NHden
ArboristSite Member
Against the better judgement of several very knowledgeable individuals on this forum and elsewhere, I decided to strip out the electronics from my 2 hour run time MS201TC-M.
This post is a bit of a log, warning to others and questions. I started with the -1802 improvement "kit" which was intended to help the original, sickly, MS201T.
While I've worked on my own collection of Stihl's, mostly pro except a few MS170s, the incompatibility of parts was a shocker. Here's the saga:
* new flywheel, ignition module and manual carb in place ... so far so good !
* was able to give it a quick run but could not start properly, proved to be choke not being held closed during start
* shocker #1 is that the top handle for the M-Tronics version was not holding the choke closed
* since saw is basically new, I picked up a new top handle assembly
* shocker #2 is that the wiring harness for the non M-T has a much smaller grommet for the wires Stihl actually changed the casting to support the M-T grommet.
* anxious to seal those wires, I stole the grommet from the M-T harness, not easy since combines molding and heat shrink for a good seal
* shocker #3 is that the ignition module end of the harness has a female quick connect terminal, not an eye ring. as the M-T was changed to
* shocker #4 is that the air filter cover for the non M-T is incompatible with the intake baffle. I bought new new non M-T cover for the LA hole and labeling (I know, anal retentive).
* shocker #5,6,7,etc. is that Stihl changed all of the crap surrounding the air filter, intake, base plate, cover and the freaking filter itself !!!
Mostly cosmetics except for the incompatible filter, which is somewhat disturbing if you have 201Ts and M-Ts in your collection.
I guess those who have dealt with Stihl longer, especially those making parts or accessories, are already aware of the constant design changes.
I do have a non M-T air filter and intake baffle coming. Hopefully it ends there.
This post is a bit of a log, warning to others and questions. I started with the -1802 improvement "kit" which was intended to help the original, sickly, MS201T.
While I've worked on my own collection of Stihl's, mostly pro except a few MS170s, the incompatibility of parts was a shocker. Here's the saga:
* new flywheel, ignition module and manual carb in place ... so far so good !
* was able to give it a quick run but could not start properly, proved to be choke not being held closed during start
* shocker #1 is that the top handle for the M-Tronics version was not holding the choke closed
* since saw is basically new, I picked up a new top handle assembly
* shocker #2 is that the wiring harness for the non M-T has a much smaller grommet for the wires Stihl actually changed the casting to support the M-T grommet.
* anxious to seal those wires, I stole the grommet from the M-T harness, not easy since combines molding and heat shrink for a good seal
* shocker #3 is that the ignition module end of the harness has a female quick connect terminal, not an eye ring. as the M-T was changed to
* shocker #4 is that the air filter cover for the non M-T is incompatible with the intake baffle. I bought new new non M-T cover for the LA hole and labeling (I know, anal retentive).
* shocker #5,6,7,etc. is that Stihl changed all of the crap surrounding the air filter, intake, base plate, cover and the freaking filter itself !!!
Mostly cosmetics except for the incompatible filter, which is somewhat disturbing if you have 201Ts and M-Ts in your collection.
I guess those who have dealt with Stihl longer, especially those making parts or accessories, are already aware of the constant design changes.
I do have a non M-T air filter and intake baffle coming. Hopefully it ends there.
