Dolmar 5100S blew up.

[ttamoneypit]

I got a slightly used 5100 off ebay for $340 1st thing I did was pull the caps off--no cutting required--they pull right off with needlenose pliers

I'm no expert with chainsaws --just started buying them this yr

BUT I have spent lots of time on this website and others reading how to tune them

I used my 5100 to take down and chop up 2 large ant infested apple trees

and cut up 4 ash trees that were already on the ground from some type of insect problem

anyway this noob hasn't had any problems with my 5100s knock on wood:greenchainsaw:

 

[7sleeper]

....
Its only a matter of time before the fuel injector comes along for small handheld power equipment along with new cylinder designs to go with it. ...

Already here:

Compression Wave Injection = fuel injection

http://www.efco.it/Livello.jsp?idMarchio=2&idFamiglia=373&idSottoFamiglia=374

I hope that a few here start looking a little farther than the faboulos Sthil, Husky thing! There are technology leaders also elsewhere!

Too bad i am reminded all so often of little children sitting in a sand box quarreling about nothing!

7

 

[SawTroll]

Well, if that's the real issue, which it seems to be, then it should be real simple for Dolmar to inform/instruct their dealer network thereof...on or off the record, and correct the issue before items leave the door.

I remember Lakeside sending out clear warning signals last year already about this topic. Seems he was spot on (as usual...)

:agree2:

Btw, Witchys 5100 was not lean at arrival, but you know where that one came from.......

 

[AUSSIE1]

Well, if that's the real issue, which it seems to be, then it should be real simple for Dolmar to inform/instruct their dealer network thereof...on or off the record, and correct the issue before items leave the door.

I remember Lakeside sending out clear warning signals last year already about this topic. Seems he was spot on (as usual...)

Is there a possibility that Dolmar do not go through the same percentage of qualified/capable dealers as other manufacturers may enjoy?

Been interesting reading from those in the know as it makes very sound sense.

 

[huskystihl]

OK, I know I'm on a soap box ranting. this just hit a nerve and ticked me off. Not that the OP posted it, but that the saw gets an undeserved bad rap. Now...before you all think me just a Dolmar fanboy, that is not the case. I'm not particularly fond of the 5100 and much prefer a 346. But that has nothing to do with this situation. This man chose to buy a 5100S and got a great saw when he did so. Unfortunately, dealer support is VERY lacking. How many 5100s have we heard of being burnt up because they were set too lean? Lots more than it's competitors! But again, that's not the saws fault. If you like a 5100, BUY IT! Just make sure you have the carb properly tuned and it should last you a long time. Rant off



I seriously doubt it. Probably more like 10%, but I'm not sure. Again though, that's not a problem if the saw is tuned for it. It's only a concern for long term storage.

I respect your mechaniacal genuis when it comes to saw building but have to disagree to a certain extent. My dealer has been setting up saws for years and when a tree service or municipality purchases one he goes the extra extra mile, even to the point they bog by the richness he sends them out at. My 2 5100's failed in a short time from what I believe dirt passing through the filter, not to mention they were boiling hot on 90 deg days due to the r's they turned out. He also recomended that the guys that weren't frying them out were rotating them to give them a chance to cool down. In theory cutting firewood it's a good idea but not always an option with a work saw and something i've never done with the orange brands. I also agree that performance wise the 5100 is about as impressive as a 50cc saw could be and know that if stihl would come close to that performance in that class the 346 would be playing second fiddle. In closing if dolmar wants to be a player in the proffessional market they need to redesign this saw to hold up to the abuse that a proffessional is gonna give them. When a pro fryes a saw they whine and cry and get another but to see a ton of failures from weekend warriors should be a real concern for the mechainical engineers at dolmar yet they seem to turn a deaf ear towards what is obviously a problem!

 

[AUSSIE1]

:agree2:

Btw, Witchys 5100 was not lean at arrival, but you know where that one came from.......

I do too Niko.

We don't have the stringent emission laws here as the US has, but also no idea to the amount of saw fatalities.

