chopchop

No that's fair enough and I know that deep down. Might just park it in the garage. The work, hassle and investment I'd be happy with if it was genuine. But I'm looking at trying to fix a saw I have little confidence in working no matter what I do. Different with a stihl as you know they will work if you work through the diagnostic process.

Hey all and thanks again to those who have contributed. Very useful. So the seller has paid the money back to my account so I effectively have a free saw! Shame it's no a Stihl but there goes. The compression check I did with what I believe is a standard car jobbing so probably not accurate. Have not seen any with Schrader valves online. The compression is a hard one to judge. With the decomp out it does not fall on the cord at all. It is also very very hard to pull over at all. With the decomp in it falls on the cord easily...too easily with little resistance. Reckon the first job is to plug that decomp hole as suggested (thank you). Then a brand new plug and fresh fuel mix. I have mostly stripped it again and nothing looks odd to me. However I haven't investigated the bottom end as yet. Interestingly, considering the condition of piston, rings (good and springy) and cylinder, the piston rod stands out. Almost a dark rust colour. Also the bearings are different. There's the suspect red one under the flywheel and a cream coloured one beneath the clutch. One last thing of note is that when I tried to take one of the bar studs out using the double nut hack, it came out surprisingly easily. Haven't tried the second just yet. Do they both hold the crankcase together on a 361? Finishing putting down a floor and then I'll have another look. Atb all.

Thank you guys. I'm not certain on the compression tester right now...Will post a pic or two tomorrow if you still don't mind helping me out. On a surprisingly positive note I messaged the seller politely pointing out it was a fake and he's said he will refund me the money. No biggie as only 40 notes but pretty cool. Also said u should keep the saw as he's no use for it either! What do do next? Would like to get it running if possible to then work out whether to skip it or not. Thanks again for all your time and advice. Til tomorrow...👍

Thank you both. The crankseal might explain the shameful 60psi it just managed eh? Looking like a full strip down I suppose...

The seal? Do you mean the cylinder gasket Muddy42? Flywheel reattached now. No obvious issue with the flywheel key or slippage. Not sure how to check timing (don't have a timing light) but will search on here. Thank you

Yeah, I agree. Has farmertec written all over it (not literally. Would have passed it by!). So..what to do now? Obviously not going to throw money at it but it's still a saw for £40. Worth getting it running I guess as no other option. Will pressure test later when gauge arrives. Thank you

Not looking good. Blank S/N plate etc...damn.

Thanks to all above. Bit gutted obviously but not the end of the world...you generally get what you pay for. Naively had no idea the Chinese could knock of high end chainsaws. But instead of binning it I'll see if I can get it running...might still cut wood eh? And I'm no pro (obviously) don't need it for work etc. Thanks all.

Flywheel removed...

I had thought the same and you might well be right Chris. But the rest of the saw shows zero signs of wear also. Worst part as you spotted in the gasket but on close inspection it's just a little dirty but it's integrity seems good. No gouges, gaps or holes etc. I'm baffled tbh...

Seller no particularly forthcoming...got the impression he'd tried but given up. Only ID mark on cylinder head is 1135.

Yes i did flood it! Thought it wasn't getting fuel but then had in peeing everywhere with the c head off. One thing I haven't done is the flywheel removal as never attempted it before. Is that side righty-tighty or righty-loosey? And do you mind explaining what I'm looking for once it's removed please? Appreciate the kind help.

I know! Ridiculous. Piston doesn't like it's been run...nor does the rest of the saw! Not bad for £40 (if I can get it to run)

A few pics may help...

Thank you very much guys... Checked piston through spark plug hole. Arrow on the top points to exhaust side. Both sides of piston, thru exhaust and spark plug hole look flawless. The piston moves freely with no unusual noises. Stripped the carb again and fuel in both cavities. Also spun the flywheel with a drill but no firing, but did confirm good spark. Flywheel appears totally intact and 'new' like the rest of the saw. One thing I have noticed is that when pulling over with decomp in a fine mist of spray comes out of the tiny hole. Normal I guess. But with the valve out there is a significant mist of fuel escaping the decomp from around the pin/stem especially noticeable with the drill on the flywheel. Could this be a cause? A comp test tomorrow should make things clearer. Many thanks guys 👍