Opinions of the Stihl MS361

[jokers]

I cut the better part of a tri-axle load of firewood logs between part of yesterday and today with my 361 and I`m going to declare this saw a keeper so far. Real strong and real smooth. Also quite fuel efficient if that matters to anyone else.

I`m running a 16" Stihl ES bar with 3/8x.050 chain and she really rips.

I have more thoughts on this saw that I`ll share later.

Russ

 

[Bobcat]

RUSS -- I certainly can agree with the "real strong and real smooth" . Stihl is going in a good direction. How is your 361 starting? Mine still requires some extra pulls (as compared to my Huskys), and they need to be full-length pulls .
bob

 

[stihltech]

pulls

Should not require extra pulls. adjustments are off, either mix or intake lever.

 

[Bobcat]

Stihltech: I will get my tach and screwdriver out this weekend. Just got a another Stihl tach (first one disappeared) and the 361 showed in the low 28xx range, and my 357xp 's came in in the low 30xx range. Both models are "as received from the dealer". bob

 

[bwalker]

I would almost bet that the LS screw is too lean.

 

[monel_funkawitz]

I have a MS361 that I bought not too long after they were first released. I don't log, but I have a large farm in Pennsylvania and I needed a good healthy saw that had everything I wanted, and the 361 was it.

It has excellent power. Very smooth comfortable saw to use. It seems to run forever on a tank of fuel. I love it. If it came up missing, I'd buy another, no doubt.

Only things that suck on it is the spark plug wire is a b|tch to remove without the T handle, and it takes more than one pull to start when cold. Usually two or three on choke for it to pop, and two or three on high idle to get it to run. After that, it runs like a race horse.

 

[jokers]

Hey Bobcat,

I`ve tweaked both the hi and lo screws on mine to get it running right. Start at the lo speed screw and work your way up. I also found more power by richening the lo side.

Russ

 

[glens]

Hey Russ, I'll bet that low speed circuit gets its fuel through the high speed jet.  If so (it's pretty much been that way across the board for a while) opening it up doesn't add overall fuel to the system, merely changes slightly the balance of when it's introduced.

Waiting to hear more.

Glen

 

[SawBrian]

Before I (..too...) go and buy on a brand new 361, I need peace in mind:

How are the new 3/8 0,50 rsc chain performing comparing to a standard 0,325 0.58 chain?

Fueleconomy?

Any backdraws, negatives,

Assumes 361 is a heck of saw, really outperforming the huskys, leaving them behind in the mud.

Possible to regret it at all If I get one?

 

[Bobcat]

Russ: soon as this wet weather clears out, I will make some adjustments. After your tuneup, how many pulls on a warm start ? I am also curious if you must do a max length pull ? I have just got spoiled by my Huskys, especially the 357xp which seldom needs more than one pull (warm). If you are a Stihl fan, this 361 is a great new model .
bob

 

[monel_funkawitz]

I know I am new and not a professional logger, but I have ALOT of hours logged in on this saw. It really is a nice piece of work.

Another torture test item, I just used it for six hours in the POURING rain (After effects of the hurricanes in Florida) and it never burped. Not that big of a deal, but it is nice to know if a saw can handle inclimate weather. Most people base saws in running in perfect conditions.

Fuel economy like I said is excellent. By the time I run out of gas, I'm ready to take a break. It seems to go forever on a tank. Also, when warm, it will start in a single "half pull" easily. Cold start routines take usually 5 or 6 pulls total from picking the saw up to cutting wood.

Another side note about this saw, is it is a professional saw. It has a higher compression that most homeowner saws, and more horsepower. It is not made to be babied in cuts. (Never free rev the engine at max speed though when limbing though. It is hard on bearings, because the needles skate on the oil) You need 89 octane gas MINIMUM (Cause saws run hotter on lower octane gas) and you need to load it down every now and then and bury the bar in some good heavy wood at wide open throttle, otherwise you will foul your plug.

Take care of the saw, and it will last you forever.

BTW SawBrian, the 3/8 .50 RSC chain is good chain. It is a chip throwing monster on the 361. Touched up with my hand file, I saw through hard oak thick enough that my 18" bar is barely peeking through in six seconds all day long.

 

[glens]

Originally posted by jokers
I have more thoughts on this saw that I`ll share later.

Did I miss them?

Glen

 

[jokers]

You didn`t miss them yet Glen, I`ve just been too busy to post.

I will say this, Stihl must be learning something about filtration. After several tanks of gas(I forgot whether it was 3 or 4), there was nothing more than 10 or so big chips on the very top of the filter. Much improved over the 036.

I want to get somemore run time on it before I send it your way, e-mail me your address.

Russ

 

[JETRO]

Hi guy's. I just picked up a new 361 today and got to run 2 tanks of fuel through it. I also have a 357 and would say that the 361 is MUCH quieter and very well balanced. The motor seems tight so I will reserve judgement on power until I run through 10-15 tanks of fuel. The husky seemed to really wake up with some use so I would think the Stihl will too.

 

[WoodTick007]

BUY A 357XP

Why not buy a real saw???

It seems in the game of performance and operator comfort Husky has taken the lead and Stihl is not playing slow game of ketchup.

I have over 30 saws with the majority being stihl. My latest saws have been a 346xp, 357xp, 371xp and 394xp and all perform better than the comprable model in the stihl line except the 394xp.
The 394xp is a nice saw and smoother to cut with, but my 066 Stihl is just a brute.
Is ok to say that Stihl is not the leader and mostlikely never will be again. Try a husky. You may just like it better.

 

[glens]

What are you considering to be "the same model in the stihl line" for those saws; particularly the 357XP?  I'm especially curious about that last one since the only saw comparable to it in the Stihl line-up is the new MS361.

Glen

 

[Chainsaw_Maniac]

Everyone seems to like it. And if jokers likes it then it must be good, cuz normally he'd say get a husky. My old 028 super has given up the ghost and I have nothing between my MS260 (49cc) and my 038 Magnum (72cc I think) so I'm going to get a MS361 soon. Maybe this week.

 

[Sylvatica]

-Does the 361 have Husqvarna-type closed quad ports?

-What did the 360 have, closed or open ports?



I have run the 360, but never had the jug off one.

Niticed that the local Stihl guy has both 361 and 361C (quickstop model).

 

[Jacob J.]

The 360/036 has opposed closed transfer loops, but not quads. The 361 has a quad style closed transfer loop, but the design is a bit different than Husky's, although it is most similar to the 357.

 

[stihltech]

air filter

I had an arborist cime in with a 361 that he uses daily. Asked how he liked it, replied "loved it".
Then he proceede to tell me he cleans the air filter once a week. He also had not cleaned yet this week, this being Friday night. I removed the filter cover, expecting to see a very dirty filter.
Much to my suprise, it was quite clean. Only a light dust. Upon removing the filter, it was very clean inside and in the carb throat.

I was wondering if anyone else was finding this on their 36.
Could it be that Stihl is on to something?