Stihl MS290 Replacement

I didn't make it by the Stihl dealer mentioned above but I stopped by Rural King today to see about some vole bait when I noticed a big Stihl logo on the outside of the building. So I went in and sure enough, they have Stihl products. They had two 261 in stock; one with an 18 inch bar and one with a 20 inch bar; the 18 inch bar was $20.00 cheaper or so. They also had a 271. I was watching a video last night and they mentioned the 271 had a polymer casing; what is that exactly? The 271 is a 1/2 HP lower; how significant is that? The other thing is the electronic control for the fuel mixture; should I look at that option or go without? They had a saw with the electronic control but neither of the 261 had it (the c notation). This may just end up being my Christmas present this year; a little more than I usually spend on myself. Rural King use to do a 10% off everything on Black Friday. Here are some photos, as you say, photos or it didn't happen Notice how they have all the saws cabled in place. Maybe they are afraid someone will grab some premix fuel off the shelf and go on a chainsaw rampage through the place.

 

So do I check for lateral movement in the clutch; or something else to check the needle bearings?

 

That was MasterMech; I got the name wrong. I shipped the powerhead to him but he couldn't replicate the issue. However, he was nice enough to port the muffler and replace the recoil with one that is easier to pull. Yesterday after running and cutting the saw off, I was unable to start it again. During the process I whacked my thumb pretty hard and the palm of my hand was hurting pretty good.

 

They seized up so i couldnt pull the starter rope nor would the chain spin. I thought the saw was toast until i accidently found the retaining washer on the ground. Took the sprocket cover off, pulled the bar and made the discovery. Did a little research online. Less than $10 at the OPE dealer and i was back in business.

 

Is this going to be one of those never ending threads? Lots of advice already and also previously (years ago).


Wake up early enough where you can bring the danged thing into a dealer while they're open instead of shopping for new ones from places that probably don't even service them...(?)

Can't understand why you spend so much time looking at new replacement saws instead of fixing the one that was gifted to you. Acting like an ingrate, no?

 

271 is in the farm/ranch level and not a bad saw for general firewood cutting IMO. The 291 is what the 290 evolved into.
271 is 50cc's, 291 is 55.5cc's. Both weigh the same.

I replaced my 290 with a 261 which is a pro model saw.

Saws chained together for theft. Smart on their part. None of my OPE dealers do that. Ive seen tools stolen from Lowes while im there.

 

Lots of untrustworthy people out there!

 

No, just throwing other options out there...

 

The 261 will be the last saw u ever need/buy. It’s worth the coin all day long. I have a 260 and 361 and my 260 gets used 99% of the time. It’s light and has all the power u need for most jobs with an 18” bar.

 

P

Perhaps you can take a video of you starting the saw cold. Don't practice before the video. Just take it out and record everything. Hopefully someone (useful) can then offer some (useful) advice.

I had some pull rope issues with the 034 Super that was trashed when I bought it. After fixing 'er up I then ended up breaking the recoil spring (or perhaps it was already on its way out). Replaced the pawls, retaining clip, coil spring, and rope rotor and kept the original flywheel cover and rope......and then messed up again when I had the retaining clip flipped upside down and the pawls were not free to swing out. Once I flipped it it starts like a dream now with no catching or slips. Slightly different issue than yours I know...... I also learned I was starting the saw too agressively by just yanking on the rope instead of pulling very gently until I felt it catch and then pulling quickly. Now I start it with the saw on the ground and my foot on the handle and just take it easy.

 

Yes, I was thinking that with a 157 dollar difference it might be best to go with the 261; a bit higher in price but lighter, magnesium case, and higher HP. I don't tend to jump on a purchase, especially one where I am spending hundreds. I am going to see if I can find time to go by Lowe's and look at the Husky saws they have as well; although Stihl is where my heart is. There is a farm centre south of me that carries Stihl as well; they don't list anything on their website but just what brands they carry. Not sure of the time I have because between working on projects for clients I plan on cutting up some red oak that is down at my sister's house while I can have use of her truck to haul it home.

 

I could do that, I have a camera I can put on a tripod.

 

OK. With my saw, it appears that when it is impossible; not hard, impossible, for me to pull the rope quickly to start that I could pull it slowly and it would rotate the crank and I could feel the compression as the piston moved. I am going to be doing some serious cutting next week with the saw (it is the only saw I have) and so I will know for sure how it is doing and will pay more attention to things; like cold versus hot. When it acts up, I can take the clutch cover off and check it to see if it is the problem.

 

How's about leaving right now?

 

X2 & X3