.

[@jmj267]

Steve again another awesome video I've watched in the last week. I've been thumbs up and comments all week and I've shared my knowledge from you with people at the store my customers and so on and I've got to tell you you are the chainsaw God. Thanks so much for all your videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kenstaring6257]

Just saw the comment below on where to find the Failure Analysis report. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@johnnyt5347]

Hey Steve, love the show & content. And the beers and/or cold Beverage in garage while fixing , fiddling around is a must & common amongst many of us . 😎👍🏽 Question for ya . I got a stihl ms 271 ( not a farm boss either, ya I know , odd but that’s what it is . Anyways my chainsaw is toast. Piston /rod /housing is toast. Rings are melted into piston. And I’m so careful and keep stuff clean and maintain it yet I admit I wasn’t aware of taking the clutch off and other wheel , etc and cleaning and blowing it out and too bad cause it looks new still almost. And I use it to help people out all the time . Didn’t even use it for my house. Oh well . Anyways is it possible to swap a motor from another stihl saw ( bigger more powerful) and put it on the ms 271 frame? Or do I need to buy new engine that costs about as much as new one especially once labor is added ? It was like $600 few years back . I know They’re proud of their stuff. And I’m in need of good one . I help out older and less abled with it and I’m 45.

[@MrBluedog2011]

I don't have a lot of faith in shops anymore after bringing my chainsaw to 2 different certified Stihl dealers where they must hire the cheapest labor off the street to work on equipment. I had brought my saw in because it wouldn't idle properly when it was warmed up and set aside to move cuttings out of the way. When I got my saw back from the shop, it would stay running but it wasn't long before it was destroyed as they had leaned the mixture out far too much where it burned a hole in the piston with the exhaust side severely scored. I've purchased an aftermarket engine since Stihl parts aren't easy to find online and with the help of your videos, I should be able to properly adjust my carb to the right mixture & settings.

[@fredsmith5473]

Very informative. It missed exhaust side scoring caused by carbon build up in the exhaust port. This can be caused by running far too rich, or rubbish 2 stroke oil, or mixing the oil too rich, or on weed eaters not opening the throttle to give it a good blow through every time you use it.

[@briannash5629]

Great information, I have a Stihl MS261 C-M which I am told by the workshop that it has overheated, it is just 2 months out of warranty, I can assure you that the fuel/oil mixture is correct as I am very particular about this. Currently they are waiting for an answer back from Stihl, but I guess they will blame me not anything to do with the saw. Stihl website states that as it is a commercial saw, they expect that it should last for 5 1/2 years, I am only using it for domestic firewood, and it has hardly been used, I have been trying to find out if anyone else has had a similar problem, could it be a fault with the saw. Fortunately in Australia our consumer rights are very strong, but I hope that I don't have to go down this path. If anyone knows of this happening to others would appreciate some information to follow up on. I did everything by the book, maybe as you pointed out, could have been an air leak, will be interesting to see what they come back with, but you video gave me an insight into what could have cause the problem, and something to argue on.

[@NA-pg4lf]

More videos like this please. Very informative

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You got it!

[@chicchoc9]

Really enjoy the videos and thanks for sharing your knowledge Steve! Have a Stihl 064 bought used. It wouldnt idle well so i pressure/vacuum tested the crankcase and found bad seal on flywheel side. There is some play in crank bearing on flywheel side but thought i would see how long a new seal would last first, before going further. Vacuum tested fine with new seal and started right up. used about 30 min but cant get idle right. Without tearing apart again and vacuum testing to see is seal is bad again, how long do you think seal would last with some play in bearing (minutes,. hours...) ?? Also, what are signs of starting lean seizure, other than failure to idle? It does NOT rev up when held on either side but does bog down one or both ways .Would it bog down first while cutting? When reving up it seems to be 4 stroking and not running too lean... would exhaust show excessive heat, etc? Piston has slight scoring above rings from before but rings are free and compression seems good pulling.

[@Erik-kp1ux]

Good job! Maybe do something about chipped or cracked piston failures.

[@alanlake5220]

A wealth of usefull information in this video, thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@5556ranger]

Great job Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@kelvinbridglal4879]

Very good information. Simple misses can be detrimental to your machine. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks for watching!

[@leonardvirtue5753]

Good!!! Morning Steve! !! From new Zealand. Beautiful morning here . It's Sunday hehe. Cool Cheers.👍

[@Paulman50]

Yea me too. A beers not such a good idea though, I just got out of bed.

