Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
Fo some reason this made me think of a man who wanted me to look at his 1967 ford that had overheated , made a loud noise and wouldn’t start. I really didn’t want to do this job so I said $50 just to come out and look at it (this was a few years back) I went out and saw a spark plug loose so I put it back in, added some cool and and because it had overheated I checked the points, the were not opening so I adjusted them. Then I said go ahead and start it ! It fired right up and ran fine. He said that only took you 10 minutes, I’m not paying $50 ! I had a friend with me so I took off his distributor cap and said “ now take it to a garage” he paid and I replaced the cap and said I would never work on his vehicles again 👍😁
As a home remodeler who owned his own business for 11+ years, I can identify with your problem. Whenever the customer would complain about the price and the short time it took to complete the job, I would ask them why do you want to penalize me for having the knowledge, the tools, the materials, and the skills for doing my work as quickly as I can? Then I would say, "The only difference between me and a homeowner is that I need to make a living and completing my work in an efficient manner is part of that process...a homeowner can take two or three times as long to do the same work". Usually, they paid the bill, if they never called for another job, I considered it insurance against a bad customer.
Reminds me of fixing a laptop for my sister-in-law. She neglected to mention the latte that got away from the granddaughter. Yep, most of the problem was the dried-up latte inside the case.
I am the maintenance manager where I work. I learned long ago that we get more “help” than needed. 😊 I always tell my guys that you have to be a detective first, then a repair technician. The who,what,why always play a part.
I spent nearly twenty years rebuilding antique clock movements and I know the joy you get when something comes back to life. Especially when it's a clock that is over 100 years old. Fortunately there are some companies that make reproduction parts for antique clocks.
As an old mechanic, when a customer comes in and says he did this and that, that's where I start looking for the problem. When your customer said he broke the carb, that was a clue. I really enjoy your videos.
Some people are mechanics and some over confident. I'd like to know their thought process to get to a point like this. Can't explain what they did wrong to them and then it's your fault that they f'd up. What really sets me off besides hanging me out to dry with time in vested, is they bad mouth you to everyone! I got out of repair business back in the 80's for this reason! I wasn't ripping anyone off, but they sure ripped me off! My rant, whew! Great video! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️
I was in the repair field for 45 years. I learned to listen to the facts, not opinions from the customer. I was always amused by the sounds they tried to recreate. I also was amazed that once you think you had seen it all, then something like this comes along.
I second that on aftermarket carburetors. Stopped by the really good Echo dealer when I was in town to inquire about a carb rebuild kit for my handlebar string trimmer. The counterman said he needed to see it as they used different carb manufacturers over the years. I discovered new replacement carbs on Ebay for around $18 with free shipping, which is practically a free carburetor, so I bought one. Ran OK for a few weeks, then during a long weed wacking session got weaker and weaker, bogging down rich, and finally died and wouldn't restart. With air cleaner off I saw it was dumping fuel into the intake, so I'm going to take the original to town with me to see about an OEM rebuild kit.
Your opening monologue about understanding machines and listening to them made me smile. I recognize that exact feel. The funniest part is seeing where somebody else screwed up a repair or got tired, and said "good enough". The fingerprints are always there. Your mix of philosophy and machine-healing is heartwarming.
I grew up in a small engine repair shop. Dad was the best of the best. He refused to "shade tree" or "cobble" things together. He fixed it right or he wouldn't touch it. Your explanation of the satisfaction of fixing small engines really resonated with me. I have some skills but sadly the new technology has run off and left me in the 1980's. In all the years he wrenched, Dad still talks about the 2 pieces of equipment he couldn't fix. I think you should probably publish your monologue on the feeling of being in tune with the machines as it is the best explanation i have ever heard.
THat is why the pressure-vac test is such a great diagnostic tool. Also I have the used the Sthil and the Echo check sheet many times and they are great.
I was thinking this, but for real there should be a minimum charge to evaluate whatever outside work was done on the machine. If it turns out it wasn't destructive it can be applied towards regular shop hours.
I really hate elitist attitudes like this. People act as though you shouldn't be able to repair stuff yourself, and if you give it a shot and fail you should be punished by paying an unethical amount of money. What BS. You are the type of people who vote against right to repair, and take your car only to the dealership for things like an oil change or air pressure sensor. If anything charge the customer for the service hours that are extra or parts you had to re-replace, making someone pay extra beyond what industry standards are is not only unethical but immoral.
I repair broadcast transmitters for radio and TV stations and have for 30+ years now. I have a client with a top of the line high power transmitter located at a mountain top tower site in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You could think of it as the Stihl 881 Magnum of radio transmitters. Its a big beast about the size of 2 refrigerators setting side by side. I installed it factory new last August and it ran flawlessly for 9 month, then simply shut itself off. Since early June of this year I have devoted almost 200 hours of travel and troubleshooting to finding and fixing this unit. All the systems work properly independently, all Voltages and currents are present and all meet the factory's specifications, all fault lights are green and she's ready to operate... yet, it just won't start and obviously I've overlooked something; something deep, something uncommon. Your video is an inspiration to me to redouble my efforts and start tearing it apart system by system (again)! Who knows, maybe I'll find a hole blasted in the side of an assembly somewhere in there... maybe the electrons are leaking out. 😅
I’ve learned after over 20+ years of a wide variety of random mechanical repairs that some cars, engines, transmissions and other things are just janky, cursed, lemons or just poorly engineered and they leave the factory floor throwing codes & with the check engine lights on… 🤦🏽♂️ So swap everything out and Walk away quickly… 🥺😔😢
@@knowledgeengineer7127know that one. Friend bought a new 017, never did run right though it went to the shop several times. Then after sitting for 10 years he offered it to me if I could fix it I could use it. Did so, put a new carb on. Later bought it for 50 bucks. Worked fine then didn't, took it apart and a crank seal was blown out, fixed that. Next was no compression, put a new piston and rings in. Now won't keep running, it has something to do with the gas delivery. Good thing I like to tinker😂😂😂
A word about non-OEM carburetors: While I usually swear by Stihl parts, when my 25-year-old brush cutter needed a carb more than 10 years ago, I was put off by Stihl's $100 price, so I went to Amazon and bought five knockoffs. One of them went on the machine, which I use year round, including two days ago. It is still functioning like new, and I have four new spares. The price? $6. Yes -- six dollars per carburetor, less than the sales tax in my state on a Stihl carb. One-third the price at the time for a Stihl rebuild kit, and those things never work. Apparently those knockoffs either came from the factory that supplies Stihl carbs -- or should be supplying them. Sometimes you get lucky.
