A nice surprise today from Stihl!!

[MacLaren]

Wow. Thats surprising to me. I just figured a company as big as stihl, would probably award somehting like a contract to mahale for the whole line up.
Not at all to argue your point as you know way more than i do about it. just surprising to me that stihl would be that flexible i guess......? :monkey:

 

[blsnelling]

Wow. Thats surprising to me. I just figured a company as big as stihl, would probably award somehting like a contract to mahale for the whole line up.
Not at all to argue your point as you know way more than i do about it. just surprising to me that stihl would be that flexible i guess......? :monkey:

You're not the only one. A lot of us were surprised, and disappointed, when this started. Like mentioned in the first post, Stihl began using non-Mahle P&Cs a couple years ago. We're talking MS260, MS440, MS460, MS660. I'm not sure if the MS361 was always Mahle or not. I believe the MS441 is always Mahle.

 

[MacLaren]

Gotcha.. Thanks.

 

[blsnelling]

Those that have defended Stihls decision to go with something other than Mahle P&Cs on their pro saws, have argued that while it may not be as pretty, it wasn't likely to affect performance. However, I believe this saw, to some extent, shows otherwise. The thing of it is, you'll not find anything but Mahle P&Cs on the competitions pro saws.

Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise to get this one, and the compression is very promising for a real runner.

 

[MacLaren]

I dont doubt it one little bit Brad. IMO, which aint much.... I truly believe your right on the money Brad.:agree2:

 

[blsnelling]

I dont doubt it one little bit Brad. IMO, which aint much.... I truly believe your right on the money Brad.:agree2:

Not everyone agrees It's all good though. I simply call it like I see it. At heart, I'm a Stihlhead. But I don't defend a product just because of the brand.

 

[MacLaren]

IMO, I dont think you can blame stihl for wanting thier own. But then again, stihl been doing this for a long time, and I wouldnt be surprised to see mahale on all again.

 

[2000ssm6]

However, I believe this saw, to some extent, shows otherwise.

That extent could be argued quite a bit. When a saw is modded, all that goes out the door. The best way to measure is to take a new 460 w/ a Mahle and one with a Stihl and run them. I'll agree some of the newer Stihl cyliders look bad. I have seen some ugly Mahles also, just got one in the mail the other day. Thanks btw! If it comes to it, it will be used. Ported, but used.

The thing of it is, you'll not find anything but Mahle P&Cs on the competitions pro saws.

I'm sure if they could justify the molds/tooling and had the know how, they would switch. Doing them inhouse would save some $$$. What company would not like to save $$$?

 

[blsnelling]

I totally agree that this P&C, in and of itself, doesn't prove anything. But I would pose this question. When's the last time you saw a new MS460, make 180 PSI with the squish only .008 tighter than factory? Squish is the only thing changed on this saw that would affect compression. I also realize that compression is only one factor in the performance of a saw. Normally, I'd be pretty happy to see 160 PSI. Maybe this saw's just a nice fluke

 

[2000ssm6]

I'd say you have a fluke, LOL. 180psi is high, should get higher though and be one he** of a runner.:jawdrop:

 

[blsnelling]

I'd say you have a fluke, LOL. 180psi is high, should get higher though and be one he** of a runner.:jawdrop:

I'm inclined to agree with you I've seen 170 before, but I don't think I've ever seen 180. I guess the guy getting this saw just got lucky, lol. It's headed for California tomorrow.

 

[madhatte]

My ~1yo 460 at work has a Mahle cylinder. It's been trouble-free and acts like it'll stay that way. Only mod is a factory D/P cover.