Yes low compression might indicate needing new rings but a compression test plus pulling muffler and checking cylinder and seeing scoring would indicate possibly more than just rings. just lifting the saw off the ground by the starter handle will give a relative condition of compression with a bit of experience. broken av mounts, heli coiled spark plug hole.
Great tips Genin. I think the compression gage is something great to take with you when buying a used saw. A much better test than checking the piston for scoring.
Thanks Bob, When is comes to buying 2 stroke snowmobiles compression test is standard, always wondered why people never mention that but are so hung up on cylinder scoring.
I bought a used Stihl 044 10mm that ran. I asked for pics of the piston on exhaust side. The piston still had machine marks. I bought it, happy..... I ordered all new Stihl seals, intake boot, impulse line, fuel line, airfilter and new Caber rings. Got it tore apart and I lost it. The combustion chamber was gouged from something coming apart, bottom of the piston skirt was bent. I found a new OEM Mahle 10mm cylinder for $350, a little while later I found a 10mm piston in Australia for $100 plus shipping to the states. I have more money tied up in a used saw than what my Stihl ms462 costed new. 2 years later it's still not running. It's sitting in a box in the back of my shop. I have to many projects going on at the moment.
@765Guys I have a KS cylinder 10mm also that was bought used from a farmer that retired for $150 that was taken care of. Done the samething by replacing all seals etc. It's a helluva saw and one of my favorites. I would grab my 044 before my 462 but now its my 400c, 044, 661 and 462. The market place saw was cobbled together to screw someone over. The only way I'll buy another used saw is if it's $100 or less and I need something to tinker with. My KS cylinder 044 and my Stihl 08s I paid $30 for at a fleamarket that ran is my only 2 "luck buy's" on a used saw. I'm 50/50 on buying used saws that hasn't costed me in the long run. It's not worth the gamble unless you got extra money to burn or need a donor saw for parts.
Great information on buying pre owned chainsaws a friend bought a sthil 500i brand new and had nothing but trouble with it chain wasn’t oiling and wouldn’t even cut wood and smoking like a chimney 😱🤕😡
First and latest saws I bought were used and both have been excellent. I have used Chainsaws for 35 years and the clone saws look all wrong from a distance also the dimensions up close along with the weight and balance are clearly not right. Good topic for discussion, Thanks
If you find a "deal" on a new 462 for way less than retail, check that the serial number isn't scratched out...Kind of a sick feeling to realize you've been had
I'm selling 661cm with 600 in Westcoast parts and died covers.plus the stock muffler and bought new stock cover.and has bought full wrap on it..bark box and new stock air filter plus black air cover with uni filter..and west coast dogs...has about 8 tanks it's basically new not even broke in yet..payed over 2000 for it and parts ..selling it for 1400.oo. piston cylinder are again just Like new bevause it is..was used to drop a few trees light bucking .I put it on market place with honest truth about saw only 1 guy has been serious about buying it. Realy be takeing a loss..I'm smaller dude and just don't use or need it I use my 462 and 500i fir daily tree service..my buisness...also not fan of full wraps they take up entire seat s in trucks.and can't flush cut stumps ..so I just don't use it
