Stihl ms290 vs. ms280

[smokinj]

"Those 5 tanks of gas might have been straight gas."

I am sad to report from personal stupidity that an otherwise good running Stihl will survive just under one single tank full of straight gas. The only defense I can give for myself in this embarassed state is that sooner or later everybody makes a mistake.

what saw bit it?

 

[Highbeam]

Since you wanted to put a fresh jug and slug in it anways....

 

[Kong]

My lone experience with forgetting to mix the oil with the gas took its toll on my 026-Pro. The new piston and cylinder cost me about $75 as I recall and it took a half hour to replace. It was more of an embarassment than an expense and that came from not realizing what I had done. The saw just sort of died and I couldn't get it restarted. While I can do most gross mechanical work I'm not much good in the finess stuff; I can change a piston and cylinder but I'm not much good on setting ignition suff up or tuning carburators for instance. So when it died I took it to the dealer. They had it about a day and told me it would cost more to fix than it was worth because I had scored the piston and cylinder. I took it home where it sat for a couple of months before I got around to buying the parts (E-Bay item) and fixing it. It has run fine ever since, about 5 years now.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

My lone experience with forgetting to mix the oil with the gas took its toll on my 026-Pro. The new piston and cylinder cost me about $75 as I recall and it took a half hour to replace. It was more of an embarassment than an expense and that came from not realizing what I had done. The saw just sort of died and I couldn't get it restarted. While I can do most gross mechanical work I'm not much good in the finess stuff; I can change a piston and cylinder but I'm not much good on setting ignition suff up or tuning carburators for instance. So when it died I took it to the dealer. They had it about a day and told me it would cost more to fix than it was worth because I had scored the piston and cylinder. I took it home where it sat for a couple of months before I got around to buying the parts (E-Bay item) and fixing it. It has run fine ever since, about 5 years now.

So it didn't smoke the main bearing or anything on the bottom end?

 

[smokinj]

My lone experience with forgetting to mix the oil with the gas took its toll on my 026-Pro. The new piston and cylinder cost me about $75 as I recall and it took a half hour to replace. It was more of an embarassment than an expense and that came from not realizing what I had done. The saw just sort of died and I couldn't get it restarted. While I can do most gross mechanical work I'm not much good in the finess stuff; I can change a piston and cylinder but I'm not much good on setting ignition suff up or tuning carburators for instance. So when it died I took it to the dealer. They had it about a day and told me it would cost more to fix than it was worth because I had scored the piston and cylinder. I took it home where it sat for a couple of months before I got around to buying the parts (E-Bay item) and fixing it. It has run fine ever since, about 5 years now.

I think it could happen to anyone and that would suck great story nocking on wood now...

 

[Creek-Chub]

Okay, you are past needs and on to wants. I would love to have a 361 instead of a tree hugger 362. You might not be able to get a 361 pretty soon so now's your chance. If you can afford it then there is no harm in a pro grade saw, lots of fun to be had. Be sure that you know what to look for in a used saw. Those 5 tanks of gas might have been straight gas.

Certainly more of a need than a want, but I go through more than 10 cords a year, so it'll get a reasonable workout. I have a fair knowledge about things mechanical, but if any questions come up I'll be sure to ask you fellas!

 

[Highbeam]

I meant you need a saw, but you want a nice saw. Nobody ever wished that their saw was of a lower quality, less power, etc. 10 cords per year with one saw is a good bit of cutting, surely you're not shoving that through your englander are you?

 

[ms440]

If you had of used a good sythetic mix oil like I do, then your saw would have taken a tank and a half of straigt gas before siezing.....Not sure how I know that....Anyway I really liked my 361. I like my 440 more betterer. At around the $400 range I really like a the Husky 346xp. That is what replaced my 361 with. I like the 50cc 70cc combo. My 346xp is not that far behind my 361, guess it depends on what and how much you are cutting.

 

[Creek-Chub]

Unfortunately, yes - for now. Just shy of 3,000 sf of moderately insulated old house. The Englander does the job, but I'm certainly pushing it to its limits. Strategically placed fans, decent hardwoods, and a wife who stays home all help get the job done. It's a good amount of work, but the first winter here I was spending $800 every 6 weeks heating the place to 64 or 66 degrees, and we've got an honest 5 or 6 month heating season. Now I keep it at 70 or better and work my butt off processing wood. Seems like a reasonable choice for the time being. When I get too old to swing an axe and run a saw I'll probably have to move south or buy a smaller house, but for now the kids like running around in their Superman undies in December.

 

[smokinj]

Unfortunately, yes - for now. Just shy of 3,000 sf of moderately insulated old house. The Englander does the job, but I'm certainly pushing it to its limits. Strategically placed fans, decent hardwoods, and a wife who stays home all help get the job done. It's a good amount of work, but the first winter here I was spending $800 every 6 weeks heating the place to 64 or 66 degrees, and we've got an honest 5 or 6 month heating season. Now I keep it at 70 or better and work my butt off processing wood. Seems like a reasonable choice for the time being. When I get too old to swing an axe and run a saw I'll probably have to move south or buy a smaller house, but for now the kids like running around in their Superman undies in December.

I love it, 361 what you need.I am 10 cords a year myself.

 

[gzecc]

Creekchub, Sometimes a high end name brand just assigns a price to an item expecting people to believe its better just because it costs more. You can't blame them. Some people/ institutions are only brand shoppers and only believe they get what they pay for. Maybe its on a gov't contract somewhere and they need to keep the price steady.