OT: Any Stihl BR600 Magnum backpack owners here? :OT

RRP · April 2018

I know this sounds a bit out of season, but my 13 year old BR400 has caused me fits last Fall and today not wanting to start. In the past a swift kick after a streak of cuss words would get it going. Once started it ran fine. I'm debating whether to risk a stroke with it or buy a BR600 which is the biggest beast Stihl makes. Just that $800 price tag chokes me a bit.

DoubleEgger · April 2018

Your old one probably needs a carb rebuild. Should run $100-150.

nolan8v · April 2018

I bought one in 2012 and have not had any trouble starting or running. I do use a non-ethanol fuel mixture in it since there is a fuel station near me that sells non-ethanol fuel.

HeavyG · April 2018

I'd agree that an overhaul would probably fix your problem for much less than new cost.

Are you sure about that $800 price? Looks to me they are "only" $500.

Legume · April 2018

DoubleEgger said:

Your old one probably needs a carb rebuild. Should run $100-150.

While I was out of town last week, my wife ordered and installed a new carb on a Honda commercial mower. Youtube is your friend.

RRP · April 2018

DoubleEgger said:

Your old one probably needs a carb rebuild. Should run $100-150.

I was thinking along that line as well. Just weighing the pros and cons. At my age I doubt I will get 13 years out of a new BR600.

But with my heavily wooded lot the yard men charged me $100 for the final cleaning when I was laid up in the hospital 2 years ago. So if I hired it done then with needing at least 4 clean ups then I'm half way to a new 600 in just one year!

Think I'll call my dealer and get a quote and what all that entails so I thank you.

RRP · April 2018

nolan8v said:

I bought one in 2012 and have not had any trouble starting or running. I do use a non-ethanol fuel mixture in it since there is a fuel station near me that sells non-ethanol fuel.

I have done the very same for 6 or 7 years now for my blowers, mowers, and chain saw. I have read that it isn't necessary with new engines these days, but why take a chance!

DoubleEgger · April 2018

I think the older Stihl stuff is better made. I’d keep rebuilding it as long as parts are available. I’ve got an 18 year old Echo Powerhead that I need to do some carb work on. I expect to get another 20 years out of it.

Buying quality only stings once.

Possumtrot · April 2018

I had br500 years ago. Great once fuel cap was replaced due to ethanol. Have fixed many friends equipment with a simple carb change myself. Carbs are usually cheaper than the associated labor. Sthil blowers have lasted me years and years.

RRP · April 2018

DoubleEgger said:

I think the older Stihl stuff is better made. I’d keep rebuilding it as long as parts are available. I’ve got an 18 year old Echo Powerhead that I need to do some carb work on. I expect to get another 20 years out of it.

Buying quality only stings once.

I bought my Stihl 400 after going through a few crappy home center name brands. As for the older models being made better...I agree...I bought a Montgomery Ward chain saw in 1968. I have no clue who actually made it, but that sucker ran like a sewing machine until 1982! By then the piston got p*ssed and it wasn't worth fixing even if one could be found!

GrillSgt · April 2018

One of the great things about Stihl is their demand that their dealers are well trained in service. The only place to buy Stihl is at an authorized dealer. Take it in and ask them to take a look at it and give you an estimate. At 13 years you definitely got your money’s worth. I’m also sure you took good care of it.

alaskanassasin · April 2018

The difference between the br400 and br600 is nothing short of crazy! The newer blower has waaaay more cfm and that equals less time blowing. The new Stihl blower is also what they call a 4mix or something, it has valves, I think there is a break in period and valve adjustment and your good to go. I think it also has a spring assist starter that will help with compression strokes.
I owned one and used it commercially for 3 years and sold it before it gave me problems, but it was used almost everyday and heavily so it should last you 6!

Possumtrot · April 2018

Best thing for us is that we sold and downsized (sort of) to a much smaller lot and have someone else to do the yard and landscape (minimal). Drinking Costco Zinfandel ang cooking meatloaf on the egg. Life is good

Gym · April 2018

I must agree with @alaskanassasin.
Being an arborist, I use a blower daily for copious amounts of sawdust and I must say the newer Stihl blowers are well worth the money. They are a4mix engine with a ton of torque and way more CFM. The difference is huge. I believe the most current model they are making now is the br700. Most dealers are pretty good. Ask them to fire one up in the parking lot... You won't be disappointed. Maybe even post your old one online and recoop some of the cost of the new one.
That's my 2¢

YukonRon · April 2018

"Once started it runs fine."
Spray Starting Fluid in the air intake. Crank once. It will run like a scared rabbit.

