The Stihl 500i has some problems – let’s figure them out

Stihl 500i is one of the most highly equipped, modernised, and technology-driven chainsaws introduced by Stihl in the market so far.

Though, some problems attached to the saw are not so big as they all can be fixed if resolved correctly and on time.

Surferhandy will discuss the Stihl 500i problems in detail with their respective solutions so that the users may find it easy to deal with all these problems.

500i is technology driven and is associated with the machine being high-tech. Some of the main issues include;

problems with the wheel cutter, the water system may get blocked sometimes due to dirt, the engine getting flooded with fuel, leakage in the water system, the saw getting bogged down and having no spark, the noise it gives due to clutch failure can become unbearable at times. 

Stihl 500i Problems

Stihl 500i problems are under discussion in this article; the problems mainly include; the clutter wheel not functioning as required, the water system either gets leaked or blocked due to dirt and dust, there are issues with the starting of the saw, which also becomes the reason behind the flooding of the engine with fuel.

500i bogs down, and the system also does not contain any spark due to the non-presence of ignition in the saw. The noises it makes after the system or the clutch failure distract the user and, at times, become unbearable.

Main Problems With 500i With Their Solutions 

Stihl 500i is a technology-driven chainsaw with many unique features, including; an electronic fuel injection system and variable water management, making it one of the special saws available in the market.

Though with every high-tech product, some problems are attached, and the same has happened with the 500i. Let’s learn more about the Stihl 500i problems and their possible solutions.

Problem With Cutter Wheel 

The cutter wheel is a vital component of the chainsaw. If that wheel causes problems while working, this could happen due to probable reasons, including a runout of the radial or axial, along with a loose poly V-belt. In contrast, an obsolete grooved ball can cause the issue of bearing in the pulley placed in the drive system front area. 

However, the issue of the cutter wheel can be resolved by checking the condition of the clutch, shoe, and drum. An essential replacement should be made immediately to avoid more significant problems.

Moreover, the adjustment should be made to the axial and radial system when needed, the poly V-belt should also be checked for repair or replacement, and lastly, a cutter wheel should be installed if the older one cannot be fixed anymore.

System Leakage 

Water leakage has remained an issue in the 500i chainsaw, which can cause further problems when not resolved on time.

The water leakage may occur due to the damage in the O-ring. However, if the chainsaw is used for extra heavy work constantly, it can also damage the sealings of the water, which as a result, leads to water leakages as the clips get opened.

The solution to this issue is mainly the replacement of the O-ring to avoid excessive water loss. Moreover, the obsolete components of the water system should be replaced to make the system work. When the problem gets more extensive due to the issue with the whole water system, in such circumstances, the system should be replaced with the new one to avoid water leakages.

Problem While Starting The Chainsaw 

At times, the 500i fails to start even after several attempts; this is accompanied by gas leakage from the exhaust of the chainsaw, which means that the engine is causing problems while getting started. Hence, this whole thing causes the chainsaw to get hotter and not begin even for once.

The issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible so that the work should be resumed. Mainly this happens due to the breaks that get longer and let the saw cool down, which results in troubles while restarting the machine.

So, longer intervals of around ten to fifteen minutes should be avoided while working, along with having the priming bulb pump the system to start again. Make sure to correctly begin the chainsaw after taking a break, as when beginning efforts exceed 5 to 6 times, they can also cause the fuel flooding problem.

Water Controlling Issues 

Water is vital for cutting the wheels of the 500i, and problems can occur with the banjo screws, which can be filled with dirt and can result in the blockage of the water. Mainly, the solenoid valve and the control panel halt due to the water’s heavy flow or the water or the blockage of the water because of dirt.

This should be resolved by constantly checking solenoid valves and the control panel to see if there is any issue or blockage to them so that they must be replaced with the new ones on time.

Moreover, whenever a problem of blockage water occurs before heading towards any other component, check the banjo screws first to see if they are cleaned. 

Bogs Down 

500i is a technology-driven and powerful chainsaw, but still, at times, it causes problems while accelerating, and this possibly happens due to the dirt that accumulates in the air filter, which stops the air from passing on smoothly. 

Air filters should be opened regularly to look for any dust or dirt that needs to be removed. It should be removed periodically, and when replacement is required, it should be done on time to avoid blockage. Moreover, gasoline and spark plugs should be cleaned regularly and replaced with new ones before they get too old to work smoothly.

No Spark 

500i does not contain any spark as there is no ignition in this model by the Stihl. So the machine bogged down along with some issues in the spark plug, which occurred due to the dirt; gasoline sometimes gets low when the cylinder is empty or does not contain sufficient gas. 

Fill the cylinder so there is adequate gasoline to start the chainsaw. Moreover, as there is no ignition, one should give extra tries to start the saw, though this should be kept in mind that trying additional times may lead to a fuel-flooded engine.

Too Loud Noise 

500i has the issue of loud noises that distract users while doing their work with the 500i chainsaw. The noises are loud enough, especially when the clutch or ball bearing loses control and fails to work accurately. The saw makes too loud noises. Clutch failure can also lead to heavy sounds, which sometimes become unbearable for the users.

Hence, these noises can only be avoided if the failed components get repaired on time. Otherwise, these noises can get too high and cause users trouble while doing work.

FAQs 

Conclusion 

500i by Stihl is known for its high technology and advanced features, including a fuel injection feature, portability as it weighs too light, robust design and structure, and a well-balanced chainsaw.

The article above explains the Stihl 500i problems in detail, along with their possible solutions, with a view that users must be aware of the issues before reaching the final decision to purchase the highly technological chainsaw.

The problems mainly include the cutter wheel issues, water leakage or blockage issues, and heavy noise, which causes pain for the users.