Stihl MS 170 & 180 Chainsaw Essential Modification! (Easy DIY Tutorial)

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

*Please note I have been made aware that in Europe there is a version known as 2 mix. This modification will not work for them. This is for the standard Stihl MS 170/180 2 stroke saws. Please confirm your intake manifold looks like mine on video before proceeding with any modification”* If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANKS button above to support my channel 🙌 and don’t miss this video on how to tune a chainsaw kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmSxd2SnZbqMhtksi=PZs4nj1dGFZA7z4d

[@holleyman1970]

Straight forward, no unnecessary click bait, clear instructions plus provided links. Well done! You gained a sub. Thanks for the content.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you! :)

[@apmgold]

One of the best no nonsense instructional videos i've seen on YT. NO fuss, mood music or other unnecessary guff, as found in many videos. Well done sir, please continue making this type of content. I am sure I will enjoy being subscribed to your channel.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words, I really appreciate it :)

[@mikefisc9989]

Outstanding no-nonsense video. Straight and to the point, with links in the description. Thank you for making this video.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you :) I’m trying each video to do that bit better with keeping it short, to the point and concise. I appreciate the kind words and feedback!

[@Jay_Ira]

Thanks for this easy to follow video. One thing worth mentioning is how much better the saw runs after doing this. It revs faster, spins higher, and cuts much easier. This carb mod turns a good saw into a great saw. Lots of power in a very lightweight package. Keep up the great work bud.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you for the kind words! I couldn’t agree more, you’re spot on. Give the saw the fuel it needs and these machines are little angry beavers! I love them for light limbing work. That said, if your patient you can easily cut bar length (16”) logs no problem. By having the adjustability you can richen the H to give you that torque that’s missing from the standard fixed jet setting. They seem really happy around the 13.5k rpm :)

[@ahgdubh3366]

Awesome removal of the carb for the MS170. Thank you for using a clean saw to show this.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you :)

[@MoGuy-rc7qn]

I've had my ms170 7 or 8 years & just now need to replace the carb. Thanks to you I can do it myself. Place I bought it wanted $95 for parts & labor. I can now fix it for under $20. Great video.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Fantastic, pleased you enjoyed it!!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Crisp and to the point. No fluff!! Spot on Tom!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks mate!

[@gregbakke8296]

Great info. I have the MS 170 and so far it runs well. I'll probably do this conversion. Thanks!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome :) before the mod, even with essentially new condidon parts (filter, fuel line, diaphragms), it was bogging badly off idle and max rpm was between 15,000-15,500 rpm (a friends reached 17,000 rpm! When the diaphragms get a bit stiff and people run 50:1, a dull chain and hot weather you’re asking for trouble so I change them out :)

[@keegantimber8571]

Thanks for the great tip. I have a question for you…others can’t figure it out. Stihl MS170. Since new, pulls hard when hot. Fine when cold. Can feel compression stroke in pull cord, and it will pull the saw from beneath your foot when pulling start rope. A few gentle….but difficult…pulls on rope will clear the issue. Acts like hydro lock or excessive vapour lock. Next time I use it, I may remove the plug to check for excess fuel when hot. May also consider your carb change tip and see if it resolves the issue. Thank you. Love your channel. 👍👍👍

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the kind words :) it sounds like fuel may be leaking past the needle. If you take the fuel line from the tank, remove the filter and apply pressure from a hand pump with a gauge you’ll see if it’s leaking. If so swap it out with another :)

[@almclean4835]

Like it Tom. Worked on two of these little saws. Carb rebuild sorted the issue on one. Good to know there is another carb out there that fits.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

That’s great Al! Glad a simple rebuilt was all yours needed :)

[@almclean4835]

@@VintageEngineRepairs the second one was way easier. All I had to do was put the spark plug back in !

[@victorsimone5445]

Great video mate. I’ll be doing this little mod with my 180. A very underrated saw, if you know how to properly use a saw, this little beast will cut much bigger logs then it was ever intended for.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Absolutely agree, these 170/180 saws are some of my favourite from Stihl. The price point, the twist caps, simple construction that doesn’t require any special tools to rebuild the engine and with the carburetor mod they just run great! I have have had the better part of 20-30 professional saws from Stihl spanning the last 60 years. The 180 is one of my favourite, that’s saying something! From memory I’ve owned and or still have multiples of the following: 192, 193, 201t, 020av, 170, 180, 023, 025, 029, 260, 032, 034, 034 super, 039, 045, 056 super, 660, 066, 07, 076 super, 08. I’m sure I’m forgetting some, but I really have ran most of stihls common saws LOL.

[@jefftheaussie2225]

I have an 025 which has an adjustable carby. It is a great saw. Stihl decided to discontinue the air filter but I was able to put the updated manifold on to take the new style filter. A bit of a massage with a chisel was required to get the cover to fit back on though. Stihl has decided to discontinue the genuine air filter for my 032 too. I am reduced to a Chinese copy there. If there are two people running Stihl they need their heads knocking together. The 032 is a wonderful saw but without an air filter it is just a shed ornament.

