Doing it the right way ?

[arbaholic]

Afternoon everyone. Just a question about locking the engine ( stihl chainsaw) with that black plastic tool they give you. Reason is im not sure exactly how your meant to do it as the tool can be used so its facing up or facing down if you know what I mean.

 

Ive changed clutches before without any problems but yesterday snapped the end of the tool in my 361. So though id better find out the exact way to do it

 

Thanks in advance

 

Damian

[arbaholic]

Anyone?

[Mesterh]

You want to use it so its facing upwards. If you try to push it in too far it won't sit right.

 

One of those tasks that is easier to show than explain!

I'll try and star a diagram for you later.

[Wolfie]

Never figured out how to use those black things.

Buy a proper piston stop. Only £3 of ebay - Item number: 140566886012

[Stephen Blair]

throw away the silly plastic tool away and get an alloy 1 you thread in.

[arbaholic]

Mesterh. I know what you mean, as theres also differnent thicknesses either end of the tool, almost like an extra two lines. A diagram would be really helpfull so I can quickly get the saw sorted. Thanks

 

Wolman and stephen blair. That sounds the way to go as them plastic things arent that great IMO. Im after a quick fix at the mo to get running but i will definitly invest in that new tool for the future.

 

I did see a man use a piece of nylon rope on you tube as he said it has more give. I can see what hes saying but i would worry about bits of rope breaking off?

 

Thats another idea that might help someone out if they dont have black plastic thingy tool () to hand.

[Stephen Blair]

I know guys that put the pull cord down, forestry trick, extend the cord, put a little loop in it near the end and put a stick through it to stop it running back in, pull it so the piston is in the right position and stuff the chord down inside.

I have never tried it but seen it done.

[Megatron]

The screw-in metal piston stop should only be used (with care) if your sparkplug hole is perpendicular to your piston (old saws).

Often clutches need way more leverage, brutality etc than a piston can hold on the surface area that the metal piston stop contacts the piston with, when the piston stop is at an angle... and it will break though the top of the piston.

 

You can use nylon rope. Make sure the piston is on "the way up" and above the exhaust port. Before replacing the clutch take the rope out before spinning the crankshaft (to enable you to lock it the opposite way).

 

With the Stihl spoon shaped piston stops the words "OBEN-TOP" should face upwards.

 

It is also possible to use an impact wrench but you have to remove the flywheel first or you risk shearing the key.

[pgkevet]

On my helicopter petrol 2-strokes we wouldn't dream of using a piston stop..far too likely to do damage. The nylon cord down the plug hole works very well and distributes load nicely (when you can't place a crank lock).

Obviously heat the nylon cord end first to lose any stray fibres.

I also use a thinner, softer cord rather than the fattest thing you can get through.

[Frankie Lawrence]

I know guys that put the pull cord down, forestry trick, extend the cord, put a little loop in it near the end and put a stick through it to stop it running back in, pull it so the piston is in the right position and stuff the chord down inside.

I have never tried it but seen it done.

 

I got taught that to can be very handy out in the woods or if you have got the silly stihl ones that are next to useless imo!