Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Wetwoodshunter on August 19, 2023, 01:19:49 PM

Title: MS 461 rebuild
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on August 19, 2023, 01:19:49 PM: I smoked my saw yesterday for the second time. Anyone who rebuilds saws what manufacturers for pistons and cylinders do you like to use?
Title: Re: MS 461 rebuild
Post by: HntnFsh on August 19, 2023, 01:43:53 PM: I know a few people that have used the cheap Chinese rebuild kits and they have been fine as far as I know. 1 of those guys worked in a Stihl saw shop that was one of the main shops in the area. I'm sure he used all Stihl parts then. But he has rebuilt a lot of saws with aftermarket parts for himself and others.
Title: Re: MS 461 rebuild
Post by: Emptyhanded on August 19, 2023, 06:07:17 PM: My 372xp has a meteor top end on it and has been solid so far. Doesn’t have a ton of hours on it yet.
I also put a $30 Chinese kit on my 460 rancher. I tossed the supplied ring and put a caber ring on it. I runs good, but I have an air leak I’ve been hunting down. I’m hoping I have it pinned down and can put it to work.
I have a friend that rebuilds a lot of saws, and he has good luck with the meteor stuff, but has also put caber rings on the Chinese pistons and had good results.
These are firewood saws, so casual use, not professional use by any means.

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Title: Re: MS 461 rebuild
Post by: birdshooter1189 on August 22, 2023, 10:08:02 AM: I've rebuilt a few saws for myself and friends using $35 chinese piston/cylinder/ring sets. I've heard nothing but positive feedback and appreciation for getting their saw running again for an affordable price. (These saws were for personal use, not professional).

One friend brought me a brand new 462 from his buddy. 1st or second tank of fuel he put straight gas in it and burned it up. Stihl shop said it would cost about the price of a new saw to fix (~$1300). He couldn't afford that and was sad about ruining his new saw. For that saw I spent $100-$200 and put a meteor piston/rings/cylinder on it. The finish on the cylinder was definitely superior to the $35 chinese kits. All the edges had been deburred nicely. Install went well. Saw started right up and ripped like new. Buddy was very happy. That was 2 years ago and I haven't heard back from him. I assume he is still happy with it.