Things that make ya go hmmm. I'm the first person this ever happened to and you're only the second. I guess we're pretty special
Actually there's another pic around here somewhere of a 210-250 with a bent rod. I'd guess that was about a year ago, maybe more.
That was me. Obviously I came late to this thread. Got pretty exciting around page 2 and 3!! You are truly fine gents for allowing cooler heads to prevail. I concur that the 021 rod is a piece of poop. I have uncorked several 025s, all of which had much beefier rods, similar to what we're used to in the pro models. I see no problems with rods in the 025s. The 021 rod I bent (which I took a lot of guff for) was identical to the one Brad posted. I pretzeled it pretty good. For the record, the clutch was on way too tight, but I don't know who did it.
I just took apart an 023 engine last night (engine was locked up but the piston looked good through the exhaust port) and what I found was interesting. It does indeed have a stamped steel rod, although it is not identical to the 021 rod and it does look heavier. The roller bearings had all come out of the big end! One of the bearings reached the top of one of the transfers and it chipped the piston and dented the top of the transfer. The piston did receive a pinched (and broken) ring and has some roughed-up spots on the edge of the piston skirt. Nothing got on top of the piston. So there is some damage, but the saw MAY run again with another crank, ring (if one comes around) and with a little creative filing/dremeling. It is interesting to note that the 023 shares the stroke of the 025, but instead of just slapping the same crank in, they cheapened it up some to save some coin. For shame! Having said that, I cut a the better part of truckload of wood with an 023 this last weekend and it was a fun little saw. I'm amazed at what you can do with sharp picco chain.
So the moral of the story.... the 021s are ok for what they are intended for... branch trimming and the like. The 023 may be somewhat better, but if your plan is to FIX them when they break, ante up for the 025. Same weight, gobs more power, and built with way better guts. Having been inside one, I think the 025 could take some mods. I am planning to port one (I know, I know, why would I bother) and see what it can do. Who knows, maybe it will be an 026 killer.
Ok, what gives with posting pictures? I guess it's been a while since I posted a pic, cuz it won't let me upload. When i get some time later on I'll go to school on it and post some pics of the crank.
..Also falls flat at wide open throttle...Hopefully it is not an air leak, but that is what I am guessing...:censored:...Will know more tonight...
