Chainsaw cylinder scoring- repair method??

[Dimark1009]

Guys,

I have a Stihl 361 chainsaw in the shop, low compression , no start. I could see the piston was scored thru the exhaust hole. I pulled the jug off and removed the piston. I know the piston is shot, but my question is...

the cylinder wall has vertical marks on the exhaust side , but aren't grooved enough to catch your fingernail on. So my question is, can something be done to try to reuse the jug and just replace the piston ?

I have read that you can use Muratic Acid to remove the aluminum deposits and then use a ball hone to resurface the wall. has anyone heard or done this??

I know I can buy aftermarket pistons and cylinders , but would just like to see if I can salvage some jugs that arent too bad.

Thanks,

Mark.

[norm]

Is this your machine, or are you charging a customer real $$$ to fix it?

[Dimark1009]

it's a customers saw. will be charging to repair.

[Hotsaw38]

Have you figured out why it burned up in the first place? And yes, you can probably save that cylinder with the method you talked about, personally I just use sandpaper until all the aluminum is off the crome plating. I don't like messing with the acid. Make sure you know "why" it happened in the first place so you can fix it now and not be fixing it for free later out of your own pocket.

[Dimark1009]

fine sandpaper??

OK, I'll bite. just use it like normal and polish out the scuffing?? wont that take the nickel coating off the cylinder ?

[norm]

To me, it depends on what the vertical marks on the cylinder actually are. If metal transfer, no problem. If scuffs or gouges you should change it. If you est. piston/cyl. kit and he turns it down and gives it to you, just clean it up, replace rings and put it to work .

[Dimark1009]

I know what caused it, the jug bolts were loose, made it run lean.

it almost feels like Norm said " metal transfer" you can sort of feel a "high spot' where the vertical marks are. I will try to find some crocus cloth and clean it up.

[johnathon281]

Just my opinion...I always replace these parts. I don't want the unit to return for reworks. Saws don't make enough money for any returns....lol...
If it were my unit, then i would try to clean up the cyl....but not the customers

[norm]

I know what caused it, the jug bolts were loose, made it run lean.

it almost feels like Norm said " metal transfer" you can sort of feel a "high spot' where the vertical marks are. I will try to find some crocus cloth and clean it up.

I would go with acid to remove aluminum from steel. Crocus cloth does not know/care what kind of metal it removes. BTW, how is the piston shot? Gouges or scuffs never killed one of my pistons, only bad ring lands or grooves, or multiple pieces.

[Dimark1009]

The piston is much worse than the cylinder. the exhaust side of the piston has multiple deep vertical grooves in it. you definitely catch your fingernail in them.

Like I said the cylinder isnt as bad. just has what looks like metal transfer.

lets says I do decide to try the acid trick. how do you do it?? I've never done it.