Ms261c problem (cutting out)

[outonalimb]

I don't quite understand why there seems to be an ongoing problem with the clutch bearing on this saw as this part is common to at least a dozen other Stihl saws. Have they just changed to a plastic cage recently and is this type of fault likely to show up in other saws as their bearings are replaced ?

Is there something inherent in the design of the MS261 that causes this ?

I have both the 260 and the 261cm although the 260 runs an Oregon sprocket and as far as I can see unfortunately there is no Oregon sprocket for the 261.

 

PS Has anyone tried aftermarket replacement bearings ?

Edited July 2, 2015 by outonalimb

[spudulike]

I don't quite understand why there seems to be an ongoing problem with the clutch bearing on this saw as this part is common to at least a dozen other Stihl saws. Have they just changed to a plastic cage recently and is this type of fault likely to show up in other saws as their bearings are replaced ?

Is there something inherent in the design of the MS261 that causes this ?

I have both the 260 and the 261cm although the 260 runs an Oregon sprocket and as far as I can see unfortunately there is no Oregon sprocket for the 261.

 

PS Has anyone tried aftermarket replacement bearings ?

 

The metal caged bearings appear to be better. I thought there were issues in the machining of the early crankshafts but would be good if someone linked to Stihl could comment!

[Ian C]

Mine is an early one and has had 3 clutch drums and bearings,the last one a metal one and it's still not usable,biggest piece of crap I have ever bought.

[outonalimb]

Is there a metal caged bearing that fits this clutch drum ?

My saw is a 2015 model.

Edited July 4, 2015 by outonalimb

[Stubby]

I heard that the crank end were ground slightely oval ?

[outonalimb]

I heard that the crank end were ground slightely oval ?

 

But surely if this was a known problem with earlier saws it would have been rectified before now ?

[spudulike]

Is there a metal caged bearing that fits this clutch drum ?

My saw is a 2015 model.

 

I found an aftermarket one on ebay and seemed to do the trick, worth trying a few to get to the good ones!

[Stubby]

But surely if this was a known problem with earlier saws it would have been rectified before now ?

 

You would have thought so ....

[outonalimb]

I found an aftermarket one on ebay and seemed to do the trick, worth trying a few to get to the good ones!

 

Link ?

[spudulike]

Link ?

 

I think it was Mister Solutions but they went tits up but were trading as lawn and something else - search the bay - the user name was blindinsect!