Rocosil
ArboristSite Member
My Dolmar 5100S (Bought March 2008, less than 10 cords cut, 50/1 mix E10 premium & synthetic oil.) wouldn't restart after running out of fuel the previous day. Spark and fuel delivery fine. Since it's still on warranty, I took it to the dealer who told me today that the cylinder was burned due to the use of E10, which now appears to be the only gas available here in Maine. He claimed that he is trying to get a new jug from Dolmar under the warranty, but that in previous cases of this nature Dolmar has balked, claiming that the damage is due to the fuel and, therefore, not covered under the warranty, which covers only for manufacturing defects. He also claims that Dolmar is now telling dealers to tune the saws they sell richer and tell their customers to use a 40/1 or even, to be an the safe side, 30/1 mix. Presumably, I wasn't told that because I bought the saw before they became aware of the problem.
He said that, if he can't get the new cylinder under warranty, he'll "work with me" in the sense that he won't charge me for the labor, but that the jug will cost $180.
In a way, I'm a bit dubious about the whole story, because I find it hard to believe that a manufacturer would introduce a saw prone to this problem when the effect of ethanol blends on small engines was already well-documented. Some of the threads about the effect of ethanol blends I've researched here go back as much as three years.
After this experience, I'm also concerned about my other saws ( Stihls 028 & 031 and an Echo 305), but I suppose the only thing I can do is go back to the old 40/1 mix, sneaking it maybe closer to 35/1.
Your thoughts, please.
He said that, if he can't get the new cylinder under warranty, he'll "work with me" in the sense that he won't charge me for the labor, but that the jug will cost $180.
In a way, I'm a bit dubious about the whole story, because I find it hard to believe that a manufacturer would introduce a saw prone to this problem when the effect of ethanol blends on small engines was already well-documented. Some of the threads about the effect of ethanol blends I've researched here go back as much as three years.
After this experience, I'm also concerned about my other saws ( Stihls 028 & 031 and an Echo 305), but I suppose the only thing I can do is go back to the old 40/1 mix, sneaking it maybe closer to 35/1.
Your thoughts, please.