MS500i main bearing failure

[monkeybusiness]

1 hour ago, adw said:

That looks like the joys of a composite bearing cage, they run very smooth so reduce heat, however you have to wonder about the longevity of these main bearings.

In terms of longevity it transpires ‘not very’! 

[Mark_Skyland]

I have one n bits atm as it needs a new piston and cylinder. They arent the most straight forward of machines to strip down so take plenty of pics and if you need a workshop manual give me a shout.

 

[Botty Cough]

7 hours ago, Mark_Skyland said:

I have one n bits atm as it needs a new piston and cylinder. They arent the most straight forward of machines to strip down so take plenty of pics and if you need a workshop manual give me a shout.

 

Manual is available online.

They certainly look like you may as well chuck em away when they break down.

Same old same old with new kit these days .... It's generally disposable 

[MattyF]

1 hour ago, Botty Cough said:

Manual is available online.

They certainly look like you may as well chuck em away when they break down.

Same old same old with new kit these days .... It's generally disposable 

I have not heard of many 500i problems from the lads that I know that use them and these are lads using them all day every day in Sitka stands, that can’t be a more punishing environment for any saw… unless I guess being used by arb guys continuously blunt because they don’t and can’t maintain a saw. 
For me personally they have been one of the most reliable saws I’ve owned.

[Botty Cough]

2 minutes ago, MattyF said:

I have not heard of many 500i problems from the lads that I know that use them and these are lads using them all day every day in Sitka stands, that can’t be a more punishing environment for any saw… unless I guess being used by arb guys continuously blunt because they don’t and can’t maintain a saw. 
For me personally they have been one of the most reliable saws I’ve owned.

Fair enough.

How many hours would you say they go for before being toast?

[Mark_Skyland]

On 30/03/2024 at 08:10, Botty Cough said:

Manual is available online.

They certainly look like you may as well chuck em away when they break down.

Same old same old with new kit these days .... It's generally disposable 

They arent that bad. My customer has basically done nothing to the machine but fuel it up for the last 3/4 years, so its not that bad considering. The cost of some parts has risen to silly levels so if you neglect a machine it can soon start to add up. Machines these days do need a bit more TLC but an air filter, tank clean and a general making sure all bolts and nuts are tight makes a huge difference.

 

[gand]

3 minutes ago, Mark_Skyland said:

They arent that bad. My customer has basically done nothing to the machine but fuel it up for the last 3/4 years, so its not that bad considering. The cost of some parts has risen to silly levels so if you neglect a machine it can soon start to add up. Machines these days do need a bit more TLC but an air filter, tank clean and a general making sure all bolts and nuts are tight makes a huge difference.

 

Agreed, people think these saws are still made like they were in the 80's/90's. They also think they can be rebuilt on a shoe string. Had some of the first 500i that haven't been a problem. The 2 year old one's are coming back with problem's, but I think it's the users more than the saw