My $25 MS290 actually ran very nicely when I brought it home, but, cosmetically, it was a basket case!
I swapped out the cracked air filter cover with one I had from an MS390 parts saw. When I discovered that the front handle was also cracked, I swapped it out for the one from the 390, as well. The shroud covering the cylinder head was also damaged, but the 390 shroud is designed to accommodate a decompression valve and, therefore, was not a suitable replacement part. So it was time for some serious pop riveting! A generous application of Devcon Weldit All Purpose Adhesive was also applied for added strength:
I coated cracks in the bottom of the rear handle with adhesive as well, but I might rivet on an aluminum plate for security.
Finally, I'm undecided about replacing the cracked starter with one from the 390. The previous glue repair (not my doing) seems to be holding up, so, for now, I guess I'll leave it.
I replaced the stretched, worn out chain with a nearly new one I had snagged for $5 at a second hand store. It was just luck that it was the exact replacement chain that I needed!
So, now, if I ever need to loan out a saw, I can leave my good saws in the shed (including another MS290 in much better condition) and send this one out the door. In spite of its appearance, it runs and cuts very well. Thanks for watching! O
I swapped out the cracked air filter cover with one I had from an MS390 parts saw. When I discovered that the front handle was also cracked, I swapped it out for the one from the 390, as well. The shroud covering the cylinder head was also damaged, but the 390 shroud is designed to accommodate a decompression valve and, therefore, was not a suitable replacement part. So it was time for some serious pop riveting! A generous application of Devcon Weldit All Purpose Adhesive was also applied for added strength:
I coated cracks in the bottom of the rear handle with adhesive as well, but I might rivet on an aluminum plate for security.
Finally, I'm undecided about replacing the cracked starter with one from the 390. The previous glue repair (not my doing) seems to be holding up, so, for now, I guess I'll leave it.
I replaced the stretched, worn out chain with a nearly new one I had snagged for $5 at a second hand store. It was just luck that it was the exact replacement chain that I needed!
So, now, if I ever need to loan out a saw, I can leave my good saws in the shed (including another MS290 in much better condition) and send this one out the door. In spite of its appearance, it runs and cuts very well. Thanks for watching! O
