How common is the de-comp valve leak?

[Duane(Pa)]

I don't have any known trouble, nor do I want any... Thinking of plugging some of my lower displacement saws and going with elasto start, at least for the Stihls. I am suspicious of the black goo that I see around the valves. Black doesn't happen with on start up.

 

[redoakman]

I personal plug all the dcomps I can don't like them don't think they should be on a pro saw . that's my 2 sense lol

 

[old guy]

I like em, but then I am gittin a little older.
I think they save a lot of wear and tear on the starter, did loose a mac to a leaker many years ago when I didn't know why my saw was revin so high.
Sure wish my 910e jonsered had one 30 years ago, my fingers still hurt.

John

 

[cedarshark]

I think they are ok on 70cc saws and up. I have lost an 026 Pro because the ball bearings came out of the retainer and the decomp pin fell onto the top of the cylinder. The balls made it to the crankcase and messed up both bearings.

 

[Whiskers]

I had one on an 026 pro that wouldn't seal right, but looked perfectly fine. I've also seen them get damaged by taking a hit and bending, but that is pretty obvious

 

[cedarshark]

If I need a decomp on a 48cc saw, chances are good that I probably shouldn't be using the saw.

 

[HuskStihl]

I had to install a decomp on my 25cc string trimmer

 

[nyctreeman]

I had to install a decomp on my 25cc string trimmer

You're not supposed to use your dentures to start it

 

[jar944]

I like them on 500cc's

 

[nmurph]

As you get older, you will appreciate them more. I've had three shoulder surgeries and an elbow surgery. The elbow will let me know the next day if I don't use a decomp. Don't be a hero, Father Time is undefeated. Use the decomp if you saw is so equipped- you can thank me later.

 

[Ronaldo]

I use the de-comp on all my saws if so equipped, not necessarily because I need to but it reduces the strain and stress on all of the starting mechanisms.
I have not had a de-comp fail................yet.

 

[cedarshark]

No heroes here. I will be 64 in October. My theory is that if I dont have the upper body strength to start a Stihl 026 without using the decomp, I probably dont have enough strength to keep it from hurting me if something went wrong, and the damage would be much worse than a sore shoulder or elbow. Everybody's milage will vary. I have a Stihl 045 w/out a decomp and 24" bar. I hate it and don't feel comfortable using it. I will make 2 cuts with a 044 w/ an 18" before I pick that pig (045) up.

 

[nmurph]

It's not about strength, it's about wear and tear. I'm in excellent health, but I getting old enough to see that I have to start taking care of my body if I plan to use it long term.

 

[spindrift7mm]

Hey you Old Fart ! Just a couple years behind you. Keep On Trucking

 

[nyctreeman]

It's not about strength, it's about wear and tear. I'm in excellent health, but I getting old enough to see that I have to start taking care of my body if I plan to use it long term.

When I'm using the MS660 Magnum my partner owns ... I make the 22 year old ground kid start it for me.
I can start it ... but it starts hard, and I'm like "what the fck do I need this for?" ya know?
I'm supposed to be management ... dammit!

 

[HuskStihl]

No heroes here. I will be 64 in October. My theory is that if I dont have the upper body strength to start a Stihl 026 without using the decomp, I probably dont have enough strength to keep it from hurting me if something went wrong, and the damage would be much worse than a sore shoulder or elbow. Everybody's milage will vary. I have a Stihl 045 w/out a decomp and 24" bar. I hate it and don't feel comfortable using it. I will make 2 cuts with a 044 w/ an 18" before I pick that pig (045) up.

I have the strength to start all my saws without the decomp (except the 230psi 288, which I honestly thought was frozen the first time I pulled on it). I just do not have the tendons to harness whatever muscular strength I have left. Running a big saw all morning gives me a sore back. Yanking a cord on a big saw sets my elbow on fire (fahr)

 

[hseII]

I know my MMMS660 will not start in the hanging position w/o using the decomp.
I have busted knuckles to prove it.
That is however, the only time I have ever used the decomp.

 

[ft. churchill]

I have never had a problem with any that I have owned. Spray soap water on them to check it.

 

[Jeff Lary]

It's not about strength, it's about wear and tear. I'm in excellent health, but I getting old enough to see that I have to start taking care of my body if I plan to use it long term.

I have had one shoulder surgery and that's enough for me cannot imagine doing it again. Sometimes I cannot even lift my arms without pain. I can sympathize with you , I just 10 minutes ago was doing a search on most efficient pellet stoves , thinking about giving up firewood altogether . There may be a Harmon in my future.

 

[Mastermind]

I have my wife start my saws.