Advice on this saw

[doub1ejack]

I haven't bought a chainsaw myself before and am looking for a little advice on whether this Stihl MS-360 is a good fit and how to check it out when I go to take a look: https://vermont.craigslist.org/grd/6013459192.html.

I don't use a saw professionally, this would be more for occasional use for things like cutting oversized lumber & occasional felling & bucking out in our woods. I have a small woodstove in the workshop that needs firewood, but it doesn't use much over the course of the year. I've done some modest sawing in jobs in the past, but I've never been responsible for repairing or buying any. So this saw won't see daily or even weekly use, but I want something in the middle range that will do what I need it to.

I've been browsing this site for advice on how to checkout a used saw. These seem like solid tips:

• make sure that the chain is oiling properly
• chain should spin freely by hand
• a sharp chain is a good sign that the saw has been well maintained
• tip the saw from side to side while it is running as higher revs to see if the saw stumbles

Some of these other tips require more experience than I have though:

• "A lean plug will cause me to walk away - lean conditions play havoc on bearings & won't be visible"
  • I've googled some photos but a lean plug is kind of hard to tell from a normal one (rich is much easier)
    
• "pull the muffler and look for scoring on the piston"
  • Likewise, how much scoring is tolerable on a used saw? Should it be perfectly smooth & shiny or can I expect some scuffs on a saw that still has a lot of life left in it? What does good vs ok vs bad look like?
    
• "do the compression test after running it"
  • I don't know if I can expect the seller to have a compression tester and it sounds like "drop tests" are iffy. Can you describe any indications of compression, or is it all feel & experience?

Thanks folks - these forums are really great!

 

[doub1ejack]

Bumping since I'm going to check out this saw tonight...

 

[lone wolf]

Bumping since I'm going to check out this saw tonight...

It should start in 5 pulls or less ,run good, idle good,restart after shut down but wait 5 minutes. Bring a long Torx T 27 wrench to take muffler off and look at the piston for scoring, also bring a spark plug wrench and a compression tester ideal compression 160. Hey you asked. Also see if you can run that saw in some logs there. Ask if he put an aftermarket cylinder on it, not as good as OEM so ask.

 

[cus_deluxe]

Thats a pretty fair price for a 360 in that shape it seems like. As said above, if it starts easy, and the piston is clean then that should be a decent deal. For me, any amount of scoring would be a no go on anything but a parts/project saw.

 

[Whiskers]

It looks like it's being sold by a guy who rebuilds saws. I'd ask him if he did any engine work on it, and if the topend is oem. It wouldn't be worth the asking price to me if it was half Chinese parts. Otherwise, the model is a great saw. One of my favorites.

 

[lone wolf]

Anyone notice the damaged rear handle on the saw?

 

[grack]

That's a fair price on a good saw 250.00 275.00 with that handle damage would be better if he is like me he won't care if you check comp and for scoring some get offended though good luck hope it works out for you.

 

[Whiskers]

Anyone notice the damaged rear handle on the saw?

Apparently I didnt look at that pic.

 

[lone wolf]

Apparently I didnt look at that pic.

Thats going to cost a bit to fix.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I fixed one like that on my 038, just need a bunch of good epoxy glue and some masking tape. I filled in the bottom of the handle for extra strength..of course you have to do some filing and sanding and a little painting..