Replacing a case half (ms461)

[Catfishclark89]

Alright I need some expert (or not) opinions and experience. Has anyone replaced just one case half? I’ve read some arguments that it doesn’t work because the line bore and base may be mismatched. However why would Stihl sell the halves separately if this was the case (no pun intended). Thanks for any feedback and knowledge. Always appreciated.

 

[av8or3]

I’ve replaced case halves on other makes, older Dolmars and an Echo Twin. Everything went fine. There might have been a smidgen of difference in the deck height , where the cyl base bolts to, but the base gasket was enough to seal it. Your reasoning is probably sound if Stihl will sell you a case half.

 

[Shane¹]

I have replaced 1 case half on multiple saws with no issues. Husqvarna 346, 395. Dolmar 120, 123, 133, 143 and 7900 and everyone of them lined up no issues. Others may not but all of the ones I did have been fine

 

[Catfishclark89]

Thank you fine gentlemen for your sharing your experience

 

[Coupe]

If it is genuine stihl halves should not be a problem. But if it is aftermarket stuff I would be a bit weary.

 

[Woodwackr]

on the old 064 and early 066s the case halves were matched...I have a bin full Until I got all these 1122 parts I'd never heard of such a thing. Some of the 064 gurus chimed in and explained it. The 461 is probably too new to worry about.

 

[jacob j.]

It's the older Stihls (i.e. 460/660 and older) that have a harder time with replacement case halves and Stihl never sold single case halves for those models.

With the newer ones, they're selling single case halves and replacing one side is fine.