AnotherNettle
New Member
Hello, I am a new member who spent some time lurking and reading before joining. I need some advice on a Stihl MS390 that I bought new about 12 years ago. I run a 25" bar and cut a fair amount of fire wood with it each year (except for a couple where back trouble interfered). It has several problems and I am trying to decide whether to fix it or buy a MS362. If I fix this one, I would probably go for a MS194T or MS201T to cut small stuff and take some duty off the 390 (and me). The saw currently runs and cuts seemingly as strong or stronger than when it was new. Here are the known problems:
-The right half of the clamshell housing is cracked, allowing bar oil to leak while stored.
-The muffler is loose and the remaining bolt spins when I try to take the nut off.
-The muffler is missing everything from the spark arrestor screen out.
-One of the housing bolt holes for the spikes is stripped, allowing the bolt to back out and go missing while in use.
-The brake lever is broken on the right side, just above the pivot.
Obviously some of the items MUST be fixed (e.g. brake lever) and all should be fixed. I have not worked on a chainsaw much before, though I am mechanically inclined. One Stihl dealer quoted parts and labor at about $250 to replace the right housing, muffler, and brake lever, but this is based on my description to them and not an examination of the saw by someone who knows a lot. I've watched some of the videos on MS210 to MS390 conversions to get an idea of what is involved and think I can do the work myself (and think it would be interesting and fun). The main questions are:
-What else should I check before thinking the dealer estimate is complete?
-How is the longevity of these saws?
-Am I about to fix something that is not really worth the time, trouble, and expense?
-Is getting a service manual a good idea (and is there a cheap place to find one)?
-What don't I know about this saw that I should? (This is an appeal to expertise, not a request for clairvoyance.)
Thank you all for your time and sharing of knowledge.
JN
-The right half of the clamshell housing is cracked, allowing bar oil to leak while stored.
-The muffler is loose and the remaining bolt spins when I try to take the nut off.
-The muffler is missing everything from the spark arrestor screen out.
-One of the housing bolt holes for the spikes is stripped, allowing the bolt to back out and go missing while in use.
-The brake lever is broken on the right side, just above the pivot.
Obviously some of the items MUST be fixed (e.g. brake lever) and all should be fixed. I have not worked on a chainsaw much before, though I am mechanically inclined. One Stihl dealer quoted parts and labor at about $250 to replace the right housing, muffler, and brake lever, but this is based on my description to them and not an examination of the saw by someone who knows a lot. I've watched some of the videos on MS210 to MS390 conversions to get an idea of what is involved and think I can do the work myself (and think it would be interesting and fun). The main questions are:
-What else should I check before thinking the dealer estimate is complete?
-How is the longevity of these saws?
-Am I about to fix something that is not really worth the time, trouble, and expense?
-Is getting a service manual a good idea (and is there a cheap place to find one)?
-What don't I know about this saw that I should? (This is an appeal to expertise, not a request for clairvoyance.)
Thank you all for your time and sharing of knowledge.
JN
