Check your spark arrestors!

Buddy brought his Stihl BG55 blower over. Said it had no (eagle) powers.

First thing I did was grab my 15mm socket and pull the spark arrestor plug and this is what it looked like - completely plugged.





Got the propane torch and 15 seconds later it turned to this.



Then the wire brush and the BG55 was back in business.

 

Kinda looks like a good thing to cut off and just put the plug back in and retune.

 

I check mine when I first buy a saw. Then noticing that they are a hindrance, I throw them away.

 

I toss mine. Call it a budget muffler mod.

 

Great job finding that !! I have the exact same blower ! Mine from new wouldn't run right..so I ripped that screen off...runs like a top . Sounds really cool now too !

 

Yep, they're more like HP arrestors. If you work in really dry areas I can see the need, but otherwise trash.

 

Speaking of sparks/dry areas....

I have run a lot of 2 strokes in dim light or in the dark, and I have not seen a spark come out of a properly tuned and maintained 2 stroke. I have seen plenty of sparks from rocks, dirt, or high mineral wood (iron wood throws sparks like a grinder and it looks really cool in the dark). If you have carbon deposits that are heavy enough to break loose and start a fire, it's time to change your habits. The most I get is a very light dusting of soot that wipes off with a finger.

Any piece of equipment I get that is full of carbon gets cleaned, and the carbon stays gone.

 

He runs Stihl Ultra doesn't he.

 

True, but hilarious.

 

It was actually worse than I thought. I revved it up and it sounded way better than before but then I looked up some videos of the BG55 and this was definitely running rich. Couldn't lean it out any more on the H screw and before ripping out the limiters I decided to pull the muffler and this is what I saw.

Muffler is shot. I saw the inside and it was caked with carbon. No point in trying to clean that. Ordered a new oem muffler.



Piston looks good.

 

Put that guy on Red Armor, Amsoil Dominator or Honda HP2 oil. There will be no more of those issues.

 

Yes sir I remember your posts. I recommeded the Echo Red Armor since it's so easy to get at the Depot.

 

What do you guys think of Husqvarna xp oil ?
I've been using it for a long time..seems ok.


Starting to run low in my gallon jug...if there's something better..im all ears to try!

 

You want added to my oil test madness? You can decide for yourself then.

 

The fast answer is if it has been working for you then have at it. There are way worse oils and several better. This based on the testing I've been doing for nearly three years now.

 

Fill me in. What's better ? I see the Echo Red Armor is getting great reviews ! Like I said..im getting ready to run out of Husky oil..id be ok switching and trying ! Always willing to try something else out !

 

Amsoil Dominator, Honda HP2 and Echo red Armor are best of the best so far. Oh, Castrol GO full mineral is excellent too but not as clean.

 

There are many good oils. Amsoil saber, Ipone Samurai, motul 800, blue marble. Maxima K2.

 

I appreciate the headsup ! I think I'll try something different this time. Thinking Echo...but who knows. Thanks man !

 

You can't go wrong with echo red armor.