How to tell if an engine is the original or OEM?

[Mr.TunaCat]

I'm interested in an older style ms461 but I don't have a lot of experience with chainsaw engines. I have a borescope to check inside but how can I tell if its an original or OEM replacement engine?

 

[Ketchup]

Potentially you could reference the outside numbers but it’s not common information.

As long as it’s an OEM jug, does it matter? Other points of wear will show how many hours the saw has been used. A filthy saw with a clean jug indicates replacement, etc.

If you’re trying to determine if the jug is OEM, that’s much easier. AM will have far fewer markings and will not be branded. Almost all Stihl pro saws have a Mahle, Gillardoni or Stihl brand on them. KS is common on older models.

 

[Mr.TunaCat]

Potentially you could reference the outside numbers but it’s not common information.

As long as it’s an OEM jug, does it matter? Other points of wear will show how many hours the saw has been used. A filthy saw with a clean jug indicates replacement, etc.

If you’re trying to determine if the jug is OEM, that’s much easier. AM will have far fewer markings and will not be branded. Almost all Stihl pro saws have a Mahle, Gillardoni or Stihl brand on them. KS is common on older models.

Thank you!

 

[Hoser]

I just bring a t27 pop the muffler cover and check for scoring on the piston and cylinder.
Like ketchup says if something looks out of place it probably is.
Or play it safe and find a new one

 

[FederalQ]

At least on the 460 it is almost impossible to see the information on the cylinder as it‘s at the base on the PTO side unless you disassemble it. I took a chance, it looked oem to me, and it is indeed a Mahle when I had the time to take it apart to clean. I can only imagine a 461 being a hot saw with the quad port transfers, this 460 does well with dual port.