MS170 won't run at all - to fix or upgrade?

[Mattyo]

Yup. ..u nailed it. This is a cheap way to gain experience. ...and you have nothing to lose on this saw. ..go for it

My youtube channel is not stihl specific but saws do share common themes..

Do as much research as possible ...and go for it and hit up this site with questions!

 

[Heath475]

Thanks again.

Spent about 30 mins so far to tear down the old saw - most of it relatively straight forward. Bit embarrassing but I am stuck on removing the bloody handle. I removed the plastic caps expecting screws underneath but they are just a steel insert. I don't want to break the rubber mounts forcing anything.Got the clutch off OK using the nylon rope trick.

I have attached some photos of progress so far. Any tips for getting the handle off would be much appreciated - I think that is the next step and the only videos I could find online were for slightly different Stihl's that had screws under the caps..

Incidentally I have found a really good deal on a Husqvarna 550XP delivered for $850 AUD (ebay have a 15% offer on for the next 24hrs so that will save me a fair bit). That saw retails for $1499 here and the shops don't budge on price for these things. Stihl 241 is $1350 or so for comparison. Do you guy think it is a good saw, is there any reason a few are selling for what seems to be really cheap at the moment is there anything wrong with it?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Husqvarn...934163?hash=item33ae335e53:g:BrMAAOSwpDdVbJQO

 

[Bearcat22lr]

wow man your in it to win it now! I bet someone here will be able to help with the handle I'll see what I can find. Can you find an exploded diagram?

 

[Bearcat22lr]

http://www.magic-parts.co.uk/acatalog/Stihl-MS170.php
looks like handle doesn't come off independently its integral to the bottom "chassis"

 

[Heath475]

There are 4 screws holding the cylinder in (I think). I can get to 2 of them (shown in green) but not the other two (in red) wtihout removing the handle. I have seen a few videos that show people squashing the rubber mounts out with a screwdriver - I might give this a try.

Thanks for the exploded view diagram (I should have started with this one but it all seemed so straightforward until it came time to remove the case from the handle).

I have actually just noted that Part 23 was missing from my saw when I pulled it apart - the needle bearing on the chain brake. I will have to go back through my photos from the teardown to make sure - it's late and I don't want to go back outside now.

 

[Mattyo]

Missing the needle bearing will cause all kinds of issues the clutch drum ends up jamming on the clutch the good news is that it's a simple fix...just get a new bearing

 

[Mattyo]

One of the first saws I rebuilt I forgot to put the needle bearing back. The saw just wouldn't idle right....because the drum would prematurely jam on the clutch.

Best or luck getting that handle off.

 

[Heath475]

Both the piston and cylinder are gone. Very deep gouges in the piston and rings. Everything else is in perfect condition.

Given the cost to buy a new piston, cylinder and the missing needle bearing I'm not sure it's worth fixing unless I can buy a good quality aftermarket replacement cheap (wouldn't want to pay more than $100 AUD, which is about $70 USD) to consider it worthwhile.

 

[Mattyo]

Damage everywhere. ...I think that's straight gas. ....I love straight gas saws....you know exactly whats wrong

 

[Mattyo]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/37mm-Cylinder...-017-Top-End-Rebuild-/321608690323?nav=SEARCH

From the USA they r only about 30$

 

[mike68]

Hey Buddy,
Where are you in Oz?
I am in Northern Rivers NSW.
Keep an eye on Gumtree, occasionally you get a decent deal on there.
But it seems anything with Stihl or Husqvana on it commands top dollar, with170's being described as professional saws!!
Would help if I could but I think you have it covered.
the Husky you were looking at and the 170 are worlds apart. (GO for the Husky play, with the stihl. If you get it going its a bonus).

 

[Heath475]

Hey Buddy,
Where are you in Oz?
I am in Northern Rivers NSW.
Keep an eye on Gumtree, occasionally you get a decent deal on there.
But it seems anything with Stihl or Husqvana on it commands top dollar, with170's being described as professional saws!!
Would help if I could but I think you have it covered.
the Husky you were looking at and the 170 are worlds apart. (GO for the Husky play, with the stihl. If you get it going its a bonus).

Hi Mike,

I'm in the Sunshine Coast in Qld. Thanks to the recommendations here I got myself a new saw but also decided to try and repair the MS170 as a handy little saw also.

Cheers.

 

[VinceGU05]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/37mm-Cylinder...-017-Top-End-Rebuild-/321608690323?nav=SEARCH

From the USA they r only about 30$

I have bought from them before. Very fast delivery.

That jug is reusable with a bit of work in it. Surprised it would t run tho.
This one was still running for me.


eBay item 321706241192

Have a look for a sticky thread on cleaning transfer off the jug.

Sent from my iStihl.

 

[Heath475]

Well I confirmed today that it was the gardener put straight fuel in my chainsaw as suspected. He went to put straight fuel into his own chainsaw and said "that was close". The problem is that he has a Honda trimmer (4 stroke) with a pole chainsaw attachment which is what he usually uses. When he swapped between that and the 2-stroke chainsaw, he didn't swap the fuel over. At least I had an excuse to buy a better chainsaw and my old saw will be repairable for $100 or so and an hour of time. As he is a really good worker and has done the right thing by me in the past I didn't push the point and accidents happen. I won't be letting anyone else use my new saw though that's for sure.

Vince - that is a pretty stuffed piston, mine wasn't that bad and it wouldn't turn over. Straight fuel issue as well?

 

[Mattyo]

MOST importantly you gained experience working on saws and wisdom beyond your years....for cheap. Best of luck sir!

Ps....did I call it or what?

 

[VinceGU05]

Well I confirmed today that it was the gardener put straight fuel in my chainsaw as suspected. He went to put straight fuel into his own chainsaw and said "that was close". The problem is that he has a Honda trimmer (4 stroke) with a pole chainsaw attachment which is what he usually uses. When he swapped between that and the 2-stroke chainsaw, he didn't swap the fuel over. At least I had an excuse to buy a better chainsaw and my old saw will be repairable for $100 or so and an hour of time. As he is a really good worker and has done the right thing by me in the past I didn't push the point and accidents happen. I won't be letting anyone else use my new saw though that's for sure.

Vince - that is a pretty stuffed piston, mine wasn't that bad and it wouldn't turn over. Straight fuel issue as well?

The main reason it ran still was the rings were free. It blew 130psi rite on the limit. I think it was straight fueled. Inlet side wasn't much better. The jug was still fine after a clean up [emoji15]


Sent from my iStihl.

 

[Bearcat22lr]

happy ending you got a new saw and will have nice back up. Life is full of adventure. good luck in the future!

 

[Delsul]

It is a left hand thread, you turn it left to screw it in, right to back it out.

 

[Charles Bale]

MS170s suck, buy an Echo CS-352. $215 delivered sealed in the box off ebay. You will never wear it out.

 

[HarleyT]

$215 delivered sealed in the box off ebay. You will never wear it out.

The box?