[@henningpetersen2241]

Just came across your channel, and love it. You got a new sub.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words too :)

[@Nudnik1]

I like Husqvarna (Sweden ) model 350 had one for years no trouble.Also Echoe (Japan ) amazing always start easy no problems Older Stihl are better . I have a few old Stihl including a huge 088 . Nice channel Thank you 👍 Cheers 🥂

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the kind words :) both echo and husky are awesome too! I prefer Stihl personally but that’s just been my experience. The 088 is not a saw I’ve run, but I’d love to!! Thanks again!

[@Vipex_134]

You explained it very nicely, but usually these carbs need a bit of modifying of the throttle to reach full gas. 3:59 where the open slot on the gas lever is, there should be put a something to limit the play. I dont speak english as a first language, i hope i did good in explaining. Also the carb that mostly needs this mod is the farmertec chinese ones. I dont know about this one tho.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the kind words! If you don’t get full travel, give the linkage a tweak until you do :)

[@timmorris712]

Excellent video-thank you! I do have a question. With the carburetor upgrade when adjusting the high screw. For those of us that have a hard time. What is the ideal RPM setting for the sthil 170/180 using a tact to adjust the high idle? Thank you.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks :) somewhere around 12500 :)

[@robcole332]

What a great trick. Great video

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you!

[@robfoote7980]

Thanks for another great video, Tom. Fumbled around the internet looking for this info when I should have just went to your channel first 😂

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Haha thanks mate :) glad you enjoyed it!!

[@budgillett9627]

Question could you add some insight to the two hole carbs that are on a cheap Poulan painsaw? Thank you from Nebraska USA.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey, they’re called stratocharged engines. Designed to reduce emissions. Clean air chases the exhaust gasses out rather than the fuel charge.

[@HobbyMotorDK]

Good one Tom 👍👍

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks Claus 👍

[@plakor6133]

Thank you, Tom! My 170 is on its 3rd carborator. Fortunately, this last one has done well for quite a while, so no issues yet. 🤞 I did the other simple modifications...added a metal dog plate, and opened up the muffler a little bit. It's been running fine, but that carborator is definitely a weak link. I run it at 4600-5000 ft elevation, do you recommend changing over to the adjustable carb to account for elevation?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey :) you’re welcome! I’m at sea level and they run around 15,000 - 15500 rpm and bog really badly off idle, they won’t last as long at that rpm as they will around the 13.5k which is more than enough. If you’re at altitude you may find this less of a problem as you don’t require the same amount of fuel. I’d change them if I owned one, I like to make sure they’re running optimally.

[@justinanderson9280]

I’d also recommend checking the fuel line also mate, I’ve seen quite a few with black rubber lined that had perished. The green ones are the newer, improved ones 👍🏻

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Spot on mate :)

[@justonlyme6121]

But be careful using the green line on some impulse lines because it can’t make the sharp turn and kinks

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Always best to use the oem recommended line, totally agree!

[@petercameron8832]

My 170 is going great after four years , wore out one chain. Always use 25 to 1 fuel mixture. My only gripe is when starting from cold ,after choke position the next one up it is revving it’s guts out. Cannot get to run position quick enough. When it dies I will buy another the same, great value.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Good call for running 25:1! Glad your carb works well :)

[@antomarkic7190]

Is it necessary to put the compensation snorkel back on the carburetor because I'm thinking of putting an air filter housing from MS230 on my MS180 and modifying a little Shroud and Twist lock ?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

No it’s not necessary, just make sure the plate you add is vented :)

[@budgillett9627]

As always an excellent video!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you!

[@AchanbiKez]

Which one is better ms 170 or ms 180

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

180 is slightly more powerful but it’s marginal

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

The MS170 is no more, and has now been superseded by the MS162.

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Good video Tom 👍

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks Nev!

[@l3git_098]

Question.. can the ethanol in the fuel affect nail polish used to reseal welch plugs and check valves in the carburetor or is it completely safe to use?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yes, it will soften nail polish, better to use CA glue if using ethanol :)

[@williamemerson1799]

THANKS FOR THAT! Like to have a dollar for every time I've had the carb off my 180. Cleaned using carb cleaner and even bought a UScleaner for the darn thing. Still ended up buying a new carb, both aftermarket and the last one from Stihl. We'll see how long this one lasts. It seems to me the air fitration could be a little better on these saws. Again, thanks. 👍🍻

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You’re welcome mate :) i think you’ll be pleased when you get around to the mod and get full adjustability back lol

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

That's odd. I've had my MS180C for, oh, five or six years. I work it fairly hard but have never had any carburetor issues. None. I do need to clean the spark arrestor and replace the spark arrestor once a year, but that's it!

