low power on new chainsaw, suggestions

[fandrover]

Hi all

 

Strictly amateur trimmer and feller here hoping for some suggestions from all you pro and semi pro guys.....

(ok enough of the silly american collage student accent ;-) )

 

After using my dads trusty old husky for the last 10 years I decided to treat myself to a spanking new stihl but have been dissapointed so far. I bought the new ms 181 with the 14" bar as its only for felling small trees for fire wood and despite all the comments and advice out there I still managed to flood it twice on the first weekend, dried it out both times and it cut really nicely through 12" trees, lots of grunt and light enough. Put it away for 2weeks and got it out again yesterday only to find it really weak, its getting bogged down and really struggling with even 6" branches now on 12" stuff its a joke! Also it seems to be smoking a little from the roller end of the blade when in use.

Im guessing this isnt normal so asking, nah begging for help on here....please!

I should take it back to dealer but Im going to be at work for next couple of weeks during thier opening times.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[Tree Man Tom]

Chain to tight? Check your chain oil to, make sure the bar being oiled properly.

 

Is your fuel mix correct? Stihl recommend 50:1.

 

Check fuel and air filters.

 

Sorry if im teaching you to suck eggs, just my bit of input.. hope it helps.

 

When you say flooding do you mean flooding the carb with fuel when trying to start it i pressume?

 

Tom

Edited May 8, 2009 by Tree Man Tom

[Steve Bullman]

not being funny, but it sounds to me like its just blunt! those small saws are ok, but the chains have to be kept very sharp as the engines are jus too small to power the chain through wood otherwise. even a very slightly dull chain will more than likely give the symptoms you described. how are the revs sounding when you rev it up(not in wood)?

[Andy Collins]

Clean the oil holes in the bar, clean the bar groove, ensure the oil is reaching the tip. If the tip is smoking, the chain is maybe too dry or too tight.

[Mick Stockbridge]

Sounds to me like you need to get yourself on a maintenance course.

[Andy Collins]

The manual supplied with the saw should explain all the suggestions above. A basic saw course would be advisable:001_smile:

[tommer9]

I reckon tension could be the key- if it is smoking then there is a chance the saw is oiling, and the heat generated by overtight chain is causing the oil to burn. However, the old ms170 and ms180 were terrible for oiler problems- maybe they haven't sorted it out on the 181, and it isnt oiling. Get the saw down to your local dealer, and get yourself on a basic two day chainsaw course- that wil cover maintainence of the saw, and should be sub £200 for a 2 day course.

[Mesterh]

Dont listen to them you dont need to spend dough on a course thats what we are for

 

Try to get a vid of the saw running and cutting.

[log supplier]

I reckon tension could be the key- if it is smoking then there is a chance the saw is oiling, and the heat generated by overtight chain is causing the oil to burn. However, the old ms170 and ms180 were terrible for oiler problems- maybe they haven't sorted it out on the 181, and it isnt oiling. Get the saw down to your local dealer, and get yourself on a basic two day chainsaw course- that wil cover maintainence of the saw, and should be sub £200 for a 2 day course.

 

the stihl 181 has oiling problems.. a mate has had 2 brand new ones, both with the same problems.. they where returned to the dealer and replaced....

 

is the oil level going down?

[tommer9]

Dont listen to them you dont need to spend dough on a course thats what we are for

 

.

 

:laugh1: