* PART 1* Stihl MS361 Chainsaw! 20 YEARS of HARD Work! Time For A New Chainsaw?!

This Stihl MS361 was bought 20 years ago and has done some serious work with little to no maintenance - but always a sharp chain! It's been dropped off for evaluation - the saw won’t start, the AV mounts are worn out and it’s leaking bar oil. Will he have it repaired or will he buy a new Stihl MS362 ? Follow along as Erica inspects the saw and performs multiple tests to see what this saw needs to return to work!
Thanks for watching!
Check out all of our other chainsaw videos - MS250 , 038 , 026
Like and Subscribe and I will keep the camera turned on!

[@SteveSalisbury]

I don't own a chainsaw, nor would I ever have the need to own one, but youtube recommended this and I'm finding your videos absolutely fascinating!

[@robcole332]

You are VERY thorough young lady. Most wouldn’t have caught that. They would’ve replaced the carb but not know exactly why it needed replaced. Great job

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@johnclyne6350]

I like your channel! Very thorough! I doubt many people are as thorough as you? I'm surprised you wear your wedding ring while working on equipment. You have an awesome shop & farm. Too bad you're not closer I would have you repair all my small engine equipment. I live in Connecticut. That's got to be nice working with your husband? That Stihl 361 with the 20" bar is the exact saw I use for cutting wood at my house. It will never see the work it was intended for it. I have cut two trees down with it. It's a very powerful saw. I have never squeezed the trigger all the way in. It's scary strong! Mine is about 15 years old & has never been serviced because it has maybe 25 hours on it? Keep up the great content!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks so much for your comment and for being here! 😄

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

SUBSCRIBED! From one Canadian KZbinr to another, that was a GREAT video sister. Keep that up and you will pass me in no time!!! 🥰

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Steve! I'm sure I will never pass you! Your famous! I just watched your video on the Stihl 4-mix. Great job! :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...but I am pretty sure YOU already knew about that....😁

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

That doesn’t matter! I still enjoyed watching it!

[@jbc1042]

No beers were hurt in the writing of this comment 😂 . Hey Steve...

[@neilreid4306]

Using the force - "may the force be with you" - Star Wars quotation. Means good luck I believe.

[@mikelastname]

You are right, but, after enough years of spinning spanners, your sense of hearing, touch and proprioception merge into an all powerful supersense and you just "know" when something is tight enough, loose enough, going to move without persuasion, how much persuasion, when the threads bite properly rather than starting to cross. I think of that as "the force".

[@timothyputzke1250]

It's great to here that the owner has chose to repair the old saw. The MS361 is definitely not a throw away saw. Love the video and your dedication.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you! I’m glad to be fixing it too! Keep an eye out for part 2!

[@philliphall5198]

Why are people not hitting the like button ??? Just don’t understand why you’re not willing to help folks who make videos for us ….,😢 From West Texas 😊

[@ToreDL87]

It's not about likes, it's about views. And considering the sub niche, this channel is going pretty well ^^

[@tundranomad]

My 361 has cut countless cords in the last 15+ years. I was toying with either rebuilding the carb, or buying a new Stihl carb. Here in Alaska I couldn't find a rebuild kit, but I could order one from the dealer for $38. However, I found a new, complete carb that had been sitting on the shelf of another shop and bought it for $65, because it has been there for a while.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

🐔Early morning; the sanest part of the day. Kudos to the owner of the saw for repairing his equipment. I am sure you will do a stellar job on the repair. Thanks much for sharing your valuable time and resources to bring us this excellent video.👍(255)

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Early mornings are my FAV! 😊

[@martinflanagan2506]

Great diagnosis on a saw worth saving.

[@davidkarpen5686]

Nice video. One thing I noticed in a few videos was when you remove the bar and chain nuts. You always seem to point the screw driver end of the tool upwards and hit it towards your face. This not only could launch the tool at your face if it comes off the nut while hitting it upward, but you also have less leverage and use more energy to loosen them especially when they are tightened to much by the customer. Try pointing the rod of the tool towards the back handle of the saw and push downward on the wrench and nut. Most times you won’t need to hit it even if it is tight, just use your shoulder and body weight a little more depending on how tight they are. You don’t wear glasses either, so it could also prevent the tool or your hand from poking you in the eye! ( I actually did that many years ago , hitting a tool towards my face, my hand slipped and before I could react I smacked my self in the eye)! “ it’s all fun and games until someone get an eye shot out”.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Wow. Those subscribers are climbing fast! Congratulations. I can see this channel going the distance.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@marriedwithsmallengines Can you tell I'm a "saw fanboy"? Have a great 2024 and looking forward to seeing more videos.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Lots more content on the way!

[@daveodenbach6455]

The ms361 saws were great. They had the spring antivbe without the epa issues. Definitely worth the work. Should run another 20 years.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

You took the words right out of my mouth. Wait until you see part 2!!

[@J.Manuel.]

Hola buenos días desde España, estoy muy muy contento de haberme suscrito a su canal ,y también por la forma tan eficaz que tienen de solucionar los problemas típicos de los motores de uso cotidiano,un abrazo 🫂🫂 desde Andalucía ,España, ( 👏👏👏👏👏)

[@robertdavis6708]

This is a no brainer. A complete overhaul on the cosmetics , new carb, AV mounts would be my vote. Buying the saw new would make me sentimental. Keep it running another 30 years.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Wait until you see part 2 !! :)

[@paulwright9106]

A wonderful 26 mins , better than tv , watching from the UK .

[@foxwood67]

I’m learning something new every time I watch. I’m just a Diyer but pride myself on fixing or attempting to fix 😂 most small engines. Good stuff here.

[@georgehofgren6123]

Great video.. Big help for anyone who gets the famous 361- I had a friend offer me a basically new 362 for a steal. I passed on it to hold onto my Echo 600p. Still not sure if I'd made the right decision 😕 🤔

[@user-wy2fr8mc4d]

I have watched you saw I thought what a awesome Mill with this edger setup.I was hoping to see your operations from inside the box and here it is great job keep up the good work. Motley Minnesota

[@rodfair5698]

Thank you very much Erica, very enjoyable and interesting. It also showed your customers that you and therefore, your business, are honest and reliable. Well done !

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you so much!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

What a warm & lyrical accent Canadian's possess!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Ha, I didn’t realize I had an accent! Lol

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@marriedwithsmallengines Yep. And apologies but I have strong views on where Husky & Stihl are headed for domestic saws. They "were" very good 30 years ago however it's all changed now. Such a shame. Cheers.

[@tincankiller6454]

Good video, very informative. Having purchase a used MS361 about 10 years ago and have a MS260 & 440 Mag purchase new around 2005-07 all get used cutting firewood/clearing, oak 8-10 cords annually so nothing too much for them to handle. Have done very little to no repairs on all and hope to keep them going as long as possible. Looks to be minor repairs needed, hopefully he will repair. I like the 361 for its power vs weight. Thanks for the video looking forward to more.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Great Thorough Testing Procedures and a Wonderful Canadian Morning 😀😊 Those Av Mounts Are Always an Issue And Excellent Point To Always Check That Intake Boot When They Break Super Glad They Decided To Repair It 😊😊

[@tattoo62]

I have been a diesel mech sense 1990 maybe 89 hell i cant remember for sure but stoped doing it a few yrs aho . My back is n bad bad shspe and cant walk very good anymore. But i would love to learn more about these small engines. Its not the same as big motors . Im not sure i could do even this anymore but i would love too. Not many people around here that does it so it would be good job.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Funny, my husband just acquired a 1940's Cummins 4 Cyl. with a single disc pump. He is going to try to figure out how to make it start! He has not a clue to go about it. Might make a video about it.

[@tattoo62]

@@marriedwithsmallengines that would be fun ! Id like to see that video !! He will figure it out for sure !!

[@Maxvigna]

Good job girl. Urs videos are very helpful and practical. Here is watching u from Italy! Greetings

[@paulrainsford1953]

A very thorough investigative technique and well explained. Excellent video.

[@iamrichrocker]

What a beautiful sunrise....great job on a great saw..and your hard work and content is really adding to the growth of your channel..

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you very much!

[@rob066101]

I would pressure test with decomp installed seen a few leaking decomps. One lead to scoring of a MS 460.

