Man this is incredible! A wealth of knowledge and some humor on the side, it don’t get any better then that.
A few last points here before this chapter is over. I was told but the Dolmar rep that the dealer position was that if I brought the saw back AGAIN with another scored P&C that he would not stand behind it.
I think I understand his reasoning with that statement but if that is the case then I need THEM both the mfg / dealer to tell me the truth on just what exactly did such damage so if it was my fault I damm sure don’t want to do it again!
Before I even took possession of the saw I called the manufacture in Alpharetta, GA. asked to speak with someone in tech support or sales that I just had a few questions.
I wanted to know exactly how I was supposed to break in this five hundred dollar investment of mine. Got to speak with a very knowledgeable representative and he informed me on what to do and what not to do.
First and foremost I was instructed to never run it WOT if it was not under a load. Next I asked about what type of fuel / oil should I use? Here is where I became convinced that this guy knew his business when he explained to me about the different additives in the different fuel manufactures. Bottom line was stay away from Chevron fuels with the Techron additive in it was way too caustic for my saw and if anyway possible to run non-ethanol premium grade fuel. Oil was important, recommended that I run Dolmar Synthetic oil said something about it being in a silver container and even though it did not say synthetic on the bottle it was. Lastly once I had run about two gallons of fuel through the saw it was recommended I take it back to the dealer and let them adjust the settings.
OK here is where things get interesting. The day I took possession of my new 5100 I looked around his shop for the synthetic oil but did not see any, only the black bottles of oil covered in a nice blanket of dust and dirt. When I asked about it I was told that Dolmar did not make synthetic oil and it was not necessary just run the Dolmar oil. Then when I asked about the non-ethanol fuel I was told there is no such fuel any more just use a good grade of regular fuel. Now who would you trust at this point? I chose the manufacture rep in Alpharetta GA. Even though I could not find the Dolmar synthetic oil the best I could do was STIHL HP Ultra synthetic and yes I did find a gas station that sold 100% ethanol free fuel, cost more but I didn’t care I am protecting my investment.
After my break-in I returned to the dealer as instructed by the mfg rep. I was disappointed with the performance of the 5100 didn’t seem to have any more top end as did the 510. I requested they put a tack on it and yes it was way low. Once adjusted the saw became a screamer.
Then two trees later (one oak and one ash) and two months time and one attempted firewood re-size job the saw malfunctioned.
My whole point here is I know that there are people in this world that should not be allowed to own power equipment anything over an electric tooth brush and they are considered dangerous. But what is a guy to do if this was caused by all the potential possibility discussed here? Crank seal/ bearings etc… maybe I need to find one of those alcohol testers? Thought maybe sending it back to the mfg and having them do one of those "factory recertified" jobs on it if that’s even possible?
O well probably need to just let it go get my saw back be glad there going to fix it and hope for the best.