Aftermarket MS390/039 Engine Kit Review

[blsnelling]

As I promised a few days ago, here's my review of the new Baileys aftermarket MS390/039 engine kit. This is a complete engine including: piston, cylinder, rings, crank, bearings, wrist pin, crank seals, and bolts. The only thing it is missing is a decomp plug for all in this series except the later model MS390. I actually cut a hole in the MS310 plastic used a decomp. The fit and finish is very good. I had no real issues with anything. It was a straight up bolt together ordeal without a hickup. Compression is a healthy 158 PSI before ever even seeing wood. The exhaust port has a very good shape, one of my pet peaves on AM cylinders. It seems to run good, with a nice idle and good throttle response. I'll try to get it in some wood tomorrow.

 

[blsnelling]

 

[blsnelling]

 

[blsnelling]

Here's the saw I put it in. It was a MS310 with a scored piston. It got a thorough cleaning before the engine was installed. I also did a mild muffler mod. It's wearing a 3/8 rim sprocket and 20" B&C.

 

[blsnelling]

This is only the second time it's been run, and has not seen wood yet.


<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vtS-jBxnwAU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[tree monkey]

This is only the second time it's been run, and has not seen wood yet.


<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vtS-jBxnwAU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

now its no longer a stihl, but is now a fake.

 

[indiansprings]

Excellent review as always, Bailey's should sell an boat full of these, especially if they explain in the description that it will replace the engines in the 290, 310 and 390, if they are priced right it is an item that the market really needed. Thanks again for an excellent review and to Bailey's for providing it to you for review.

 

[blsnelling]

Unless it's changed since my last discussion with Gregg, the introductory price will be VERY attractive.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

So if the AROKMO GTG guys still do the clamshell buildoff you going to send it?

 

[Old Crosscut]

Here's the saw I put it in. It was a MS310 with a scored piston. It got a thorough cleaning before the engine was installed. I also did a mild muffler mod. It's wearing a 3/8 rim sprocket and 20" B&C.

Brad,
Amazing shots, including the one showing the muffler. However, I can’t see (or don’t know what I’m looking at) the “mild muffler mod” you mention. In posts elsewhere (and often) it’s been mentioned, and as a rule of thumb, to stay below (or around) 80% of the exhaust port area--as to the combined area of the muffler opening(s). Is this correct? And if so, what do you rate as “mild?”

 

[Saw Dr.]

Crap. Now how am I supposed to sell the used OEM 49mm jugs I have been collecting? Guess I missed the boat.

 

[jbighump]

i have a ms310 with a scored P/C sittin here ive been toying with keeping it and using it instead of selling it,,,,this just pushed me over the edge:hmm3grin2orange: when are these gonna be available? thanks:msp_thumbup:

 

[Stihlofadeal64]

looking good...

The aftermarket rebuild/review is looking good. If the price is attractive they will indeed sell quite a few of these.
Take the toasted clam-shell and make a nice MS390 out of it. Thanks for posting, Tommy

 

[Modifiedmark]

Unless it's changed since my last discussion with Gregg, the introductory price will be VERY attractive.

That will be the bottom line here. With the way Stihl prices the parts for these, there basically throwaways just like the box store saws, so if the pricing is right they will sell a ton of these.

Kinda surprised to see a crank and brgs included but have a feeling that might push the price up just too far to be practical.

Waiting to see though.

 

[blsnelling]

The entire engine kit will be well below what Stihl wants for just a P&C kit. They will arrive preassembles, sealed, vac/pressure tested, and ready to drop in your saw.

 

[blsnelling]

Here it is on it's very first outing. With everything in the engine being new, it will take some time to loosen up. I have it tuned to 13,200 in the first part, then fattened up to 12,700. Spec is 13,000, so it's right there.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n_PcbwWR5uo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Saw Dr.]

Considering that you have to remove the only bolts holding on the bottom pan, it will be interesting to see how they get around this for installing a "sealed" engine.

 

[Grande Dog]

Howdy,
If everything goes as planned (yeah right), we should be shipping them in 6 to 8 weeks. Manufacturers suggested price is $200. We're going to have our regular retail price at about $175, and the introductory/sale price will be at $150. The item number will be SBN 390.

Regards
Gregg

 

[sefh3]

The entire engine kit will be well below what Stihl wants for just a P&C kit. They will arrive preassembles, sealed, vac/pressure tested, and ready to drop in your saw.

I would like to see how this happens. The 4 bolts that hold that together will not fit on the block and tighten up without being on the saw. Unless they are going to install shorter bolts on it and you'll have to remove them before installing.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

That will be the bottom line here. With the way Stihl prices the parts for these, there basically throwaways just like the box store saws, so if the pricing is right they will sell a ton of these.

Kinda surprised to see a crank and brgs included but have a feeling that might push the price up just too far to be practical.

Waiting to see though.

My take as well when I initially read about it in another thread....especially in light of the recently introduced 039 top end kit for only a hundred bux. There are a lot of toasted 029's out there that only need that p/c to become an 039 -- not a whole engine assembly.

Price point better be real attractive indeed!

opcorn:

Poge

edit: Missed Gregg's post. Not a bad intro deal at all!