Thanks Max - got it running again over the long weekend. I took it apart as far as removing the fuel tank. Cleaned it out as well as I could, and re-assembled. Hardest part was getting the primer bulb back in correctly (first two goes I re-installed the fuel lines incorrectly). It took some coaxing (and removing then cleaning the ok looking spark plug) but I got it running. Piston looked pretty good, no scoring that i could see through the exhaust port (with the exhaust removed). I wasn't willing to invest a whole lot into it, but it saves me racing to the big green shed to buy something I know I will hate.
Mine is older than the pictures you've shown, my ignition on/off switch is on the engine, not remote, below where the Sthil FS 36 logo is printed onto the casing.
One question - the quick cut feeder head is about stuffed - what is the best replacement for the Autocut cutting head?
