Differences between Stihl 036 and MS360, etc

[fearofpavement]

I sold all my 60 something cc saws and am considering an 036 or later version. So my question is: Are the MS360, MS361, MS362 superior in some way to the 036 that would be significant enough to put up with the flippy caps? I really dislike flippy caps and would prefer not to have them. I am not interested in any other brands at this time so please don't go there. I am looking for opinions based on experience with these models.

I am looking to fill a gap between the Stihl 026 and a Jonsered 2172. My long range plan would be to turn the 2172 into an 046/460.

 

[watsonr]

036 or 036 Pro. Great saws, adjustable oiler. I think both need the upgraded drum and bearing.

Had a Pro and sold it, regretted selling and took almost a year to find another at a great price I felt comfortable with. 034 Super, same saw and may be the cheap way out!

 

[Stihl Livin]

I have the 361 and really am glad I bought it. Was my first flippy cap saw and have no problems with them at all. Flippy cap haters need to slow down and be smarter than the cap.

 

[fearofpavement]

Do both models have the adjustable oiler or just the "pro" version like the 026?

 

[timberland ts]

I really like my 36 pro i probly use it the most, after my 200t if run it for the last 2 yrs 4days a week. Got it used for not much and have put maybee 40 dollars into it.

 

[watsonr]

Do both models have the adjustable oiler or just the "pro" version like the 026?

I pretty sure the 036 had adjustable oiler from looking at the IPL. It doesn't show two model pumps. They both use the same exact stuff except the PRO had a decomp added.

This is the one saw that ALWAYS rides with me. Give it a muffler mod and it will plaster a smile on your face for sure!!

 

[TonyRumore]

The air filter is also different on the 036 and 036 Pro. The pro uses the wider filter that extends over the top of the low profile tank vent. The non-pro uses the smaller 034 filter and tower tank vent as used on the 026......at least on most that I have seen. It would not surprise me though, if some non-pro 036's came with the Pro filter and low profile tank vent.

 

[Justsaws]

I sold all my 60 something cc saws and am considering an 036 or later version. So my question is: Are the MS360, MS361, MS362 superior in some way to the 036 that would be significant enough to put up with the flippy caps? I really dislike flippy caps and would prefer not to have them. I am not interested in any other brands at this time so please don't go there. I am looking for opinions based on experience with these models.

I am looking to fill a gap between the Stihl 026 and a Jonsered 2172. My long range plan would be to turn the 2172 into an 046/460.

1125=034,034S,036,360 Good saws however many are in need of quite a bit of work theses days. Check it over carefully, getting long in the tooth.

361="better" anti-vibe and fairly good reliabilty reputation, a good one had more umf then a typical 360. Main issue around here was ignition modules failing. Never bothered to find one for myself as I prefer the 1125s.

362=NO. Perhaps the only "better" might be fuel savings and anti-vibe , beyond that Stihl swung and missed with that model. I would rather use the 2171 than the 362.

I own many 1125s in all the various forms, good saws with fairly strong OEM and AM parts availibilty. Biggest annoying issue on them is the plastic snap choke rod tabs on some of the gas tanks need to be fixed or the choke rod pops out. Beyond that it is the usual gaskets, lines and seals, basket cases get the whole work up.

If you found a very clean good condition 034S that would be my choice, hard to find though. I am a fan of the 30cc/60cc/90cc setup, I keep trying the 50cc/70cc but have not found any combos that replace the 1125s and 1122s.

 

[Brushwacker]

I wouldn't overlook an standard 034 either. They usually go for less $ and run nearly as good as a super. 034's has been the handiest most reliable all round 20" saws I have experienced. Some of them the choke rod seems to catch on the filter cover and not fully choke, but a twist and lift the cover up and they choke fine. Mine does it with the original cover but not with the newer winter cover I use in cold weather.
I like the older caps better, but if you pay close attention flippy caps work fine.

