Picked up a used Stihl MS261

[xyz123]

I actually enjoy finding and rebuilding saws for the collector types though. I have a list of saws that folks want and get them and ship to them when needed.

Heck this local had me build 4 2100 2101 from boxes of parts.

All easy money for me. Being on a pension already and not worried about where $ coming from, it is just play money to me to buy more play things for myself.

One I just hooked him up from another friend. Quick tune and sent him home with another.

Learned more about 21's then I ever wanted to know.

 

[JeepHead]

I’m looking for another newer 261C for my dump truck toolbox.

Home Depot still has a few of the Echo 4910 saws available before they are gone forever. Best under $400 saw money can buy and pretty much a pro saw. They will run right with the 261. Might check them out!

 

[xyz123]

New echo 4910 $280 and tax here. 5 left at dealer.

Just need that muffler mod and cut with 346 NE.

Tune as they come lame. Mine was in 11's. Max is 14K


Toss inside tube, cut slit and grind open and open front of deflector.

 

[JeepHead]

New echo 4910 $280 and tax here. 5 left at dealer.

Just need that muffler mod and cut with 346 NE


Toss inside tube, cut slit and grind open and open front of deflector.

View attachment 1952645View attachment 1952646

$280 is a steal of a deal! I ported the muffler and reduced the squish down some. It will cut as well as my 261CM. Love that Echo!

 

[Hay Dude]

Might have to check that out !

 

[frogpond]

My 261CM is the exact same way, 3 pulls no matter how warm or cold. But if you think the 261 is fast, grab a Husqvarna 550 XP, it absolutely smokes my 261. I like to run 16" bars on my 50cc saws though and 20's on my 60cc saws.

Okay, so how come my 261cm needs 9 or ten pulls to start cold? I use alcohol-free gas. Even new plug, new air filter, new fuel filter, new fuel solenoid don't help. Warm start is generally better. I try to go through the recalibration (gen 3) but it won't drop down, just keeps roaring.

 

[JeepHead]

Okay, so how come my 261cm needs 9 or ten pulls to start cold? I use alcohol-free gas. Even new plug, new air filter, new fuel filter, new fuel solenoid don't help. Warm start is generally better. I try to go through the recalibration (gen 3) but it won't drop down, just keeps roaring.

Have you checked to see if it needs a firmware update?

 

[Hay Dude]

I actually enjoy finding and rebuilding saws for the collector types though. I have a list of saws that folks want and get them and ship to them when needed.

Heck this local had me build 4 2100 2101 from boxes of parts.

All easy money for me. Being on a pension already and not worried about where $ coming from, it is just play money to me to buy more play things for myself.

One I just hooked him up from another friend. Quick tune and sent him home with another.

Learned more about 21's then I ever wanted to know.

View attachment 1948814View attachment 1948811View attachment 1948812View attachment 1948813View attachment 1948814View attachment 1948815View attachment 1948816View attachment 1948817

Based on what you’ve worked on and all your experience, with $1,000 as a max budget, what’s the best saw you could own with a 20-24” bar? Like one that is light, powerful and fast, and could be used all day. Not a show piece, but a working saw.

1. Off the shelf (stock/factory) currently available.
2. Built up on a work bench with mods.

 

[dodge man]

Okay, so how come my 261cm needs 9 or ten pulls to start cold? I use alcohol-free gas. Even new plug, new air filter, new fuel filter, new fuel solenoid don't help. Warm start is generally better. I try to go through the recalibration (gen 3) but it won't drop down, just keeps roaring.

How often do you use your saw. I used mine recently but it hadn’t been used for several months and it took several pulls. Next time I used it 3 pulls got it. I usually do full choke and on the second pull it starts to run then dies. Then half choke and it starts. The key is to drop it to half choke if you hear it start to run a little or pop. Or there may be something wrong with your saw.

 

[xyz123]

Based on what you’ve worked on and all your experience, with $1,000 as a max budget, what’s the best saw you could own with a 20-24” bar? Like one that is light, powerful and fast, and could be used all day. Not a show piece, but a working saw.

1. Off the shelf (stock/factory) currently available.
2. Built up on a work bench with mods.

New in US

Wish the 462 fell in that price range.

Light and fast but giving up torque of 462.

But since only 1000 and 20-24. 400.

Stihl 400 on sale around here for 950 with 20"

Used US and or New shipped in.

OE 372 440 044 046 460

OE 372 can still be bought new by a dealer from overseas in my group. Like 900-950 shipped.

Porting now days adds 300-400 more cost and use a trusted porter. Not some of these boobtube hacks trying to take your money.
So best learn that yourself. For that cost or used saw to do it on once fixed right.