Stihl trouble

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ob7

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Sep 8, 2014
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Hi,
I have three Stihl 034, which are at least 15 yrs old, they have been well maintained, but since the begining of this year they've been acting up, like air is leaking somewhere. All fuel lines have been changed, carb rebuilds, gaskets, (and even a brand new carb on one). Also a new piston and rings, yet still the symptom remains. They start sometimes but wont keep running.
If anyone's got a clue, that would be nice, they don't make them like that anymore.
 
Three with the same problem? What are you using for gas?
 
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Problems with fuel quality are an obvious place to look first, since you're likely filling the saws from the same can. How old is the fuel? Has the fuel can been stored outside in the weather?
 
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Time for a pressure and vac test. If the fuel and impulse lines are new it leaves carb gasket or boot and crank seals. But start with the P/V test to be sure. Then test again after they are changed.
 
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I think the fuel also. Could try some premix in a can run a couple tanks thru , that would answer that question
 
Jon1270 said:
Problems with fuel quality are an obvious place to look first, since you're likely filling the saws from the same can. How old is the fuel? Has the fuel can been stored outside in the weather?
Click to expand...
Thanks for your replies,
We did have a dirty storage tank a while ago, but rectified that, plus a lot of other tools runs fine on the same fuel.
(regular unleaded & Stihl oil 50:1) we ran them 30:1, but a few months ago we got Husquvana then Stihl oil which says 50:1.I might see about 40:1.
Somone else checked the pressure, but I will check again, and I'm sure two of them have new seals.
 
we ran them 30:1, but a few months ago we got Husquvana then Stihl oil which says 50:1.I might see about 40:1.

Did you retune the saws after making that switch? If you switched from 30:1 to 50:1 then the saws will be running richer now. When they wont run, do they act like they're flooding out?
 
ob7 said:
Thanks for your replies,
We did have a dirty storage tank a while ago, but rectified that, plus a lot of other tools runs fine on the same fuel.
(regular unleaded & Stihl oil 50:1) we ran them 30:1, but a few months ago we got Husquvana then Stihl oil which says 50:1.I might see about 40:1.
Somone else checked the pressure, but I will check again, and I'm sure two of them have new seals.
Click to expand...
Are you using non ethanol gas if not I would run super unleaded
 
Fuel filters clogged from dirt in the storage tank when you had problems?
 
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I'm started to think Stihls are garbage. I just replaced a spark plug, and after 2 uses, it won't start again. Last fall I took it to the dealer for some maintenance, also. Used it a handful of times between that and the plug dying. I'm sick of pumping money into it. My old Poulan is 5 times the saw. That shouldn't be.

I think I'm trying a Husqvarna soon.
 
Any saw that's not properly tuned or isn't maintained for ethanol gasoline will be troublesome, regardless of brand.
 
Pennsyltucky Chris said:
I'm started to think Stihls are garbage. I just replaced a spark plug, and after 2 uses, it won't start again. Last fall I took it to the dealer for some maintenance, also. Used it a handful of times between that and the plug dying. I'm sick of pumping money into it. My old Poulan is 5 times the saw. That shouldn't be.

I think I'm trying a Husqvarna soon.
Click to expand...
I think you should give it to me when you switch colors ==c What model?
 
D8Chumley said:
I think you should give it to me when you switch colors ==c What model?
Click to expand...

I keep making that offer to people fed up with their saws, but so far nobody has taken me up on it.
 
Hmm, I used to be good at that... in high school... in the 80's...
 
If I keep mine in a cool basement, or in the truck overnight in a cool garage, then bring it out on a hot humid day, there is just enough condensation on the cold parts around the kill switch to ground out the mag enough to prevent starting or make it run rough. A shot of WD-40 on the kill switch contacts and wire ends cured it. I was at my wits end many times changing plugs until it ran right. Found by then I wasn't fixing it, the saw warmed up and moisture was no longer condensing on it.
 
Me too, graduated in 86. Not so much any more
 
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My 041 from 1981 still runs like a champ . I cut at least 10 cord/ yr.
 
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