[@JakePlisskin12]

I'm not a huge fan of the bar wrenches. I always just use a stubby 3/8th locking detent ratchet with 3 inch locking extension with the spark plug socket. I love those t handles for spinning bolts out but I always gotta break everything free with the ratchet and 6 inch Allen socket. Then take the ratchet off and spin it like the T handle. But straight up Milwaukee 12 volt ratchet is worth 100 times it weight in gold. All coming from someone that can barely move thier wrists without excruciating pain

[@lrobie123]

Replaced the original OEM MS460 exhaust recently with a new dual port exhaust. Used PB Blaster on the exterior exhaust holding screws before trying to unscrew them and did not have to twist on them so hard to get the screws out. This video helped me realize that the oil cap on my saw was leaking too as was not sure the cap was leaking until did more investigation. Looking forward to future videos. Great that you ordered an Inspection camera tool

[@badallis4158]

Just bought my first saw, a MS250. Thanks for the videos. Very informative.

[@HuckThis1971]

Hi Erica. Eastern Ontario here. Happy owner is keeping the saw. Like anything, things wear and get tired. If engine is good, keep it going!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Hello! Thanks for watching!

[@magicone9327]

I have good luck with polishing the needle SEAT with q tip and polishing compound. I like the wooden q tips like ya get a dr. office. I put it in my cordless drill and spin it to polish it and remove the area causing the leak. As long as the pitting isn’t to extensive.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I have done what your describing before, but in this case a new carb was in order. The pitting was extensive, the customer wanted it done this way, and I wanted to send it back out knowing it wasn't coming back anytime soon.

[@hornetboy3694]

Awesome video, great work. Thank you😍😍😍😍

[@vincnetb8080]

Superb work Ma'am! I watched parts 1 and 2 and have subscribed to your channel. You are top notch. My son lives in Kingston and I will tell him to seek your business if he ever needs equipment or work done while I am not available. I have been working on small engines most of my life but have learned so much more from looking at you go through every steps. Thanks for your professionalism and honesty. As a fellow Canadians and Ontarian, I am proud of you.

[@wallyklw5]

I love how you work

[@ninagamble9150]

Thank you for this very informative and thoroughly diagnosed machine! It's a great feeling to be able to let your customer know what caused the issue (s). Keep up the excellent work! Nina from Texas :)

[@irishrebel7616]

Immediate 👍 for that sunset!

[@adamw225]

I came across your channel recently and im really into your chainsaw videos, you seem like a genuine easy going person and a good mechanic and the videos are easy to watch, I would love to see you look at the 028 you have sitting there, I’ve got one myself and it’s a great saw

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Hi! It’s in my line up and its turn will be coming up soon!

[@nateolmsted899]

The 361 is hands-down, the best 60 cc chainsaw ever made

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I love these saws too!

[@snowysnobdds7842]

Agreed. I love them. I have 2 new in the box, in addition to two runners. Stihls last true quad port two stroke, non-strato.

[@SpruceGoose-qx8zj]

Enjoyed watching you work Erica. Your videos are laid back and relaxing🥰

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you so much!

[@stoneybourke1554]

I have subscribed to your channel, and I would like to see you work on bar oil leaks and how to replace an oil pump, ect. I must admit, I enjoy watching your videos, it's about educational, and Thank you for most all your vids. And again Thank you. Your loyal audience from Arizona.

[@ShilohShepherd]

Wonderful video. You do a great job of explaining everything you do. Thank you for sharing.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@Gary67242]

he was right to agree to repair...thumbs up

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@demotors070161]

Excellent. Very educational.

[@richardcarlson5189]

What a view! May God bless

[@johnzee691]

really like your videos.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

No snow in 99% of Australia. ((((( It looks so nice. Quality saws will easily last 30 years of relatively pro use as long as they are not run lean or babied. I have many Husqvarna's that were manufactured in the late 80's that have still not required as much as a new piston or rings etc. As a two stroke dirt bike enthusiast I ride 125's and 250's and even CR 125's are putting out 45bhp. I also have a Husqvarna 3120XP @ 120cc and it puts out a measly 8 bhp!