Similar experience. I put a $12 carb on a Kohler one-cylinder instead of the $350 (!) OEM and with a little reaming of one of the jets, it's been working perfectly. When a customer comes in, I give them the OEM quote (with guarantee) or the aftermarket price with no guarantee. Guess which one they chose.
@@dagrote1Now that takes the cake. I know the manufacturer has higher costs to fill and hold replacement parts, but that is ridiculous. The other day I was looking through my Stihl parts drawer and noticed those knockoff carbs. Of the five I bought, I still have three. The two I put on my Stihls, which are heavily used, are still working - for more than 10 years.
Going thru the same thing with an echo sprocket currently. $50 for the oem spur. Or $24 for the aftermarket rim conversion where I can replace $3 rims.
It takes a person of strong character to admit defeat and share it with your followers. Always remember the tough ones. They will help you one day. I had similar instances when I was a Ford Master Technician. Often it due to a customer who tried to repair the problem and would "forget" to tell the service advisor what he or she did.. Thanks Chick.
A thirty minute Tig job would have him cutting wood this fall. I agree with you Bri. Reserching an engines woes are intrigueing. I love to tune a rough running engine into total tune.
It is not a defeat, when the customer had already effectively made the chainsaw a basket case with his messed-up attempt to "fix it" before he brought it to you to figure out.
Always surprises me how some people want to solve anything with brute force. I thought Ive seen everything but breaking the carb and engine block while replacing the carb and coil is on a whole new level.
It's one of the first things I recognize when I'm doing any repairs. The previous person didn't know what they were doing. I'm sometimes shocked at what I find in the simplist repairs done by someone else.
After working on Stihl saws for many years, I feel your pain. Customers are their own worst enemy when they don’t know what they’re doing and try to fix a saw.
Yesterday I learned not to use Dollar Store paracord to replace the pull start rope on the recoil of my Troy Bilt cultivator/edger. Dimensionally correct, but snapped on the first pull. Today I'm waiting for an Amazon delivery of *REAL* 550 pound test paracord. You *rock,* Bre! ❤
I like Hyway brand piston and cylinder kits for MS311/391. My personal worst recent saws was a ms462 that was run over by a dingo, little grapple that fits through a back yard gate. Intermittent loss of fuel. The extremely thin wire that runs from the coil brain box to the fuel control solenoid snapped inside its wrap. it would show continuity but when it got hot it would loose control of the normally off solenoid. I've since seen it in a ms661. At least the harnesses are relatively cheap. Rock on Bree!
That must have been a stinker to find. Thermal failures suck. Just like poor quality rubber diaphragms in cheap China carbs. There's nothing that can't be cheapened.
I am a Stihl tech and when I started watching this it sounded all to familiar to. A few years back I had the same issue with a MS391 only the saw would start and run on high idle only, if you squeezed the trigger it would die but the kill switch would not turn it off???? After a careful inspection I found a small hole under the flywheel in the same area as your repair. The hole was small enough the the saw was actually dieseling, I could even remove the plug wire and the saw would continue to run until the throttle was goosed. It was mind boggling but that hole was just the perfect size to allow this to happen. Thanks for sharing this.
I can relate. Having retired from IT, and doing years of PC repairs, I’ve often been scared when I heard “I tried to fix it” because I know that there are “extra” variables and the customer is not going to share some facts that help.
My first question is always. Before it stoped working did you change anything, settings, add new software, a printer . . . or do something unusual. . . Time and time again they LIE! 😅.
I love that you mentioned defeat and humility when repairing small engines. I’ve spent 1000’s of hours on vehicles and small engines and rarely run into issues I can’t repair, but there are some that have beat me and It’s tough to admit when it happens
I hate it when there are no more parts left in this dimension for something I'm trying to fix. Google search is a total waste of time and data is not cheap.
A pressure /vacuum check that any STIHL Tech would have done would have detected that in 15 minutes or less. A valuable tool that pressure vacuum pump.
A tip from my years from Echo, a drop of oil on the impulse line and look for spit back when pulling the starter might have told you the saw had a crankcase pulse problem. There can be many reasons why losing your crankcase pulse, (especially on older engines that have a reed valve)...than just a huge hole in the short block...been burned more than a few times on this one.
I have an echoe I forgot about - I put a new bubble on it - hadn't used it in 8 yrs at least - pulled the rope and the damn thing started - with old gas even !! I shut it off and poured out the old shit - it's running like a new one
I spent decades trying to teach people that their ears are their number one diagnostic tool. Anything that has movement will tell a GOOD mechanic what is most likely wrong. Nice to see someone who gets it too.
Had a 2stroke V6 outboard that a piece of a piston skirt broke off, jammed between the crank and the crankcase and popped a small hole in it. I didn’t hear a thing when it happened, just an instant misfire. Swapped multiple things around but that cylinder continued the misfire, drove me crazy. Like you, it had great compression. Finally loaded it up on the trailer and took it to my shop. Even there it took me a while to find it until I spied the small chunk out of the crankcase. Ughh. Took the engine off, welded a small patch on the case, replaced the piston and rings. Still running that engine more than 10 years later with no issues.
Water in the gas, so the customer started replacing parts to "fix" it, then brought it to you with the complaint that it wouldn't run. He obviously left out the part where something went ka-blam when he tried to start it after he'd replaced some parts. Great video. And a good reminder of what kind of hidden alligator can walk through the door when you least expect it. Brand new chain saw. Wow.
I love your tenacity. I guess more than several of my bosses throughout my career liked mine as well because they either wanted me to stay with them or have requested my 'moving on' with them. My motto is 'I love to be awed'. I always admired people who learn a job then do it to perfection.
Looks like the customer was trying to pry off the flywheel and broke the transfer cover is what I anticipate. The other side of the plastic looks scarred up also. Always a bad omen when a customer brings equipment in after they’ve worked on it and it doesn’t run. Absolutely everything needs check as you found our. Tried to save money but ended up costing him a lot more by doing it himself… Good one Bri!!!!! The frustrations of your profession!!
Water in tank and busted carb removing it is a good indicator MR ignorant vice grips was beating on this saw and just keep looking for more self inflicted damage.
Looks like a job for jb weld! I've fixed a few holes in Briggs crank cases put there by the lawn repair shop to keep people like me from getting their old mowers and fixing them.
@@ggg-fv9zz same answer really, if it was mine then yes, worth a go, a customer's not so much. You have to be able to do it for a reasonable price, less than $100? And be willing to guarantee it. Are you sure you got no swarf in the crankcase etc? Not worth the risk to me.
Process of elimination can be expensive! And time consuming! But ya found the problem , and it ain’t always fixable! Been doing my own saws for over 30yrs now…. Thanks for the videos! Never to old to learn!
