Hi All,
I’m not much of an internet forum guy but I’ve been to this site several times in the past year and now (unfortunately) have a question for the group. Fantastic site, by the way.
Reading a couple threads about the Stihl 461 as compared to the 661, I set my eye toward a 461 a few months back. I live in southwestern British Columbia and would use the saw to help out my 16 year old son in his firewood business and I’d also like to buy an Alaskan Mill for some milling.
As sometimes happens, one came up on the local Craigslist. It was at a pawn shop but based on the photos looked to be in fair shape. The grip was still perfect and the bar and plastics looked to be in good shape. After watching it for a few weeks I called and offered $450 (all prices in US$). They accepted so I drove a couple hours to pick it up, ran it briefly, and paid my money.
This is probably a good time to say I’ve always had pretty good luck on Craigslist. I’ve bought cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, even an oven. I guess I was due for a schooling. About an hour after I dropped it off at my local saw shop for a look-over and tune up, they called and said the crank bearing had given up, toasting the bottom end and probably the top end. I asked for a quote to rebuild it and they came back today and said it will probably cost about $800 to rebuild it.
When I went down to pick up the pieces, he mentioned they just took a 661 in on trade and will be selling it next week. Tested, tuned for around $600.
So, my question to the experts: should I try and rebuild the 461 myself or chalk that up to a lesson learned and just buy the 661? Or maybe hold out for another 461 since I’ll have a good parts machine.
I don’t have any small engine rebuild experience but I am pretty handy. I have time and a decent shop.
I really appreciate any insights.
I’m not much of an internet forum guy but I’ve been to this site several times in the past year and now (unfortunately) have a question for the group. Fantastic site, by the way.
Reading a couple threads about the Stihl 461 as compared to the 661, I set my eye toward a 461 a few months back. I live in southwestern British Columbia and would use the saw to help out my 16 year old son in his firewood business and I’d also like to buy an Alaskan Mill for some milling.
As sometimes happens, one came up on the local Craigslist. It was at a pawn shop but based on the photos looked to be in fair shape. The grip was still perfect and the bar and plastics looked to be in good shape. After watching it for a few weeks I called and offered $450 (all prices in US$). They accepted so I drove a couple hours to pick it up, ran it briefly, and paid my money.
This is probably a good time to say I’ve always had pretty good luck on Craigslist. I’ve bought cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, even an oven. I guess I was due for a schooling. About an hour after I dropped it off at my local saw shop for a look-over and tune up, they called and said the crank bearing had given up, toasting the bottom end and probably the top end. I asked for a quote to rebuild it and they came back today and said it will probably cost about $800 to rebuild it.
When I went down to pick up the pieces, he mentioned they just took a 661 in on trade and will be selling it next week. Tested, tuned for around $600.
So, my question to the experts: should I try and rebuild the 461 myself or chalk that up to a lesson learned and just buy the 661? Or maybe hold out for another 461 since I’ll have a good parts machine.
I don’t have any small engine rebuild experience but I am pretty handy. I have time and a decent shop.
I really appreciate any insights.