Might pick up a 181 SE this weekend. What should I look for?

[Mark71gtx]

A guy contacted me wanting to sell his 181SE and a 031 Stihl. I told him to keep the 031, but I am interested in the 181 if I can pull the muffler. Is there anything else I should watch out for on this saw? I need it like a hole in the head, but it would be cool beside my 288... Thanks!​

 

[Magic_Man]

Only thing I ran into was my 181 had the old metal loop break that was missing parts. They are virtually impossible to find, however a newer 281/288 cover and brake goes right on.

 

[Mark71gtx]

I have one already, thanks!

 

[jockeydeuce]

It's not super common, but take a good look around the bar stud, chain adj area for cracks.....Like I said, not super common, but I've seen quite a few cracked in that area and leaking from the oil tank.

 

[SawTroll]

It's not super common, but take a good look around the bar stud, chain adj area for cracks.....Like I said, not super common, but I've seen quite a few cracked in that area and leaking from the oil tank.

Sounds like the result of using the bar as a pry-bar.

 

[jockeydeuce]

Sounds like the result of using the bar as a pry-bar.

Could be, but I think it's posssibly from bar studs that have worked loose over the years and been tightened with the square head of the bar stud not in the slot inside the oil tank.....Just a guess.

 

[stihl_head1982]

hard to find parts for -- at least in my experience. But perhaps some of you guys have mounds of them around.

 

[Mark71gtx]

I hope to not need parts for it. That will determine if I get it or not...

 

[stihl_head1982]

Wish you well in looking over the saw.
Perhaps things will go well.

 

[Mark71gtx]

I hope so. It is an older guy who just got remarried. Two estates merging with too much stuff. Some stuff has to go...

 

[Magic_Man]

I hope to not need parts for it. That will determine if I get it or not...

Most everything from a 281 and 288 works, plenty of non original parts around.