Scrounging Firewood (and other stuff)

[svk]

I do not have an issue with the Amsoil products themselves but I will never buy anything from them because of their untruthful marketing claims and the fact that they offer a "warranty" then tell every single claimant to **** off. They would be better off not offering a warranty than lying about one they will never honor.

Sorry Mike, do not mean to be a downer but I just do not care for that company or how it's employees and reps conduct themselves.

 

[Philbert]

FWIW they use 372’s as their test engine. I believe they run 5 of them simultaneously for each blend of oil and sometimes run them hours to days at a time.

Who gets the used 372s?

Philbert

 

[muad]

Happy Birthday Jeff!

FYI, I am NOT a fan of Stihl 2 cycle oil. I use AMSOIL Saber (I buy it by the gallon) at 40:1 in all my 2 stroke stuff, and almost all my saws are ported, some are ported Asian Clones, and I have never lost a saw.

Two of my ported Asian clones failed (in someone else's hands) running Stihl oil at 50:1. I insisted he change to Saber at 40:1 and he has beat the crap out of the replacement Asian clone and it is still running just fine. I think ALL of the saw porters I know insist their saws be run on high quality oil in a ratio of at least 40:1. High performance creates more stress.

I also do a good amount of milling (often with Asian clones) and that is very stressful on saws.

Thanks for the feedback. After having the Binford 254 ported, I switched over to 40:1 for mix. Huskihl recommended 32:1 for that saw, but after talking with my dealer and how that'd be too thick for my weedeaters and other saws, I landed on 40:1 as an alternative. Should run good in everything, and I only have to mix one can; versus multiple.

I won't let anyone put their mix in my saws. I don't loan them out, but if I did, I'd send a gallon of my fuel mix with them. LoL

 

[chipper1]

I was driving on a private road when I spotted them. I stopped. There were 4 ash rounds just off to the side. Checked to see that the coast was clear. I quickly loaded them in the back of the Jeep and drove directly home. OK, so I'm making it sound more nefarious than it was... it was my road and the rounds were the forks that my neighbor said I could have after helping him split and haul the straight pieces up to his porch last night. He was just starting when I drove past yesterday so I asked if he wanted help and he said sure in a neighborly kind of way that meant he didn't need help but would enjoy the company anyway. Honestly about the toughest splitting ash I can recall. Threw a couple of locust chunks on to to finish the load.
View attachment 860925
Did the rest of the locust the other night.
View attachment 860926
And a few pine rounds for shoulder season before that.
View attachment 860927
And swept off the FIL's trailer to return on Sunday. That tiny thing at the top of the pic is a wheelbarrow full of chips.
View attachment 860928

Glad you didn't get busted lol.
Locust .
Pine .
Almost swung by your FIL's place last week, bought another trailer , but don't worry, I sold 3 in the last couple weeks .
I'm ready to get a 20' equipment trailer, just need to be patient.

 

[muad]

That is the factory hot rod 262xp 4.8hp stock. That is one nice looking 262xp you have! May want to recheck that compression, mine ran little over 175.

Thanks brother, I don't have a gauge. But I think I'm gonna buy one. Any recommendations from you guys?

 

[chipper1]

Most certainly power wise but not handling? IMO the 346 and 550V1 are (were) the greatest limbing saws ever made. The 550v2 has more power but more weight.

I agree, a late model mk1 is a sweet saw, and they handle great and will give a 261(the wrong colored ones ) a run for their money, no apologies being made. That's coming from a guy who's had them all(except the ported mk2), 261cm vrs 1 and 2 stock and ported, currently only a mmws261cm vs1; also the 550 mk1 stock and ported, currently a stock 550, mm 2252 and a brad snelling ported 2252, and a few 353's and 346's from stock to modded.
As Mike said though, much of it is personal preference, I'm just glad stihl is starting to put a lot more angle on the handlebar, using spring AV, and they have better air filtration, they're becoming a lot more like a husky .

Bingo. Actually, originally I was planning to sell the 361, but man I just love that dang saw. LOL. I then thought about selling the 346xp, then the guy on FB posted about wanting a 241 and I figured I could get more $ out of it. I have about $600 in mine, with the extra chains I bought. I don't think I could sell it for $475. Although, that's probably a fair price for both parties.

I'm torn. I don't have to sell any saws, but I told the wife I would. I used gun money for the 262, which was supposed to go towards a rifle I have on layaway with a buddy. I have a thing for WW2 weapons

I appreciate everyones feedback.

The reason you like the 361 is because you like the huskys, it was the first stihl that started leaning more towards some of the husky tendencies.
I like the spring av especially on them, and they handle much more like a husky than any other stihl up to that point.
I'd ask a minimum of 500 plus shipping for the 241! Guys come on often wanting them, but as Mike said you may be sorry if you sell it, probably should just wait a little longer on the gun . Also as was said by @Cowboy254 , that was a rookie mistake, don't make promises you can't keep lol.
So in keeping with your promise you should sell the 241 to your wife.
If you list the 241 here for 500 plus shipping with all the chains I bet it will be gone within a week.

