Why do my MS200's only last a 18 months!

We have had 4 MS200's that after about 18 months (if they don't get nicked) seem to stop running properly and need huge amounts of cash spent on them to get them going again. Our ground saws seem to run and run. We've an 039 that we use loads which I've had for over 8 years and apart from replacing bits which wear out it's never missed a beat. I know the ms200's get alot of abuse in the tree, but I don't think after a year or two I should be needing to spend £150+ to repair them.

Do other people get Ms200's to run for a long time or is it best just selling them at a year old?

What is the fault developing? is it a carb issue as 200t's have had issues with these recently

At one time the 200's were coming from the factory very lean...............some set at 15'5000 to 16'000 RPM. Not good for longevity!!!

Mine is going on three years.

Check the carb, if it's a D type, that could be the problem.

Ben,

Did you try DM chainsaws in Loughborough?

Matt

The pistons are all shot apparently. The latest one the Tool Shop have just taken it to bits and say it's not worth puttling back together.. So I'm collecting dead saws.

I'll try DM next time.

Bugger! sounds like a mix problem, you keeping the saws for spare parts?

Ben,

I really do recommend Stuart & Curly at DM they no what they are on with, they do sell saws but won't try and just sell you a new saw if they can fix yours they will!

Good Luck

Matt

There have been a lot of carb issues on the Zama carbs used on the 200's.They get little cracks internally in the carbs which draw air and cause a lean run condition.I did a thread on the TH a couple of years back on this subject . Andy [Lakeside] in the PNW has found many bad carbs as well on 200's.

As far as long life ,I've worked on few that were 5 or 6 years old and still ran pretty well,just needed minor repairs.I think more meet their demise from falls than die from being worn out.