Hi, I have a Stihl MS180 chainsaw and I'm afraid that it's engine needs to be replaced. I've seen on Aliexpress engines for this model on very modest prices. I would like to ask if any of you, people, has/had any experience with such an engine or it's just throwing away money.
Replacement engine for Stihl MS180
- Thread starter Koper
- Start date
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Generally speaking, the low cost replacement parts are not worth the time and effort.
There are some more reputable brands that do make some acceptable quality parts but I don't know if they have devoted any time and effort to a low cost saw line the 180.
Cross and Meteor are generally good quality.
Mark
There are some more reputable brands that do make some acceptable quality parts but I don't know if they have devoted any time and effort to a low cost saw line the 180.
Cross and Meteor are generally good quality.
Mark
Michael E
ArboristSite Member
A cheap chinese engine is sometimes the only economical way to fix a cheap saw like the MS 180, though not the best. From my experience, I advise you to take the new engine apart and reseal it with a proper product before installation.
But I would be interested why your whole engine has to be replaced? What is wrong with it?
But I would be interested why your whole engine has to be replaced? What is wrong with it?
It is quite a saga. I had difficulty to start the saw running. someone recommended me a motorized tools "repairman" which was a disastrous move because after the saw was at his workshop for two weeks without being fixed, I took it back and today I found that the engine's starter cord can't be pulled, I guess because the engine is stuck. I don't think that going back to him will solve anything, he for sure will deny it and nothing good will come out of it.
Since you've mentioned the option of using cheap chinese engine - I would like to ask again if you have any experience with these engines? let me be more specific and note that the saw is used only every once in a while in my garden. it's not intended (at least at me) for professional use.
One more thing - do you or any other member can guide me to where I can find the workshop manual for the Stihl MS180?
Michael E
ArboristSite Member
My experience with aftermarket chainsaw engines is limited, and I don't want to tell anecdotes. I don't have a service manual, sorry.
If your engine won't turn over, take off the starter assembly on the left hand side and the bar/chain and clutch on the right hand side and try to move the engine by hand. Sometimes it's just something on the outside that's causing your problems.
If you take out the spark plug, can you see any damage to the piston or cylinder walls?
If your engine won't turn over, take off the starter assembly on the left hand side and the bar/chain and clutch on the right hand side and try to move the engine by hand. Sometimes it's just something on the outside that's causing your problems.
If you take out the spark plug, can you see any damage to the piston or cylinder walls?
Unfortunately in this day and age a saw like the MS180 falls into the disposables category. I was curious what parts would cost and found this. Good luck.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2850378400...VjDVsWChKF6lDspZTTpdKaijJmvDlwMEoP8aGAo&gQT=2
Go here, and ask for the shop manual and an IPL:
https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/the-beg-for-manuals-thread.68615/
I agree with the posters who are saying never give up on a saw until you know what's wrong. Get a T27 torx key and remove the muffler. Post pics of piston, through exhaust port, here.
Roy
Scroll down the page to the "Gardening, Forestry, Agriculture" area.
https://www.meteorpiston.com/
Maybe Google doesn't work as well in Israel?
https://crosscylinder.com/performance-small-engine-parts-catalog/
Mark
https://www.meteorpiston.com/
Maybe Google doesn't work as well in Israel?
https://crosscylinder.com/performance-small-engine-parts-catalog/
Mark
Take off the pull cord cover and see if something is stuck in it first. Start basic.
Chainsaw Pete
ArboristSite Operative
If I understand your post correctly, you could not start the saw but you were able to pull the cord and turn the engine over. Since it would not start, you took it to a shop/guy who fixes small engines, and when you retrieved the saw, it was locked up.
Are you sure the brake is not engaged? Pull it (that black thing in front of the top handle) back, toward the motor. If clicking the brake on and off does not free up the saw, then you need to start taking it apart.
Throwing parts at a machine without knowing what is causing the problem is not a cost effective way of fixing what is wrong. You might accidentally get it working when a simple adjustment was all that was needed.
Are you sure the brake is not engaged? Pull it (that black thing in front of the top handle) back, toward the motor. If clicking the brake on and off does not free up the saw, then you need to start taking it apart.
Throwing parts at a machine without knowing what is causing the problem is not a cost effective way of fixing what is wrong. You might accidentally get it working when a simple adjustment was all that was needed.
The brake was my first thing to check. unfortunately, it's not what caused the problem, I've moved it just as you've suggested.
I assumed the worst case scenario - that the engine is "dead" and will have to be replaced. after reading comments and advise here, I think that I'll follow them and begin to take it apart in order to find where the problem is. I'll appreciate any further advise/guidance about it.
Attached a pic that I took after removing the muffler. to my inexperienced sight and opinion - not much conclusion from it.
Attachments
Take off the starter, remove spark plug and try turning the engine over using the flywheel. Report back and include plenty of pictures
Michael E
ArboristSite Member
Actually, there is lot to see. Mostly, that the piston looks good. It is not burned up, just lightly scored. This is not the reason for the locked up saw, nor the starting problems you had before. Take out the spark plug next and check if parts broke off the piston or ring and keep the piston from going up all the way.
Again, your problems might be outside of the engine itself. Starter, flywheel, clutch - those are all things you have to take off anyway to change the engine. You might as well take them off now to see if any of them block the engine.
I've removed the spark plug, seems that the top of the piston is about 30 mm's below the spark plug's hole. I don't see/feel any objects in there, I've tried to see more with an endoscope connected to my phone but wasn't able to see anything. I'll follow you advise and start dismantling.
