Just Took a Flyer on an MS 440 Magnum

I've been thinking about a 70 cc saw since I came across an oak that's too big for my Redmax GS5300. On a whim I started looking on eBay. Suddenly, I find myself the new owner of a used MS 440 Magnum. $405 including shipping. Hoping I haven't made a mistake.

 

By the looks of the picture, I would've passed on this. But I've been known to be wrong at times. Good luck any Stihl is a good purchase in my opinion.


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That's kind of what I was thinking. Seller has 99% positive feedback and states that it runs. Who knows, maybe I'll end up dropping another $300 to make it right. Hope not.

 

I have bought 2 saws on eBay and both were and still are solid saws. I doubt you'll have to spend $300 to make it right. It looks rough but looks can be deceiving.


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Nice series of saw. That 25" bar is a plus.

Pull the muffler when ya get it. I wouldn't start it up til it gets a "once over" for any obvious problems. A clean piston with no crank play and you're doing good.

 

Looks don't matter. If it chwcksnout and runs fine you've got a pretty good deal

 

Received the saw today. Gave it a quick look over.

First the bad:
Chain cover has been abused, has 2 large cracks. I've already ordered a replacement
Starter rope badly frayed (broke on the first attempt to crank the saw)
Two screws missing from the starter cover, one broke off, the other just missing
Chain catcher is trashed, will replace
Orange plastic covers are sun faded but no cracks or missing chunks.

The good:
25 in. Stihl bar in good shape
Good chain with plenty of life
IT RUNS!

The seller said that it ran, though I don't see how they could have tested it with the starter cord wasted. I just couldn't help myself. After replacing the starter rope and cleaning the air filter, I poured a little fuel in and gave it a tug. Ugh, this thing has compression! I pressed the comp release and tried again. It popped on the first pull and started on the third! It made me nervous at first, sounds way different from my other saws. Rev'd it a couple of times, everything seemed good. I'm going to take it to my local shop today and have Stew give it the once over just to be sure. So far, I'm pretty jazzed.

I'll post some pics once I have it cleaned up and presentable.

 

Very happy this worked out for you. I felt bad after telling you I would've passed on the saw. Post some saw porn when your done fixing it up


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I'd say if you can get it running good for less than $500 you did good.

 

No problem, you were sort of echoing my own second thoughts.

Just took it to the saw shop and asked Stew to check the compression. He pulled the starter rope and said "plenty". Picked up a used, sharpened chain for $10 (I think that's nearly what he charges to sharpen them). Been blowing it out, clearing the oil ports and dressing the bar. It appears that it hadn't been turned until recently, burr on one side, none on the other. Fires on the first pull, which is something I'm not used to.

I'm very happy considering the minimal issues I have to fix. Feel like I actually got a little more than my money's worth.

Now another Stihl with a 28 in. bar just popped up on CL. Somebody stop me PLEASE!

 

Ha I have 4 saws and I'm stopping now.


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No stopping you now!

 

I still say it's one of the best Stihl saws ever made, at least from what I know and the couple saws I've owned and ran. I once said I was stopping at 3 saws.....

 

3-saws, oh hell no, I just spit out my coffe reading that LMAO....

Glad to see you back man, hope all is well!!!!!

 

I'm not "back" yet, but at least starting to feel a little better.

 

Good deal man, I am so glad you are starting to feel a little better, has to be a huge relief to you!!!!!

 

I promised pics, so here they are.



The only "necessaries" that I've purchased are the sprocket cover, chain catcher and 3 torx head screws for a grand total of about $22. I've ordered several other things, including all the orange plastic, for cosmetic reasons. Not counting the cosmetics, I'm $427 into this. To quote Joe Cocker, I'm "feelin' alright".
Trying to resist the temptation to really pretty it up. Even if I do, I'll be under $500.

Maybe I'll try a muffler mod.......

 

Congratulations on your saw. It looks a little beat up but if it runs good and cuts good that is what they are for after all.