marsingbob
ArboristSite Lurker
I started a thread on this a year and a half ago and thought the problem might be fixed, but it isn't. I have a really nice 460 with very low hours. I have owned it for 6 or 8 years and until about 2 years ago it was competely trouble free. It idles as it should and runs great with good power. About two years ago it started flooding when using the choke. Probably does it three times out of four and the problem seems most common when the saw is cold and has not run for a few hours. It has a nasty kickback when this happens. The only solution is to remove the spark plug and flush the gas from the cylinder and (I assume) the crankcase. I always use fresh non ethanol gas.
My starting procedure is what Stihl recommends for a cold saw--put it on choke until it fires, then move it to fast idle. I am careful not to pull it again on choke after it pops. If it tries to start on the first pop it usually dies immediately--before I can move it to fast idle--and then is flooded.
I took the saw to the dealer in this area (Southwest Idaho) with the best reputation a year and a half ago and they rebuilt the carburetor and put a new spark plug in it. It started when I got it home, but quickly started having the same problem. I was frustrated and left it alone for a year. I took it back to the same dealer last fall and left a message about the problem (this is a new style dealership and I was not able to talk to the service person). They again rebuit the carburetor and put in a new spark plug. It started when I brought it home, but then had the same old problem. I took it back and they called later that day and said there was nothing wrong with it. I talked to the salesperson and he said I was probably too old and could not pull it over hard enough.
It still runs great when it starts. It is bone stock and the piston shows a little wear but no scoring. Air filter is almost new and clean. Tank vent seems clear. If I pull the plug and crank it over 10 or 12 times, then replace the plug, it will often start on fast idle.
Any thoughts or suggestions on how to fix it would be appreciated. Perhaps a new carburetor? I have done several searches and cannot find anyone having this problem with a 460 (or an 046). Any suggestions on a service shop I could take or send it to?
My starting procedure is what Stihl recommends for a cold saw--put it on choke until it fires, then move it to fast idle. I am careful not to pull it again on choke after it pops. If it tries to start on the first pop it usually dies immediately--before I can move it to fast idle--and then is flooded.
I took the saw to the dealer in this area (Southwest Idaho) with the best reputation a year and a half ago and they rebuilt the carburetor and put a new spark plug in it. It started when I got it home, but quickly started having the same problem. I was frustrated and left it alone for a year. I took it back to the same dealer last fall and left a message about the problem (this is a new style dealership and I was not able to talk to the service person). They again rebuit the carburetor and put in a new spark plug. It started when I brought it home, but then had the same old problem. I took it back and they called later that day and said there was nothing wrong with it. I talked to the salesperson and he said I was probably too old and could not pull it over hard enough.
It still runs great when it starts. It is bone stock and the piston shows a little wear but no scoring. Air filter is almost new and clean. Tank vent seems clear. If I pull the plug and crank it over 10 or 12 times, then replace the plug, it will often start on fast idle.
Any thoughts or suggestions on how to fix it would be appreciated. Perhaps a new carburetor? I have done several searches and cannot find anyone having this problem with a 460 (or an 046). Any suggestions on a service shop I could take or send it to?