What do yall think could have caused this?

[Jkstihl]

I didn't know if anything in there might pertain to your particular issue. Hope ya get your saw figured it and running soon.

Photo #15 confirmed my suspicion that it ate a intake flange nut...thanks man

 

[pioneerguy600]

I had pics of the pistons that had worn though skirts from a throttle plate and a broken airfilter nut but after looking through more than 5,000. pics I believe Photo Bucket is holding them ransom. Your troubles have already been revealed, that nut is proof of the pudding for me.