MS462 vs MS500i

[RI Chevy]

Was it the Solenoid?

 

[Sagebrush33]

Was it the Solenoid?

Not sure ..... I haven't picked it up yet. Was told there was a couple of things wrong with it. I will be headed there towards mid month, once I get other expenses taken care of. I like to maintain a purse of around $900 daily for hidden or surprise expenses.
Like a tow and repair parts for my truck if ever needed ....

 

[RI Chevy]

I hear you. Please let us know your outcome. I hope it is fixed and last you a long time.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

I just read this whole thread. Why? Because I'm a junkie and don't need another saw but want just a few more. 4 more Dolmars, a 372, and a Stihl are on my list. I have a 461 that's OEM and about 15 tanks thru it. Just startin to shine for stock power.
Now I've been lookin at the two controversial saws in this thread. CC size isn't an issue for me. I have a fair selection with more to come. I prefer an old schooled carbed saw, so my attraction to these two are limited. I have an M-tronic in the 261 series that I needed to drop off at the dealer for diagnostics and repair. It was supposed to be diagnosed and reported back to me what it needed.
My dealer calls me and informs me I owe $240 plus in repairs. I haven't even picked it up yet. Wasn't ready for this at this time of the year. Slow point in the work flow for myself. But the junkie I am wants another Stihl. My 440 has been down for quite awhile now and I'm just tearing into it. I like that power to weight ratio which is on par with the 462. Between the 462 and the 500i it's a hard choice for me. I have narrowed it down to this though...... I have a disliking for primer bulbs.
Now I'm going to need Stihl's MDG1 analyzer...... no dealer will be workin on my stuff again.

I am glad to be here amongst power saw friends.

I sure do not need it but that 462 sounds nice! I have my dependable Stihl 440 but it has been awhile since I have bought a new Stihl and that 462 sounds like it after reading this thread. If I tried one...I would have to have it.

 

[MustangMike]

Yep!

If you are not going to port it, just drill 2 1/4" holes on the upper right side of the muffler cover as close to the seam as possible. Your saw will have more power, run cooler, and live longer. With M-Tronic, there is no need to pull carb limiters or make any other mods. The computer will adjust the mix and timing accordingly.

Both mine are now ported, and I really like them. Keep a 20" light bar on one, and a 24" E bar on the other (no longer made, but much lighter than an ES bar). They are my "go to" saws!

 

[smokey7]

Yep!

If you are not going to port it, just drill 2 1/4" holes on the upper right side of the muffler cover as close to the seam as possible. Your saw will have more power, run cooler, and live longer. With M-Tronic, there is no need to pull carb limiters or make any other mods. The computer will adjust the mix and timing accordingly.

Both mine are now ported, and I really like them. Keep a 20" light bar on one, and a 24" E bar on the other (no longer made, but much lighter than an ES bar). They are my "go to" saws!

Why not do a proper muffler mod with a deflector vs just drilling holes in the muffler?

 

[ferris]

Why not do a proper muffler mod with a deflector vs just drilling holes in the muffler?

Less work?
the drilled holes must be on good position, then I don’t see a reason for a deflector.

 

[huskyboy]

Dirt and chips tend to fall into uncovered drilled holes easier when the saw is not in use. Deflectors allow you to fit a screen more easily. Plus deflectors just look cleaner and don’t detract from the value when the saw is sold. Otherwise in a firewood saw that only gets used 15 hours or so a year on private property I don’t see that it would matter too much I guess.

 

[MustangMike]

I use a lot of my saws more than 15 hours per year, but try not to leave them in the path of chips from other saws ... just common sense to me!

The saw will NOT eat the chips that it is throwing, and the two holes do not need a deflector if they are placed right and you are not using a full wrap handle.

Also, in rough (pro) conditions, I've seen even the best welded deflectors get damaged and / or come off, leaving a large gaping hole far more dangerous than my 2 1/4" holes!

It is unlikely that any chips small enough to fit through those holes will not just get blown out the muffler after the saw is started.

 

[RI Chevy]

No worries Mike. Your saws, you do what you want to them. It's all good. Many different ways to skin a cat...