What a story, and yes we are used to seeing you fix everything. Humility is a tough one, sometimes you can't win them all. That is one big hole that he should have known about before he brought it to you
There's still hope for that Stihl. It'll take a while. JB Weld. Small amounts at a time. I did it years ago to an Evinrude crankcase. Right at where the crankgoes by. Very close tolerances. Otherwise it was junk...like your customers Stihl. With patience I completed the task. Off to the lake. IT WORKED!!! And it never quit working. I couldn't believe it! Don't throw it away just yet. I'll come by and pick it up. 😆😊 😊😊
Very true words spoken about learning to listen to what the engine is telling you. Especially with 2-strokes, they have a personality of their own. This skill comes from experience, along with some trials and errors along the way. Thanks for another great video 🫶
I had a situation one time where a customer brought in a DR trimmer with a bad oil leak happened it was a bolt vibrated out of the handle and just happened to fall down perfectly in the motor right behind the flywheel and put a hole in the crankcase.
After being a subscriber for some time now, I had to ask, “What make your channel one of the fastest growing channels I know?” It’s unique, truthful, entertaining, helpful, and real. You have the ability to connect with your audience. That’s why so many people watch your stuff!
I see from the comments that the point of it all is you did your job on what was a new saw but didn't imagine what the problem was because it's not something a reasonably apt small engine mechanic would expect. I appreciate that you still have all your hair as it didn't get torn out or rubbed out. Good learning experience and I am happy to see you not wearing your beautiful ring while working. Thanks for this and all your videos.
Maybe a screwdriver to pry off the flywheel did it. It wouldn’t have been running with the original gas with water... so something broke it while not running.
In my younger years i repaired tvs an radios, a guy brought a radio apart in a laundry basket and wanted it put back together! of course my boss gave it to me! i put it together hoping all the pieces were there! amazing that it worked and only had to add dial string. you never know what will come through the door!
Same. If it has good fuel, top end compression and spark, and a clean carb but still won't even crack, I think timing key. If that's not it, then it's time for a leak down test (a real pain).
Hey Bri - I am working on a Sihl weed whip - tried a lot of things - weak spark - someone said it could be the magnet in the flywheel cracked / broke - is this possible ?🤔
Anything's possible, and a bad magnet on a flywheel could do it. But it's not the first thing I'd think of. I'd do a visual of the magneto area first: dirt? wires good?, gap right? Then I'd check the timing key on the flywheel? Sheered? That wouldn't affect the spark/current, but it would keep the engine from firing. If it's a bad magnet, there's no fix for it beyond replacing the flywheel and seeing what happens. Good luck!
@@tinkergene Well, if you loosen the coil screws and when you spin the magnet around it should pull the coil into the magnet. If not, there's your issue.
I bought a vintage Echo chainsaw, disassembled in a 5 gallon bucket. I bought it to salvage for parts for another vintage John-Deere, made by Echo. I looked over the bucket case and thought, "Oh my gosh, this will run!" I had to find some more parts, but I got both the John-Deere and the Echo up and running. Grit and detrrmination, oh and more money than I should have spent, but I now have two great running and cutting 24" chainsaws.
This is a great video. One of your best. The opening monologue is spot on, when a machine that is not working can be made " brought back to life ", the feeling is really good. I wished you lived closer to us here in the Northeast. Honest mechanics are out there, but they are becoming more difficult to find. You and DieselCreek and Sasquatch from Minnesota are the only ones to watch !
Hey, we watch some of the same channels! I live in MN. I've been trying to meet up with squatch for some time now. He's always at a show when I have to work. If you're wondering why I have an old car in my profile picture, there's a playlist on my channel.
Great story, Bri. Your two cycle knowledge is amazing. I can fix four cycle fine, but have no success on two cycle. Have three dead chainsaws in shop floor as evidence of my 2 cycle frustration. You are an amazing small engine mechanic. Thanks for your videos. Love them.
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat! Toughest problem I had with my home equipment, was a snowblower that would start and run for a short while, and then in use would just sputter and die. Repeat, repeat. After trying all parts that made any sense to me, I finally on a whim took off the muffler to look at the exhaust port, to find it rattling. Turned out there was a broken off baffle inside the muffler that would stand up at the outlet occasionally, blocking off the exhaust and killing the engine. New muffler fixed it.
Bri, you are always so brilliant, evervescent and knowledgeable. You inspire me. Now, if I can only make the time to rebuild the carb on my srm 225. I know I can do it. Thanks for all your help.
I’m a chainsaw guy and I learned to always check fuel, compression, spark and pressurize the crank case when I have a no go saw. Learned the hard way also.
I learn so much stuff in your channel. You put your point up front and take us for the ride in short amounts of time. This is why I watch a lot of your videos. Well done Bri
It does it so happens.I am working on AMS 311 myself.I'm putting the piston and wrench in the jug.I haven't got to the flywheel and I looked Uber the whole saw, but your video was very helpful.Thank you
That's why most of us watch these videos to learn about the "Not So Obvious" reality of small engine repair. Nothing is ever Truly Idiot Proof... Merely Idiot Resistant ! ☝️🤨
So we can't automatically assume a carb is bad when there is no fuel. Further inspection is needed. Got it. I did a similar thing with the AC on my vehicle. I ass umed that since the vehicle had not had AC service in 20 years that the freon had leaked out. So I went and bought freon to recharge it. Turns out it had plenty of freon and that the problem was the compressor switch. I should have remembered to check that switch from my experience with previous vehicles that I had owned which had the same problem.
Sometimes an issue just gets by us, no matter how good or careful we are working. I'm not happy about those either, but it reminds me to recheck things (and recheck my thinking) when I think I've got everything right. Applies to people, hardware, documents, and everything else.
reminds me of the time when my coworker was working on a Jacobsen SnoBurst. he had already rebuilt the carb. and had it “run on prime “ via the spark plug hole, but couldn’t figure it out. i get it, doesn’t run on prime though the intake. after closer examination, i found the magic window.
I looked it up last night cause I watched your video. And I figured you needed A helping hand with finding the right part place and parts for that chainsaw. I hope it helps you out a lot to Bree.
My uncle once asked why I was wasting time fixing my lawn mower. My reply, "the satisfaction I get from getting it running is worth any amount of money". Nena brings home abandoned mowers every Spring so I fix them. We have never bought a lawn mower! We have given several away. 😁
We watch your great videos, my wife and I, and always learn something. She and I have been restoring antique motorcycles for 40+ years now. When people know that you are good with engines....they will bring you chainsaws, weedeaters,etc to get running. What prompted me to write you was your introduction to this video. My wife loved it since you covered something that she has been trying to get across to me for years. I suffer (as you seem to) from never wanting to give up on a project. I admit, I have taken things apart and reassembled them many many times because it's so difficult to admit that I just can't get whatever it is to run or run like I want it to. Both my wife and I thank you for this video. Your words somehow made me feel that it's OK to admit that we are not miracle workers......and just maybe it's OK to let some things go.
