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Email me during the day and I’ll run it. Regards, Bill [email protected]

“It runs at high idle and then it quits running” Everyone is correct that it sounds like an air leak, and I agree. A pressure and vac test will tell the tale, but remember that this is an MS361. Where do most MS361’s have air leaks? The impulse hose! These saws are getting old, but I rarely see...

The MS 180 saws have a Zama BIS (balanced idle system) carburetor. The idle speed is controlled by the “LD” adjustment screw that is an air bleed. It is not a traditional idle speed screw that opens the throttle plate, but bleeds air into the venturi. Don’t overthink this, it’s a really simple...

I sharpen 20-30 loops tof RDR each month for a couple of large fire departments. They use it as it is designed to be used- for roof venting. I've tried it on my 066 just for grins twice- the FIRST and LAST times. It really does cut about like a dull semi-chisel chain in regular wood. In dirty...

Yes, and no. The high speed needle is just fine-tuning. 90% of the fuel flow is through the fixed jet. The needle only adjusts the final 10%. If you big-bore a -290, opt for the -310 fixed jet so you don't run it lean. If its a really big-bore, opt for the -390 fixed jet. The needle valve...

Stihl certainly has had issues with solenoid valves. Not all of them, but an unacceptably high percentage. The shop where I work sells $1M + in Stihl whole goods per year and I replace a solenoid valve every week or so. Not a bad average, but a higher incidence of failure than we should expect...

The MS361 has one common problem that routinely occurs- the impulse hose comes off the back of the fuel tank housing, causing a huge air leak. Look between the cylinder and the tank for a curved black hose about 2.5" long. It connects to a nipple coming off the lower portion of the cylinder that...

There are tons of carbs available for this series of saws. The Walbro fully adjustable carbs are fine. The Zama carbs occsionally have seat leakage issues when high concentrations of ethanol are present in the fuel. Personally, I prefer the Tillotson HU-131A carb for these saws. Its cheap- about...

I would use only an OEM part for something as critical as a safety device. I'm not willing to entrust my safety to the low bidder to build a part in China. Parts may look the same, but material differences WILL cause performance differences.

Compression numbers mean nothing to me. I NEVER check compression on a saw. A quick look at the intake and exhaust sides of the piston will tell you almost everything you need to know about the cylinder. Check the fuel solenoid on the throttle body. One that is leaking will cause low power...

Its certainly going to need a handguard. I've replaced more than a few over the years! The handguard's achilles heel is the area where it connects to the chainbrake linkage near the clutch. You have to fully remove the handguard to properly inspect it. If it over-travels, its probably damaged at...

Somewhat off subject, but here goes..... Stihl, like all manufacturers, does not have a "book time" for repairs. A dealer is free to charge whatever they want to do a particular job. This is why the range is from very reasonably to outrageous. A dealer is hopefully going to charge reasonably...

Is your saw MTronic or standard? MTronic saws don't have carb adjustment access holes in the engine shroud if you aren't certain. If your saw is MTronic, the controller (coil) and all the MTronic parts have a 2 year Federal emissions warranty. If it is a standard -362, the coil has the same...

In addition to all the good things to check that have been previously listed, look at the oil pump worm gear. If it is binding on the crankshaft, it will turn the drum as surely as the clutch will.

Great fix! If you installed a -390 top end on this saw, you may want to consider replacing the fixed jet in the carb with the -390 jet. I don't remember the inside diameter of the jets. I did lots of this upgrade on Fire Dept saws 10-12 years ago and I found that they ran OK with the -310 jet in...

The 280 is a nice saw. Low production numbers. so there aren't too many out there. I see several common issues with this series of saws and all of them are age-related. As previously said, the fuel hoses are problematic- just replace it! the -280 uses the MS 200T (1129) fuel hose. The Walbro HD...

Scoring on the intake side of the piston is a tough one. Depending on where on the skirt it is, and whether it is horizontal or vertical will help you figure it out. Vertical scoring can be from dirt ingestion, as previously stated. Or.... it can be from water in the fuel. Water in the fuel is...

Wow! This idea is a wonderful way to waste time and money. It won't work unless you change the carburetor, choke rod, ignition module, flywheel, and wiring harness. The CMZ throttle bodies contain 2 electrical components- the solenoid valve and a diode that senses choke shaft position. Without...

How about calling this "Good dealer experience"? You couldn't get exactly what you wanted from one dealer, so you went to another one. Thats life. We have freedom of choice, as did the dealer that you didn't buy from. You make choices that you deem reasonable, and the first dealer did the same-...

Is the problem saw a standard MS201 or is it an M-Tronic unit? I am the saw tech at a large VA Stihl shop and have never found a no-spark situation in a MS201 saw that was the fault of the module. MS201TCM's (M-Tronic) saws can spark once or twice and have no spark if the diode assy on the...