I bought the BR600 in March. Tested both it and the RedMax EBZ8000. Both seems to blow about the same, which is to say a heck of alot, but the Stihl was alot quieter (sounded about 1/2 the rpms too) and felt alot lighter. I think its only 5lb lighter but it was very noticable. I had read about the valve adjust. Many I've talked to have blown by the 139hrs with no adjustment and no problems. Heard it's relatively easy to do and Stihl sells a cheap kit with valve cover gasket and feeler gauge. Video of the simple procedure here: http://www.stihl.ca/4mix/english/stihl4mix/service1.htm Didn't know about the "decoking" until you mentioned it. My manual says 139hrs or if required. I plan to run it until I notice a performance problem. I run synthetic oil at 80:1 in it, and everyting else, and have had no problems in maybe 20hrs of use. nevada_walrus: What was the short block problems you were seeing? Only problems I've heard on them was the plastic handle breaking for landscapers using trailer hangers that weren't designed for properly for them. In short, I love it. Saves alot of time in cleanups over my handheld. At idle it moves as much air as my echo handheld. At full throttle it will move a brick across my driveway and I've got to be careful not to point directly at the ground or dirt and grass will fly.

Personally I would check the anti-afterfire solenoid. Is there a decoder available to help read this post?

Just started shopping for a wood burning insert for my open fireplace. Have looked at Napoleon,Regency,Jotul and others. Also looked at Supreme. A completely stainless steel unit. No firebrick in the combustion chamber. Very good numbers for EPA,BTU,Burntime,and area heated.It also has a nice flush design and a large glass door(which my wife likes). Since the rest of the industry uses firebrick in the combustion chamber and this one is all stainless steel, I am a little leary. I have searched high and low on the net for comparisons and reviews with no success. If anyone can enlighten me as to pros and cons of this design as compared to firebrick I would really appreciate it. Thank You

Call the manufacturer of the boiler for local parts sourcing. Most every boiler using a combustion chamber has replacement kits. I've had mine replaced once. Not a big deal. Got the replacement through a local hardware store that dealt with the boiler company's parts. Search combustion chamber+"your brand" using search engine. I see Weil McClain kits going for &$50-70 bucks. These get cracks in them from age, but more so from rookie technicians that hit the pot with their flush brushes during cleaning.