Author Topic: Stihl Ms290  (Read 1153 times)

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Offline Giles

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Stihl Ms290
« on: March 30, 2015, 04:47:49 pm »
I have a friend that wants to sell me an MS290 Stihl. I know nothing about the saw except it is a clamshell design with 56cc.
Reading some reviews, some say  a 20" bar is too big.
Really??? I have a 52cc Makita that uses a 20" bar with no problems.
Is this an unpopular model?

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Offline 660magnum

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2015, 06:36:54 pm »
The Stihl 029 & MS290 are probably Stihl's most popular model
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Offline RoyM

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2015, 10:23:34 pm »
It is a very popular farm/ranch/weekend warrior saw. It will run a 20" bar and .325 chain comfortably, not quite enough oomph for 3/8. IMHO, a little heavy for it's size.
Old age and treachery always overcome youth and enthusiasm

Offline 660magnum

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2015, 10:34:15 pm »
If the engines goes bad, people usually convert them to a MS390 with a new cylinder and piston assembly.
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Offline 67L36Driver

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2015, 08:24:05 am »
Like this:

Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2015, 03:43:22 pm »
I had a like new 290 that a dealer couldnt figure out and out of warranty. I bought it for $100 from the guy that got it from new  original owner. 

After figuring out it was just a carb issue. The diaphragm with flaps ( cant think of name of it right now  :-[ )  had slits wore in it where it should have been blocking off.   I did a muffler mod and carb retune and seen 23% quicker cuts with the 325 chain.

I had in mind giving it to my dad the whole time.  Few months later he told me to take the  :o ( weight wise for 56cc ) back home with me that he didnt like it and preferred his poulan 3300 54cc he bought new in late 80's.

I put it on CL with 16" and bunch of 063 chains and sold for $225.

Offline Eccentric

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2015, 06:31:04 pm »
I had a like new 290 that a dealer couldnt figure out and out of warranty. I bought it for $100 from the guy that got it from new  original owner. 

After figuring out it was just a carb issue. The diaphragm with flaps ( cant think of name of it right now  :-[ )  had slits wore in it where it should have been blocking off.   I did a muffler mod and carb retune and seen 23% quicker cuts with the 325 chain.

I had in mind giving it to my dad the whole time.  Few months later he told me to take the  :o ( weight wise for 56cc ) back home with me that he didnt like it and preferred his poulan 3300 54cc he bought new in late 80's.

I put it on CL with 16" and bunch of 063 chains and sold for $225.

Pump diaphragm. 8)
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Offline Giles

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2015, 05:47:29 pm »
My friend brought the saw over. I agreed to tear it down and find the problem.  Ruined piston and cylinder but not locked up. Worst I have ever seen that wasn't locked.
I might also add that I thought a Dolmar PS34 was a difficult saw to work on until I did this 290!

Offline 660magnum

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2015, 06:35:34 pm »
By the time you get it repaired and learn the tricks, you'll think it not so much harder than any other brand.

Time to put a Chinese cylinder and piston in it?  Make it a 390? Doesn't cost any more.
We should share what we know... someone may learn...
That knowledge can live after us... and that "Pays It Forward".
Be all that you can be . . .

Offline Giles

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Re: Stihl Ms290
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2015, 06:48:23 pm »
Wonder how much longer that will take--Been rebuilding chainsaws for over FIFTY YEARS. LOL
What's hard for me, may be easy for you or vice versa.

 

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