Just got a Stihl ms261, no computer nonsense. It came with decompression valve for some reason. Replaced with plug. Runs fine but thought I should get some opinions for the experts. Does the pocket the plug creates a spot for carbon to build up? Also is the compression ratio possibly effected? Removing material from the cylinder with just the volume between the de-comp and plug. Been running the Silver Stihl oil for the first couple tanks. But have been hearing nothing about bad things about the Stihl oil. Not FD rated, super dirty. What y'all think of the red armor?
I think (no expert here) you shouldn't give a decomp plug a second thought when it comes to comp ratio etc. Run it.. I've used Red Armor for a couple years. Just my opinion here, but it does an excellent job. Saw internals are kept clean and at 40/1 it leaves a very nice film of oil behind. I've milled with it a bunch and tore that saw down several times to keep an eye on wear. Completely satisfied with how it's doing. I run several ported saws and a couple that are not. They all get the 40/1 with the same results. Internals are kept clean and well oiled every time I check. I would venture to say in a non-modified saw, 50/1 would be fine, but it's easier to just have one mix jug. Plus that extra oil is good for the bottom end bearings. I have seen pics and read many times over that silver bottle stihl oil is crap. I'd switch if I were you.
Have never used either of those oils but hear great things on the Echo oil and hear mostly negative comments on the Stihl oil. The decomp will not change a thing on how your saw engine runs or performs unless you have one that leaks. Totally a preference on using or not using it. I tend to use them as it is easier on all starting components like the pawls, rope, etc. I do have a saw that starts much better when I don't use the decomp so thats what I do on that one. Sent from my SM-S536DL using Tapatalk
Been running my computerized 550mki for years plugged. The bad part about plugs now is that the plastic housings are designed to 'feature' the decomp so when it's gone something looks amiss. My old 350 Husky is plugged, but it's on the side of the cylinder and goes unnoticed. The 550 has an empty hole on top of it.
Thanks jeffthro The Wood Wolverine Ronaldo for the comments on that Stihl oil. I got quite a bit free from our farm store with the purchase of my saws. Guess I’ll switch to another brand once I blow through it. I do NOT want extra wear/problems on my MS261c.
I had Stihl oil from 2 new saw purchases. I couldn't give it away! Poured them in the waste oil barrel. Been using red armor since it came out, good stuff!
I won't t even use ultra for assembly lube. Trash oil. Their orange bottle oil is a much better product but there are so many better choices than that as well.
