I have a 455 Rancher chainsaw that I've determined to have stuck piston ring. The saw quit running while I was cutting after a couple hours of use and I couldn't get it re-started. Checked compression and found it at about 65psi after 6+ pulls. replaced the Decomp valve and tried a cylinder plug with no change to either. Thought I had ruined the top end with old ethanol mix fuel and have disassembled to determine for certain. The ring is definitely stuck and I have combustion deposits in the ring groove and on the piston below the ring. The cylinder "looks" good with the exception of two or three what appear to be "break-in" lines. I can even still see some of the original honing marks in the cylinder. I've run my finger around the cylinder and cannot feel any scoring, but it's cold in my shop and at my age, my sense of touch is not what it used to be even when my fingers are warm enough. I'm getting ready to order a piston and ring set and I'm wondering if I should re-examine the cylinder by some other method to look for scoring or should it be obvious. Also, some manufacturers no longer recommend glaze breaking or honing, what does Husqvarna recommend for installing a new piston and ring, should I hone the cylinder?
I've been running a richer oil mix than the recommended 50:1 and I assume that's the cause of the stuck ring. Thoughts?
Thanks for your time.
Service & Maintenance Question posted January 31, 2014 by Gary Wheeler in Husqvarna: Ask & Answer > Chainsaws publicI have a 455 Rancher chainsaw that I've determined to have stuck piston ring. The saw quit running while I was cutting after a couple hours of use and I couldn't get it re-started. Checked compression and found it at about 65psi after 6+ pulls. replaced the Decomp valve and tried a cylinder plug with no change to either. Thought I had ruined the top end with old ethanol mix fuel and have disassembled to determine for certain. The ring is definitely stuck and I have combustion deposits in the ring groove and on the piston below the ring. The cylinder "looks" good with the exception of two or three what appear to be "break-in" lines. I can even still see some of the original honing marks in the cylinder. I've run my finger around the cylinder and cannot feel any scoring, but it's cold in my shop and at my age, my sense of touch is not what it used to be even when my fingers are warm enough. I'm getting ready to order a piston and ring set and I'm wondering if I should re-examine the cylinder by some other method to look for scoring or should it be obvious. Also, some manufacturers no longer recommend glaze breaking or honing, what does Husqvarna recommend for installing a new piston and ring, should I hone the cylinder?