Stihl 021-025/MS210-MS250 Muffler Mod

These saws are like fleas on a dogs back all across the country. Just a humble homeowner class clamshell saw but they are out there cutting up storm damage and putting up firewood everyday. Great power for the weight IMO, especially the 025/MS250. But there is a bit more that's pretty easily had from these little guys.

First, a stock 1123 series muffler, this one is from a late model MS250.







Next is a pic of a late model muffler next to a muffler that was on an early model 023. You think these saws got choked down any over the years?

 

Proceed with caution, this will make your little saw quite loud.

I cut the roof of the baffle out. Remove the entire perforated area.



Next, remove the entire area that is recessed under the deflector.



Open up the deflector a bit...



Sock deflector opening vs modified. I have ground on the openings some to open them up further but honestly, I think the gain is minimal and the saws run just as good if you just pry 'em open some.



You can either re-install or toss the screen, I like to keep 'em in. Now time to re-tune and go cut some wood!

NOTE: If you want a bit more power but don't want to make a whole lotta noise, leave the internal baffle alone. Your saw will get a bit louder but not nearly as much as it would if you go all the way.

Lousy pic but here it is on the saw.



It should run pretty good when you're done.

 

It's a very fickle thing. It depends very much so on who did the work and what was done. And of course who is looking to buy.

Here within the chainsaw enthusiast community, a MasterMind Worksaws, Wicked Worksaws, or similarly recognized sticker adds to the value of a saw considerably. Some guy who saw your add on Craigslist may not give two chits as long as the saw runs. I also would not expect an average dealer to offer you more for a modified saw. A simple, and neat muffler mod that is reasonably "stock appearing" should not reduce the value of the saw to any customer really. If it has a gaping hole for an outlet or 4 pipes sticking out of it, it might be an issue.

The same applies to modifications and their effect on the saw's reliability. Certain builders build with longevity in mind. Others may build for power, and most I'm sure would build to order if you desire.

I have two saw's built by Randy (MasterMind) and I know I'm not worried about wearing out either one of them.

 

I haven't seen one of those fixed jet carbs in quite awhile actually.

He's right folks, muffler mods are not for non-adjustable carbs.

 

SquareFile is right and I did clean up the baffle opening some in that one. I wish I had a pic of that or one I just did for Ray but you guys get the idea of what needs to be done.

Before the muffler goes back on the saw, it gets a soak in my parts washer and a thorough blow out. If it's got lots of sticky goo inside, I'll heat it up to bake it off and make it less susceptible to retaining shavings.

 

Brian I can take a pic and post it if you want?

 

Just took a walk down cellar and here is a pic of the muffler..

 

FYI my 023 has a fully adjustable carb..

 

Would you believe that I've never modded the muffler on a 170/180? Lol. My buddies 018 was in here recently but I think it got away unscathed.