XP550 problems

[Janlogger]

Ok, the saw is being replaced by husky, picking up a new one at the end of the week. Touch wood that will be the end of it! My back up 440 needs a rest!!

[timbernut]

Hi, very interesting reading, I bought 3 550xpg in January and we've had warm start problems with them all, this thurs mine died after what felt like slight drop in compression, later same day a sub, who one of the other saws was for called me and told me his had done the same a few days earlier! When I dropped mine with the dealer they said they'd sold loads and had no problems (which doesn't tally with what users say!) although we are covered by warranty. I have to say up until now I found this the nicest saw I've used in.years just hope they last!

[TGB]

... the dealer they said they'd sold loads and had no problems (which doesn't tally with what users say!) although we are covered by warranty...

When I called into various dealers Echo, Husky and Stihl alike, some for more than just one brand. I always asked which of my shortlisted saws by brand they thought most reliable. Or rather, which they'd had back most for in-warranty repairs? To a man/woman, they all said roughly the same thing, "You'll probably get through the warranty without anything going wrong."

 

When I mentioned known customer issues, such as the 550XP not hot-starting, snapping brake-bands or the MS261 eating clutch bearings and the like. They answered as if this was the first they'd ever heard of such an issue; "If you get a good operator, you'll have no problems." Any problem with the saw/equipment, was always attributed to either operator error or lack of dealer servicing.

[JimM]

Just had my second brake-band go on my 550xpg.

To be fair though, it was the original type.

New part ordered through my local dealer and will go on on Monday.

[timbernut]

I'd just replaced the brake band! Dealer rang me this morning and told me cranks had seized on both saw. They asked what oil I used in mix, I have always used husky or Stihl oil as found Oregon etc left excess in carb/filter but about 3 weeks ago used mitox (same as Oregon I'm told) as couldn't get the good stuff quick enough, they said this might be cause! Their other theory was as we use a veg oil it may have seeped through the crank seal as its not as viscous as mineral oil. Finally apparently saws were due an update when plugged in, don't think it was mentioned I'd need to do this when I bought them:) I must add I'm not knocking the dealer as they've given superb service for the several yrs I've used em. Hooj grin

[JimM]

New fault for me today.

Delimbing a cherry, running down the stem happily enough for a minute or so. Then the saw refused to throttle down from full power.

Stopped, restarted and still at full power.

Stopped it and had a good check over but couldn't see anything untoward.

Restarted and has been fine.

Only thing I have done differently in the past week is to have the heated handles on for long periods. Possible reason, or just an unlikely coincidence?

[ThrustSSC]

New fault for me today.

Delimbing a cherry, running down the stem happily enough for a minute or so. Then the saw refused to throttle down from full power.

Stopped, restarted and still at full power.

Stopped it and had a good check over but couldn't see anything untoward.

Restarted and has been fine.

Only thing I have done differently in the past week is to have the heated handles on for long periods. Possible reason, or just an unlikely coincidence?

 

Unlikely, I'd say. The heated handles are a separate circuit, not part of the Autotune setup, so I can't see how they'd affect the AutoTune. A sticking throttle cable or linkage on the carb, perhaps?

[JimM]

Was wondering from the aspect of the heat in the back handle having an effect. But it does seem unlikely.

[ThrustSSC]

Was wondering from the aspect of the heat in the back handle having an effect. But it does seem unlikely.

 

Making the throttle cable stick, perhaps? A good point. If it was, it would definitely be one of those unique-to-that-saw sort of issues! But I wouldn't immediately dismiss it.

 

Do let us know when you get to the bottom of it!

[JimM]

Dealer reckons gunk round the carb causing valve to stick. Air hose and carb cleaner applied.

Makes sense.

My 346 still going strong without any of these issues. Sometimes I think we try to be too clever.

Would buy another 550 tomorrow though.