Stihl 661
- Thread starter ryan_marine
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ernurse
ArboristSite Operative
Then it's on to fuel injection. Already is on a concrete saw.
ernurse
ArboristSite Operative
Im not sure why but the tach jumps all over the place on an m-tronic saw. It may have something to do with the variable ignition timing. Some one that knows for sure will spill the beans im sure.
Mastermind
Work Saw Specialist
I think you nailed it.
windthrown
361 Junkie
Yah, I have to agree with the computer chip issue. One reason I traded for a non-M-tronic 441 this week. I can re-tune it anywhere by ear with a small orange screwdriver. I designed computer chips for 10 years in the Silicon Valley. They are going to fail at times and the vibration and weather is going to get to them at some point. They are also fab'd to work within specific temperature ranges, and they require a computer system to adjust. Murphy is always out there in the woods, and just waiting for you to be vulnerable.
The M-tronic conversion of the fleet is mainly because of upcoming EU air standards, which are far tougher than US EPA standards. From the looks of it they designed the 461 with the US market in mind with rubber AV mounts and no M-tronic version. The pro saws: 241, 261, 362, 441, and 661 are all available (some only) in the EU with M-tronic.
I've been running computer controlled pickups, snowmachines, and heavy equipment for over a decade. Their failure rate is better or on par with non-computer controlled versions. I suppose we need to go pack to points and condensers again.
windthrown
361 Junkie
Yes, and I have designed computer chips specifically for all of those applications (I am an electronics engineer). I am a specialist in testing and validating microchip and system designs before they are even fab'd. I have also designed and tested a lot of military platform technology. The main issue with chainsaws is the vibration, they tend to get dropped, the temperature variables, and the weather exposure. Also as the complexity of microchips increases, and the size decreases, problems arise. They are not fool proof, in any stretch of the imagination. The more complicated any system is, the more likely it will fail over time. Ten years is also about the time window that these systems will begin to fail in. Molecular migration, micro corrosion, power surges, electrostatic discharges, and all kinds of other things happen over time.
I do not suggest that we go back to points and condensers, as they also fail. As do solid state coils in older Stihl saws. But for reliability for the time being, I am sticking with old school. I also carry two saws with me into the woods when I cut. Just because...
big t double
Addicted to ArboristSite
Also could have to do with the number of magnets in the flywheel...I believe the saws that have dual sets of magnets will wonk out older tachs
I think it is superior, as do many others. The first generation 441's were noodles with the rubber AV and many folks hated them. The spring AV on the 441c-m is a vast improvement.
ernurse
ArboristSite Operative
I own both and the current spring type AV is so much better. It is most noticeable after running one or the other for an extended period then switching. I also doubted the new technology saws until I ran them for a while. Now i'm converting to all m-tronic. As for only lasting 10yrs I would be very, very happy with that.
I'll be interested to see if the 661s last better than the 660s. As a rule a faller out here will burn through a 660 every year. He might make a good one last two seasons but that's it. That saw gets relegated to back-up status and you head off to your favorite saw shop and get another one. Sure, they're a write-off but being able to squeeze an extra year out of a 661 for basically the same money as a 660 might appeal to a lot of people.
Anybody got any ideas, wild ass guesses, or predictions about the longevity of the mtronic saws?
Anybody got any ideas, wild ass guesses, or predictions about the longevity of the mtronic saws?
Alright, I'm trying to wrap my noodle around this, the tach reads the pulses from the coil? How do they variate the timing on these saws?
Mastermind
Work Saw Specialist
Huh?
windthrown
361 Junkie
He said: dill pickles.
I am torn between sheetrock and cat fur myself.
I am torn between sheetrock and cat fur myself.
komatsuvarna
Arboristsite MVP
Im curious about the factory port timing of these jewels. If they're ported similar to the 660s, these may make a real beast ofter some machine work and porting, paired with the mtronic too.
Mastermind
Work Saw Specialist
You said make a wild ass guess.
You're right, I did. I won't make that mistake again.