 

[woodshed]

Man, don't you guys ever sleep?!?! Anyway, I'm not a troll, not a Husky fanboy (well, kinda), and not bringing the hate for Dolmar, just want to know why some people get so defensive of a saw with a known problem. Like I said earlier I'd love to own a 7900 and I'm sure the 5100S is a nice saw but the failures are completely inexcuseable. If it is lack of setup by the selling dealer, inexcuseable. If it is poor construction form the factory, inexcuseable. If 1 in 100 is lean seizing consistantly, inexcuseable. I work in the automotive industry and if there was a track record of catostrophic failure like the one on the 5100S there would be a massive recall, technical service bulletins, stop sale orders, and lawsuits flying every which way. The fact that a few were not covered by the warranty really bothers me as it is obvious that it is not an owner abuse issue, or a ethanol issue at all. Anyway, I probably was using some fairly aggressive language earlier as I was running on empty and burnt out from work so I apologize to FastCat and anyone els I offended, peeved, etc. arboristsite is a wonderful place and I don't want to go the way of StihlTheDeere and drag this place down. I'll shut up now.

On the upside I think I might have finally found an affordable MS460 for my stable!!!

Scott

 

[alpinecrick]

To test your gas for ethanol, you'll want to pour one part mix to one part water in a clear Mason type jar and shake it up. Let it set 20 mins or so and the water, fuel and ethanol will separate. This will tell you how much ethanol is in your gas.

The ethanol is the creamy mixture between the two....I believe this is how it works, its been awhile, someone will correct me if I'm wrong.....I've seen local stations around here with 20% ethanol.

I found a station with no ethanol and that's the one I buy my mix fuel from.

Last I knew federal law prohibits more than 10% ethanol in gasoline sold at the pump. Ethanol blend is federally mandated in some areas/regions--and I believe the number of regions requiring ethanol blend has increased in recently. If your region is required to have ethanol blend, then all stations are required to sell only ethanol fuel, and the refineries are required to sell only ethanol blend in that region (Although they may sell straight gas to other wholesalers/retailers in other regions without the requirements).

The refineries may get the proportion wrong my a few percent, but it's unlikely pump gas will have 20% ethanol.


Casey

 

[SawTroll]

Ps5105

Still no sign of an "S" version?

 

[Fastcast]

Last I knew federal law prohibits more than 10% ethanol in gasoline sold at the pump. Ethanol blend is federally mandated in some areas/regions--and I believe the number of regions requiring ethanol blend has increased in recently. If your region is required to have ethanol blend, then all stations are required to sell only ethanol fuel, and the refineries are required to sell only ethanol blend in that region (Although they may sell straight gas to other wholesalers/retailers in other regions without the requirements).

The refineries may get the proportion wrong my a few percent, but it's unlikely pump gas will have 20% ethanol.


Casey

Yea, yea and laws are meant to be broken and are everyday....The test bottle doesn't lie....Some here have no ethanol, most have 10% and a few have 20%

Are they cheating, diluting their tanks, I don't know....Don't even know if ethanol cost more than gas. If it doesn't that would explain it but I'm not going to argue with you about what the laws are because to some, laws mean nothing. Your assessment is exactly how I reacted originally but irregardless the proof is in the pudding.

 

[Nipper]

After reading this thread I have a question for you Pros....

How long would a 2 cycle engine run on E-85? Would the water test some of you mention show me if the fuel was maybe mixed with some E-85 in someones attempt to make some money?


My 5100 ran perfect for a year, then one day I added gas and oil, cut ONE 12" Oak log and it died..... It did not lock up, the engine turns over easily.... It literally ran perfect up until the second it died, like the damage occurred all at once.

Once the shop gets it torn down and gives me the real story I will share.

 

[blsnelling]

The damage did occur all at once, generally speaking. The piston got hot, aluminum melted, and rings stuck. It can all happen in nearly an instant.

 

[Edge & Engine]

Last I knew federal law prohibits more than 10% ethanol in gasoline sold at the pump. Ethanol blend is federally mandated in some areas/regions--and I believe the number of regions requiring ethanol blend has increased in recently. If your region is required to have ethanol blend, then all stations are required to sell only ethanol fuel, and the refineries are required to sell only ethanol blend in that region (Although they may sell straight gas to other wholesalers/retailers in other regions without the requirements).

The refineries may get the proportion wrong my a few percent, but it's unlikely pump gas will have 20% ethanol.


Casey

Somebody once went around to a bunch of gas stations (not sure what state) collecting samples which according to the station, contained 10% ethanol. After testing, it was discovered that the percentage varied, sometimes by a large amount. At least one sample contained nearly 25%.

