1.What is some History (age conditions) to think piston/rings?

2.Have you looked at the cyl through the mufflerâÂÂs exhaust port for any indicators?

3.You would think wear would be gradual but I experienced an instant lock on a 10 yr old saw from a bad mix or heat.

I bought it used locally, and it's an '01, so I guess I'm not far off in my feeling that it may be ring wear. I didn't check the cylinder when I had the muffler off, but that will be easy enough to do tomorrow.

I feel the same way - seems like a wear problem would manifest itself over time, not just die right in the middle of a cut. However, up until the moment that it stopped running, it was actually running very well, and started on only a couple of pulls when cold. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's the compression release.

Most likely burnt up from being too lean, some reasons are adjusted too lean, dirty plugged up carb, air leak, bad fuel line or maybe a plugged tank vent.. Changing a piston and cylinder is not a bad job and most times the cylinder can be saved. If it's burnt up you need to find out what was the cause or it will do it again. Steve