MS 360 Rebuild Questions

[nickelmore]

Been reading a bunch on on the forum (wife says too much) on different rebuilds etc.

I got a group of saws that all were non running and in some need of repair, But after all the reading I still have a few questions.

I am working on a MS360 with low compression.

I have read up on pressure test, but have already taken the cylinder off to check for damage.

I plan in putting it back on so i can pressure wash it or soak it in the degreaser, it is very dirty and I don't want to get dirt in the cases. I guess I got a little excited beginning this project, and did not do a proper preclean on it before it came apart.

Questions.

1. 
   Should I just go ahead and replace the seals now or wait until I get a new P & C?
   
   2. Should I just try to acid clean the cylinder before I put it back to together and do a pressure and vacuum test?
   
   3. How can I tell if the bearings are OK when I got the saw it was not running.
   4. I really was not planning on splitting the cases, or should I just go ahead and do it?
   
   5. I plan on replacing the impulse line, fuel line and oil line while I am at it. I am a little confuses about aftermarket impulse lines yellow, black, purple etc.
   
   6. Is there a difference in aftermarket fuel/oil lines versus OEM?

I have 2 MS360's one is a 360C that just needed a $45.00 brake release cable. I plan on keeping the better running saw.

I do plan on buying a P & C, chain catcher, air filter, replacement oil cap, carb rebuild kit, misc gaskets from a sponsor here. Seals, I will go with Stihl from my local dealer.

I will sit back and wait for the chainsaw gods to steer me down the correct path.

I am not sure why chainsaws keep following me home.

Thanks

 

[Brian VT]

The pressure/vac test doesn't tell you about compression.
I would get the P/C in shape, or replaced, and put it back together to the point that you can do a pressure/vac test. That will tell you if the seals are okay.

 

[nickelmore]

thanks

I will try to clean the old one up and reinstall it.

I will try to vacume and pressure tests it if it cleans up.

The saw is caked with gunk and I want to clean it and repaint it before I put a new P & C on it.

 

[Mad Professor]

Go with OEM impulse line and a OEM gasket kit that also has the OEM seals.

Flush the bottom end out when you have the seals out then rotate the crankshaft to check the bearings.

As long as you do the seals and impulse line I see no reason to put it back together just to pressure test with old parts. Pressure test it after the rebuild to make sure everything is tight and sealed.

 

[nickelmore]

Clean up

I am planning to put the old piston cylinder back on so I can degrease it.

I am trying to prevent dirt from falling into the case.

 

[tlandrum]

as for myself ,as a rule of thumb i put new seals in every saw i build and intend to sell. that way theres no question as to if the seals are good or will fail soon. the only call backs i want from buyers are the ones asking for another great deal..jmho