My saw is broke....

[RobertN]

Take it back to the dealer and make them stand behind their work. And, make them let you start and test the saw before you accept it.

I just don't know what to do......

 

[irwin]

I've got several saws but use two fairly often.. A Stihl MS361 and an Echo CS370. Those are my go to saws and will get 4-6 hours of use most weeks. I had some trouble with the Stihl starting if I let it sit over a week, but only 2 times did I have to pull the plug (clean or replace) and pull the cord a few times with plug out.. Put back together and it would start and run fine... The Echo would also occasionally stall or be hard to start.

I haven't had any trouble since I stopped using 10% ethanol (premium). I only use the ready mix cans now. This stuff Amazon.com: Arnold Corp 0125638 Oil And Gas Pre-Mix (Pack of 6)

My saws run better, idle smoother, start easier (2 pulls with choke it fires, 1 at 1/2 choke and it's running, after it's warm a half pull will restart it)... The difference is obvious. I'll never use ethanol laced gas in my chainsaws again...period.

 

[JimRB]

I thought I read high test has no ethanol in it. No idea if it is true so maybe it is folly on my part. I started buying high test for all my gasoline powered things. My car, truck and tractor are all diesel so I don't really have to buy all that much high test.
Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

 

[Gobblin Tom]

Well im gonna do another compression check on the ms361 for a double check?? My buddy said it was at 90psi but he don't remember if the decompression was activated or not... From what I have read it should be 160-180psi if it is bad rings I might go to a big bore kit for the saw.... Has anyone ever put one of these kits on a saw?

 

[xyz123]

If your oem top end is usable I would go OEM. JMO. Heck if it just needs rings re-ring it, lot cheaper then a afm kit.

Whats it look like with the muffler off?

Whats the carb setting at, was it you or them ??

If you want me to look at it pay shipping both ways and I'll give it a look. Just PM me for a # if you want a look see.

 

[Gobblin Tom]

If your oem top end is usable I would go OEM. JMO. Heck if it just needs rings re-ring it, lot cheaper then a afm kit.

Whats it look like with the muffler off?

Whats the carb setting at, was it you or them ??

If you want me to look at it pay shipping both ways and I'll give it a look. Just PM me for a # if you want a look see.

It didn't look bad when I had the muffler off, the carb I was just trying to adjust it to get it to run... I did have a bunch of chain oil leak in my truck bed though... I will probably try and get it going myself, I can't learn unless I try and it looks like I have some good support here.... but at least I know of a good back up plan!! I did watch a video on YOUTUBE of a coil being bad on the 361....

 

[xyz123]

Yep best to learn on your own and with help from a website or friends if you need it. :thumbsup:

Have owned a few in that size in the past.

 

[Gobblin Tom]

Yep best to learn on your own and with help from a website or friends if you need it. :thumbsup:

Have owned a few in that size in the past.

That's awesome! I have only had stihl saws to date..... What is the best saw in you opinion made today?

 

[xyz123]

To many variables to pick just one saw. Depends on job at hand. Climbing, trim work, bucking, ripping etc.

You have a great choice for a firewood saw IMO. My 361 ran 16" 3/8 050 RSC and loved it.

 

[Gobblin Tom]

Well I did a compression check on the ms361 today. It came in cold around 120psi which from what I understand is way to low. From what I could find on the internet it should be around 150-180psi. It seems to me that the dealer should have checked the compression. Now I am considering a new piston and rings or the big bore kit with new cylinder. I guess it all depends on what the cylinder looks like maybe just some new rings? I guess I can start there....???? Any input anyone??