Chainsaw folks....please chime in..should we keep it?

[Beltane]

We were given a used Jonsered 450 chainsaw made in Sweden about 7 years ago that we believe is at least 20 years old. The last time we used it (about 3 years ago) the thing wouldn't stay running and I know it needs a new pull cord and sharpening. It looks pretty old! Is it worth getting the tune up and any repairs that might be necessary or should we look for something new? We're looking to make use of felled trees on our property for wood, etc. I'd rather fix up a GOOD old piece of equipment rather then buying something new that won't last.

All opinions welcome!

[EDDIE BUCK]

I would get a tune-up and starter cord and maybe let them sharpen it,but I can do that.If they are like other things 20yrs ago were made better than they are today.It will probably be around for 20 more.my two cent though. Eddie

[Cartman]

I would get as much use out of it that I could. Replace the pull rope and run some carb cleaner in the fuel mix and clean air filter. Chances are that could fix the problem with it not staying running. If not take it in to the shop. I always try to fix things myself before I pay someone else to do it. Besides a repair bill is gona be a lot less than a new saw of that size.

[ericjeeper]

And a new impulse line as well as a new fuel line.Remove the carb disassemble it and clean it..

[Judi Reilly]

Our chain saw is so heavy,,so this summer I bought an electric one...for you tho Beltane,,you'd need about 10 miles of cord if your out in the woods..even here in the yard,,I need lots of cord,,but,,,the ease and light weight is perfect...got all the trimming up done in no time..
Judi

[Hoop]

If you can fix it yourself, keep it. If it needs to be taken in to have repairs completed, expect the cost of repairs to far exceed any value the chainsaw has or will have. Most chain saw repair shops charge $40 - $75/hour for repairs.

On its best day, if this 20 year old chainsaw is running perfect, its worth is maybe $100. Realistically, its worth far less.

Some old stuff is good. Some old stuff is just plain frustrating given that it won't perform properly when you need it.

given that the chainsaw didn't run properly 3 years ago, I'm inclined to think this chainsaw can find new life.........as a boat anchor

[MELOC]

think of it this way, they don't make them like that anymore so it is worth spending as much to rebuild as you would spend on a brand new saw. if it costs $300+ to rebuild it, it is worth it.

[Ed Norman]

Like always, I recommend Seafoam gas additive to clean up old engines. I just got a 25 year old 2 cycle Honda running with it, and it hadn't run in many years. It costs $8 for a can at the parts store and is worth trying before you go to the repair shop.

[hunter63]

Keep it and fix it, either your self or a repair shop. If you throw it out, someone like me will come along and pick it up, fix it and either use it or sell it.

I would try cleaning as was suggested, whole saw, carb, tank, replace fuel lines/filters, plug and of course, rope.
Sharpening up the chain should be done every time you use it, but I would use a new one to start with, AFTER you get it running.

Repair shops actually like working on the older ones, they think the newer saws a junk, and a lot of them are.
Good luck.
That reminds me I have a chainsaw in the garage/shop, that I had gotten running, but lost spark? and a leaf blower from the curb.
Guess I have to get a fire going in the shop and see what's up.

[-TWO-]

Crankcase seals can dry out & crack on a saw thats set unused for so long. Diaphrams in the carborator could also be a problem. Remove the muffler & you'll be able to see the piston & cylinder. Both surfaces should be smooth, with no scoring. If that's good, Remove the bar & chain & hold the power head by pull rope handle. There should be enough compression to hold the weight of the saw. If these check out, you've got something to work with. It might cost a little to get the old girl up & running, but you said it was given to you, so you would only be out the cost of repairs.

[Jotun]

Go talk to a bunch of good-ol-boys in your area and get feel for who in your area is reliable and trustworthy with a chainsaw. go to them. if repairable have it repaired and then as a treat for your saw, get it a new chain.
I love the Indego Girls quote.
Jotun

[Toads tool]

I'd love to get my hands on an old Jonsered.
You shouldn't have any trouble getting rid of the saw if you decide to buy new. Anyone who has ever used a saw much knows that Jonsered is a top of the line saw, built well very solid.
Repair it if you have the means to is my vote.

[Allen W]

Cut wood yesterday with a 20 + year old 028 stihl, have another little stihl older then that I need to fix a fuel line on. Your old Jonsered is a top end saw definitely worth fixing.

[Yvonne's hubby]

Hmmm, that old jonsred is going to give you fits forever, the best thing you can do is pack it up, and ship it directly to me. I will see that it gets a proper resting place, safe and out of harms way.

Seriously, thats one of the best old saws money can buy. It is fer sure worth a bit of tlc, a few tweaks here and there with the fuel system and you should have a good running saw for another 30 years. Then send it to me and I will use it.

[cfabe]

Depends on you budget. It can probably be fixed up for $100 or so, and will give you years more service. May need a few repairs along the way. Chain can be sharpened/replaced easily. But, it's not going to be the same as a new top quality saw. If you can afford $300-400 to replace it with a good quality saw from a real saw dealer then do it and you'll enjoy years of trouble free cutting, and the new saw will be more user friendly. If you were going to be replacing it with a $200 cheapie from home depot, then just fix the old one.

[Sawmill Jim]

I think that saw has a 30 to one gas mix too .

[Beltane]

Thank you everyone for your input. We are going to investigate a tune-up and a new chain.

[Yvonne's hubby]

Originally Posted by Beltane

Thank you everyone for your input. We are going to investigate a tune-up and a new chain.

Good choice.

[Cabin Fever]

Originally Posted by Beltane

Thank you everyone for your input. We are going to investigate a tune-up and a new chain.

Good decision! I had my Jonsered 49SP for over 20 years before someone stole it out of my shed (purchased in 1979). I loved that saw.

[michiganfarmer]

Originally Posted by MELOC

think of it this way, they don't make them like that anymore so it is worth spending as much to rebuild as you would spend on a brand new saw. if it costs $300+ to rebuild it, it is worth it.

thats my thought