[@benr7774]

Can you do a video on tuning a 4 stroke motor, either Honda or Briggs?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sure, I’ll do one next time one comes in :)

[@jefftheaussie2225]

I tuned a Briggs powered generator using a pressure washer to get the mixture just right so it wouldn’t bog down when running a welder on it. It is easier to tweak the mixture when you pull the trigger on the pressure washer than to do it when trying to strike an arc and you need instant response when striking an arc or you are in all sorts of trouble.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Brilliant!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks mate!

[@Bayoucityconstruction]

Ms 170 is the easiest to start of the whole line up almost impossible to flood not much power but the last forever with inexperienced users who crush them under bulldozer or drop trees on them . I have used them as a workhorses cheap and i rebuild them out of a pile of old ones.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

The 170 and 180 are awesome!

[@gregorytaylor697]

I would love to hear your thoughts please. 🙏🏻 Just spent $60 on a very few hour and we'll kept 018c. Bar has almost no wear literally. Pluse got a great case too for a bit larger saw. Anyway it hadn't been ran in years bit put a new plug and filter in it and it popped right off as it should. Started right up but wouldn't rev. Checked the screen and plugged SOLID. cleaned it up and it runs like a champ. Adjusted the idle a bit and it runs like a new saw EXEPT IT SMOKES A BIT. not really bad but just enough for concern. Any thoughts ? Oh and oiler works fine too. And yes for my cost so far and how well it seems to run and my planned amount of use. By all means I'd spend the money on a new carb if needed. Oh and plus if it just smokes a bit but not gonna kill the saw I might just leave it too. Great video a and thank you for your time.

[@gregorytaylor697]

I haven't done a compression test but (feels) great for what that's worth. Thank you again

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sounds like you got a great deal! The 018 is an old saw, but if it starts, idles and runs well, just run a good oil ratio and enjoy it! Edit, pressed send too soon. You may consider pressure and vac testing it to ensure you have no seal leaks and test the fuel line too, but regardless, for. $60 it’s a bargain!! Enjoy it :)

[@gregorytaylor697]

Thank you so much. Keep up the great vids. You're appreciated. 🙏🏻

[@marknicholson2718]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 Awesome!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you!

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

Be careful at 1:56 !!! That little plastic tab on the 'multifunction lever' is somewhat fragile and easy to break. If it does you're going to have serious problems.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yes! Especially when they’re older. Taryl fixes all has a good repair for that!

[@alexxus87]

I, unfortunately, failed. Got the MS-170 2-Mix with a ZAMA Carb and the nozzle-head does not fit onto the WT-215, since it has a nose on it which doesn’t fit in the Walbro. I tried it w/o nozzle which let to not being able to start up the machine.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey mate! A couple people reached out to me after this video about the 2 mix engines, I never even knew there was such a thing - I’ve only ever seen stihls standard 2 strokes (there isn’t the 2 mix in the USA, Canada, Australia, and most elsewhere around the world!) I can’t edit the video now it’s uploaded but I have put a note about this in the pinned comment.

[@alexxus87]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Thanks mate, I wasn’t aware either. Fortunately, there is a dealer in Germany who sells a cheap Walbro WT-215 replica especially for MS-170 and MS-180 which already has the nozzle-head. I'll try it with that one and'll report back when I'm done. This dealer is known for replica parts for Stihls but I won’t advertise, unless it is wished by you AND it works. :-) Apart from that, thanks for your decent content, I really enjoy your videos. Cheers from Germany!

[@alexxus87]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Oh and if you come across some Dolmars (2&3 digit models pre 2015, 4 digits until 2021?, before they moved production to China), I would really enjoy it! Dolmar was a really sophisticated german brand which died slowly after Makitas ownership. They are still sold from stock but ceded production in 2021 or so. :)

[@alexxus87]

Hey again, that replica carb works decently and setting it up was easily possible. I just wondered and never found it somewhere, whats the maximum rpm of the MS-170 to set up H-screw? Since the original carb is fixed, there is not one documentation from Stihl. I guessed something like around 12k rpm but that’s just an assumption and I'm not sure if it's now a bit too lean.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

The max rpm for the standard ms 170 / 180 is 14,000 rpm 👍👍

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

Una pregunta maestro porque ese Modelo dé motosierra Stihl sedes gastan los anillos bastante porque gracias saludos

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

If you’re wearing out the engines, consider the tune of the saw as well as the fuel ratio and if your chain is dull and you’re forcing it.

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

Gracias maestro saludos estaré atento Asus videos

[@guayaboxuruguay3287]

​@@AyuPerezsaucedohola, tengo una más 170 y he podido comprobar que su filtro de aire es deficiente, deja pasar mucho polvo y restos de aserrín, eso desgasta el cilindro. Cuando quites el filtro pasa el dedo por el conducto y verás la cantidad de polvo pegado en las paredes, no quiero ni saber la cantidad de aire que pasa sin ser filtrada. Saludos desde Uruguay.

