Author Topic: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues  (Read 2357 times)

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Offline Chainsaw Charlie

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MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« on: December 07, 2017, 12:35:38 pm »
I have been reading about various issues and solutions for the MS261C.

We have 11 of these chainsaws in our inventory. Initially, they were good saws, so we bought a few more. Now we are really regretting that decision.
These saws are used in the the heat of summer and the cold of winter. They are being used by new operators and veteran fallers.
Under a diversity of operating conditions, all 11 saws have the same problem - they stall a lot. Idling to allow the M-Tronic to reset only works if you can get them to idle.

Is there a systemic problem that plagues this particular chainsaw?

I am not a Stihl hater. Have owned them (038 Farm Boss, MS361), and have operated them professionally for 20 years.
Our inventory includes MS 260, 261C, 360, 361, 460, and the venerable 044. Only the 261C makes us cringe.
Ironically, we had 3 of the older 261s with no M-Tronic stolen, we inadventently replaced them with C models.
Thankfully he was a smart thief who bypassed all of our "old" saws. Those old 361's just keep on blasting ribbons and chips for us.

I would be happy to hear from folks who have found a way to keep these chainsaws running.
Thank you.
CC

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Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2017, 01:13:17 pm »
Just wondering, is your C models the NE newest with the new looking clutch covers or the  OE ones with the old school look?

NE style clutch cover in pic but a NE 362 type 2 II



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Offline HolmenTree

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2017, 01:13:41 pm »
 From my experience a worn spark plug with wide electroyd gap will  cause a saw to stall.

Running a saw in freezing temps and snow without switching over to winterized as the owners manual shows will cause stalling.

Might be time to take the 261's to the dealer to get their firmware updated. Warranty will cover that.
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

Offline Chainsaw Charlie

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2017, 01:22:18 pm »
Our 261's are about 3-5 years old.
Have not seen the new style yet.
Looks a little less bulky.
CC

Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2017, 03:14:26 pm »
Our 261's are about 3-5 years old.
Have not seen the new style yet.
Looks a little less bulky.
CC

NE type 2 II ones are super light and slanted back looking cylinder fins. Willard above has one.




Offline DNX800

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #5 on: December 08, 2017, 05:44:45 am »

Might be time to take the 261's to the dealer to get their firmware updated. Warranty will cover that.

The firmware on the control unit is not updateable. That is only on the AutoTune Sytem generation 2 from Husqvarna possible. The only way to have a updated firmware for a m-tronic control unit is to switch it with a other one with newer firmware. I bet in the future, it will be possible to update the Stihl M-Tronic System too with firmware.

Offline HolmenTree

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Re: MS261C Starting & Idling Issues
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2017, 11:56:14 am »

Might be time to take the 261's to the dealer to get their firmware updated. Warranty will cover that.

The firmware on the control unit is not updateable. That is only on the AutoTune Sytem generation 2 from Husqvarna possible. The only way to have a updated firmware for a m-tronic control unit is to switch it with a other one with newer firmware. I bet in the future, it will be possible to update the Stihl M-Tronic System too with firmware.
Thanks for the update DNX,
Last spring I bought my first MTronic Stihl, a MS261CM ll so not educated on its firmware.
I have run Husqvarna Auto Tunes since day 1 when they were introduced.
I also bought the latest 550XP to do a side by test against the MS261 over this year with my tree service.
Nothing but trouble with the 550 even after updating the firmware by my dealer. My dealer ended up replacing it with another 550. It's  been good since and the 261 never gave me a bit a trouble.

I'm selling off all my dozen Huskies including the new 550 this winter and will get a whole new stable of Stihl's. 
The 261 will be joined by the latest MS362 and also the MS462 when it's available . Big block saw will be the 80cc MS500 fuel injected hopefully if available in the near future....if not I'll have to settle with the MS661 for 2018 season.
Just rebuilt my 066 Mag Red Light which will take over the 395XP-32" in spring startup.
I actually sold my 066 and 10mm 044 to a carver last spring but he didn't cough up the cash. Now I'm glad I got them back.

Here's a few pics of my 550XP and MS261CM ll test saws.
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

 

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