Husqvarna 51 Story

[Newell52]

I have a 51 Husky that my dad bought new sometime around 92-93. It started giving trouble a while back, would quit running when it got warmed up. Took it to our local small engine shop, which only sells Stihl to get it looked at. They looked at it for a little while and said it was finished, inside of motor worn out. Offered us a few dollars trade on new Stihl. Wasn't ready to buy new saw just that day so I took it home. Got to thinking about it with winter coming on and needing a saw I started researching new saws. Finally settled on an Echo CS500P. Have used it a little so far and really like it. But the rest of the story is I got to thinking about the old Husky 51 so I got it out of the barn and put it back together as they had given it back to me in pieces. Got it back together and it cranked right up. The service manager at the place I work does a little small engine work on the side so I took it to him to look at. He pulled the muffler off and looked at the piston and cylinder and said it looked good to him. He checked the ignition module and said it was weak. Went to the parts store and bought new one for $70 and he installed it and cleaned up the saw, put it back together. I used it yesterday, no problems. Moral is I guess the shop I took it to did not want to go to the trouble of fixing my Husky, just wanted to seel one of their new Stihls. I wont be taking anything else to their shop. So, always get a 2nd opinion. I love this old saw and glad I can use it a few more years.

 

[murphy1244]

I like the Echo, Do you still use yours? What size bar?

 

[Newell52]

Yea, just bought it this month. It has a 20" bar. Haven't used it much but it cuts like a beast, starts easy and warms up quick. Hope it lasts as long as the old Husky.

 

[xyz123]

Part of the reason I started the Chainsaw Repair site. So folks can learn on their own and get 2nd 3rd 4th opinions. Then get help and walk through working on their saws all for FREE. Without being ripped off off by some shops out there. http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php

 

[Coyote machine]

I have a 51 Husky that my dad bought new sometime around 92-93. It started giving trouble a while back, would quit running when it got warmed up. Took it to our local small engine shop, which only sells Stihl to get it looked at. They looked at it for a little while and said it was finished, inside of motor worn out. Offered us a few dollars trade on new Stihl. Wasn't ready to buy new saw just that day so I took it home. Got to thinking about it with winter coming on and needing a saw I started researching new saws. Finally settled on an Echo CS500P. Have used it a little so far and really like it. But the rest of the story is I got to thinking about the old Husky 51 so I got it out of the barn and put it back together as they had given it back to me in pieces. Got it back together and it cranked right up. The service manager at the place I work does a little small engine work on the side so I took it to him to look at. He pulled the muffler off and looked at the piston and cylinder and said it looked good to him. He checked the ignition module and said it was weak. Went to the parts store and bought new one for $70 and he installed it and cleaned up the saw, put it back together. I used it yesterday, no problems. Moral is I guess the shop I took it to did not want to go to the trouble of fixing my Husky, just wanted to seel one of their new Stihls. I wont be taking anything else to their shop. So, always get a 2nd opinion. I love this old saw and glad I can use it a few more years.

Why did you take a Husky to a Stihl shop in the first place; not saying they couldn't fix one, but it makes sense to go to the shop which works on sells the brand you own? :confused2:

 

[bcp]

Moral is I guess the shop I took it to did not want to go to the trouble of fixing my Husky, just wanted to seel one of their new Stihls.

Reminded me of the old saying:

Never ask a barber "Do I need a haircut?"

Bruce

 

[Newell52]

Because it's the only shop in my town.

 

[Coyote machine]

Because it's the only shop in my town.

You know getting out and seeing what other towns have to offer can be fun...:thumbsup:

 

[Bluegill2]

That old 51 is a good saw and with a little attention will go another 10-20 years.

I do my own work, but as far as shops go, I drive past a couple Stihl dealers to get to a good dealer. Bout one hour away. It's well worth the drive!!!

 

[murphy1244]

That old 51 is a good saw and with a little attention will go another 10-20 years.

I do my own work, but as far as shops go, I drive past a couple Stihl dealers to get to a good dealer. Bout one hour away. It's well worth the drive!!!

That's a long way to find a good dealer. Thought you had a gajillion stihl places out there.

 

[EddieWalker]

Interesting. I had a Husqvarna chain saw years ago that worked pretty good for years, but then one year I couldn't start it. I never had any power issues with it before that, but it was always hard to start and when nothing I could do would work, I took it to the Husqvarna dealer. He had it a week and told me the piston was worn out and it would cost more to fix it then it was worth. I bought a Stihl from a different dealer and have been using it ever since. It's a fine saw once it starts, but I also have an Echo saw and weedeater that start a lot easier.

I wonder if they just wanted to sell me another saw at the dealer I took it to, or if it was really fried? I think it was about five years old and not used very often. I've never wanted another Husqvarna again because I felt that saw didn't last very long and it was a waste of money.

Echo is my favorite and what I'll buy for now on.

Eddie

 

[CobyRupert]

"Never ask a barber if you need a haircut"

Good one. That's a keeper i'll be stealing.

 

[Bluegill2]

That's a long way to find a good dealer. Thought you had a gajillion stihl places out there.

I drive right past the Stihl dealers. I spend a lot of time running saws and would rather run Husqvarna.

 

[Bluegill2]

Interesting. I had a Husqvarna chain saw years ago that worked pretty good for years, but then one year I couldn't start it. I never had any power issues with it before that, but it was always hard to start and when nothing I could do would work, I took it to the Husqvarna dealer. He had it a week and told me the piston was worn out and it would cost more to fix it then it was worth. I bought a Stihl from a different dealer and have been using it ever since. It's a fine saw once it starts, but I also have an Echo saw and weedeater that start a lot easier.

I wonder if they just wanted to sell me another saw at the dealer I took it to, or if it was really fried? I think it was about five years old and not used very often. I've never wanted another Husqvarna again because I felt that saw didn't last very long and it was a waste of money.

Echo is my favorite and what I'll buy for now on.

Eddie

Most shops would rather sell you a new saw than fix your old one. It takes less than one hour and less than $50 to replace a piston. Depending on the model it may, or may not have been worth fixing.

Just for the record Stihl, Husqvarna both make good and bad(cheap) models.