Stihl MS181c

[Leec212]

Hi Folks, Newby to the UK chainsaw scene here.

  I just picked up a 181 project and the first thing I will need is a handle/frame as the one on this saw is broken near the bottom spring suspension point.

Available new for a bout 42GBP but hoping I could find a used one a little cheaper.  I'll also be needing a bar and chain, and a top cover and maybe other bits too.

 

Any suggestions welcome.  I know in Canada and the US there are saw breakers that specialize in spare parts.

 

Cheers

[spudulike]

If the saw needs all of those parts, take it from me, if this is a project to make money, it ain't gonna happen with a 181 unless you picked it up for free. 

eBay is your best chance of parts but take my advice and stick to higher value pro saws.

Break it for parts or sell it as a non runner.

[Leec212]

Thanks for your opinion. I enjoy bringing saws back to life. I do know there is no money to be made at this level.

[Dan Maynard]

There are spares on eBay but I doubt anyone is making a fortune breaking 181s, you might have to keep an eye out for a donor saw but same parts could be failed.

[pleasant]

There are always loads of the 181 on the bay. Either complete for spares or separate parts available......a popular budget saw. Parts are generally not rare or hard to come by.

 

I note you say you like saving saws and know theres no money in repairing a 181, so why dont you just buy what you can't find, new from a dealer? 

[Steven P]

Does it run - the parts you describe are cosmetic - so if it runs I'd be looking on ebay for a non runner, perhaps with scored piston which will scare most of the bidders off for that saw. The 171 is similar, not sure exactly and am happy to be corrected but do they share the same handle and plastic bits? Chain and bar are interchangeable and that gives you another option.

[peatff]

171 and 181 share parts, I'm sure the handle is the same on both. Not quite, just looked on L&S and they are one number different

Edited January 22 by peatff

[pleasant]

18 hours ago, Steven P said:

Chain and bar are interchangeable and that gives you another option.

They are interchangeable as long as you change both the bar and the chain as a pair, as the 171 runs 1.1mm chain and the 181 runs 1.3mm, so be careful