 

[MustangMike]

The County is re doing a water line easement through my Brother's property. As part of their work, they took down and cut up a decent size widow maker (Red Maple).

So, my Brother broke out a saw to help them out. When he saw the construction company guy looking at him, my Brother let him run his MOFO 462 for a bit.

He said the guy was ecstatic and could not believe how well that saw cut. It is always nice to have the right tools for the job!

 

[sawmikaze]

Why not do a proper muffler mod with a deflector vs just drilling holes in the muffler?

Or just open the area under the deflector to your desire...plus you can retain a screen.

 

[Johnmn]

Or just open the area under the deflector to your desire...plus you can retain a screen.

Why would anyone do something so easy and sensible?

 

[sawmikaze]

Why would anyone do something so easy and sensible?

Sorry..I'm bad at that.

Lol.

 

[MustangMike]

The advantage you get may depend on the size of the screen and the type of screen being used.

A screened hole will not flow the same amount as an unscreened hole.

 

[sawmikaze]

Why would anyone do something so easy and sensible?

I did this for one of my buddies last week on his 462 after a simple little woods port and different base gasket.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

I did this for one of my buddies last week on his 462 after a simple little woods port and different base gasket.View attachment 319207

I just got done tromping through snow bringing in firewood and bracing for freezing rain and I am really enjoying this. MM is smart and stubborn. I ain't saying nothing but I know one thing...while running a DP etc saw as a working saw it is possible to wear extra hearing protection but when a forest ranger walks up (has happened to me) he will not be wearing hearing protection. Of course remote work crews have their own company enforcement or a ranger working with them and things are over looked there. Unscreened holes also allow stuff and critters easy access to your saws innards. Once again a "it depends" situation...where are you working with saw and what you are using the saw for. Glad I got my wood in and sitting beside the stove...my favorite part.

 

[sawmikaze]

I just got done tromping through snow bringing in firewood and bracing for freezing rain and I am really enjoying this. MM is smart and stubborn. I ain't saying nothing but I know one thing...while running a DP etc saw as a working saw it is possible to wear extra hearing protection but when a forest ranger walks up (has happened to me) he will not be wearing hearing protection. Of course remote work crews have their own company enforcement or a ranger working with them and things are over looked there. Unscreened holes also allow stuff and critters easy access to your saws innards. Once again a "it depends" situation...where are you working with saw and what you are using the saw for. Glad I got my wood in and sitting beside the stove...my favorite part.

That screen I used is nice, flows like it's not there and keeps bugs and sh!t like that out of your muffler.

Not to mention doing it like that looks better. It's obviously louder but not stupid loud.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

I use a lot of my saws more than 15 hours per year, but try not to leave them in the path of chips from other saws ... just common sense to me!

The saw will NOT eat the chips that it is throwing, and the two holes do not need a deflector if they are placed right and you are not using a full wrap handle.

Also, in rough (pro) conditions, I've seen even the best welded deflectors get damaged and / or come off, leaving a large gaping hole far more dangerous than my 2 1/4" holes!

It is unlikely that any chips small enough to fit through those holes will not just get blown out the muffler after the saw is started.

How about critters getting in or debris and metal pieces etc. Do what you want, forest rangers do not wear hearing protection and they are not happy around here because they have to travel a distance if they get a complaint. My last guy traveled 80 miles and was not happy. Glad my stock 440 with stock muffler I was running when he startled me in the woods was not blaring a non screened muffler mod. It is an "it depends situation" but I would not have holes allowing direct access to the motor insides. Maybe a competition saw kept in the house in a case etc would be an exception.

 

[StihlMagnum440]

That screen I used is nice, flows like it's not there and keeps bugs and sh!t like that out of your muffler.

Not to mention doing it like that looks better. It's obviously louder but not stupid loud.[/Quote. Yeah,ba direct shot into your cylinder is no good..knowing my luck a piece of metal or something would drop in there and kaboom. Like your idea but my situation does not allow for noise of DP etc although I have a new DP muffler and would absolutely love to do what you did. Nice job.