Sponge in Stihl fs56 gas tank

Thanks all, I pulled it out the same day I noticed it. Trimmer has been running like a champ almost steadily since then with no issues so said sponge will remain on the bench! Again thanks, I appreciate all feedback.
 
LA1300 said:
I've had an Echo PAS225 for about 10 years and have run the crap out of it. I have 5-1/2 acres and some it is tall and thick weeds. So I bought a Stihl 135R commercial trimmer for thick stuff. It's a beast. Tons of power large fuel tank, but it's heavy and overkill and gets heavy after a while for the areas around the house and gardens. The little Echo had a good run. Recently replaced spark plug, air, fuel filters, hoses. The engine is about worn out. Still runs, but not very well. I bought the Stihl FS56. It will take some time to get used to it, but I liked the Echo better for light duty work. My main issue with the FS56 is the balance and ergos. The fuel consumption with the FS56 is definitely not so good.
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Same here. I replaced a worn out 10 year old SRM225 with a Stihl FS56. I have exactly the same complaints about the ergonomics and overall balance of the machine. Now this is my personal opinion. Head to head, the Echo SRM225 is better than the Stihl FS56.
 
MParr said:
I hope mine doesn't last as long as my Echo did.
I made a mistake buying the Stihl. I won't buy another or anything else made by Stihl
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I'm sorry to say, If you use good fuel and oil it will be a long time before you get to buy an Echo unless you just swap the stihl out. I use my 56C at leavel many of you would consider abuse. Besides the acres of lawn on three properties I have a camp in the woods with probably several miles of trails cut through wild multi floral rose bushes using a brush blade. I have used it for quite a few years like this. Starts readily every time. It may have the original plug. I agree the Stihl choke sucks. I have to remove a glove most of the time to engage it.
 
Same regarding the brush blade. My mother has something in her ditch growing like crazy. Neighbour cut it with chain saw cause it blocked vision to leave driveway. The blade on my 56RC cuts through it in seconds.
 
Somebody has a kind of sponge in his Stihl FS56.
And than somebody starts complaining about his Stihl.
Just help the topic starter and tell if the sponge belongs there or not.
You have the same Stihl, so take a look!
We don't care that YOU don't like Stihl.
 
I also saw that sponge and just removed it as it was free floating.
Mine developed a crack in the fuel tank which appears to be a part of one side of the frame and not just a replaceable part like on a weed eater.
Thought I finally had it sealed after about 4 levels of RTV but it has started leaking thru all that silicone sealant when I pump it up.
After use I unscrew the gas cap to relieve pressure and it stops leaking.
Anyone know an easy fix for a leaking gas tank on one?
Thx in advance!
 
It's the fuel tank vent filter, to keep dirt from getting into your tank and fuel from getting out. You should put it back in. My Stihl chain saw has one and it came out. I didn't replace it right away and it leaked fuel badly until I reinstalled it. Everyone has likes and dislikes about their equipment. My son has an FS56 and loves it. I bought my FS74 way back in the 90's I think. It's got to be close to 30 years old now. I used it to keep 1 mile of footings around 6 poultry houses cleared, until I retired at the end of 2020. I still use it and it still works perfectly. In addition, I trimmed almost 400 feet of other buildings on the farm. In addition to all that, I used it on a very large residential lawn. I still have it today, it still starts on the first or second pull every time, including the very first start in spring. The single problem I have had with it in all those years is the spark arrestor finally plugged about 15 years ago. I took a pair of pliers and pulled the arrestor out. It has started and run perfectly from then until today. If you have the kind of quality in your FS56 as I have in the FS74, unless you do something really bad to it, I'm sorry to say you may never get a chance to go back to that Echo. Now, if you want to talk about the BG56 leaf blower, I'll match you horror story for horror story. I have 2 of them and can't get either one to run worth a darn. Even the service shop was never able get them to run more than 4 or 5 minutes before they die and won't restart. They have sat on the shelf in my shop for about 4 years now, and will probably remain there until my son sells them at the estate auction when he inherits the farm.
 
I’ve had my Stihl FS100RX for 15+ years. Volunteered at a 10 mile MTB trail and did a lot of work there. Also maintained about 1.5 acre HOA property where I live in addition to maintaining my 3/4 acre lot. Changed the plug a few times, air filter, greased head and replaced the primer bulb. That’s it. It’s been a good machine.

Not sure what all the “hate” is about on the Stihls but my experience has been positive.
 
MParr said:
The balance is bad
It's harder to start than the Echo.
The choke knob is in a bad location and difficult to manipulate.
The guard is a poor design.
It burns more fuel than the Echo SRM225. There is no difference in power.
The Echo SRM 225 is an all around better unit.
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I'll add one more - one that keeps me from buying Stihl altogether:

Buying parts is a ROYAL PITA! I get that they want only "Authorized Stihl dealers" working on their stuff to keep quality in check ... but if I'm shelling out $500 for a piece of equipment I G** DAMN better have the option of repairing it myself, since I HAVE the ABILITY!

Ran a shop 14 years, and getting Stihl parts was always a hassle. No diagrams online to reference, and no online purchasing of parts! I had to go 10 miles to the friggin dealer through MA traffic - an hour of lost productivity out of my day - only to get charged SHIPPING and sales tax for the part anyway!

Every so often I'd get lucky and find someone on eBay selling what I needed ... but that's a rarity at times.

Eff Stihl. I'll stick with Echo or Husqvarna. I can buy parts online, and continue WORKING and MAKING MONEY while the part gets dropped on my doorstep. Now that I'm out of that line of work, I still prefer the ease of ordering parts online. Have you ever driven in MA? If you have, especially after they legalized WEED, you'll understand exactly where I'm coming from. It's r*tard central out there!!
 
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