Defeat in the way of your time, but not certainly in your determination, or focus. Lots of respect for you and your drive. Great job! And thank you for sharing! Who would have thought it was this unless someone like you was driven, patient, and smart enough to figure it out.
Absolutely loved your monolog! It was word-smithed with perfection and 100% from the heart! This is why so many of us watch your videos, you are so real with all of this! "its broke broke, like double X double X" see what I mean, you are so real with us!
What a great story & demo of the trials and tribulations of your craft. I have to say, you are entertaining and smart with all your info. Thanks Doc Bri. You are putting out great videos. You make this crap fun. Please keep up the great work!!!✌
Hey I have an Echo chainsaw that after a few years started to run bad. It would start fine, but during a load it would bog down like it had no power at all I contributed it to dirty, air filter and old spark plug but none of these seem to improve it. one day my sister borrowed it to trim some limbs, and when she went to prime it her finger went through the bulb so she took it to be replaced. Now it runs like brand new, so I am confident there was a little pinhole in it.
I wanted to start a website for what you do. No need to. Your presentations are right on and rock solid. Mahalo! 70 and 30 years of experiences and wisdom.
I absolutely love this video. Yes, you are human and you're hilarious. I love that you can poke fun at yourself and present this in a very entertaining way. Keep doing you. We love you!
I appreciate your passion for truly fixing engines! If I hear a small engine stumbling and struggling to run I want to go and adjust it so I can have peace of mind. But that is a can of worms I know better than to open. Your customer handed You a basket case (i.e., live grenade). There is a rate chart for that: If you already tried to fix it yourself ... $200/hour. I am certain You have seen it. I dig Your channel. ✌
Gotta love it when the customer trys to work on there own stuff just worked on a min. gen removed a quart of oil from an half quart motor runs great now
I recently bought a brand new 311 for $550 from our local small-engine guru mechanic/Stihl dealer. He was hanging up his wrenches after several decades of service to our community. Maybe he gave me a deal (I have bought 4 other saws from him) but the price for me was a no-brainer. My saw runs great. I haven't tried running it with water for fuel, however.
I think your long slender fingers give you an edge on small machine repairs. I have to ask my wife to come put bolts into tight spots quite a bit working on cars, I do have pretty big hands so I appreciate how deftly you get things back together on those tiny engines. I like your channel, not gimmicky and great knowledge and experience to learn from. Keep em coming. You earned a sub on content alone.
Well I guess doing a pressure/vac test before ordering any parts when working on an unknown 2 cycle would be a good idea! Good video, your beautiful girl!❤
Excellent example of "there is always a reason" for everything. The frustration happens when we can't find the reason. Thanks for sharing your determination with us. I hope the customer appreciates it (if he can get over the reality that he screwed up.)
@@aptechknowledgeseal exhaust port and intake port with rubber. Connect vacuum tester to impulse line. Pull vacuum. Wait to see if holds for 5 mins or so. This tests crankcase and seals for leaks. Mity-vac works nice. You should pressure test as well with same tool. Spray soap solution if it wont hold pressure to find leaky crank seal. Or in this case giant gaping hole in case. LOL
@@warddcall very well in hindsight now you know what the problem was !! However on a newish machine you would not be expecting a crankcase leak that big or the reason for it ⚠️
Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
You could plug that hole with a tig welder. Not ideal but it would probably get it back in working order.
it's like on the wide word of sports......."The thrill of Victory.....The Agony of Defeat"!
My wife and I just love you so much ❤️
Fo some reason this made me think of a man who wanted me to look at his 1967 ford that had overheated , made a loud noise and wouldn’t start. I really didn’t want to do this job so I said $50 just to come out and look at it (this was a few years back) I went out and saw a spark plug loose so I put it back in, added some cool and and because it had overheated I checked the points, the were not opening so I adjusted them. Then I said go ahead and start it ! It fired right up and ran fine. He said that only took you 10 minutes, I’m not paying $50 ! I had a friend with me so I took off his distributor cap and said “ now take it to a garage” he paid and I replaced the cap and said I would never work on his vehicles again 👍😁
I would have said thank you please keep that promise.
@@michaelolson419wasn't the customer who said it
As a home remodeler who owned his own business for 11+ years, I can identify with your problem. Whenever the customer would complain about the price and the short time it took to complete the job, I would ask them why do you want to penalize me for having the knowledge, the tools, the materials, and the skills for doing my work as quickly as I can? Then I would say, "The only difference between me and a homeowner is that I need to make a living and completing my work in an efficient manner is part of that process...a homeowner can take two or three times as long to do the same work". Usually, they paid the bill, if they never called for another job, I considered it insurance against a bad customer.
Reminds me of fixing a laptop for my sister-in-law. She neglected to mention the latte that got away from the granddaughter. Yep, most of the problem was the dried-up latte inside the case.
I am the maintenance manager where I work. I learned long ago that we get more “help” than needed. 😊 I always tell my guys that you have to be a detective first, then a repair technician. The who,what,why always play a part.
I spent nearly twenty years rebuilding antique clock movements and I know the joy you get when something comes back to life. Especially when it's a clock that is over 100 years old.
Fortunately there are some companies that make reproduction parts for antique clocks.
As an old mechanic, when a customer comes in and says he did this and that, that's where I start looking for the problem. When your customer said he broke the carb, that was a clue. I really enjoy your videos.
I have also been stumped a few times on 2 cycle engines. Glad to know I am not alone.
Some people are mechanics and some over confident. I'd like to know their thought process to get to a point like this. Can't explain what they did wrong to them and then it's your fault that they f'd up. What really sets me off besides hanging me out to dry with time in vested, is they bad mouth you to everyone! I got out of repair business back in the 80's for this reason! I wasn't ripping anyone off, but they sure ripped me off! My rant, whew! Great video! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️
I was in the repair field for 45 years. I learned to listen to the facts, not opinions from the customer. I was always amused by the sounds they tried to recreate. I also was amazed that once you think you had seen it all, then something like this comes along.
Good video with good explanations and no swear words at the diy customer.
I second that on aftermarket carburetors. Stopped by the really good Echo dealer when I was in town to inquire about a carb rebuild kit for my handlebar string trimmer. The counterman said he needed to see it as they used different carb manufacturers over the years. I discovered new replacement carbs on Ebay for around $18 with free shipping, which is practically a free carburetor, so I bought one. Ran OK for a few weeks, then during a long weed wacking session got weaker and weaker, bogging down rich, and finally died and wouldn't restart. With air cleaner off I saw it was dumping fuel into the intake, so I'm going to take the original to town with me to see about an OEM rebuild kit.
