Wanting to buy an M-Tronic Stihl

I have an MS250, 046 and was thinking the MS362 is a middle of the road model in M-Tronic. Any thoughts?

 

I have been looking at a 362 both the standard 362 and the M-tronic. Be aware that the M-tronic is what it is. No changes can be made to increase HP or modify the saw. The chip looks for a specific set of parameters that can't be changed. Also a Tree expert friend said that in very rare cases where the operator routinely runs the saw out of fuel, the saw can suffer the various damages and ills caused by running lean. Apparently as the fuel flow diminishes the chip keeps adjusting to keep the saw running (lean) instead of stopping immediately. Both situations would probably never be encountered by a moderate firewood cutter. I have been seriously considering the standard saw. I treat my saws well, keep them clean and use fresh non-ethanol gas and quality oil. I don't cut at extremely high altitudes. I had an 028 Stihl with points and condenser that lasted 35 years. I really don't see the need for a saw that has a chip to adjust to every little nuance of conditions or that needs to be plugged into a computer to find out what ails it. I just want a saw that fires up reliably and cuts the blinking firewood! Call me old fashioned, if it works don't put a darned chip in it!

 

I'm at 3610 feet, and weather conditions change like crazy here. One day cold and very damp, next day sunny and warmer.....

 

I think that it would work for you. Aftermine broke in, in runs very good. It pulls a 24” bar pretty good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My new 261 doesn’t have many hours on it yet but I love it so far. It starts easily when it’s a cold start or hot start.

 

I can’t find many faults with my 261. Had a period where it had a bit of trouble idling but I think it was a big shift in temperature and I was cutting small branches. Once I put it in some bigger logs it worked itself out just fine.

 

Lots of them have been modified.

 

Looking at husky xp also.

 

Earlier this year I picked up a 550XP.



It's a great little saw. Very good ergonomics and none of the reported starting problems of the earlier ones. In fact one of dads friends has an early one and he had trouble starting his but it was just his technique. A couple of times I had to start his for him, once I showed him not to use the decomp and always use high idle he has not had a problem since.

I personally could not decide between the MS261 mtronic and the 550XP auto tune, ultimately I went with the 550XP because my friend owns the local Husqvarna dealership.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Sounds like the M-Tronic may be a good fit for you then!

 

I am not a certified Stihl Mechanic. I was in the shop day before yesterday inquiring of their mechanic about the 362's both standard and M-Tronic. My comment was based on what he told me. Perhaps he meant that they could not be modified without heroic (and expensive) efforts like replacing the electronic module or carburetor with standard items. If and when I purchase a new 362 I will no doubt inquire further!

 

Stihl doesn't want you doing any mods. So I'm not surprised that their mechanics would hold that line. But the system will handle it fine if you choose to. No expensive hacks required.

 

Sorry to say, but this is completely wrong. The M- tronic actually adjusts perfectly and automatically to modifications like open up the muffler, porting, etc. No more needing to cut off the carb limiters and retune. But, your point is well taken, if you are good with a tuning a standard manual carb then you will be fine with a manual adjusting carb saw.

 

The MS362C is supposed to be a great saw. If you want a 60 cc. saw, then go for it. I run MS261CM (M-tronic), MS361 and MS461. You might also consider an MS261CM and sell the MS250. I'd think that would give you more bang for your buck.

 

If you want one then send me a PM.

 

I also bought a new MS261 it is by far the best running saw I have ever used also the easiest starting saw by a mile. I live at 8,500 feet and cut in areas that are close to 10,000 feet.

 

362CM owner checking in. I love that saw. Never once had an issue with it and it's cut a LOT of wood.

Easy to start...just push the lever all the way down and pull the rope until it starts. No more half choke, full choke, etc routine (not that it's a big deal).

Air filter almost never needs cleaned. It truly is amazing compared to an older saw how much less stuff gets in there. Just a few fine particles...never any big chunks.

The first 3-5 tanks of gas the saw will probably be underwhelming. After about 10 it should be fully broken in.

Muffler mod is super simple to do and helps out quite a bit.

Put the dual dawg/roller catcher kit on it.

 

I have 2 M-tronic saws, a 362 with a 16" bar/chain and a 661 with a 25, 28 and 32" bar/chain combos. The 362 is a great saw and a beast with a 16" bar/chain! I've never had a problem with it. The 661 is another story. It is an early model 661 and had a lot of problems with the M-tronic setup. After a month or more in the shop Stihl finally got it running the way it's supposed to. It's a solid runner now and, save the last 2 very large ash trees on my properity, more saw than I need. But with a 25" bar/chain its a lot of fun to operate.

 

The power to weight ratio on the 362 is a little underwhelming. I like mine, but would like a 461-462 some day.

 

That's why you need an MS361 and an MS461. Come on down to my place. I've got three 24+" diameter oaks on the ground. I have both, ported too. I'd be happy to let you run mine. I can send you home with as much firewood as you can haul too!.