Been using my new Stihl 261 since September. Have maybe two dozens tanks of gas through it. I havent checked/cleaned the air filter yet. How often is it recommended on a pro model saw? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, BRAD
Not sure about the official recommendation. Every time I load up my gear for cutting I take off the filter and tap the debris out
When it needs it. Not being a smart azz, but there is a lot of variables, Sharpness of chain, type of woof, how dry the wood is... and some saws have better filtration than others.
It being a commercial "pro model" saw i had the idea it may be longer between cleanings. I took the cover off for the first time today and it seemed rather clean IMO. It had "quick release" screws holding the cover on.
Like Fifelaker said lots of variables . I tap mine out every couple of tanks. If I get a lot of dirt out of it I'll use low pressure air an blow it out. I'm on my 2nd filter on my 241 and it's about 2 years old. Have you switched your saw to winter running?
I have not. Is it the same as in my 460? A little plastic plate inside the air filter cover that gets switched from Summer to Winter? Other than that what else would you recommend? Just pulled the cover off on the 460 and filter dirty. Need to get a new one...is Santa listening?
I'm a little anal Brad. I clean mine pretty regular with air. I'll pull the recoil and clutch cover and clean that too. Everything around the carb gets blown off with air. Not familiar with the 460 air filter. Pics? EDIT. yes on the summer/winter plate.
heres the pics of the 460 oops, obviously havent tapped it out recently. last pic shows the black tab (far left) positioned for Summer use. I havent moved it to Winter (far right open slot). If you look carefully you can see the "sun" for Summer and "snowflake" for Winter. Ive heard conflicting stories on these. Some say it doenst matter. I guess the air is preheated prior to intake. I didnt see a similar tab on the 261 filter cover.
When you remove the filter to clean it, take a look down inside toward the carburetor and see if fine particles are getting through. Once the filter gets plugged up, air tries coming through around the filter from a less restricted area. The filters don’t usually need to be replaced until the rubber seal is no longer effective. Many guys clean them out with hot water and Dawn dish soap
The 460 needs cleaned. Like Kevin said hot water and dawn. DRY completely for a couple of days. Here's the location of the summer/winter shutter on my 261. Supposedly heats the carb to prevent icing when cutting in sub freezing temps.
I’ve washed my 290 and 024 filters like huskihl says. The 362 has just got a few taps and seems to be good to go.