 

[chipper1]

Thanks brother, I don't have a gauge. But I think I'm gonna buy one. Any recommendations from you guys?

He's right that it should be higher, on the 2 series huskys they are all above 160 with the exception of the 257. The 257 is one of the few 2 series saws that you can get away with a base gasket delete without checking the squish as they are pretty loose.
Regardless of the brand you need a gauge with the valve right at the end of the adapter, if there is any space it will give a less accurate reading. That being said, even a less accurate reading will help you diagnose problems once you know where it's at. I bought an ms460 on here once that no-one would give the guy the time of day on even though it was priced right, he showed the compression being 140 or so iirc although the piston looked great when he sent me pictures. I took a chance and got it, first thing I did was to put the gauge on it, 178 psi .
BTW, don't get rid of the 461, that's a great bucking saw(no great handling needed) and will outrun a 372, unless it's ported.

 

[muad]

He's right that it should be higher, on the 2 series huskys they are all above 160 with the exception of the 257. The 257 is one of the few 2 series saws that you can get away with a base gasket delete without checking the squish as they are pretty loose.
Regardless of the brand you need a gauge with the valve right at the end of the adapter, if there is any space it will give a less accurate reading. That being said, even a less accurate reading will help you diagnose problems once you know where it's at. I bought an ms460 on here once that no-one would give the guy the time of day on even though it was priced right, he showed the compression being 140 or so iirc although the piston looked great when he sent me pictures. I took a chance and got it, first thing I did was to put the gauge on it, 178 psi .
BTW, don't get rid of the 461, that's a great bucking saw(no great handling needed) and will outrun a 372, unless it's ported.

The 461 is here to stay. I love that saw. I can't remember who on here sold it to me, but they did me right. In fact, the sucker got me yesterday when I went to start it with slippery wd40 hands. I used the comp release for the choked start, but forgot to push it when I yanked again without the choke. Sucker has some serious compression, ripped the handle out of my hand and smacked me good in the stomach.

I'll look at gauges.

 

[svk]

I agree, a late model mk1 is a sweet saw, and they handle great and will give a 261(the wrong colored ones ) a run for their money, no apologies being made. That's coming from a guy who's had them all(except the ported mk2), 261cm vrs 1 and 2 stock and ported, currently only a mmws261cm vs1; also the 550 mk1 stock and ported, currently a stock 550, mm 2252 and a brad snelling ported 2252, and a few 353's and 346's from stock to modded.
As Mike said though, much of it is personal preference, I'm just glad stihl is starting to put a lot more angle on the handlebar, using spring AV, and they have better air filtration, they're becoming a lot more like a husky .

The reason you like the 361 is because you like the huskys, it was the first stihl that started leaning more towards some of the husky tendencies.
I like the spring av especially on them, and they handle much more like a husky than any other stihl up to that point.
I'd ask a minimum of 500 plus shipping for the 241! Guys come on often wanting them, but as Mike said you may be sorry if you sell it, probably should just wait a little longer on the gun . Also as was said by @Cowboy254 , that was a rookie mistake, don't make promises you can't keep lol.
So in keeping with your promise you should sell the 241 to your wife.
If you list the 241 here for 500 plus shipping with all the chains I bet it will be gone within a week.

Ironically, Husky went towards Dolmar (heavier, more powerful saw for given CC) with the V2 and Stihl went toward traditional Husky with a lighter saw for their V2.

Again (personal preference) but I want my 50cc saw to be as light and nimble as possible. If you want to add a little weight you can get into a 262 and have way more power.

Now that I have a ported 346 NE, a ported 345 converted to 346 OE (although it is in the "sick bay" at the moment), and several other 340, 345, and 350 saws in the stable I have hitched my wagon to that chassis. Love the neutral balance of those saws.

I still want a ported 262 at some point but very much unneeded being that I have the ported 45 to 50 cc saws plus soon to be ported 371.

 

[svk]

Who gets the used 372s?

Philbert

Excellent question. I know they routinely get new top ends installed at the testing facility but not sure about what happens if the bottom end goes out.

I will ask. They are only a hop, skip, and jump from you.

 

[svk]

Sorry to grind the axe on Amsoil but they just drive me crazy.

Their operations are only 90 miles from here. I would literally buy their products exclusively to help out local folks if they did not conduct themselves in such an asinine way.

 

[muad]

I'm still torn between the 241 and 346. One has to go, I have to be a man of my word.

That, or maybe I can sell the 015L and the wife's MS180, and "give" her the 241.

 

[svk]

That, or maybe I can sell the 015L and the wife's MS180, and "give" her the 241.

Do not sell that 346!