 

[fearofpavement]

I'm familiar with the flippy caps. That is why I know I don't like them. I think Stihl fixed something that wasn't broken. Some people love them, some hate them but I don't think anyone "hated" the screw on caps that almost every other saw company still uses. I don't "hate" the flippies but dislike them enough that it will influence my future saw purchases. I have them on my pole saw. I am replacing a Stihl 039 that I was happy with and if the 036 or 034S is as good or better then that is what I'm looking for. If the MS360 or 361 is far superior, then I would be willing to put up with the flippies but....

 

[Mad Professor]

One of the differences is the compensator carb on the pro models, much like the 026.

 

[Justsaws]

I'm familiar with the flippy caps. That is why I know I don't like them. I think Stihl fixed something that wasn't broken. Some people love them, some hate them but I don't think anyone "hated" the screw on caps that almost every other saw company still uses. I don't "hate" the flippies but dislike them enough that it will influence my future saw purchases. I have them on my pole saw. I am replacing a Stihl 039 that I was happy with and if the 036 or 034S is as good or better then that is what I'm looking for. If the MS360 or 361 is far superior, then I would be willing to put up with the flippies but....

Find a Stihl 440 and run it next to your 2171. Main differences between a 1125 and the 361 is AV and porting.

Nothing stands out as "far superior" about the later 360s to me beyond OEM parts availibilty so if the condition of the saws are equal there is no need to get one with the caps you do not like.

One thing to keep in mind is at the moment 361s and good condition 1125s are fetching very similar $, with one potentially being much much older and used for a much longer time.

For giggles if you want to see Stihl solve problems that did not exsist get a MS211 and look at the choke and throttle setups. It like they hired a couple of unemployeed Lego engineers and ask them to build a POS.

 

[ja_cain]

I just picked up a straight 036 a few weeks ago and replaced filter and put updated drum and bearing kit on it. It is pretty sweet for an older saw.

Justin

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[ja_cain]

Btw, mine has the adjustable oiler, taller tank vent and older filter for the non compensating carb setup. I have heard that the main seal on the flywheel side can be problematic. So far my saw seems to be holding carb adjustment ok. I am going to pressure/vacuum test it just to make sure once I build a tester at work. I hope this is helpful. Also, it pulled my 20" rsc chain pretty well in some red oak yesterday. We will see what a mm does to it

 

[procarbine2k1]

Biggest annoying issue on them is the plastic snap choke rod tabs on some of the gas tanks need to be fixed or the choke rod pops out.

Right wrong or otherwise, I found a real slick "quick" fix for this problem. You may do the same, but thought it was worth mentioning...

Take a small drill bit, and bore through both tabs (through center) almost flush with the surface of the tank. Take a small zip tie, insert through holes and tighten down over choke shaft. Works great, if for some reason that zip tie would break, just insert another, the tabs wont brake this way either as any zip tie Ive seen isnt stronger than the tab molding.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

I had an 036Pro that was straight gassed when I bought it. After a piston and cylinder, bearings, seals, rebuilt carb, and some other goodies, I put about 6 hours on it but wasn't impressed so I traded it for a Jeep. I ran it side by side to my 026 and for the extra weight of the 036, the little extra power that it had over the 026 wasn't worth it for me.

 

[Brushwacker]

I had an 036Pro that was straight gassed when I bought it. After a piston and cylinder, bearings, seals, rebuilt carb, and some other goodies, I put about 6 hours on it but wasn't impressed so I traded it for a Jeep. I ran it side by side to my 026 and for the extra weight of the 036, the little extra power that it had over the 026 wasn't worth it for me.

You must of got something defective or done something wrong. I have run dozens of both and no 026 was even close to an 034 or 036, no matter what size bar.

 

[showrguy]

You must of got something defective or done something wrong. I have run dozens of both and no 026 was even close to an 034 or 036, no matter what size bar.

could'nt agree more !!!

 

[OH_Varmntr]

Like I said, the 036 was more powerful. I won't argue that. But for the extra weight when felling trees, it wasn't worth keeping around for my needs.

My 026 was plenty of saw with 18" bar to fell the trees I needed to get on the ground.

 

[old-cat]

I think the MS361 is a LOT better than the 036Pro. Better air filter, better working master control switch, more cutting power, easier disassembly, better anti-vibe. The muffler needs to be opened up, (quite a bit of work), but well worth the effort!