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Warranty Question

    Terry Musselman
    I have a 455 rancher, 14 months old, no compression. Local...escalated
    Warranty Question posted August 22, 2012 by Terry Musselman 
    7037 Views, 3 Comments
    Question:
    I have a 455 rancher, 14 months old, no compression. Local dealer tells me it is not covered, since it is fuel related.
    Details:

     I purchased a 455 rancher on june 13, 2011 , it worked fine until last weekend, it would not start.
      I checked the compression and had around 50psi.. I then contacted Husqvarna directly, and they put me in contact with the nearest local service center ( 40 miles away ) . My local guy closed the doors 2 weeks ago. 
      Today I took it in, and they called to tell me than Husqvarna  told him the problem is "fuel related" . I admit, I don't always use Husqvarna mixing oil, but I always mix with quality mixing oil, and always slightly strong on the oil side ( I was told this was a good idea, by my local dealer).   I use the same mixed gas in all my Husqvarna tools. What can I do about this problem.. I still think it is a warrant problem.
    Thanks for your help

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    Answer

     

    • Karla

      Terry, You stated that you checked the compression, How many pulls on the starter to get 50 PSI?

      Also some shops check compression, way to quickly like pulling on the cord one time and then saying yup, No compression. There are a number of other things that it could be, like maybe the de-compression valve is not working or you have a crankcase seal leak.

      Anyhow, If you put the correct fuel and oil mixture in the engine, I seriously doubt that there is anything major wrong with your saw. Did the shop take your saw apart?

      If they didn't I would suggest a couple of things remove the spark plug, and put 1-2 tsp of straight fuel oil into your engine, and give the engine 1 or 2 pulls, and then let the saw sit for a few hours. Next remove the starter, usually just 4 screws, remove the bar, chain, and clutch cover, Finally remove the 2 or 3 screws in the muffler, and gently pry the muffler off. Now looking into the exhaust port you should be able to see the piston, Is the piston scratched or scored you may need a little flash light, now slowly turn the clutch to move the piston up and down till you can see the rings, actually the 455 only has one piston ring. Is the ring still there? Move the clutch to and fro, and see If there is a little bit of movement between the ring and the ring groove, If not the ring might be just stuck. Take a small wooden dowel, Do not use any metal, and push in on the piston ring does it move? Move the clutch and stroke the piston a few times you may see the ring now moving slightly in the groove, If so you have fixed the problem, and you had a stuck piston ring. Also check the walls inside the cylinder as you stroke the engine, you should not see any scoring, If you have scoring on the piston, cylinder wall or piston ring then your engine will need a total rebuild. But If its just the piston ring then you may have fixed it. Re-assemble the saw, and check the compression with 5-6 pulls, If your reading is now 100-120 psi with 5-6 pulls then you have more than enough to start and run the saw.

      Oh, also don't forget about the de-compression valve, I hope this helps and its really pretty easy to checkout.

      You might also choose to get a second opinion from another shop, but it sounds like your chainsaw shops are like mine, far and few between or maybe if your not comfortable with taking the muffler off you can get some help, its really pretty easy and not very invassive but it does allow you to see inside the engine.

      I hope this Info helps, also unfortunately, If a total rebuild is required it will probably cost more than the price of a new saw.

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      • Terry Musselman

        checked compression with 4 pulls, throttle wide open, 50 psi..  dealer says same thing,   saw ran fine one day, wouldn't start next day.  I still think Husqvarna should cover this problem.  I have other saws and weedeaters using the same fuel that is in this saw, and have had no problems.  According to Husqvarna, they have not been having major problems with this model, I just can't figure out whythere are so many re-man 455 ranchersa for sale if they are not a problem saw?

         

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        • Karla

          Terry, Thanks for the reply. I haven't seen a lot of re-manufactured 455's but then I really haven't been looking either. I purchased a 455 in November 2010, and a second one in June 2012, both are still running fine.  I have not had a single problem, but maybe I'm just lucky.

          Oh, the procedure I sent you I have used on many chainsaws that individuals said were seized or No compression, all of them I have gotten running again. Anyhow, I wonder If Husqvarna has changed one of the Specs or clearances that is causing the problem you stated, or maybe its one specific plant that has problems.

          I hope Husqvarna can help you, bye for now.

           

           

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