EasyT
ArboristSite Lurker
Hi, new guy here, in the wilds of north Florida. Fairly new to chainsaws.
I've had this Stihl MS 311 for a couple of years. It's a great saw, I use it for felling medium to fairly big trees, firewood and general around-the-house stuff.
Here's the deal: I have reason to believe it was used with straight gas, no engine oil added. It stalled on me the other day for no reason, as I was cutting through a downed tree. Then it wouldn't start. I fiddled with it through the morning, and could not start it. I've had problems starting it before but nothing like this. It's always cranked eventually. It would almost start, but then wind down like it had no power, and cut out.
To make a long story short, I was pretty damned steamed - to say the least - but after I got over that I started looking to buy another saw because I heat my cabin with wood and must have firewood.
Then, this morning it seemed to work fine. I only used it for a few short cuts, but it seemed to be OK.
How can I tell if the pistons are scored? I'm leery of using it for any length of time before I can tell what, or if, there is a serious problem. Once the pistons are scored, there's no going back, right?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
I've had this Stihl MS 311 for a couple of years. It's a great saw, I use it for felling medium to fairly big trees, firewood and general around-the-house stuff.
Here's the deal: I have reason to believe it was used with straight gas, no engine oil added. It stalled on me the other day for no reason, as I was cutting through a downed tree. Then it wouldn't start. I fiddled with it through the morning, and could not start it. I've had problems starting it before but nothing like this. It's always cranked eventually. It would almost start, but then wind down like it had no power, and cut out.
To make a long story short, I was pretty damned steamed - to say the least - but after I got over that I started looking to buy another saw because I heat my cabin with wood and must have firewood.
Then, this morning it seemed to work fine. I only used it for a few short cuts, but it seemed to be OK.
How can I tell if the pistons are scored? I'm leery of using it for any length of time before I can tell what, or if, there is a serious problem. Once the pistons are scored, there's no going back, right?
Thanks for any help you can provide.