[@cipriandenes6641]

Best of the best !!! Best video made everr !!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@strawbare]

Love, love, LOVE you Small Engine Steve!! You're the ONLY MAN i seek advice from for my 2 and 4 strokes!! A girl can't trust just anybody with her power tools!! Thanks for all the information you share with us! I appreciate your knowledge! Always learning something new from you !! SALUTE!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome Kara! Thank You...

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

I lived and learned some of these!

[@robertchall8576]

Steve's big beer repair. Good info.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@joelarcher7940]

Great video by Steve once again. Nothing dry about this. Informative and interesting as always.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@moatighthole274]

Fantastic job !! Hey Steve what is you recommendation for a good quality 2 cycle oil. And do you see and problem if I run my saws mixture at 40:1 instead of the recommend 50:1 ?

[@djaydeved]

Mixing Ratio (Gas:Oil) Volume of Gasoline Volume of 2-Cycle Oil 32:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 4 oz. 40:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 3.2 oz. 50:1 1 US gal. (128 oz) 2.6 oz. ere u go mate 40:1 is a bit more oil to gas compared to 50:1 so yeah i think (imo, but i have only had a success rate of 1:3 only having fixed 1 chainsaw in my life which is a pouladn 2000 which uses 40:1 so yeah take it with that you will but i think it would be safe, keep in mind it might smoke a bit (i know its not healthy for the thing but it has a dull chain and i ran it on 50:1 and it smoked like a wood stove burning pine wood which is also not godd as the sap can get into the chimney and catch fire : | so yeah i sugest you use 50:1 but in a pinch if the saw requires 50:1 you can get away with 40:1 but if it requires 40:1 then just use 32:1 or something or just add a few extra drops of oil into a 50:1 mix for something a bit closer to a 40:1

[@mannys9130]

@@djaydeved IDK what you're going on about... OP, if your engine calls for a 50:1 mix and you run 40:1, the negatives all involve fouling. Too much oil than needed causes carbon to build up on the piston crown, spark plug, and exhaust spark arrestor screen. Too much carbon on the piston may break off and scratch the cylinder wall. If you use a high quality synthetic 2 stroke oil with high quality ethanol free gasoline, your engine will be fine with 50:1 mix. If it brings you peace of mind, you can run 45:1 or 40:1 mix with the knowledge that you'll need to clean your plug and screen more frequently. Leaner oil mix ratios are the result of better 2 stroke oil blends that lubricate better with less ash, and EPA directives to make 2 stroke engines smoke and pollute less than before. Using ethanol free fuel is more beneficial to the overall health of the machine than a richer oil mix in my professional opinion. The carb will be destroyed by ethanol long before the rings and cylinder wall are worn out.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

@@mannys9130 Cylinder heads are mostly Nikisil coated. Any carbon coming off will not scratch it. It's hard as F. Running premium (no ethanol) and a bit more oil then recommended is fine.

[@littletoze]

A great video! Everyone should watch this prior to operating or owning small engines! Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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

[@clintonr7172]

Already got my beer my friend

[@AllboroLCD]

I have the dirt in engine scenario, small bike motor, scoring is pretty light. Is there any reason why some high grit sand paper on the piston and quick hone of the cylinder shouldnt remedy the problem? Its only on one cylinder, the other seems ok to me.

[@robertwood7792]

I think I overloaded and overheated my little machine trying to cut a lot of hard wood. Maybe I didn't wind out the high speed carb jet enough as well. Engine won't start and piston looks a little scratched as I look through the exhaust port. However engine feels like it has good compression when I turn it over with the starter rope. Could it still require a new piston/ piston ring?

[@jeevanaicker417]

Excellent Advise Steve, Great Stuff Boet👍👌

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@kenstaring6257]

Fantastic video. As usual you're setting the standard for your video topics. Please continue to keep educating us with your videos. Thank you very much. Can you help us get copies of the ECHO failure analysis report?

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Hunter09686]

Super helpful. My saw looks like it was run under a heavy load with a dull chain or the fins were dirty. It is an Stihl 026 Pro It was a freebie so I was glad to get it. I replaced the piston and cylinder and it runs like a top.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

Just read your comment you posted 8 months ago. I also have an 026 pro, owned it for over 20 years, really good powerful little work horse saw! definitely got a keeper there. You stole it! Just keep it clean and sharp!

[@dancascino701]

Hey, got a 3 year old Husq 128ld that seized on me while in use. managed to unseize but still wont start, can piston scoring prevent the engine from starting? Thanks

[@Firby1988]

My dad use to put Castrol gtx magnatec in fuel sometimes and it didn’t half clean the rubbish out

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Awesome video Steve , you can't emphasize enough that leaning a carb out on a 2 cycle motor is taking away most if not ALL of its lubrication . And also have you had any issues with the Stihl MS441C saws having issues with spark plugs backing out on their own ?