MS462 Design Changes

[pwheel]

Not really. They just decided that the divertor under the piston wasn't needed. That makes it simpler.....

Also to consider is that there was a rash of broken pistons on the 462. This change could be more about strengthening the slug than anything else I suppose.

I'm thinking that the broken piston issue is driving this change for the reason that a continuous piston skirt is more effective in resisting thermal and mechanical stresses than the notched original design. The corners between the diagonal and horizontal edges of the original piston notch may be failure points. Maybe.

 

[Mastermind]

I'm thinking that the broken piston issue is driving this change for the reason that a continuous piston skirt is more effective in resisting thermal and mechanical stresses than the notched original design. The corners between the diagonal and horizontal edges of the original piston notch may be failure points. Maybe.

Agreed.

 

[huskyboy]

How much heavier is the new piston compared to the old one?

 

[MustangMike]

Well, I'm sure both my 462s are the "older" version, and my 044 is the "vulnerable" 10 mm, but they all still run just great so I'll just keep using them!

If you keep your chains sharp, and run a good oil at a good ratio, very few saws will bonk out early on you!

Often the changes made are to to preclude saws from bonking that are severely abused.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

I have a September 2020. It would suck if I need a new cylinder down the road and the new available won’t fit my saw. Another reason I’ll keep my 461. I always liked the “0” series stihl cause they had something good and was basically the same for 20 plus years

I have my dependable 440 but have been looking at the 462 but am really nervous about it. Stihl has been fixing bugs. This is not the type of saw an owner can easily fix problems on and seems too finicky to me from the type of fuel to starting procedure hot and then one for cold. Heck, even have to be careful the nearest dealer knows how to work on it or has the diagnostic equipment. 461 is more user friendly. I am a big believer in KISS but know the computer thingy is here and now and the future. That said, I will always keep my simple 440 even after and if I ever get a 462.

 

[Shanesaw80]

I have a 462 with both a cracked piston and cylinder. I know guys have been asking for pics of broken pistons so I’ll grab a couple and post them when I get home in a couple of days.

 

[BonScott46]

I have a 462 with both a cracked piston and cylinder. I know guys have been asking for pics of broken pistons so I’ll grab a couple and post them when I get home in a couple of days.

High hour saw?

 

[Shanesaw80]

High hour saw?

Depends on what you consider high hour. I haven’t had it checked but I would guess it has 1500+ for sure. It’s had a hard life, I used it falling on the fires and doing beetle kill among other things so that’s never easy on them. Lived it’s life running 40:1 Saber.

 

[huskyboy]

Depends on what you consider high hour. I haven’t had it checked but I would guess it has 1500+ for sure. It’s had a hard life, I used it falling on the fires and doing beetle kill among other things so that’s never easy on them. Lived it’s life running 40:1 Saber.

Be interesting to hook it up to the computer and see what it’s got for hours. Might as well take advantage of the computer hook up capability to read the data.

 

[RI Chevy]

Depends on what you consider high hour. I haven’t had it checked but I would guess it has 1500+ for sure. It’s had a hard life, I used it falling on the fires and doing beetle kill among other things so that’s never easy on them. Lived it’s life running 40:1 Saber.

Were you happy with the saw? Sounds like it served you well. What are you running now?

 

[Shanesaw80]

Were you happy with the saw? Sounds like it served you well. What are you running now?

I was super happy with the saw. It was my Tree Monkey 462 and ran fantastic. I ended up stripping out the spark plug hole which is why I tore it apart and found the cracked piston and jug. Up until that point it ran strong and was my go to saw for smaller wood or anytime I had long hikes to get where I needed to go.

It would be cool to plug it in like Huskyboy suggested but right now it’s in a pile of parts and I doubt I’ll reassemble it just to scan it until I decide if I’m going to rebuild it, my curiosity just doesn’t run that deep. It lived a long hard life and served me well, that’s all that matters to me.

Right now I’m going between running my Mastermind 461, TM 661 and CFB 064, just depends on the day and what I’m cutting in. Trying to decide if I want another 462 or go with a 500i, but to be honest with what I’ve seen from the 10 500i’s that are on the project right now I’ll probably grab another 462.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

I was super happy with the saw. It was my Tree Monkey 462 and ran fantastic. I ended up stripping out the spark plug hole which is why I tore it apart and found the cracked piston and jug. Up until that point it ran strong and was my go to saw for smaller wood or anytime I had long hikes to get where I needed to go.

It would be cool to plug it in like Huskyboy suggested but right now it’s in a pile of parts and I doubt I’ll reassemble it just to scan it until I decide if I’m going to rebuild it, my curiosity just doesn’t run that deep. It lived a long hard life and served me well, that’s all that matters to me.

Right now I’m going between running my Mastermind 461, TM 661 and CFB 064, just depends on the day and what I’m cutting in. Trying to decide if I want another 462 or go with a 500i, but to be honest with what I’ve seen from the 10 500i’s that are on the project right now I’ll probably grab another 462.

What are you cutting with these saws? Maybe you had it in other posts. MustangMike likes the 462 and I am researching them. I see horror stories of bad pistons, solenoids etc,starting issues...but geez you guys that know your stuff and the specs on that saw keep interested. I keep telling myself that I do not need one but man that would be nice with the wood freezing. Light and has punch. I would not MM it because of neighbors..there I go again. I know I will be looking at it at the dealer next time and asking the dealer crew about how the locals like them and problems and such.

 

[RI Chevy]

Shane is a professional faller, Mike is a homeowner. Big difference there. I wonder what would cause a piston and cylinder to crack? Sounds like that 462 was ridden hard and put away wet! Lol That's a lot of hours on that saw though.

 

[huskyboy]

I wonder what would cause a piston and cylinder to crack?

Maybe piston slap from excessive clearance when the piston gets worn? Seen it on a worn out 372oe before. 3 years outta a pro use saw is decent… probably equivalent to 10 years homeowners use. Nothing lasts forever anyway. You can either choose to rebuild or throw it in the spare parts pile. Lol

 

[Mastermind]

The early 462 is known to have piston cracking issues. They redesigned the top end and case about a year ago.

 

[RI Chevy]

TY For the info.

 

[pwheel]

Depends on what you consider high hour. I haven’t had it checked but I would guess it has 1500+ for sure. It’s had a hard life, I used it falling on the fires and doing beetle kill among other things so that’s never easy on them. Lived it’s life running 40:1 Saber.

Hmm... $1100 (original cost) ÷ 1500 hrs x 8 hrs/day = $5.87/day. Less expensive than the fuel mix used to run it.

 

[huskyboy]

The early 462 is known to have piston cracking issues. They redesigned the top end and case about a year ago.

Would the increased power of a ported 462 over a stock one further increase the chances of stressing this weak point?

 

[Mastermind]

Would the increased power of a ported 462 over a stock one further increase the chances of stressing this weak point?

Doesn't seem to. I have only had one piston failure that I'm aware of. That's out of a bunch of built saws.

 

[qurotro]

Still waiting for pics..