MS361 OEM cylinder?

[Baddboyy21]

I picked up a non-running MS361. It was said to only need “carb” work. Upon further investigation, I think I found that it has a Chinese piston and cylinder kit. I can’t find any “Stihl” markings on the side at the base. It has some really bad spark plug threads. They aren’t stripped. Just looks like terrible machining. The piston looks brand new and is definitely a clue to making me believe it’s all aftermarket. It has some Chinese spark plug in it also.

The muffler didn’t have a gasket, it looks like dirko or permatex was used instead. Someone also welded a “heat shield” on the side because it looks to have melted the brake handle.

Can anyone identify if the cylinder is aftermarket? I’m pretty sure it is. I’ll be looking for a good used one or a reasonably priced OEM kit.

 

[Jacob J.]

Judging by that exhaust flange, I would say it is some sort of aftermarket jug. The application of red RTV for an exhaust gasket is not a good sign.

 

[Baddboyy21]

Judging by that exhaust flange, I would say it is some sort of aftermarket jug. The application of red RTV for an exhaust gasket is not a good sign.

Right! I plan on just ditching the cylinder and piston and starting with an OEM.

 

[kenton.a.frank]

Agree with above, if they skimmed out on buying an exhaust gasket I doubt they shelled out the dough for a oem top end.


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[ChimneySmoke]

Mine has "STIHL" cast into it at the base, same side as the decomp.

 

[brandonstc6]

When you pull the jug, if it’s a Tecomec cylinder and piston. I am interested in it.
Thanks


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[Baddboyy21]

Mine has "STIHL" cast into it at the base, same side as the decomp.

I couldn’t see anything stamped on that side. Definitely think it’s aftermarket.

 

[Baddboyy21]

When you pull the jug, if it’s a Tecomec cylinder and piston. I am interested in it.
Thanks


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Do you know where and what markings are on that brand? I won’t be able to work on it for about a week. I’ll definitely let you know if it is.

 

[SamT1]

Agree with above, if they skimmed out on buying an exhaust gasket I doubt they shelled out the dough for a oem top end.


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The copper RTV is better than any gasket made. Great stuff. I wouldn’t downrate any build because they use it, lots of guys prefer it to gaskets in various motor sport applications.

The “deflector” thing would be my concern. The after market piston and cylinder kits seem to be fine for longevity, especially on an older saw that’s bottom end has age on it. They definelty don’t make good power though in my experience.

 

[Baddboyy21]

Was doing more investigation and it doesn’t appear t0 have a serial number on the case. Do the 361’s have it on the top of the case on the right side? Maybe the cases are aftermarket too?

 

[Baddboyy21]

The more I think about it, the more I believe I got ripped off. The seller on eBay is playing dumb about it. Sent him pics and asked why the saw doesn’t have a serial number and he says “how do I even know that’s my saw?”

That will be the last saw I buy from eBay!

 

[DND 9000]

Original spare crankcase halves also have no serial number. The serial number has to be stamped in from the workshop who changes the case halves. That`s the way it is done. If you can split your case halves, the serial number may be inside too (on a original one).

 

[drf255]

Those can be China cases. Many people also swap in a PTO side to get rid of the “C” option. If that’s done incorrectly, an air leak can occur from mismatch.

The NWP big bore 49mm kit is a good AM kit if you wanna just run that saw. Some porting and an 044 boot and carb swap and you’ll be a happy man.

The mufflers are the most difficult to modify in the Stihl lineup IMHO.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

If there isn't a serial number stamped on the pad there won't be a hidden one on the inside edge. They wouldn't stamp the hidden one only.
Look for the stihl part and casting numbers on the case halves. They're usually located underneath in the area hidden by the fuel tank/ handle.
As far as the cylinder, if it has no markings then it is not oem.

Sellers try to rip buyers off all the time by passing off aftermarket as real. Do not hesitate to use the buyer protection if the saw you bought wasn't properly described.

 

[brandonstc6]

Do you know where and what markings are on that brand? I won’t be able to work on it for about a week. I’ll definitely let you know if it is.

It will have Tecomec or the symbol pictured cast into it. Most likely tho, it just has a cheap farmertech cylinder on it.

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[brandonstc6]

I would return the saw using eBay buyer protection.


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[drf255]

The shiny exhaust flange is a dead giveaway for AM 99% of the time.

 

[SamT1]

I would return the saw using eBay buyer protection.


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And that’s why I don’t sell on eBay any more. Guy buys a non running saw probably for dirt cheap by only looking at pics. It turns out not to be a killer deal and the standard recommendation is use the buyer protection. There’s got to be some risk for buyers. Let’s see a link to this listing, and how it was described.
It’s likely the seller bought it used and has no clue about any of it. With all the Whiney hiney buyers these days not many folks are willing to actually defraud you on eBay since all you have to do is click a button and get your money back. Especially on an item that shipping 2 ways would likely come close to covering what it’s worth.

 

[brandonstc6]

And that’s why I don’t sell on eBay any more. Guy buys a non running saw probably for dirt cheap by only looking at pics. It turns out not to be a killer deal and the standard recommendation is use the buyer protection. There’s got to be some risk for buyers. Let’s see a link to this listing, and how it was described.
It’s likely the seller bought it used and has no clue about any of it. With all the Whiney hiney buyers these days not many folks are willing to actually defraud you on eBay since all you have to do is click a button and get your money back. Especially on an item that shipping 2 ways would likely come close to covering what it’s worth.

I understand that, but it sounds like to me the seller knows the saw has a lot of aftermarket parts on it and was trying to hide that.


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[kenton.a.frank]

The copper RTV is better than any gasket made. Great stuff. I wouldn’t downrate any build because they use it, lots of guys prefer it to gaskets in various motor sport applications.

The “deflector” thing would be my concern. The after market piston and cylinder kits seem to be fine for longevity, especially on an older saw that’s bottom end has age on it. They definelty don’t make good power though in my experience.

There is not a single thing in your post that I agree with. 361 is still in the records as one of the best 60cc saws for longevity and power to weight. A gasket is less than $5. The choice to use gasket maker on one of the hottest points on the saw is not a great idea in my experience.


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