Your opening monologue about understanding machines and listening to them made me smile. I recognize that exact feel. The funniest part is seeing where somebody else screwed up a repair or got tired, and said "good enough". The fingerprints are always there. Your mix of philosophy and machine-healing is heartwarming.
Excellent comment.
The customer just used the wrong size of hammer to remove the flywheel.
@saponi2 imagine if the customer had an impact gun and a Dremel. She'd have a three beer video at that point.
I think this could be the start of Chicanic the movie…
@@kmech3rd BLAST YOU for saying that and giving the idiots more fuel...
I FIXED RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT FOR 40 YEARS AND YOUR FIRST 2 AND A HALF MINUTES BROUGHT TEARS THANK GOD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE
I grew up in a small engine repair shop. Dad was the best of the best. He refused to "shade tree" or "cobble" things together. He fixed it right or he wouldn't touch it. Your explanation of the satisfaction of fixing small engines really resonated with me. I have some skills but sadly the new technology has run off and left me in the 1980's. In all the years he wrenched, Dad still talks about the 2 pieces of equipment he couldn't fix. I think you should probably publish your monologue on the feeling of being in tune with the machines as it is the best explanation i have ever heard.
THat is why the pressure-vac test is such a great diagnostic tool. Also I have the used the Sthil and the Echo check sheet many times and they are great.
In repair shops I've seen a joke sign that reads: "Labor: $100 per hour. If you work on it first $200 per hour!" You need one of these signs : )
I have a sign like that but really I just tell them I’m to far behind to mess with it, you can leave it but I might not ever get to it 😊😊😊
You have to know when to fix them. Know when to junk them
I was thinking this, but for real there should be a minimum charge to evaluate whatever outside work was done on the machine. If it turns out it wasn't destructive it can be applied towards regular shop hours.
@@paulzacher5672 aren't those the lyrics to a Kenny Rogers song?
I really hate elitist attitudes like this. People act as though you shouldn't be able to repair stuff yourself, and if you give it a shot and fail you should be punished by paying an unethical amount of money. What BS. You are the type of people who vote against right to repair, and take your car only to the dealership for things like an oil change or air pressure sensor. If anything charge the customer for the service hours that are extra or parts you had to re-replace, making someone pay extra beyond what industry standards are is not only unethical but immoral.
I repair broadcast transmitters for radio and TV stations and have for 30+ years now. I have a client with a top of the line high power transmitter located at a mountain top tower site in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You could think of it as the Stihl 881 Magnum of radio transmitters. Its a big beast about the size of 2 refrigerators setting side by side. I installed it factory new last August and it ran flawlessly for 9 month, then simply shut itself off. Since early June of this year I have devoted almost 200 hours of travel and troubleshooting to finding and fixing this unit. All the systems work properly independently, all Voltages and currents are present and all meet the factory's specifications, all fault lights are green and she's ready to operate... yet, it just won't start and obviously I've overlooked something; something deep, something uncommon.
Your video is an inspiration to me to redouble my efforts and start tearing it apart system by system (again)!
Who knows, maybe I'll find a hole blasted in the side of an assembly somewhere in there... maybe the electrons are leaking out. 😅
Grid leak, eh?
Look for bullet holes.
Mmmmm. Did you get it going? It's up on a mountain, didn't happen to find any bullet holes or fried rodents did you?
I’ve learned after over 20+ years of a wide variety of random mechanical repairs that some cars, engines, transmissions and other things are just janky, cursed, lemons or just poorly engineered and they leave the factory floor throwing codes & with the check engine lights on… 🤦🏽♂️ So swap everything out and Walk away quickly… 🥺😔😢
@@knowledgeengineer7127know that one. Friend bought a new 017, never did run right though it went to the shop several times. Then after sitting for 10 years he offered it to me if I could fix it I could use it. Did so, put a new carb on. Later bought it for 50 bucks. Worked fine then didn't, took it apart and a crank seal was blown out, fixed that. Next was no compression, put a new piston and rings in. Now won't keep running, it has something to do with the gas delivery. Good thing I like to tinker😂😂😂
I am impressed, you have a real talent to tell stories, this was really funny too.
A word about non-OEM carburetors: While I usually swear by Stihl parts, when my 25-year-old brush cutter needed a carb more than 10 years ago, I was put off by Stihl's $100 price, so I went to Amazon and bought five knockoffs. One of them went on the machine, which I use year round, including two days ago. It is still functioning like new, and I have four new spares. The price? $6. Yes -- six dollars per carburetor, less than the sales tax in my state on a Stihl carb. One-third the price at the time for a Stihl rebuild kit, and those things never work. Apparently those knockoffs either came from the factory that supplies Stihl carbs -- or should be supplying them. Sometimes you get lucky.
Similar experience. I put a $12 carb on a Kohler one-cylinder instead of the $350 (!) OEM and with a little reaming of one of the jets, it's been working perfectly. When a customer comes in, I give them the OEM quote (with guarantee) or the aftermarket price with no guarantee. Guess which one they chose.
@@dagrote1Now that takes the cake. I know the manufacturer has higher costs to fill and hold replacement parts, but that is ridiculous. The other day I was looking through my Stihl parts drawer and noticed those knockoff carbs. Of the five I bought, I still have three. The two I put on my Stihls, which are heavily used, are still working - for more than 10 years.
Going thru the same thing with an echo sprocket currently.
$50 for the oem spur. Or $24 for the aftermarket rim conversion where I can replace $3 rims.
It takes a person of strong character to admit defeat and share it with your followers. Always remember the tough ones. They will help you one day. I had similar instances when I was a Ford Master Technician. Often it due to a customer who tried to repair the problem and would "forget" to tell the service advisor what he or she did.. Thanks Chick.
A thirty minute Tig job would have him cutting wood this fall. I agree with you Bri. Reserching an engines woes are intrigueing. I love to tune a rough running engine into total tune.
That is in no way a defeat! You totally found the issue and did your job! The customer is the one who failed you. You Rock! Great video Bri. Thank you
The customer didn't fail her, he didn't know and brought it in. No harm no foul
Truth!
Yes and she could still fix it if the customer was willing to pay a bit over 200$ for the cylinder housing
Yes if it were your saw that wouldn't be the end.
It is not a defeat, when the customer had already effectively made the chainsaw a basket case with his messed-up attempt to "fix it" before he brought it to you to figure out.
Always surprises me how some people want to solve anything with brute force. I thought Ive seen everything but breaking the carb and engine block while replacing the carb and coil is on a whole new level.
Customer finally knows where that nut/bolt they couldn't find during initial reassembly, went...
