This question comes up often. I had posted this a while ago in the middle of another thread where it got lost.
The list below is not mine and was pirated from others. It is a good guide. I like to see compression around 150 though.
Hope this helps some folks out and the title of the thread should make it easier to find when new members are looking for advice when checking out a used saw.
A rusty muffler is generally a sign of wear
Check for cracks in housing
Check for damage to bar mounting studs
Is the chain tensioner ok?
Does the sprocket show signs of wear and tear?
Look for mismatched fasterners and washes, indicating possible stripped threads
Are all fly-wheel fins in place?
Any broken or torn bits in suspension?
FILTERS
Check that fuel and air filters are in good shape. Lousy filters are a sign of poor maintenance
IGNITION
Take out the spark plug and check that there is a strong spark
CRANK BEARINGS
Remove the chain and check that the crank bearings do not have excessive play
CYLINDER AND PISTON
Remove muffler to inspect that piston/cylinder do not have scoring
COMPRESSION
If you can measure it, it should be 120 psi or better
If not, hold the saw in the start handle to test compression
Check compression also when warm
TEST RUN
Check that the clutch is not slipping
Check that the chain does not spin at idle
Check that the chain brake functions
Check that the saw idles and accelerates well
On idle, check that the crank seals/bearings are ok by shifting the saw to left and right side. The saw should not change rpm
If possible, use it for two hour's hard cut
The list below is not mine and was pirated from others. It is a good guide. I like to see compression around 150 though.
Hope this helps some folks out and the title of the thread should make it easier to find when new members are looking for advice when checking out a used saw.
A rusty muffler is generally a sign of wear
Check for cracks in housing
Check for damage to bar mounting studs
Is the chain tensioner ok?
Does the sprocket show signs of wear and tear?
Look for mismatched fasterners and washes, indicating possible stripped threads
Are all fly-wheel fins in place?
Any broken or torn bits in suspension?
FILTERS
Check that fuel and air filters are in good shape. Lousy filters are a sign of poor maintenance
IGNITION
Take out the spark plug and check that there is a strong spark
CRANK BEARINGS
Remove the chain and check that the crank bearings do not have excessive play
CYLINDER AND PISTON
Remove muffler to inspect that piston/cylinder do not have scoring
COMPRESSION
If you can measure it, it should be 120 psi or better
If not, hold the saw in the start handle to test compression
Check compression also when warm
TEST RUN
Check that the clutch is not slipping
Check that the chain does not spin at idle
Check that the chain brake functions
Check that the saw idles and accelerates well
On idle, check that the crank seals/bearings are ok by shifting the saw to left and right side. The saw should not change rpm
If possible, use it for two hour's hard cut
