rick_saws
ArboristSite Lurker
Just picked up an MS280 last week. I'm new to AS, but I read lots of old posts on what saw to buy. I chose Stihl because the local dealer is only a block from work and picked the MS280 because its features were closest to my 27-year old saw (which I'm spending more time fixing than using). Despite many AS posts recommending against it, I decided to give Stihl's Intelligent Engine Management a try.
The saw ran great for the first tank of gas, but then it started running lean at WOT (unless it was buried in wood). It turned out to be a simple fix - the ground wire had fallen off the ignition switch, which stopped the IEM from functioning. I feel stupid for not checking that . . . but I needed to keep sawing, so I just kept it below WOT for the rest of the day. But it simulated what would happen if the IEM broke in the field - and the saw's design allowed me to keep using it, despite the lack of IEM.
Pros:
- IEM makes the saw run great, with one less thing to adjust - ever.
- The IEM module looks simple and relatively cheap (it isn't much bigger than the H screw it replaced).
- The saw cuts great even with a broken IEM.
Cons:
- IEM is definitely not as simple as the H screw.
- If it breaks, it costs a lot more to replace than the H screw.
- It's one more thing that can break on the saw, although it probably wouldn't be hard to carry a spare module and replace it in the field.
Anyone else have any good/bad experience with IEM?
- Rick :newbie:
The saw ran great for the first tank of gas, but then it started running lean at WOT (unless it was buried in wood). It turned out to be a simple fix - the ground wire had fallen off the ignition switch, which stopped the IEM from functioning. I feel stupid for not checking that . . . but I needed to keep sawing, so I just kept it below WOT for the rest of the day. But it simulated what would happen if the IEM broke in the field - and the saw's design allowed me to keep using it, despite the lack of IEM.
Pros:
- IEM makes the saw run great, with one less thing to adjust - ever.
- The IEM module looks simple and relatively cheap (it isn't much bigger than the H screw it replaced).
- The saw cuts great even with a broken IEM.
Cons:
- IEM is definitely not as simple as the H screw.
- If it breaks, it costs a lot more to replace than the H screw.
- It's one more thing that can break on the saw, although it probably wouldn't be hard to carry a spare module and replace it in the field.
Anyone else have any good/bad experience with IEM?
- Rick :newbie:
