10 Degrees F, Cold start, 3 sec. warm-up, 5 sec. WOT, then no compression....

[zzr7ky]

Hi -

Life and learn.

Makita 6401 that never gives trouble...

After weeks of use in the cold. First start of the day. 10 Degrees F, Cold start, 3 sec. warm-up, 5 sec. WOT, then no compression....

No unusual sound, just no compression. Immediate drop it you suspend it by the pull-cord.

So... I start at AS bourd figuring it may be time for bigger Piston and Cyl, to bump it up to 79cc for about 20% more HP. AS folks suggestions: Clean and diagnos, then order part

Diasnosis confirms no compression caused by Spark Plug that was laying loose in the cover!

So saw is clean and back in action!

However now I have the hots for a 6401 -> 7900 Saw build... A case of latent CAD out of remission

I think the lesson learned is to check the saws over when sharpening in the cold weather just like I do when it's hot. I just wasn't doing anything beyond sharpening, and filling the tanks in the cold. Filter was pretty rough also.

Be safe,
Mike

 

[NH_Wood]

Saw your post and solution on AS - always worth checking the simple solutions first and glad you were able to solve the issue with a simple fix. No issue with the spark plug threads on the cylinder? I've wanted a 7900 for a long time - but, if I were you I'd run the snot out of the 6401 - nice saw. Cheers!

 

[Corey]

... First start of the day. 10 Degrees F, Cold start, 3 sec. warm-up, 5 sec. WOT, then no compression....

WOW! that seems brutal...surprised that is not the cause of all sorts of bad things right there. I usually let my husky burble around at idle for 20-30 seconds before a few light pulls of the trigger, then some light cutting just to get everything up to temp.

...but, i guess if you get away with it...

 

[Leonard]

WOW! that seems brutal...surprised that is not the cause of all sorts of bad things right there. I usually let my husky burble around at idle for 20-30 seconds before a few light pulls of the trigger, then some light cutting just to get everything up to temp.

...but, i guess if you get away with it...

Ya you ain't kidding. 2 Strokes do not like to run cold often times it ends in seizure.

 

[jeff_t]

WOW! that seems brutal...surprised that is not the cause of all sorts of bad things right there. I usually let my husky burble around at idle for 20-30 seconds before a few light pulls of the trigger, then some light cutting just to get everything up to temp.

...but, i guess if you get away with it...

I think if you read between the lines, he wants a 7900

The extra hp does put a smile on my face. I've been hoping to blow up my 6401, but I'm afraid it's gonna be awhile. I keep a 28" bar on my 7900, so I need a second 79cc saw to run a 20" with an 8 pin I can't justify the cost to fix something that ain't broke.

 

[zzr7ky]

Yes to all the above.

I'm definately warming up equipment in the future!

I have my eyes peeled for another 6401 or 6421 for upfitting! Heck it's keepin' a smile of Jeff's face so it's gotta be good

Mike

 

[billb3]

Get yer head back out of the clouds and cut some wood ! ! !

 

[zzr7ky]

Bill's statement is appropriate .

It's not as easy doing the maintenence in the cold but waiting around doesn't get it done. I've sold a good bit of wood this year to folks who were caught short. Pretty much just to keep good customers that are close by and easy to deal with. I am not able to haul wood out much this year due to snow. I have a lot of hauling to do and still need to get wood down and bucked.

Saws are getting a nice warm up from now on!