Chainsaws, know when it’s time to replace the rings, piston or cylinder.

Some general tips to help determine when it’s time to replace some of these components, as well as how to decide if a cylinder can be saved after a seizure…and avoid cold seizures.
** I didn’t mention actual steps in the replacement of these components, but it may be appropriate to lightly hone the cylinder with red scotch brute or similar, to ensure the new piston rings seat/wear in correctly.

[@outboardfixer]

I read an article on a university that done a study on ring gap. They tested from 4 thousands to about 60 thousands. They found that the loss of TENSION in the rings affected compression MUCH more that a quite large ring gap. The fact that the piston is traveling so fast, sometimes over 200 times a second, the air had little time to escape in the gap but a ring with little tension against the cylinder wall was far more likely to allow air blow by and loss of compression. Check the TENSION of old rings...they are MUCH weaker than new ones due to heat taking the tension out of them.

[@jimssawsnstuff8903]

Thanks man. I find most of the old rings are worn very thin and lots actually allow the exhaust gasses to push around the inside of the ring against the piston. Also, depending on if the study was on 4 stroke or 2, single ring engines might not have been considered?
Thanks for passing on that info! That’s one reason I prefer Caber rings, which are supposed to retain their tension better than others 😉👍

[@mattfleming86]

What's your preferred method for aluminium transfer removal and cylinder prep afterwards?

[@jimssawsnstuff8903]

Matt, I’ll do a video on it in the next couple of days. Mostly, it’s requires time, patience and dedication, as well as a variety of fine abrasives that I normally have for the rotary tools. I have used muriatic acid before as well.

[@mattfleming86]

@@jimssawsnstuff8903 I know the by-hand method is time consuming. It'd be nice to hear more about your way if powertools are involved!!

[@jimssawsnstuff8903]

@@mattfleming86 yes Matt, I’ll do up a video and show some of the rotary tool attachments that I use. It’s time consuming, but worth it if a guy can save an OEM cylinder

[@robertsimard735]

Good tutorial thanks for sharing.

[@jimssawsnstuff8903]

@robertsimard735 hope it helps.
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[@chainsawcanuck]

👍