[@MyweathernetreportsBlogspot]

Beautiful sunrise!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Yes it was!

[@bjac9763]

Excellent job …wow …

[@dgb5820]

Love your videos straight to the point and excellent diagnostic skills with attention to details, above all it’s your passion and knowledge base

[@bevjones9939]

Excellent video ,I have a MS 361 saw i have had for 15 years now and it has been a stellar saw . Have a great spring, its firewood season here in south east Ontario .Cheers

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Another excellent and thorough video. Thanks for doing these videos. I know how much work it takes to make them. Most people see a 26 minute video but it takes MUCH longer to put together a video like this. John from MI

[@oldbowsaw9001]

Really enjoy the saw repair videos--I collect and run ,work on vintage saws-- Old Cat mechanic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fixingstuff2647]

Great precision!

[@davidkasperek3907]

Nice detective work. (Plus bonus points for the daybreak cinematography. 😉)

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks! 😀

[@karlschwab6437]

I just discovered your channel and I am impressed with your attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryankuhn926]

This is my new favorite channel! Pairs well with my morning coffee ☕️ very cool to watch ya go through the entire saw.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Wow, thanks! Your comment made me smile! :)

[@sandsock]

i have a 20 year old 361 also, just changed the AV system last year. my dad said, you know you have run a ton of wood through that saw. you should start looking for a replacement. i picked up a husky 562 and they arent even the same for same size cc. the 361 excels at frozen wood. the 562 excells at the other 9-10 months. the stihl is a brute force saw and the husky a finess saw. teh 572 would probably be a truer power to power being =. what i have noticed that the stihl is harder on my body with the av. the husky just has much less vibration in my shoulders and is a joy to run. both saws are good, but wish i put on a laminated lightweight bar sooner. i'm running a tsumura currently. bar life is longer than teh stihls. i get about 4 chains to a bar, before the tip blows out.

[@sandsock]

that muffler is no longer made, had to have mine mig welded up. those saws are hard on fuel lines, with the amount of them i have changed over the years. the carb linkage to the trigger may have some bend in it.

[@luvegg7890]

Great video, I've had good luck polishing carb seats with a cotton bud in a drill with a little toothpaste on the tip...

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Yes, I have too - on my own equipment. In this case, I gave the customer some options and his choice was a new carburetor. I don't like doing work for customers that I can't guarantee.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

I love my borescope. You will too.

[@snoopysrc]

Very awesome another female small engine makanic

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@victorg2803]

Excellent informative video. Very helpful. Keep it up!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍. Stunning start to the video. Thank you

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@algisaraba5512]

Hello, you teach very well, I like your explanation. Greetings from Panama.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you very much!

[@newhampshire-bob1604]

Nice job! Wish you were in my area to look at my saw!

[@timbo1962]

great video...learning so much watching you, looking forward to part 2.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tedmart4212]

I have the same saw. Starts right up , cuts really well. Shut it off will not start unless it sits for an hour or so.I was hoping for some clues from your video. Thanks for putting them out. I've learned a lot from the ones I've watched.

[@OOOOOO12345]

It’s your coil failing. The laminating is breaking apart when it heats up.

[@user-kz6ek6ow1y]

Well done

[@BrucesShop]

Hi there Bruce here, From Alberta😀 I like your test of spraying onto the exposed needle. Thanks again. Newer Subscriber to your channel

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks and welcome!

[@kknows3512]

I would definitely replace the intake boot and fuel line and impulse line, if it has one. Those rubber parts deteriorate over time and the saw would be back in the shop soon for more repairs.

[@vincemck2002]

Your husband is referring to "the force" used in the Star wars movies....he's being a smarty-pants.....lol

[@29chevbolenschannel40]

Great videos with good clear audio - well done. You are very thorough with your inspections and explaining what you are doing and why should help others if they wish to learn. My experience is that women have a sixth sense - like invisible eyes in the back of their head to see things that men miss. Men rely (perhaps more than they should) on "the force" to help them when exploring things that are not easily seen with the naked eye - just my opinion. Keep up the great work!

[@gregmercer8032]

Great saw after break in run at 14000rpm .keep sharp 40.1

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Nice work you do excellent work. Have a great day.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thomasfrost6993]

I'm looking forward to seeing this saw repaired and put back to work for another 20 years. Great diagnostics!

