MS 261c Easy fix or no?

[CrystalRiver1]

Hey Studs!
My 261c threw the sprocket as was trying to crank it up Sunday evening.
This thing is taking 9-10 pulls before it fires up...and I'm getting a might impatient with it!!
I recall reading some threads saying there is a wire or metal band that holds it on that can be tricky?
Whats the fix for this?

Picked up this lil 026 as backup, 16 inch bar/chisel chain .325, complete with an old Homelite case, pretty clean, fires up on two pulls...looks to be a strong runner.
BTW...how does the M-Tronic technology of the 261c match up to the reliability/simplicity of ye old 026 in you guys opinion?

 

[blacksmith]

I have a two 026's and wouldn't trade both of them for a brand new 261. I have a 661 was having all kinds of trouble with the M-tronic so I did some mods to totally delete it.

 

[RI Chevy]

I am not sure what you mean from your post above as far as what you're looking for. The photos aren't much help either.

I have both 261cm and 026. The 261cm is definitely stronger all the way around. I haven't had any issues so far. My 026 is a great little saw and my favorite. 100 percent reliable. Great on fuel consumption. It is just a bit down on power to the 261cm.
You can't go wrong with either.
Both my saws are ported. [emoji106]

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Should have been more specific problem wise.

I was looking for help on replacing the Eclip.
Secondly, I asked specifically about opinions on the MS 261C mtronics vs the reliability of ze 026...
I featured pics of
a 026 I recently acquired...while the pics on the 261 were ambiguous and more for reference.
Yet, another thread has given me all the info needed.
I oredered eclips and a pin needle last night for the 261.
Still might send the MS 261c skipping down the road!!
Thanks fer the info.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I have a two 026's and wouldn't trade both of them for a brand new 261. I have a 661 was having all kinds of trouble with the M-tronic so I did some mods to totally delete it.

Hmm...a man after mine own heart.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I have an MS251C that and found that it is really easy to flood. Your 261C may be having the same problems. When cold, I never choke it more than one or two pulls. If I do, it's flooded. But, of course, the 251C has a primer bulb.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I have an MS251C that and found that it is really easy to flood. Your 261C may be having the same problems. When cold, I never choke it more than one or two pulls. If I do, it's flooded. But, of course, the 251C has a primer bulb.

Yep...that could very well be the deal.
I'm anxious to see how she acts once I get these parts slapped on.
I really like the rpm's, torque, and guts of this saw...thinking about an 18 inch bar on it and relegate the 16 in bars/chains to my 026.

 

[Skisawyer]

How did your 261cm issues turn out? Did you end up selling it or keeping it? If you kept it, what bar/chain do you prefer on her... assuming it’s a she...

 

[RI Chevy]

My 261cm has been awesome so far. Very reliable. It is a version 1. Unreal power for a 50cc saw. I have no complaints at all. Starts quickly when cold. And 1 pull when warm. I do not even use the decomp valve.
I have plenty of vids if anyone is interested.

 

[Skisawyer]

I wonder if Stihl will release a heavier, beefier, “updated” version now that Husky has redesigned the 550xp into the mark 2. Not that they should, but it always seems like the tit for tat keeping up with the jones’s sorta thing. Now if only Echo could make a 4 horse saw in the 501p 10.4# frame we’d really have something...

 

[Piston Skirt]

I wonder if Stihl will release a heavier, beefier, “updated” version now that Husky has redesigned the 550xp into the mark 2. Not that they should, but it always seems like the tit for tat keeping up with the jones’s sorta thing. Now if only Echo could make a 4 horse saw in the 501p 10.4# frame we’d really have something...

261 is already mark 2 - went from 2.8 to 3kW and lost some weight (contrary to 550 which gained some).
Interesting - which feature most folks would prefer from a 50cc saw the most - more power or less weight or maybe there is some other feature that wasn't yet there?

 

[Skisawyer]

Yeah, good point, thats the several million dollar question. In my cutting situation, lots of walking and limbing and thinning, I like where the old 550 and current 261 ended up power to weight wise. Although I have heard the dollykita’s antivibe is worth it...

 

[Skisawyer]

Especially after Miller mod saws it...

 

[CrystalRiver1]

How did your 261cm issues turn out? Did you end up selling it or keeping it? If you kept it, what bar/chain do you prefer on her... assuming it’s a she...

I got a Sthil Tech friend to fix it...wrong clips...small stuff....cheap fix.
I'm hanging onto "her" she's a super strong runner and all of the stuff RI Chevy said and then some!
The 16' bar cuts like a laser, so I'm yet to go the 18 inch route.
With my limited cutting duties these days I really could cut about 95% of all the wood I encounter or choose to encounter with this saw. I have no doubt it would be equally adept with an 18' using square chisel chain as I do.
One of my saws was a Poulan 5020 AV that was a 50cc & 9,000 rpm saw, and I swear the MS 261c runs rings around that saw easily!!!
50cc's and max rpm's of 14,000 is nothing to sneeze at!
Headed out to chew on some hackberry & red oak in few hrs!

 

[RI Chevy]

Nice! Vids please.

 

[MustangMike]

I have a real nice ported 026, but since I got my ported 261 Ver II, it is usually the go to saw that size. Just easier to start + use, smoother, and easily out cut cuts the great running 026. 026 has very high compression, and no compression relief. Conversely, the 261 is extremely easy to re start with the CR.

 

[Dub11]

Especially after Miller mod saws it...

TROOF! it be a bad muthatrucker!

Yep...that could very well be the deal.
I'm anxious to see how she acts once I get these parts slapped on.
I really like the rpm's, torque, and guts of this saw...thinking about an 18 inch bar on it and relegate the 16 in bars/chains to my 026.

Go with the 18" for the reach. I have a couple 50cc saws wearing it and it works great if you dont dog it in.

 

[MustangMike]

My MMWS 261 Ver II pulls 18" 3/8 RSL very well. Great all around saw for anything that is not too big (limbing and small bucking).

 

[RI Chevy]

My 261cm V1 pulls 18" 3/8 but it really digs in. The .325 with a good chain keeps the revs up a but better IMHO.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I have a real nice ported 026, but since I got my ported 261 Ver II, it is usually the go to saw that size. Just easier to start + use, smoother, and easily out cut cuts the great running 026. 026 has very high compression, and no compression relief. Conversely, the 261 is extremely easy to re start with the CR.

I believe with your talent you could easily install an 026 PRO top end on that 026 and that cylinder would come with a decomp. Both of mine have one and yes, it is a really nice feature. Nice rainy day project, but like you, I hate to rebuild a strong runner, especially when all my muscle-bound friends brag that decompa are worthless and they never use them.