I had my chainsaw stolen but the police got it back. It seems that the burglars used it on pure petrol as opposed to 2 stroke mix and although the engine turns it is very stiff and will not start. The dealer thinks it may be a write off. Any ideas? I should add it's over 20 years old.

John, April 2013

I looked around and got barrel and piston from ebay (not genuine parts) for just over £20.00.
but fitted myself, take your time look around and you can down load repair manual.

colin, May 2013

Only you can decide it it's a write off, as it all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend on it compared to a new replacement saw. Everything is repairable...just depends if you want to spend the money.

It will need a new piston and barrel, which on this domestic type Stihl chainsaw constitutes purchasing 90% of the engine components- unlike the construction methods of the pro Stihl saws.

Cost wise a new piston and barrel from Stihl is £150.00 plus vat. Labour is the killer, as it's a complete rebuild. Got to leave half a day for a proper job, so say four hours labour at around £40 an hour plus some vat and you can see it's not looking too good. Especially on a 20 year old machine.

pleasant, April 2013