It's one of the first things I recognize when I'm doing any repairs. The previous person didn't know what they were doing. I'm sometimes shocked at what I find in the simplist repairs done by someone else.
After working on Stihl saws for many years, I feel your pain. Customers are their own worst enemy when they don’t know what they’re doing and try to fix a saw.
Yesterday I learned not to use Dollar Store paracord to replace the pull start rope on the recoil of my Troy Bilt cultivator/edger. Dimensionally correct, but snapped on the first pull. Today I'm waiting for an Amazon delivery of *REAL* 550 pound test paracord. You *rock,* Bre! ❤
I like Hyway brand piston and cylinder kits for MS311/391. My personal worst recent saws was a ms462 that was run over by a dingo, little grapple that fits through a back yard gate. Intermittent loss of fuel. The extremely thin wire that runs from the coil brain box to the fuel control solenoid snapped inside its wrap. it would show continuity but when it got hot it would loose control of the normally off solenoid. I've since seen it in a ms661. At least the harnesses are relatively cheap. Rock on Bree!
That must have been a stinker to find. Thermal failures suck. Just like poor quality rubber diaphragms in cheap China carbs. There's nothing that can't be cheapened.
I am a Stihl tech and when I started watching this it sounded all to familiar to. A few years back I had the same issue with a MS391 only the saw would start and run on high idle only, if you squeezed the trigger it would die but the kill switch would not turn it off???? After a careful inspection I found a small hole under the flywheel in the same area as your repair. The hole was small enough the the saw was actually dieseling, I could even remove the plug wire and the saw would continue to run until the throttle was goosed. It was mind boggling but that hole was just the perfect size to allow this to happen. Thanks for sharing this.
😅
I can relate. Having retired from IT, and doing years of PC repairs, I’ve often been scared when I heard “I tried to fix it” because I know that there are “extra” variables and the customer is not going to share some facts that help.
My first question is always. Before it stoped working did you change anything, settings, add new software, a printer . . . or do something unusual. . . Time and time again they LIE! 😅.
I love that you mentioned defeat and humility when repairing small engines. I’ve spent 1000’s of hours on vehicles and small engines and rarely run into issues I can’t repair, but there are some that have beat me and It’s tough to admit when it happens
I hate it when there are no more parts left in this dimension for something I'm trying to fix. Google search is a total waste of time and data is not cheap.
And if I do find a part, they want to strike it rich for having what I need.
A pressure /vacuum check that any STIHL Tech would have done would have detected that in 15 minutes or less. A valuable tool that pressure vacuum pump.
A tip from my years from Echo, a drop of oil on the impulse line and look for spit back when pulling the starter might have told you the saw had a crankcase pulse problem. There can be many reasons why losing your crankcase pulse, (especially on older engines that have a reed valve)...than just a huge hole in the short block...been burned more than a few times on this one.
I have an echoe I forgot about - I put a new bubble on it - hadn't used it in 8 yrs at least - pulled the rope and the damn thing started - with old gas even !! I shut it off and poured out the old shit - it's running like a new one
I spent decades trying to teach people that their ears are their number one diagnostic tool. Anything that has movement will tell a GOOD mechanic what is most likely wrong. Nice to see someone who gets it too.
Once again, solid proof, some people should never be permitted to own tools.
@@Nimblebee-iy4nzYes I too have met a few similar individuals. Definitely keep your tools out of his hands! 😁
I've had those transfer ports come off on those 311/391s, but I've NEVER seen that, lol!
It's great when people try to save money by repairing their own things however, the price of learning can be costly.
The price of learning is invaluable but so accomplishing .
Like I say you cannot make a cake without breaking some eggs .
@@oursweethomelife
Hopefully it's a small oops and you don't have total scrap,that's a plus if it's still fixable.
Had a 2stroke V6 outboard that a piece of a piston skirt broke off, jammed between the crank and the crankcase and popped a small hole in it.
I didn’t hear a thing when it happened, just an instant misfire. Swapped multiple things around but that cylinder continued the misfire, drove me crazy. Like you, it had great compression.
Finally loaded it up on the trailer and took it to my shop. Even there it took me a while to find it until I spied the small chunk out of the crankcase. Ughh.
Took the engine off, welded a small patch on the case, replaced the piston and rings.
Still running that engine more than 10 years later with no issues.
This is possibly the most relatable internet repair video on a machine I don't expect to ever own I've ever seen. I feel your frustration.
The process of eliminating suspects is and arduous one...Bless Your Heart.
Water in the gas, so the customer started replacing parts to "fix" it, then brought it to you with the complaint that it wouldn't run. He obviously left out the part where something went ka-blam when he tried to start it after he'd replaced some parts. Great video. And a good reminder of what kind of hidden alligator can walk through the door when you least expect it. Brand new chain saw. Wow.
this is exactly what happened....
I love your tenacity. I guess more than several of my bosses throughout my career liked mine as well because they either wanted me to stay with them or have requested my 'moving on' with them. My motto is 'I love to be awed'. I always admired people who learn a job then do it to perfection.
Glad to know you have those type of customers that try the repair but don't know how and won't admit everything they did
Looks like the customer was trying to pry off the flywheel and broke the transfer cover is what I anticipate. The other side of the plastic looks scarred up also. Always a bad omen when a customer brings equipment in after they’ve worked on it and it doesn’t run. Absolutely everything needs check as you found our. Tried to save money but ended up costing him a lot more by doing it himself…
Good one Bri!!!!! The frustrations of your profession!!
Water in tank and busted carb removing it is a good indicator MR ignorant vice grips was beating on this saw and just keep looking for more self inflicted damage.
I like all of your feed back still learning at 76.
Looks like a job for jb weld! I've fixed a few holes in Briggs crank cases put there by the lawn repair shop to keep people like me from getting their old mowers and fixing them.
Came here looking for that answer 😂 I would probably try something like that if it was mine, but a customers saw? Not so much.
@@avid6186 it might be better than completely giving up
@@avid6186 if the hole is round enough it might be possible to drill and tap and plug it.
@@ggg-fv9zz same answer really, if it was mine then yes, worth a go, a customer's not so much. You have to be able to do it for a reasonable price, less than $100? And be willing to guarantee it. Are you sure you got no swarf in the crankcase etc? Not worth the risk to me.
Process of elimination can be expensive! And time consuming! But ya found the problem , and it ain’t always fixable! Been doing my own saws for over 30yrs now…. Thanks for the videos! Never to old to learn!
What a story, and yes we are used to seeing you fix everything. Humility is a tough one, sometimes you can't win them all. That is one big hole that he should have known about before he brought it to you
Wasn't the hole behind the flywheel? Bri didn't even go there until she admitted defeat and started stripping the saw down for an autopsy!