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

It's going to be a great video! :)

[@jamesmooney5348]

Very nice surprising@ i never heard much good about 361's. Is that yiur experience? That good, id rebuild it too. Nice ranch

[@hans-wernermayer1312]

😊 good job

[@diggindiggenit6540]

Excellent video so if a person doesn't have that Stihl tool that hooks up to the cylinder to block it off then you would just use a piece of rubber behind the carb and use the carb? and maybe spray the carb for bubbles and watch your gauge?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

You absolutely can do that, I have done it many times!

[@user-ho7qd7cx2g]

love your vids they show things to look for but you say out funny mayby because im from boston but love your vids anyhoo

[@garengtutorial8923]

Pagi yang indah. Mesin2 tangguh

[@robertmailhos8159]

You definitely have a nice looking place to be working on small engine equipment there in Canada

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@marriedwithsmallengines your welcome young lady 💐🌹 and keep up the amazing work on your small engine repair business

[@patrickflannery1143]

Excellent Video

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thank you very much!

[@ishure8849]

G'day MwSE, I just found your Chanel and it's very informative. I have a question would it be easier to push down on the scrench handle when removing the bar nuts as opposed to pulling it up ? I know I always try to get gravity to help me when I can 👍.

[@user-ff2bj9wc1e]

Nice job keep up the good work 👍

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks 👍

[@My_cats4748]

Great video. Really enjoyed😊

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@McCullochMac6]

Awesome video...Have a Great Easter...

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Thanks! You too!

[@paulborden2544]

Great video. Will subribe.

[@ajkolodziejski118]

Are your solar panels the tracking type. I am off grid here and they caught my eye. Nice catch on the seat of that carb. I would like to add that tester to my tool box.

[@themowershop5373]

Erica, if you remove the decomp valve before the vac/pressure test, how do you know that's not the cause of an air leak?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I use to think that, and that is a great question! I will discuss this in an upcoming video.

[@toujeo72]

🥰

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Gorgeous sunrise and love that thumbnail. Do you only work on saws?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I work on lawnmowers as well , but we’re not in mower season yet.

[@philliphall5198]

I bet the heating bill is expensive there with all the cold weather God Texas is hot but I can’t get warm enough up north 😢

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Yes it’s expensive to keep the heat on!

[@wow344wow]

Hi team, love your explanatory videos. I wish to purchase a combined pressure/vacuum tester to use with my own two and four stroke engines here across the pond. There are so many to choose from. What is the brand you use, or can you suggest a reliable inexpensive tester to me.

[@user-ny1gt9kz4v]

Hello there

[@inspectr1949]

Wow, have this very same saw bought new over 20 years ago, really wish you were on this side off the border would like you to give it a make over. It's been a work horse for me but has sat idle for the last 4 years while I dealt with health issues sold the house and moved to a new forested property that needs my attention.

[@SCUBONZIES]

Mirage cutters ,

[@erinsquirkychannel501]

Is the carbrator made by stihl or z or walbro, looks like great made carbrator, be nice if they still made them good like that lol

[@chrysanthosnicolaou2760]

You are making excelent video and work.just one question.you have not even start the saw to see the symptoms first.you spent time to a detailed diagnosis which you do not know if he was entitled to pay if he wasnt available to repair the saw. How do you deal with this. ?I mean you spent at least one hour yes?

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

Hi! This saw was in poor condition when it arrived and basically unsafe and unable to start. If I wasn’t filming, explaining and taking my time making this video , this whole process you just watched would take me 30 mins or less of diagnostics time. I charge a flat rate bench fee for this - so if the customer declined to repair the saw - he would pay just a small fee for my time to do all this.

[@OOOOOO12345]

Do you know if he’s used Stihl mix oil since new? For amount of use that saw has seen and 156 psi compression is outstanding. I’m wondering if he uses Ames oil, which is also blue.

[@marriedwithsmallengines]

I’m fairly certain he has ran Stihl oil since new , but I’m curious too and I’m going to ask him. Thanks for watching!

[@adamw225]

Yeah I would be interested to know as well