Chainsaw Repair

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and relatively new to chainsaws but I've managed to own quite a few in the short amount of time.  I've previously owned a MS361, MS341 and MS260.  I currently own a MS462c and MS261c that I purchased new a few months ago and most recently a MS362c that I purchased used.

The previous owner told me the 362c is about 4 years old and had been sitting on a shelf for a couple of years.  I was expecting the 362c to run similar/better than the 361 and 341 but obviously not as powerful at the 462c.   I'm finding it a little lacking.  It doesn't seem to be as snappy as I think it should be and it seems to take a little to wind up to full rpms.  When in wood it will bog pretty easily if you're dogging in while bucking.  Much more so then I think it should.  It does ok once you get the rpms up and cut with the middle or tip of the bar but if you get right in there and make it work it will bog out. 

I took the saw to a local  Stihl shop that I had never dealt with before.  The owner basically said I was expecting too much from a 60cc saw and that with the m-tronic saws if it starts and runs there is nothing wrong with it.  He did take in and look it over (so he says) and put it on the computer.  He said it was running perfectly fine.  I was starting to think I was just expecting too much from it when comparing it to my 462c but I still think it should cut a lot better than it is.

Things I've done.  Cleaned air filter and spark screen.  Changed fuel filter.  Running 91 octane fuel with Stihl 2 stoke oil.  I've been adding some seafoam as well.  Nothing seems to have made any real difference.  It starts and runs fine.  No idling issues or hard starting issues.

I've been reading a researching to see if I can find a solution and talk about problems with the coil and/or solenoid keep coming up.  I'm not sure what version the saw is.  I suspect V2 based on the age and the fact that the calibration procedure for the V3 didn't seem to work on it.  The saw has the newer clutch cover and it had the black and white fuel filter in it.  I haven't checked the carb to see what colour the solenoid is.

Any suggestions on what might get it running better would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dave
Ontario, Canada

I read about the solenoid and filter kit as well. The replacement filter I bought is the orange that's in the kit that goes along with the white solenoid. I guess I'm going to have to get into it and see if I have the black or white solenoid. The question is if I have the black solenoid and put in a white one will that fix the lack of power issue I'm having?

Cant say in your case. Being I dont know your saw or issues that may be underlying.
But others on chainsaw repair group FB have done the switch from black to white and it fixed their saws with solenoid  issues.

Okay thanks.

If it were me. 
I would check the gap on the spark plug.
Pull the muffler and check the piston to make sure it is clean and no scoring.
Check the muffler for any obstructions and make sure spark arrestor is clean.
Also the carbs on these saws still have diaphragms in them from what I understand.
Just go over all the basics.

I will check the plug.  I haven't done that yet.  I've looked at the piston but not really closely.  I'll have a closer look.  Spark screen is clean.  I've done that.  Carb cleaning or kit is also on my list.  Right now I'm really trying to find out if the black vs. white solenoid can cause this problem.  I checked last night and I do have the black solenoid.

Thanks

Dave