Stihl Chain Saws

[dmccarty]

Markey,

I doubt I can answer your question once and for all but my 046 sometimes it is run dry. Sometimes not. It gets used heavy for a few weeks and then it might sit for months. I use Stihl bar oil and oil for the gas. My understanding it that the oil for the gas has stabilizer in it. In years past if I had a can of gas mixed and did not use it in a few months I would get rid of it. The gas mix seems to last longer now that I keep the mix shadded and out of direct sun which keeps the heat down.

In years past I did have old gas gum up a spark plug. Changed the plug, put in fresh gas mix, and off I went. I do clean out the air filter every tank or two of fuel.

I would guess more often than not the saw is run until is mostly out of fuel. But I do know it has sat for months with fuel in the tank.

The saw, with the one exception with the fouled plug, has always started. As has the leaf blower and brush cutter. We got the 046 right before Fran blew through in 1996.

Later,
Dan

 

[Gooseneck]

I wonder if the new gas with ethanol is reason for concern. Ethanol is an alcohol which tends to attract moisture. Maybe the oil mixture in the gas helps with that, though. I am concerned about leaving gas in my pressure washer/generator/lawn mower when they are going to be sitting for any length of time.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Currently stabil doesn't work with ethanol by accounts - I've had trouble, and would run it dry.

 

[buckle97]

I try to run my Stihl saw dry. Just for reference, I don't find my Stihl MS290 to be finicky at all. It works every time I need it to. I just picked up an FS55 weed eater and I hope it works just as well.

 

[billbill1]

I have heard and don't know for sure, ethanol will separate from the mixing oil and should not be used in a 2 cycle engine. I've never tried it and most likely won't.

 

[turnkey4099]

Been using saws since 1976 not counting the time spent as a kid back in the 40s/50s. Have run Macs, Homey, Stihl, Husky, even an old Mall.

When it comes to buying a saw:

The leading brands (stihl, Echo, Husky, etc.) there is really no difference when you compare equal sizes and whether Pro or homeowner quality. Some difference in price but not enough to really matter. The ruling factor is the dealer. A good saw with a lousy dealer is no deal, nor is a bad saw with a good dealer. I choose based on the dealer and that comes down to Stihl.

I had an 041 - died lasst year due to unavailable parts anymore.

Currently
Have Stihl 310 (homeowner)

Husky 51 - old but a very good saw.

Cut minimum of 8 cord year with most trees in the 30" and up range at DBH.

Every saw I have had, currently and in the past would take 4 pulls (sometimes 5 on a cold day) before he first bark and then fire on the next pull. They get to taking 6 or more - it is time to due some maintenance.

Arguing that one brand is better than another is no different than arguing chev vs ford. Fun? yes. Juvenile? Very.

Harry K

 

[N80]

Arguing that one brand is better than another is no different than arguing chev vs ford. Fun? yes. Juvenile? Very.

Harry K

When it comes to arguing, you're right. When it comes to one brand vs another, well, sometimes one brand is better than another. If you don't think so, how about trading your Stihl for my Homelite.

 

[turnkey4099]

When it comes to arguing, you're right. When it comes to one brand vs another, well, sometimes one brand is better than another. If you don't think so, how about trading your Stihl for my Homelite.

T'would depend on what Homey you have. I can't think of any that is even in the same category. Remember it is compare _equivalent_ equipment. A modern Stihl vs a homey that isn't even in the same class?

Now if you want to swap a modern Husky for a modern Stihl we will talk.

Harry K

 

[N80]

T'would depend on what Homey you have. I can't think of any that is even in the same category. Remember it is compare _equivalent_ equipment. A modern Stihl vs a homey that isn't even in the same class?

Now if you want to swap a modern Husky for a modern Stihl we will talk.

Harry K

Well, not to be argumentative....cause that would be juevenile , but manufacturers spend a lot of marketing and engineering time to make their product look like its in a different 'class'. Its a lot easier to be 'best in class' when there is no one else in your class.

I'd contend that if it had the same HP, target market (i.e. homeowner) and the same size bar....that's close enough.

But, my point was just that all arguing aside, some brands are, in fact, better than others....even when the products are in the same class.

So how about a modern Homey for a modern Stihl? I know where I can pick up a modern Homey pretty cheap.

 

[ihookem]

I have an 034 and an 026. The 034 is twice the saw. I can see why a guy would see the specs of an 026, buy it and say Stihl is junk, another guy buy an 034 and say there ain't no other saw than a Stihl.