The Green Industry's Resource Center

MowinginEureka · #1 02-24-2010, 04:12 PM

So, 8 months ago I bought a stihl blower. It is a BG 86 I think. The big new hand held model. Anyhow, after 2 weeks, the blower would barely run. Took it in, and they tuned it all the way as lean as it could go...and it still didnt run right. But, at least it ran. 1 month after that, the blower will barely run again. I take it in, they clean out the spark arrester screen with a blow torch. 2 weeks later, same problem, take it in again, they clean it again. 2 weeks later, yet again, except this time, they cut the screen off. I also have to leave it with them for a week because the off switch had stopped working. They replace the whole switch. A month later, the blower starts making an awful rattle and sounds really loud. I take a look, and the muffler fell off. I take apart the case to get a closer look. One of the 2 bolts holding on the muffler had broken off clean inside the head. I take it in, a week later, I get it back and they put in a helicoil. 3 weeks later, the bolt installed in the helicoil wiggles out and rounds out/strips the helicoil out and I take it in again. They helicoil it AGAIN, 1 month later (yesterday) it falls out the third time. I take it in and now they say it will be a week and a half for them to order a brand new cylinder head! What gives??!?! This blower is less than 8 months old. Im thinking of calling Stihl corporate and making them buy me a brand new one because mine is a lemon! Ive had 3 BG 55's, the residential entry level model and they never gave me this level of problems...So much for commercial and new and improved. Anyone else had these kind of problems?

Alan0354 · #2 02-24-2010, 04:26 PM

You sure the dealer know what they are doing? THey use an air wrench to tighten the bolts??

MowinginEureka · #3 02-24-2010, 04:37 PM

I dont know, but I think its a problem with using a helicoil in a cylinder head, the metal contracts and retracts with heating and cooling, not to mention vibration! I have tried retightening it by hand and it still pops out. I can always torque bolts tighter than my air wrenches...cheap pieces of crap...lol, thats what I get for going to harbor freight.

Alan0354 · #4 02-24-2010, 04:43 PM

The guy had to really crank the bolt to break the bolt!!!

My first guess without knowing the detail, just from what you described, the problem is with the dealer fixing it. Sounds like they make it worst after the first fix. Not defending Stihl either, just don't believe you clog up the screen in such a short period of time. Almost seems like the guy was blind shooting.

MowinginEureka · #5 02-24-2010, 04:45 PM

The bolt busted off without them ever having touched that particular bolt. They had to drill out the old bolt and helicoil it, twice. Yeah, and the screen was nearly completely clogged each time. I looked at it, it was very, very clogged. They asked me if I ran it at partial throttle most of the time. The blower runs at full throttle most of the time.

topsites · #6 02-24-2010, 04:46 PM

Operator error, and misdiagnosis.

So do tell..
Did you readeded teh Owner's manual from cover to cover?

After you do, and after you figure out the problem, be sure to forward
a copy of the manual to the dealer so they can read a little, too.

MowinginEureka · #7 02-24-2010, 04:49 PM

Yeah, when I bought it 8 months ago. Is there something I'm missing?

KeystoneLawn&Landscaping · #8 02-24-2010, 04:52 PM

Wow, lots of stuff going on there! I agree with you, Stihl should give you another and start over. I'd give Stihl a call or email their customer service. As for a helicoil in a cylinder head, we used them in aluminum heads on a sprint car years ago and they worked great.

FYS777 · #9 02-24-2010, 05:42 PM

ALL I CAN SAY IS BUY ECHO!!!! but i have had the bolts brake on muff, but not on echo. never could find out the prob. they need to give you a new one period. and don't back down until you do get a new one. the throttle position should not make a difference period!!!!!