I’ve had a MS180 with the quick tensioner for about two years. Recently added a 362 to the quiver and realized how much I hate adjusting tension with the “quick” plastic wheel. Trying to figure out if I can swap out the side cover to the normal screw tighten MS180. If so, could anyone share a parts schematic and numbers? Thanks.
Swapping out quick tensioner of MS180
- Thread starter jhealey
- Start date
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May I suggest you sell it if you don't like it and buy something that you do.
Certainly an option but I really like the saw, it is just this one aspect that is a hassle. It’s a bug, not a feature. Perhaps this is the path if not swapable?
Well, I'm thinking you could sell the one you have and buy a standard mount MS180 and come out ahead.
I don't much like the wheel tensioner either.
I don't much like the wheel tensioner either.
KostasVolos
ArboristSite Operative
At post #21 ...
All the parts needed for the swap to a standard side tensioner
https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/guide-bar-length-confusion-geez.366536/post-7962926
All the parts needed for the swap to a standard side tensioner
https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/guide-bar-length-confusion-geez.366536/post-7962926
You can buy a good MS180 for $200 on eBay. So,
And I still have requests to install the quick tensioner on regular saws.
What exactly do they do that makes you hate them so much?
What exactly do they do that makes you hate them so much?
KostasVolos
ArboristSite Operative
Personally ,I think it's a PITA to finely adjust the chain's tension ,
while the adjusting wheel it's rather small to operate ,even without wearing gloves.
Furthermore,changing bars i.e. from 14" to 16" or reversing bar's side become time consuming procedures.
I do have an old Bosch electric chainsaw ( AKE 3517s ) which has a similar quick tensioning mechanism ,but is far more precise than the one Stihl uses.
Much better design ,practicality wise.
First, you have to take off your gloves. Then my fingers cant lift the ring, so I have to get out my scrench anyways. Loosen that. Then more than half the time, the little plastic adjustment wheel won’t move. So then I get pissed, take the entire cover off, adjust it manually and reinstall the side cover. It takes 5 times longer than loosening two nuts and turning a screw which always works perfecty. I guess if you really don’t want to carry the scrench it’s a plus…but to me it’s unneeded complication that I will avoid forever.
This is perfect - going to the dealer this week to order some parts. Thank you my friend.
Well to each his own. I rather like them, but I also know how to fix the issues.
KostasVolos
ArboristSite Operative
Forgot to mention that the bar stud
-replacing the torx head bolt -
needs some thread-lock compound for installation
( also being a service manual directive ) .
The blue ( medium strength ) thread -lock compound should be used ( i.e. Loctite 243 ) .
