MS261C - 6 month review

MS261C - The Honeymoon Is Over. Stihl MS261C Pro Grade chainsaw - 6 months after purchase, the honeymoon is over. Cutting Shagbark Hickory with the MS261 saw, discussing things we like and a problem we're having with the professional chain saw. #ms616 #chainsaw #purplecollarlife #firewood
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Published April 16, 2024
Current subscriber count at the time of upload: 21,100
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0:00 - Intro

[@kylemclaughlin1578]

I’ve got the same saw, same bar length too. They’re excellent for firewood and bucking and felling small to mid size trees with either soft or hardwood. I added the westcoast saw kit to mine which includes the felling dogs, chain catcher, muffler port to open up/mod the muffler, their billet chain cover (separate from the kit) and a foam air filter. I definitely noticed a performance gain and it makes a great addition to an already great saw. Just make sure you bet that leaky cap fixed as the warranty will be void if you modify the saw.

[@TheFirewoodHut]

My 261c leaked out the cap from the get-go. I only add enough bar oil for the job & have almost dry at the end of the day. Another thing I have noticed is the 261c LOVES a clean air filter; sometimes when first start up, I'll pull 20 x's - no start. Clean filter; starts right up.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the tips! I look forward to seeing what the dealership says. I've had two other Stihl saws that didn't leak like this one did. I've determined it's definitely not the cap - it's leaking from the oiler where the bar attaches to the powerhead - almost like it creates a syphon when running and just keeps feeding oil after it's turned off.

[@g.h.5284]

always a pleasure to watch your videos - hopefully the leak will be fixed soon ... It really is a shame: A Stihl should not do that anyway ...

[@rorynelson7548]

Thanks for staying positive about the 261. Im about to buy one and id be torn hearing something bad about it lol

[@aaronbaum2542]

Glad you are happy with the 261 and getting the oil leak fixed! Keep up the great work! 😊

[@watershedoverlook]

Will be following this. I think GP had a similar issue. I'm interested, since an MS261C is in my future. It's gonna have to wait though, cause something a little bigger should be coming in the next few weeks...😉👍

[@Supercruiser66]

I have an MS211 (among other Stihl) and it leaks constantly. Just picked up a MS261, hope it doesn't leak!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I've had other Stihl saws that might leave a spot - the size of a nickel or quarter. But I've never had one that left a puddle like this. I'll be interested to see what the issue is once the dealership takes a look.

[@ryanbruner8928]

I have 12 Stihls from MS171 to MS460 with some 0 series in between and they all leak oil.All of the newer ones leaked from those stupid flip caps, all the other ones leak after using but that is "normal". I used to be a small engine mechanic (mostly Stihl and Husqvarna), and when one didn't leak on the shop floor it was usually empty 😁 FWIW, my MS261 has always leaked oil and fuel from the dumb caps, and I am tired of replacing them so I just store everything on cardboard and fill them when use is required.

[@gmanbeavis]

They're good saws. It was this or the 550XP for me. I have a lot more Stihl dealers around me, but I went with the 550XP with their outstanding 5yr warranty on pro saws for non-commercial use.

[@ratfarmers]

I've learned to keep my leaky saws stored low on bar oil and that seems to work for me. Oh I also put thicker oil in and that helped slow it or stop it. You should pick up a purple saw like Guilty of Treeson just reviewed since you have purple in your name! Hehe. I ordered one because why not?

[@ProductiveRecreation]

I commented on a prior video when you mentioned the oil spot under the saw that it’s normal for some to drip out after the saw is first set down after running… that’s clearly not all that’s happening with yours! I’ve had my 261c for 2 years and haven’t seen that kind of oil leak on mine. I don’t like the tank caps on the saw and so far that’s my only complaint. Mine weeps fuel if left stored full. So, I don’t store mine with the tanks more than half full to keep the levels below the edge of the cap. I also usually leave my saw leaning against the wall on an angle to keep fuel and oil away from the caps.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

These are great tips. I've done some overnight testing and determined my oil leak is definitely not from the cap. This is leaking from the oiler where the bar attaches to the powerhead. It just flows oil constantly! Even when it should be resting. :)

[@DeliveryBryan]

My 261 did that before when it leaked oil . Until I went to my local Stihl dealer and got a new oil cap ! And it stopped leaking oil !

[@davidbryan5203]

The MS261C is a pretty good saw. In short when buying an MS261C you get a lot of saw for the money. This is especially true if you have more/better Stihl dealership support in your area. However, the Husqvarna 550XP MkII is a much better choice in my opinion. The MkII is one of, if not the best 50cc saw ever made, rivaling the older yet still excellent Husqvarna 346XP. The 550XP MKII also has an absolutely excellent warranty when its being used in a residential usage case. It’s been this way for years. Husqvarna/Jonsered make some of the best 50cc class saws on the market while Stihl typically makes a better “big bore” (75cc and up) saw. There are outliers but this is a pretty good rule of thumb. If dealership support is a non issue and you’re looking for a 50cc class saw then I’d highly recommend the Husqvarna 550XP MKII.

