Addition to the stable - MS-361

[PaulDaisy]

Well, after years and years of looking off and on and not being sure if I need it for my limited use, I picked up a MS361 today. The saw carries a 20" bar and starts and runs pretty well. I will clean it up and give it a good inspection, and she will be a good one for the times, like this summer, when I had to remove two decent size dead trees, when my 026 with a 16" bar was a little too small and bogged down when cutting out stumps below ground level.
I still like my little 170 for campfire wood, where I prefer small wood without splitting it.
I think my stable is now complete!

 

[buzz sawyer]

My favorite saw! Make sure the oiler screw is turned all the way for full flow. Other than that, all I can add is keep the chain sharp and use good fuel.

 

[Canyon Angler]

I think my stable is now complete!

That's just crazy talk. You need to get with the program.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

Aahh stable needs 044,066,and an 088!
MS361 IS A FANTASTIC SAW.

 

[bwalker]

One of the best 60cc saws ever made.
Just make sure you mod the muffler as the stock muffler is an abortion that makes the saw run hot.

 

[PaulDaisy]

Thanks folks! I will check on the oiler screw, check into the muffler mod - and will look at the C&P at the same time. I have heard that the OEM made the muffler restrictive deliberately to provide backpressure to the cylinder, to maintain proper temperature. But I read that tons of people open them up and get better power. My 026 has a muffler "mod", done by previous owner, which amounted to their drilling a 1/2" hole all the way through the muffler. That 026 is as loud as a Harley with straight pipes, but it cuts well.
I usually buy ethanol-free 87 gas for my 2-cycle engines, and since I use them infrequently, add sta-bil to the fuel right away, and use only that fuel in the saws. This paid off, I haven't had to rebuild a carb (again) in the last 10 years on any 2-cycle I own.
Seriously?.. Three more? I counted 17 internal combustion engines, combined, in my possession just now. Well I kind of get it why I probably need a 044 (because everyone does), but 066 and 088, probably only if my son's car dies and needs a bigger motor?..

 

[Ittybittyfitty]

What’s the best way to mod the muffler on this saw?

 

[PaulDaisy]

It seems that the best mod was done by Andy (Lakeside53), and there is still a thread here but the images are gone. There is this other thread:
https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/stihl-361-muffler-mod-how-to.323756/that has enough pictures to follow what the mod looks like. There is also a "flap" mod, opening the left side of the muffler, with and without a spark arrestor screen.

 

[bwalker]

What’s the best way to mod the muffler on this saw?

A hole and deflector on the left side is the easiest way.
I would open up the the internal basket as well.

 

[Ittybittyfitty]

My 361 is from Malaysia. I wonder if it is as restricted inside as a made for USA saw muffler??

 

[bwalker]

My 361 is from Malaysia. I wonder if it is as restricted inside as a made for USA saw muffler?

The Malaysian 361 has no spark arrestor which is the cause of most of the restriction on the US 361's, but it still has a internal basket and a small outlet. My 361 came from Robinwood as well.

 

[PaulDaisy]

Here they are…

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Now ya just need a 70 and 90 cc stihl and you’ll be set!

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

I believe Andy (Lakeside53) said the holes in the internal basket were fine restriction wise.