@@dans_Learning_Curve He saved himself a ton of money by doing it himself? 🤣🤣🤣Compromisef case. Factory? By idiot for idiot? 🤔🤔
There's still hope for that Stihl. It'll take a while. JB Weld. Small amounts at a time. I did it years ago to an Evinrude crankcase. Right at where the crankgoes by. Very close tolerances. Otherwise it was junk...like your customers Stihl. With patience I completed the task. Off to the lake. IT WORKED!!! And it never quit working. I couldn't believe it! Don't throw it away just yet. I'll come by and pick it up. 😆😊 😊😊
JB weld is the best that is what I was thinking she should have tried
I'm thinking when he set the fly wheel down to remove the coil the fly wheel is a magnet and picked up something where he set it down.
I thought the same thing. Because there was a lot of metal shavings underneath the flywheel when she took it off.
Makes sense to me 😊
Yeah have a look at the close up. You can see where it’s been bashed multiple times. There’s still evidence of it next to the bashed out area.
JB Weld it. That stuff works miracles. I've seen it used on car engines.
It can't take the heat.
Marinetex grey? Used for a Seattle Cat Diesel that froze. Of course that's just boiling temps...Outer skin/shell, not high temp.
Very true words spoken about learning to listen to what the engine is telling you. Especially with 2-strokes, they have a personality of their own. This skill comes from experience, along with some trials and errors along the way. Thanks for another great video 🫶
I had a situation one time where a customer brought in a DR trimmer with a bad oil leak happened it was a bolt vibrated out of the handle and just happened to fall down perfectly in the motor right behind the flywheel and put a hole in the crankcase.
After being a subscriber for some time now, I had to ask, “What make your channel one of the fastest growing channels I know?” It’s unique, truthful, entertaining, helpful, and real. You have the ability to connect with your audience. That’s why so many people watch your stuff!
Aw! Thanks so much!!
no brah - She's hot - that's why - hot and smart as hell - and kinda funny - but not over the top -
I see from the comments that the point of it all is you did your job on what was a new saw but didn't imagine what the problem was because it's not something a reasonably apt small engine mechanic would expect. I appreciate that you still have all your hair as it didn't get torn out or rubbed out. Good learning experience and I am happy to see you not wearing your beautiful ring while working. Thanks for this and all your videos.
That had to have made hell of a sound when that busted
I wonder if he remembers when it happened?!
No doubt in my mind the owner remembers the noise it made when it broke. he may not have understood what the noise was......but he knew.
Maybe a screwdriver to pry off the flywheel did it. It wouldn’t have been running with the original gas with water... so something broke it while not running.
@@chucksmoko5348That blew from the inside out. The flash is still hanging "out". 😉
What about all those rotary scratches on the outside of the case?
In my younger years i repaired tvs an radios, a guy brought a radio apart in a laundry basket and wanted it put back together! of course my boss gave it to me! i put it together hoping all the pieces were there! amazing that it worked and only had to add dial string. you never know what will come through the door!
I was thinking "timing slip" but did not expect that!! Quite a curve ball. 👍
Same. If it has good fuel, top end compression and spark, and a clean carb but still won't even crack, I think timing key. If that's not it, then it's time for a leak down test (a real pain).
Hey Bri - I am working on a Sihl weed whip - tried a lot of things - weak spark - someone said it could be the magnet in the flywheel cracked / broke - is this possible ?🤔
Anything's possible, and a bad magnet on a flywheel could do it. But it's not the first thing I'd think of. I'd do a visual of the magneto area first: dirt? wires good?, gap right? Then I'd check the timing key on the flywheel? Sheered? That wouldn't affect the spark/current, but it would keep the engine from firing. If it's a bad magnet, there's no fix for it beyond replacing the flywheel and seeing what happens. Good luck!
I been a mechanic 37 years I feel your pain
@@tinkergene Well, if you loosen the coil screws and when you spin the magnet around it should pull the coil into the magnet.
If not, there's your issue.
Probably your best video. Accepting it won't start. Been there, done that. Good to hear someone else say it. Thank You.
Back when I worked on boat motors, it amazed me what people would do!
I bought a vintage Echo chainsaw, disassembled in a 5 gallon bucket. I bought it to salvage for parts for another vintage John-Deere, made by Echo. I looked over the bucket case and thought, "Oh my gosh, this will run!" I had to find some more parts, but I got both the John-Deere and the Echo up and running. Grit and detrrmination, oh and more money than I should have spent, but I now have two great running and cutting 24" chainsaws.
This is a great video. One of your best. The opening monologue is spot on, when a machine that is not working can be made " brought back to life ", the feeling is really good. I wished you lived closer to us here in the Northeast. Honest mechanics are out there, but they are becoming more difficult to find. You and DieselCreek and Sasquatch from Minnesota are the only ones to watch !
Thank you very much!
Hey, we watch some of the same channels! I live in MN. I've been trying to meet up with squatch for some time now. He's always at a show when I have to work.
If you're wondering why I have an old car in my profile picture, there's a playlist on my channel.
Honest any trade is getting hard to find.
Another one for your note book of experience. That's why I like this channel. You show all the ups and downs of your business. 🐯
Great story, Bri. Your two cycle knowledge is amazing. I can fix four cycle fine, but have no success on two cycle. Have three dead chainsaws in shop floor as evidence of my 2 cycle frustration. You are an amazing small engine mechanic. Thanks for your videos. Love them.
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat! Toughest problem I had with my home equipment, was a snowblower that would start and run for a short while, and then in use would just sputter and die. Repeat, repeat. After trying all parts that made any sense to me, I finally on a whim took off the muffler to look at the exhaust port, to find it rattling. Turned out there was a broken off baffle inside the muffler that would stand up at the outlet occasionally, blocking off the exhaust and killing the engine. New muffler fixed it.
Bri, you are always so brilliant, evervescent and knowledgeable. You inspire me. Now, if I can only make the time to rebuild the carb on my srm 225. I know I can do it. Thanks for all your help.
I’m a chainsaw guy and I learned to always check fuel, compression, spark and pressurize the crank case when I have a no go saw. Learned the hard way also.
I learn so much stuff in your channel. You put your point up front and take us for the ride in short amounts of time. This is why I watch a lot of your videos. Well done Bri
It does it so happens.I am working on AMS 311 myself.I'm putting the piston and wrench in the jug.I haven't got to the flywheel and I looked Uber the whole saw, but your video was very helpful.Thank you
It was nice of your customer to create a hidden problem to fix! Sorry, nobody wins on this one. Love the videos.