[@SGD3000]

Did the dealer fix the leaking bar oil?

[@jburch1544]

Have the same problem with the oil leak on 261. Let us know what the dealer says. Thanks for info

[@bushleague3472]

The 261 is a great saw, and I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything but I gotta say it... watching you all crouched and bent over with the saw still struggling a to pull that short bar, the honeymoon would be over for me too. I just dont enjoy bucking with a little saw and I dont mind limbing with an axe, so my saws are chosen accordingly.

[@Stihl-Alive044-nc8op]

Wow, that was a fast six months. Please let us know what the dealer found on that oil leak.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Time flies! I'll keep you posted.

[@davida.p.9911]

I wouldn't get a divorce just yet...lol. 😊 The oil leak is probably minor enough to be fixed easily. And I must say....STIHL a really cool saw! (I know, I'm the master of bad puns) Thanks for sharing Chad!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

We've all got our quirks. :) I'm sure there are things the saw doesn't like about me too. Jennifer says I can be annoying sometimes - but she's almost got me trained. I've come a long way. :) I do think the leak will be some simple fix. I appreciate that it wants to keep that chain and bar lube flowing - but it can take a break when it's in the case. :)

[@jusinburton5286]

Love the Stihl. But recently were running Husqvarna xp saws and are not looking back. City storm debris cleanup crews. Question, why are you cutting to 16 inches when you did a video on your buck 91 performing better with longer cuts?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great question. We hope to sell some of this Hickory as bundle wood. So we're cutting at 16" in case we bundle and sell it. Some people have expressed an interest in the hickory for smoking/cooking wood.

[@mcpiddler1135]

The iol caps on the Stihlshave to be clean to not leak. Simple answer is to not put it in the case and set it on the bar side to stop leak. Mine leaked until I cleaned the cap really well.], but I still set them all down on bar side.

[@dooflicker1]

Any brand saw will leak oil if it sits with time with oil in it. I have a 2000 Craftsman/Poulan 42cc saw that I've owned since 06. Will leak oil if sits with oil in it. Also a 2020 MS250 that will leak oil if it sits with oil in it and a2023 MS400 that will leak oil if it sits with oil in it. My buddies husky 550xp does the same thing. Get it fixed and then give it time. It will leak again if it sits with oil in it. I drain all gas and oil out of my saws when I know they are going to sit. All my saws run like a champ and have never had any major operating issues with them.

[@rorynelson7548]

I wish i didnt have to clean filters. I hate that lol

[@mediacommand]

Leak fixed?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Sort of? It is much better now - but still leaks a little puddle whenever it sits overnight. Maybe that's normal.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Ok Then Sir, Can I recommended You for a Good Social Work beford going toward a separation 🤣👍👍 Nice show of Super Power 👍👌😇💪 Yes Using the cutting bar is a great tip 😇👌👍Ho Ho THat Chainaw need a Diaper 🤣👍👍 Keep Up The Good Spirit Sir Cheers 🍻🍻

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Chainsaw needs a diaper! That one got me good. :) Thanks for watching and leaving the always entertaining comments. :)

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@PurpleCollarLife Hey, Life Is VERY GOOD When You Are NOT on potatoes peeling duty 🤣🤣👍👍🍻🍻

[@hidhshsj123]

Your chain is to loose. Tighten it untill it just touches the bar and then stop

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks. I started the day tighter (new chain) and it loosened up throughout my cutting. I like to keep it where it's slightly more than touching (teeth in the groove a little).

[@hidhshsj123]

@@PurpleCollarLife new chains are notorious for stretching

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@hidhshsj123 A chain usually lasts me a long time now that I sharpen them myself. But I thought I'd treat myself (and the viewers) to a fresh chain. :)

[@batmantiss]

Boring

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the kindness.

[@JeffGeorgalas]

Your chain is too loose Bud. You shouldn't be able to see your drive links on the bottom of the bar when it's sitting there. Also, I'm guessing that your leak is just coming from the oil cap. A lot of the newer Stihl oil and fuel caps leak. If that's the issue, you can just change the cap, and if you're still under warranty, they dealer should just replace it for you.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching. Yes - my chain did get too loose. It was a new one and had some stretch to it. As far as the oil leak - it's not from the cap. It's from the oiler where the bar connects to the powerhead. It just drools oil constantly from there.

[@JeffGeorgalas]

@@PurpleCollarLife gotcha. Is it still under warranty? And you're correct, new chains stretch the most, and almost immediately after being run the first few times. Good luck with the saw and getting it repaired.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@JeffGeorgalas Thanks! I'm sure the dealership will know what to do. My local Stihl dealer is awesome.