Selling the 015 and 180 sounds like a winning plan. Now you are actually downsizing yet improving the fleet!

 

[Deleted member 117362]

Thanks brother, I don't have a gauge. But I think I'm gonna buy one. Any recommendations from you guys?

Do you know an auto repair person in you area? Maybe he would do a compression test with his, or stop by local auto parts store (ours has tools they loan out) you could do it right there. With that much carbon on piston and ring, it may just be a stuck ring or nothing at all. I could not sleep at night worrying about it, how much do you want for it?

 

[muad]

Sorry to grind the axe on Amsoil but they just drive me crazy.

Their operations are only 90 miles from here. I would literally buy their products exclusively to help out local folks if they did not conduct themselves in such an asinine way.

Have never used their products. Shell and motorcraft are what I use in the vehicles and such. Seems to have worked well for me, changing every 5K miles.

Heck, I've been running Shell Rotella 15w-40 in the F350 for years. It's not a diesel, just a big block 460. LOL. Tractor and the truck use the same oil, and the same filter. Makes oil changes easier.

 

[muad]

Do not sell that 346!

Selling the 015 and 180 sounds like a winning plan. Now you are actually downsizing yet improving the fleet!

I'll see if she's good with that. I need to play with the 346. She's running rich also, plug was almost black. seems there are limiters on the carb adjustments, IIRC.

Do you know an auto repair person in you area? Maybe he would do a compression test with his, or stop by local auto parts store (ours has tools they loan out) you could do it right there. With that much carbon on piston and ring, it may just be a stuck ring or nothing at all. I could not sleep at night worrying about it, how much do you want for it?

LOL! Nice try brother, she ain't going anywhere, other than maybe to a porter

 

[MustangMike]

SVK, no need to apologize, truth s/b told, but at the ratio I use it is a great product.

I would sell the 2 lesser saws and keep the 241. Quality is better than quantity!

 

[chipper1]

The 461 is here to stay. I love that saw. I can't remember who on here sold it to me, but they did me right. In fact, the sucker got me yesterday when I went to start it with slippery wd40 hands. I used the comp release for the choked start, but forgot to push it when I yanked again without the choke. Sucker has some serious compression, ripped the handle out of my hand and smacked me good in the stomach.

I'll look at gauges.

I forgot to say in my other post, as it was where I was going when I got lost on the 460 compression story , check the compression on the 461 to get a baseline for the gauge. Another thing is what @Duce said, just run it and see if it goes up a bit, it's amazing what running a saw on a good mix will do for it. Another thing I like to do on saws that stick around here long is to run a few tanks of conventional 2 stroke mix in them now and then.

 

[chipper1]

Ironically, Husky went towards Dolmar (heavier, more powerful saw for given CC) with the V2 and Stihl went toward traditional Husky with a lighter saw for their V2.

Again (personal preference) but I want my 50cc saw to be as light and nimble as possible. If you want to add a little weight you can get into a 262 and have way more power.

Now that I have a ported 346 NE, a ported 345 converted to 346 OE (although it is in the "sick bay" at the moment), and several other 340, 345, and 350 saws in the stable I have hitched my wagon to that chassis. Love the neutral balance of those saws.

I still want a ported 262 at some point but very much unneeded being that I have the ported 45 to 50 cc saws plus soon to be ported 371.

Yes they did which I was a bit disappointed in, good thing I have the other 50's to get me by. I'm not as fond of the 5105 for that very reason, she's a fat 50, which is how I feel about the 550 mk2, the good thing about the mk2 is it stihl handles well unlike the 5105. I think the larger 50cc saws are nice for a one saw plan as you could run a 20x3/8 no problem on them for firewooding, but they certainly aren't the best handling with a 16-18. I run a 20x3/8 on my ported 261cm vs2 and it does a great job and it's nice for the reach, but I've never thought of it as a great handling 50 no matter the bar length. The thing that I like about the smaller stihls (35-40cc) is they are light enough that the handling isn't as big of an issue and I have quite a few of their smaller saws, I like them a lot.

Sorry to grind the axe on Amsoil but they just drive me crazy.

Their operations are only 90 miles from here. I would literally buy their products exclusively to help out local folks if they did not conduct themselves in such an asinine way.

I have issues supporting local companies myself and I do what I can too. Yesterday I got a hard time from U-Haul because they insisted I wore a mask, they ended up coming outside and taking my covid-cash, what a bunch of hypocrisy. I'll be contacting their corporate office as they said it was corporates "police"y not theirs, whatever it's a farce no matter how you look at it.

 

[chipper1]

I'm still torn between the 241 and 346. One has to go, I have to be a man of my word.

That, or maybe I can sell the 015L and the wife's MS180, and "give" her the 241.

I'll take the 241, I'm sending the $5 via PayPal and I'll pick it up soon. Just not sure how soon I'll be over your way, could be yrs, so just hold onto it for me until then... .