Thank you for your posts and comments.
I truly hope this is bad gas or operator error... and not the saw.
I picked up the 357 and dropped off the 562 at 8:00 this morning.
First real possibility is bad gas, even though it was purchased and mixed last week, non ethanol and Stihl synthetic mix. 2.5 gal.
You have to read the bottles of mix, as there is also 2 gal. mix.
One reason I say that is the 357 was starting great up until the first tank of fresh mix.
One pull starts. Chain brake, decompression, high idle (choke on/choke off), pull and go.
It is possible the way I cut is problematic for the auto tune.
My buddy did cut a cord a few weeks ago with a 550 and no issues.
He did use his own fuel.
He also has a 562 w/24" bar set up.
He is my first go to, and is suggesting the shop didn't do the break-in procedure.
I have full, complete, confidence in this shop, driving 25 miles past another shop to these guys. The closer shop may be good too, I've never tried them since they acquired a franchise years ago, after another local place lost, or gave up theirs. I do not know their story. The closed franchise is where I bought the 357, again, eleven years ago. I think the mechanic I go to now, left the first place, partnered up with someone and opened a very nice shop. Don't hold me to it, but I think thats pretty close to how it goes.
I have cut with my ms 661 for months and no issues. Same cutting set up, on for ten cuts, off, split 12 rounds, cut again.
It is simply to big and heavy a saw, more compression even with decom. valve to start 50-75 times a day (100-150 8' logs).
I have a three saw system. 021 (15 yrs old); 357 (11 yrs old, and go to saw); ms 661 (maybe 4 yrs old)
And now the 562 to replace the 357. (or maybe not)
The saw shop sells Stihl as well, and mentioned their battery saws today as a possibility for this type of cutting (and my shoulder), as I typically cut 12" or less, less being the key word.
I've never considered a battery powered chain saw, but may.
Just not sure if that would work for a cord of wood per day over a four hour period.
Much of that time is splitting, and wrapping with the Posch PackFix, loading the log decks, and maybe (4) 20-25 minute periods of start/stop saw run time.
Note photos in post #1 and #3.
When running, this 562 saw is top notch. I really like it!
Running 18" bar, full chisel.
Getting into some dirty logs. I have had this 20 cord semi load for a year. Bark is falling off, but the ground logs are dirty and wet, with this past year being especially wet.
Should have picked up some semi-chisel chain today and didn't, but I'll be going back soon. .058 ga. Can't buy it anywhere.
I'll be curious to talk to the mechanic again about the 562.
Two loads of logs this spring. The one on the left in second photo is cut/split. There is one semi load (6 axle behind the cab straight bed and 4 axle pup) left of that, which is the furthest row in first picture. I'm working on now.
