Thomas Venditto
ArboristSite Operative
Hey Folks,
I'm having trouble with both my Stihls and it's driving me crazy. I have a MS361 which I've owned for at least 15 years. It's been perfect- never had a problem. I'm a homeowner and use the saw to cut a couple of cords of wood per year. No big deal. I pretty much have it out every month, cept this year with all the snow! I keep it clean and touch the chain every tank. Never used any additives etc.
More recently, I inherited an 032 which seemed fine at first, but later started giving me similar issues and at the same time as the 361. The previous owner was very good about care and maintenance of his stuff. I don't know if these issues are related. I have to get one of these saws working soon. LOL
Anyway, the 361. Last fall, I put a new powermatch bar and new chain on it. After that, it was never right. I was cutting a large trunk from a fresh fell and the saw would bog down then stall. I'd pull it out and restart it. It seemed fine, but would bog under load. I put it away for the winter and fast forward to today.
I took it apart and cleaned everything. I changed the fuel filter and plug. I removed the gas and put in a new mix.
Also, I noticed the chain I ordered requires 8 notches on the rim sprocket. I ordered and replaced the part.
Again, the saw starts normally and runs. I began work on a 1' dia cherry that fell last fall. I made one or two cuts, then it bogged down and stalled. After that, I basically couldn't start it. It was trying, 3 pulls then a really tight one, run for sec then cut out etc.
I figure it's got to be carburation, but these saws use separate mixes. Also, I only mix 1 gallon at a time and share it with my other 2strokes with no issues.
So, before I tear into the carb, what should I try?
It just occurred to me that today's gas MAY have been premium. Does that matter?
Should I just replace the carb for ($30 cheapo or $75 OEM) then keep the old one for a spare?
The 032 is doing the same stuff. I have that apart and am doing the same work as the 361. I noticed it has a spur setup, so I ordered a rim setup. Both saws have a 20" Powermatch bar. The 361 has a full chisel chain and the 032 has a girlie chain, which still has plenty of life left in it.
Any help appreciated,
TomJV
I'm having trouble with both my Stihls and it's driving me crazy. I have a MS361 which I've owned for at least 15 years. It's been perfect- never had a problem. I'm a homeowner and use the saw to cut a couple of cords of wood per year. No big deal. I pretty much have it out every month, cept this year with all the snow! I keep it clean and touch the chain every tank. Never used any additives etc.
More recently, I inherited an 032 which seemed fine at first, but later started giving me similar issues and at the same time as the 361. The previous owner was very good about care and maintenance of his stuff. I don't know if these issues are related. I have to get one of these saws working soon. LOL
Anyway, the 361. Last fall, I put a new powermatch bar and new chain on it. After that, it was never right. I was cutting a large trunk from a fresh fell and the saw would bog down then stall. I'd pull it out and restart it. It seemed fine, but would bog under load. I put it away for the winter and fast forward to today.
I took it apart and cleaned everything. I changed the fuel filter and plug. I removed the gas and put in a new mix.
Also, I noticed the chain I ordered requires 8 notches on the rim sprocket. I ordered and replaced the part.
Again, the saw starts normally and runs. I began work on a 1' dia cherry that fell last fall. I made one or two cuts, then it bogged down and stalled. After that, I basically couldn't start it. It was trying, 3 pulls then a really tight one, run for sec then cut out etc.
I figure it's got to be carburation, but these saws use separate mixes. Also, I only mix 1 gallon at a time and share it with my other 2strokes with no issues.
So, before I tear into the carb, what should I try?
It just occurred to me that today's gas MAY have been premium. Does that matter?
Should I just replace the carb for ($30 cheapo or $75 OEM) then keep the old one for a spare?
The 032 is doing the same stuff. I have that apart and am doing the same work as the 361. I noticed it has a spur setup, so I ordered a rim setup. Both saws have a 20" Powermatch bar. The 361 has a full chisel chain and the 032 has a girlie chain, which still has plenty of life left in it.
Any help appreciated,
TomJV