That's why most of us watch these videos to learn about the "Not So Obvious" reality of small engine repair. Nothing is ever Truly Idiot Proof... Merely Idiot Resistant ! ☝️🤨
We win. We definitely win. 😂
So we can't automatically assume a carb is bad when there is no fuel. Further inspection is needed. Got it.
I did a similar thing with the AC on my vehicle. I ass umed that since the vehicle had not had AC service in 20 years that
the freon had leaked out. So I went and bought freon to recharge it. Turns out it had plenty of freon and that the problem was
the compressor switch. I should have remembered to check that switch from my experience with previous vehicles that I had owned which had the same problem.
Sometimes an issue just gets by us, no matter how good or careful we are working. I'm not happy about those either, but it reminds me to recheck things (and recheck my thinking) when I think I've got everything right. Applies to people, hardware, documents, and everything else.
Normally catastrophic failure is obvious, but small engines have "ALLOT" of hidey holes. 🤷🏼♂️
reminds me of the time when my coworker was working on a Jacobsen SnoBurst. he had already rebuilt the carb. and had it “run on prime “ via the spark plug hole, but couldn’t figure it out. i get it, doesn’t run on prime though the intake. after closer examination, i found the magic window.
Seems like you could come up with some kind of quick vacuum gauge over the carb input. Would test leakage in the crankcase and the reed valves.
I looked it up last night cause I watched your video. And I figured you needed A helping hand with finding the right part place and parts for that chainsaw. I hope it helps you out a lot to Bree.
My uncle once asked why I was wasting time fixing my lawn mower. My reply, "the satisfaction I get from getting it running is worth any amount of money". Nena brings home abandoned mowers every Spring so I fix them. We have never bought a lawn mower! We have given several away. 😁
We watch your great videos, my wife and I, and always learn something. She and I have been restoring antique motorcycles for 40+ years now. When people know that you are good with engines....they will bring you chainsaws, weedeaters,etc to get running.
What prompted me to write you was your introduction to this video. My wife loved it since you covered something that she has been trying to get across to me for years. I suffer (as you seem to) from never wanting to give up on a project. I admit, I have taken things apart and reassembled them many many times because it's so difficult to admit that I just can't get whatever it is to run or run like I want it to. Both my wife and I thank you for this video. Your words somehow made me feel that it's OK to admit that we are not miracle workers......and just maybe it's OK to let some things go.
Defeat in the way of your time, but not certainly in your determination, or focus. Lots of respect for you and your drive. Great job! And thank you for sharing! Who would have thought it was this unless someone like you was driven, patient, and smart enough to figure it out.
Love how you described the Victorys Just glorious Hearing It purring smoothly 1:00 @Chickanic
Thank you for taking the time to teach us. Absolutely love your channel because of your expertise and integrity.
I know nothing about small engines, but I love watching your videos.
Absolutely loved your monolog! It was word-smithed with perfection and 100% from the heart! This is why so many of us watch your videos, you are so real with all of this!
"its broke broke, like double X double X" see what I mean, you are so real with us!
I watched your vid on getting a Stihl 250 started. Couldn’t pull it. Ended up chain to tight. I’m never too old to learn. Thanks for the help.
What a great story & demo of the trials and tribulations of your craft. I have to say, you are entertaining and smart with all your info. Thanks Doc Bri. You are putting out great videos. You make this crap fun. Please keep up the great work!!!✌
Hey I have an Echo chainsaw that after a few years started to run bad. It would start fine, but during a load it would bog down like it had no power at all I contributed it to dirty, air filter and old spark plug but none of these seem to improve it. one day my sister borrowed it to trim some limbs, and when she went to prime it her finger went through the bulb so she took it to be replaced. Now it runs like brand new, so I am confident there was a little pinhole in it.
Hi Bri, you keep adding content on this channel and we who are hooked on your channel will keep absorbing what you put forth! Kudos!!😊😊
I wanted to start a website for what you do. No need to. Your presentations are right on and rock solid. Mahalo! 70 and 30 years of experiences and wisdom.
I absolutely love this video. Yes, you are human and you're hilarious. I love that you can poke fun at yourself and present this in a very entertaining way. Keep doing you. We love you!
I appreciate your passion for truly fixing engines! If I hear a small engine stumbling and struggling to run I want to go and adjust it so I can have peace of mind. But that is a can of worms I know better than to open. Your customer handed You a basket case (i.e., live grenade). There is a rate chart for that: If you already tried to fix it yourself ... $200/hour. I am certain You have seen it. I dig Your channel. ✌
Gotta love it when the customer trys to work on there own stuff just worked on a min. gen removed a quart of oil from an half quart motor runs great now
Wow! Stihl has really gotten pricey! Thanks for your honesty ❤
Even though I am a Stihl fanboy I completely agree! They could lower their prices!
I recently bought a brand new 311 for $550 from our local small-engine guru mechanic/Stihl dealer. He was hanging up his wrenches after several decades of service to our community. Maybe he gave me a deal (I have bought 4 other saws from him) but the price for me was a no-brainer. My saw runs great. I haven't tried running it with water for fuel, however.
@@Firedog-ny3cq We bought an ms311 for 5?? $ back in about 2015. They are more like 6?? $ now in my area.
I think your long slender fingers give you an edge on small machine repairs. I have to ask my wife to come put bolts into tight spots quite a bit working on cars, I do have pretty big hands so I appreciate how deftly you get things back together on those tiny engines. I like your channel, not gimmicky and great knowledge and experience to learn from. Keep em coming. You earned a sub on content alone.
Well I guess doing a pressure/vac test before ordering any parts when working on an unknown 2 cycle would be a good idea! Good video, your beautiful girl!❤
As a high volume chainsaw shop I’d say about 15% -25% of repairs do not go as planned and that is very solidly consistent
Excellent example of "there is always a reason" for everything. The frustration happens when we can't find the reason. Thanks for sharing your determination with us. I hope the customer appreciates it (if he can get over the reality that he screwed up.)
I have rebuilt automobile engines, but have not been so good at 2 strokes. They are a different breed for sure.
a vacuum check on the crankcase would've revealed that pretty quick.
What does that test consist of ?
@@aptechknowledgeseal exhaust port and intake port with rubber. Connect vacuum tester to impulse line. Pull vacuum. Wait to see if holds for 5 mins or so. This tests crankcase and seals for leaks. Mity-vac works nice. You should pressure test as well with same tool. Spray soap solution if it wont hold pressure to find leaky crank seal. Or in this case giant gaping hole in case. LOL
@@warddc thank you
I think she KNOWS that.
@@warddcall very well in hindsight now you know what the problem was !!
However on a newish machine you would not be expecting a crankcase leak that big or the reason for it ⚠️
This story was so thrilling! Wow I didn't even expect that o.m.g. what!?? So that's the issue on "why it won't work!: great story Bree