[@chriswhitesell8079]

I just put all my Stihl products at the end of my driveway for free. I'm never looking back.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Some things just aren’t worth fixing and end up being a money pit.

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

Hey! Just ring me up and I'll take them off your hands! I love the Stihl lineup.

[@DrYosh2]

I have quite a few years of experience with repairing Stihl equipment. And this has been a major disappointment of mine with these saws. I feel like a lot of performance and longevity is left on the table with the original BIS carburetor.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I couldn’t agree more. In some circumstances it’s ok and does the job, but there is a very good reason why the 171/181/172/162 all come stock with adjustable carburetors!

[@philliphall5198]

Get a China carb ❤

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You can, but it’s unreliable.

[@philliphall5198]

I like the poulan saws much better and easier to keep running 😊❤

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for watching :)

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

I feel like the type of person who would buy this $200 disposable saw is not the type of person who would retrofit a $50 carb or have the slightest idea how to tune or adjust a carb. That said, it was a great video.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey :) they really are a fantastic saw used by a lot of people. This is one solution that people can follow if they are having altitude related issues.

[@jdisdetermined]

These aren't really disposable saws. They're still Stihls with a warranty. Many many years of service life if you don't abuse them and parts are easily available. I consider disposable saws like those $100 specials from China, that copy saws like this. There are a dozen different colors and brands, but the saws all look about the same, and all of them have names like Zingalinghoff.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Well said, I agree.

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

@@jdisdetermined Meh, I'll stick with my MS200T, MS261 and MS462. I like a certain level of build quality and durability. At very low price points I tend to prefer Echo which has mastered high quality at a low price...I'm not saying they're awful saws (MS170), but when a price gets low enough-something has to give.

[@rehanb637]

I agree man. These are disposable saws. Once they’re out of warranty they simply aren’t worth repairing considering the cost of a brand new saw with warranty. Also the air filter design is absolutely dog shit.

[@circrna]

Why would I bother to upgrade my 181 if need better chainsaw. I would go and buy a larger saw.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

This has nothing to do with a better chainsaw, it’s about gaining adjustability to ensure it’s running optimally.

[@BobE.Dancho]

Be careful removing that control lever.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Absolutely, though I haven’t had the lug snap on any yet, I have heard they can break! I saw a video a number of years ago on a fix, if I come across it I’ll add the link, it’s handy to know!

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Why don't you just get a good saw?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey, they are great saws :) I have many other saws too - 201t, 260, 034 super, 660. I’ve also owned 056 super, 07, 076 super, 08s and many others. All professional duty saws. The 170 and 180 are awesome, light weight limbing saws. Affordable and with the 3/8p work really well.

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@VintageEngineRepairs These are waaay too small. I have MS230 and MS311... These tiny ones are kind of embarrassing... It would be great to have MS881 though... The REAL MAN saw...

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@REDLINERUNNER haha it’s all appropriate for the wood you’re cutting. I’d own an ms 180 but wouldn’t bother with anything else before the 260/261 (50cc). The 170/180 have their place for limbing small branches. I like using it because it’s so nippy and light. The tiny chain works great on green branches :)

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@VintageEngineRepairs I love my MS230 and MS311. Youropinion on these?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@@REDLINERUNNERfor residential light duty use they’ll serve you well :)

[@ricknorman9692]

great way to get a ten thousand dollar fine from the EPA for modifying emission spec parts, also you are voiding any warranty that might be left on that saw

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I’m not sure what country you’re referring to, but there is no law where I am on the topic. A correctly tuned engine produces less emissions, lasts longer and stays out of landfill. This is an improvement and is why all of the later versions of this saw come standard with adjustable carburetors.

[@Jay_Ira]

Nobody from the EPA bothers the average homeowner. Fear of government lives rent free in your head my friend.

[@ricknorman9692]

@@Jay_Ira the "average" home owner is not going to mod a carb

[@frios011]

Stihl engineering is highly questionable and most unnecessary!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

It’s certainly not what it was in the 80-2000’s

[@unknownpresident]

buy a Husqvarna problem solved

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

husky are a poor man’s Rolex 😏

[@greggilbert2798]

Bad starting technique - you lost all credibility with me…

[@litewatefitr]

@greggilbert can you post a video of proper technique?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

This technique is safe and effective.

[@magnuslindvall]

Starting technique has nothing to do with the subject of the clip, so try to appreciate the effort of the content creator instead of

[@jefftheaussie2225]

Didn’t lose any credibility with me.

[@greggilbert2798]

Drop starting is an unsafe method - between the legs is ok, on the ground is best! I’ve seen a terrible accident using a drop start.