Aftermarket or Not

[BigRed96]

A few months ago I bought 3 MS 200t't all of which where supposed runner just needing some tlc. I took all the best parts from all three and built a nice one to give to my Dad for Christmas. I just finished the second one which had a stripped out spark plug hole. After using a save a thread kit it is back together with new rings, New seals, New fuel line/vent line, New fuel filter, New impulse line, and a new bar and chain. That leaves me with a pile of the least disireable parts. Parts that will run well but not be pretty. Also the saw has a nasty gouge in the cylinder. I want to build this saw with selling it in mind. I was thinking about going aftermarket for a cylinder and piston. The other alternative is finding some decent used oem parts. I think this is the route I am leaning towards. I would like to keep the price as low as possible because I think I will take a hit based on the looks of the saw. I still plan on putting New seals,impulse,fuel line/vent,spark plug, fuel filter, carb kit, and pressure/vacuum testing the saw. What would you all do in this situation?

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Nothing beats OEM quality. Unless it comes to the newest husqvarna homeowner saws.

If you go aftermarket I believe Hyway is the way to go If they offer a cylinder/piston kit for that.

Looking at a piston and cylinder kit from Stihl retail is only $134.35, but then Aftermarket will probably be under $100. Full gasket set from Stihl is $18. So your looking at $153 in parts so far. Rest of the parts you mentioned are probably under $10.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Selling it will be easier with oem, even used beats after market in most people's minds.

 

[BigRed96]

Yeah, I think my best bet will be to find a good used p&c if I want to make anything off this saw.

 

[Stump Shot]

If you can bring a saw back to life with AM parts that would have no life without, which is better? Yes, OEM is always a good bet, sometimes it's just not cost effective, only you can weigh this out. Try looking at the site advertised here called ArborTec, they sell the FarmerTec brand are very good IMHO and very, very cost effective when your getting down to nickles and dimes. HL Supply is also a very good source for your needs on a budget. Whichever you choose, you still have to mechanic that stuff to have a good end result. Last saw I sold I made $15.00 on, I don't sweat the sale, When they come back for repairs (oops, forgot to put oil in the gas) is where good money can be made, as it's all on their dime. Also the customer you may have in mind may influence your choice, selling it to a Pro Arborist you would be wise to go all OEM, selling it to a guy to trim a branch in his yard now and then, might be the lower cost of AM will get that sale.

 

[Homelite410]

OEM 100% here!!

 

[Carbine]

Hyway makes a nice kit for this saw. The one we used came with ductile rings iirc. If this is the case, I would buy a caber along with the hyway kit, and be mindful of squish when you put it together (compression makes a big difference in the performance of these kits, especially the small displacement saws such as the 200t).
If you're gonna flip it though, I would go used OEM with a new set of rings.

 

[Redfin]

Yeah, I think my best bet will be to find a good used p&c if I want to make anything off this saw.

Where is the gouge on the cylinder?

 

[dustinwilt68]

Keep checking for deal of the day or wk also, I am keeping my eye out for a certain one myself. I do prefer oem but if the price is low enough I will go aftermarket. But for 30.00 difference I will buy oem any time.

 

[Khntr85]

Well I had pretty good luck with hutzl/farmer tec stuff.... however the last engine I got for a ms250 had WAY to much movement in the crankshaft, when the engine was put together....the flywheel would DAMN near hit the coil if you barley moved it side-to-side...it was unexeptable for sure....

I contacted hutzl and they sent me a new cylinder(they were actually very helpful, I sent pics of the problems too), however it had the same problem....

I think it's accurate to say that results will vary greatly....

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I'd like to see a pic of the cylinder. Maybe it is still usable with no worry. If that's the case then you're only needing a new piston which oem is only about 30 bucks.

 

[BigRed96]

I'd like to see a pic of the cylinder. Maybe it is still usable with no worry. If that's the case then you're only needing a new piston which oem is only about 30 bucks.

I will have to pull the cylinder. I can see the gouge through the exhaust port. I don't think it will be salvageable.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

Are you planning on buying a replacement before tearing it apart? It's probably not a bad idea to inspect the crank before ordering a new top end.

 

[trooney]

Are you planning on buying a replacement before tearing it apart? It's probably not a bad idea to inspect the crank before ordering a new top end.

Sound advise. Been there, done that. I always pull the cylinder and inspect the bearings and crank before I spend the money putting it back together. Its better to be reasonably sure than to think your sure.

 

[BigRed96]

I will pull it apart and check the bottom end before ordering
Up new parts. Very sound advice.

 

[fearofpavement]

With the decision as to what to spend on parts, run this test.
1. What could the saw sell for in its present cosmetic condition in your market with all OEM parts?
2. What could the saw sell for with aftermarket parts in your market?
3. What's the difference in parts cost vs resale value differences?
Cosmetics matter a lot on saws. If it's not "pretty", I'd probably go aftermarket.

 

[BigRed96]

It will probably be a face only a trucker could love when its finished.