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On my nephew's FS36 when pulling rope there isn't resistance, and obviously it doesn't even try to start. What does this indicate? I thought maybe no compression because of blown piston, or maybe another problem? I'm somewhat new to this forum but I want to learn more so I can do first echelon maintenance on my weed eaters and chainsaws. Thanks for any help.

How old is it? Has it been used a lot? What is the maintenance background?

Check the spark arrestor.

Is the flywheel being engaged when you pull the rope? If flywheel is engaging then take spark plug out and see if the piston is moving when pulling the rope.

Mikel1 said:

Is the flywheel being engaged when you pull the rope? If flywheel is engaging then take spark plug out and see if the piston is moving when pulling the rope.

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Thanks Lawnboy and Mikel1. I'll check your suggestions and get back in a couple of days with findings.

Mikel1 said:

Is the flywheel being engaged when you pull the rope? If flywheel is engaging then take spark plug out and see if the piston is moving when pulling the rope.

Click to expand...

Spark arrester is fine, not clogged. I don't think the flywheel is engaged, or at least when you pull the rope there isn't any resistance. What does this indicate, something plastic is worn out? I've heard it said that 'aggressive' pulling can break something, if not the rope

daplight said:

Spark arrester is fine, not clogged. I don't think the flywheel is engaged, or at least when you pull the rope there isn't any resistance. What does this indicate, something plastic is worn out? I've heard it said that 'aggressive' pulling can break something, if not the rope

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Asking again-what could be the problem here? If flywheel is not being engaged then piston wouldn't be moving, right? Wish I could find a diagram, or parts explosion list so I could see closeup of maybe the key is broken. Being a newbie I'm reluctant to totally dismantle, but I think thats what I'm going to do.

The reciol mechanism & engagement dogs are in the side cover and come off with it so pull the side cover off and have a look.
There are a few pawls and springs that can break or fall off so the pull rope can not rotate the engine.
You should be able to see the cooling fins through the cover and they are on the flywheel so if they are not moving the starter rope is not rotating the engine.

My apologies, didn't receive any emails indicating replies.:confused2:

Bert has given you some solid advice.
Like Bert said I would take the cover off with recoil assembly then manually turn flywheel. That should narrow it down quick.

bertsmobile1 said:

The reciol mechanism & engagement dogs are in the side cover and come off with it so pull the side cover off and have a look.
There are a few pawls and springs that can break or fall off so the pull rope can not rotate the engine.
You should be able to see the cooling fins through the cover and they are on the flywheel so if they are not moving the starter rope is not rotating the engine.

Click to expand...

Thanks Bert, I will dismantle further this weekend. I'll let everyone know what I find.

bertsmobile1 said:

The reciol mechanism & engagement dogs are in the side cover and come off with it so pull the side cover off and have a look.
There are a few pawls and springs that can break or fall off so the pull rope can not rotate the engine.
You should be able to see the cooling fins through the cover and they are on the flywheel so if they are not moving the starter rope is not rotating the engine.

Click to expand...

If this is the one made in the 90's it doesn't have a "side cover" the whole front end comes off and then there is a white bracket holding the pullcord\recoil assembly.

Same thing only different.
Pull the back end off nd you will seethe flywheel and drive pawls sitting on the engine.
The springs get weak he pawls breal and the ratchet the pawls engage with get munched up.
I can send you copy of the parts book & service manual but you will have to pm me so I can send it direct.
Sthil get a hissy fit if any one posts any of their manuals on line.
Also he manual will call for a lot of specifc Stihl tools so it is of limited use but better than nothing.