 

[blsnelling]

Somebody once went around to a bunch of gas stations (not sure what state) collecting samples which according to the station, contained 10% ethanol. After testing, it was discovered that the percentage varied, sometimes by a large amount. At least one sample contained nearly 25%.

That should be prosecutable by law!

 

[Fastcast]

Would the water test some of you mention show me if the fuel was maybe mixed with some E-85.

That's exactly what it will show.....Apparently your dealer already tested your fuel. If you still have some of the fuel mix you were using, you can test it yourself, to see if his story is factual but as others have said ethanol in and of itself won't trash your saw if tuned accordingly.

The only thing I was pointing out is, I've found stations here in OH with 20% ethanol so if your saw wasn't tuned rich, it could conceivably trash your piston/cylinder.

How old was the fuel you were using?......I don't recall if you said.....If you were using stale fuel and high ethanol % fuel, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

A little hotrod like the 5100 really needs fresh fuel.....IMO

 

[Nipper]

That's exactly what it will show.....Apparently your dealer already tested your fuel. If you still have some of the fuel mix you were using, you can test it yourself, to see if his story is factual but as others have said ethanol in and of itself won't trash your saw if tuned accordingly.

The only thing I was pointing out is, I've found stations here in OH with 20% ethanol so if your saw wasn't tuned rich, it could conceivably trash your piston/cylinder.

How old was the fuel you were using?......I don't recall if you said.....If you were using stale fuel and high ethanol % fuel, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

A little hotrod like the 5100 really needs fresh fuel.....IMO

I was well aware it really liked fresh fuel and it always got it. Whatever we dont use that day goes in the truck. I am fanatic with my small motors, that is the main reason I follow this group. The fuel was just purchased and mixed properly with Echo Synthetic oil.

I know whatever happened was not my fault. I have never had an engine blow on me in almost 40 years. Still waiting to hear from the shop.

 

[Trigger Man]

One thing I do have to admit about the 5100 especialy in my case because I bought a new old stock saw from a dealer, is that my saw had alot of issues with not having the updated parts on it. Such as carb manifold ring, pre filter, new style tank vent etc.. Should'nt Dolmar have informed this dealer as to the mods that should have been performed to the saw before selling to the public. Also the saw was sold no adjustments to the carb at all it left the shop the same way it left the factory. Why should I have had to buy the parts to make it run proper? or save the saw from disaster. Even though I did.
One more question to the tech's on the forum, is it mandatory for all dealers weather they sell ,stihl, husky or j-red to tune the saw before it leaves the shop new. I think I read in one of my husky manuals to have the saw adjusted after run in. Again I'm not sure if this is correct.

 

[SawTroll]

I am pretty tiered of these threads - it is a fact that the 5100S "blow up" more often than most other saws - but it is also a fact that the "non-adjusting" dealers usually is to blame, and not the design of the saw.....:censored:


Good night, everyone! :biggrinbounce2:

 

[04ultra]

I am pretty tiered of these threads - it is a fact that the 5100S "blow up" more often than most other saws - but it is also a fact that the "non-adjusting" dealers usually is to blame, and not the design of the saw.....:censored:


Good night, everyone! :biggrinbounce2:

Well there you have it.........



All the Husky saws that I have to put P/C on are so common its nothing new.....




.

 

[volks-man]

$.02

Last I knew federal law prohibits more than 10% ethanol in gasoline sold at the pump. Ethanol blend is federally mandated in some areas/regions--and I believe the number of regions requiring ethanol blend has increased in recently. If your region is required to have ethanol blend, then all stations are required to sell only ethanol fuel, and the refineries are required to sell only ethanol blend in that region (Although they may sell straight gas to other wholesalers/retailers in other regions without the requirements).

The refineries may get the proportion wrong my a few percent, but it's unlikely pump gas will have 20% ethanol.


Casey

'round these parts the ethanol is added to the fuel at the terminal as it is loaded on to the individual tanker semi. as related to me by my old boss who hauls from the terminal 1-2 times per week to his station; you see the clear liquid pump on to the truck for a few seconds, then it turns to that familiar gasoline amber.

point being that if the terminals are mixing the fuel that you have a much greater chance for error in the percentage as there simply are ore places doing the blending.