RRP · April 2018

YukonRon said:

"Once started it runs fine."
Spray Starting Fluid in the air intake. Crank once. It will run like a scared rabbit.

Trust me I did that today twice today.

alaskanassasin · April 2018

Loved that starter assist, I could reach around and start it without taking it off my back!

RRP · April 2018

alaskanassasin said:

Loved that starter assist, I could reach around and start it without taking it off my back!

Interesting, but doesn't someone have to refuel it while on your back making that easy re-start necessary?

alaskanassasin · April 2018

Customers come out and talk to you was probably the biggest reason to shut
down, or phone calls

alaskanassasin · April 2018

I wouldn’t trust anyone with a stinky gas can to not spill it on me!

RRP · April 2018

Thanks all of you! I just ordered a new carburetor from Amazon for a mere $17. It has all the pieces and parts. I figured I'll try that first since at that price and free labor (mine) why not!

Possumtrot · April 2018

Make sure you check the fuel filter at end of pickup line. Sometimes they look ok but are actually clogged. Might want to put new fuel lines on it as well. Most of the time I had success with just replacing all three (carb, lines and pickup filter). Just follow manual to set carb low and high speed screws. Doesn't take long at all. Good luck

fishlessman · April 2018

RRP said:

Thanks all of you! I just ordered a new carburetor from Amazon for a mere $17. It has all the pieces and parts. I figured I'll try that first since at that price and free labor (mine) why not!

thats what ive been finding, all the carbs and parts are generic and cheap if you dont go thru a dealer. if you find a name and number on the carb instead of a stihl part number you can save a bundle. ethynol gas eats the rubber lines, its worth replacing those, they gum up, sometimes the liner delaminates

RRP · April 2018

fishlessman said:

RRP said:

Thanks all of you! I just ordered a new carburetor from Amazon for a mere $17. It has all the pieces and parts. I figured I'll try that first since at that price and free labor (mine) why not!s

thats what ive been finding, all the carbs and parts are generic and cheap if you dont go thru a dealer. if you find a name and number on the carb instead of a stihl part number you can save a bundle. ethynol gas eats the rubber lines, its worth replacing those, they gum up, sometimes the liner delaminates

That's what this is - a generic for a multitude of Stihl and others, but my model was listed. I just figured when I tear it apart I can tell which new parts are for mine. A buddy of mine who now lives in FL used to repair small engines on the side and he was the one telling me a new carb was the economical way to go and not attempt a pieces and parts rebuild.

fishlessman · April 2018

RRP said:

fishlessman said:

RRP said:

Thanks all of you! I just ordered a new carburetor from Amazon for a mere $17. It has all the pieces and parts. I figured I'll try that first since at that price and free labor (mine) why not!s

thats what ive been finding, all the carbs and parts are generic and cheap if you dont go thru a dealer. if you find a name and number on the carb instead of a stihl part number you can save a bundle. ethynol gas eats the rubber lines, its worth replacing those, they gum up, sometimes the liner delaminates

That's what this is - a generic for a multitude of Stihl and others, but my model was listed. I just figured when I tear it apart I can tell which new parts are for mine. A buddy of mine who now lives in FL used to repair small engines on the side and he was the one telling me a new carb was the economical way to go and not attempt a pieces and parts rebuild.

when you get the old one off, take all the numbers off it and or save it for next time. i bought 3 kits for my finnish ice auger for 5 dollars each, figure i have the kits so it will work as is forever

NC_Egghead · May 2018

Ron, I’ve got the BR600 and it’s a beast! It will blow over potted plants; I even use it to sweep gum balls from sweet gum trees out of the grass. They now also make a BR 700 and 700x. If you’re still not happy after the carb overhaul, pull the trigger. You won’t be disappointed.

Ozzie_Isaac · May 2018

Legume said:

DoubleEgger said:

Your old one probably needs a carb rebuild. Should run $100-150.

While I was out of town last week, my wife ordered and installed a new carb on a Honda commercial mower. Youtube is your friend.

But does she watch baseball with you?

Legume · May 2018

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Legume said:

DoubleEgger said:

Your old one probably needs a carb rebuild. Should run $100-150.

While I was out of town last week, my wife ordered and installed a new carb on a Honda commercial mower. Youtube is your friend.

But does she watch baseball with you?

Of course @Ozzie_Isaac. She watches baseball when I’m not home too.