Just bought myself a 2nd hand, 3 year old ms170, it’s not even arrived yet but already I know I’m going to give this a go! As well as side chain tensioner and felling dogs 🙌🏻🙏
Most people own an ms 170. And i hear them say its sucks. Well, after last years hurricane, i was helping peoole clean up. And nobody could understand how i was going so fast with the same saw. When we took a break i sharpened the chain. And to my amazment 4 MS170 owners were shocked that you can sharpen the chain. The ms170 is fantastic, especially when taking the price into consideration. I think the bigger issue is those who buy it aren't knowledgable.
@martinv.- people are ignorant, irresponsible, careless and take no initiatives to learn and take care of their stuff. They think you buy something and it should just work forever. Half these idiots probably put straight gas in it.
I use a 12 " bar & it's a great light saw. Use it all day without fatigue. Limbing & smallish tree felling. Keep it sharp & it's great. It gets more use than my big saws for a fraction of the price.
I didn't see this video until I did my own muffler mod on older MS180 and I figured out this way could be easy, efficient and kind of balanced for those smaller powerheads. I was also VERY impressed how the saw improved, also the sound was SO much better than before. I'll continue testing the modded saw tomorrow, maybe the frozen birch will show if there's any reliability left afterwards.
@@timberandtools I've got the 12" bar it came with in 2005 or something. .325 chain and it's incorrectly shortened to fit the bar... I'm thinking of getting the Oregon 13" speedcut bar + 2 chains kit. It seems Stihl is selling much shorter bars here in Finland for stock setup...
@@Ponttiaika yes I Still even see that today a lot of shorter bars there. Not sure why, I bet she rips with a 12” bar!! I did have a 14” bar at one point with the 1/4 pitch conversion which was pretty slick
Thanks for the video. I've been wanting to switch to a rim sprocket but didn't want the loss of torque going from 7 tooth to 6 tooth. This simple mode compensates for that and maybe a bit more.
Yes this mod helps a lot, you’ll gain torque going from a 7 to a 6… chain speed should go down 10-12 feet per second. If you go from a 7-8 you’ll need more torque because chain will be spinning faster. As far as I can recall anyways 😂🤓 your welcome for the video, I have fun making these!
The MS211 uses the same sprocket as the 170, 180 series but uses the .050, 3/8 Picco bar and chain. I changed my 180C to the bigger and longer bar and chain and it cuts so much faster.
I've had mine about 4 years... Long story, but I needed a new chain saw, $180? Man, I was skeptical, how good could this be for $180? I'll tell you, the more I use it, the more I like it. I thought it was going to disappoint, boy was I ever wrong. Lightweight, easy to use, quick and very nimble and just downright fun to use! No issues with mine, running that premix 50:1 Echo Red Armor fuel in the can. Ethanol in our gas here, lost a few 2 cycle motors to that crap, and said never again, and went to this stuff. All my equipment now starts when I need it to, no more fouled plugs or carbs, love this fuel. I'm a homeowner, mainly use this little saw to clear limbs and what not in my jungle in the back yard, use it maybe a dozen times a year, if that... Now, I have a few trees down and what a mess... Just ordered the heavier Oregaon 16" bar and the .050 chain, along with the Stihl tensioner like on the 180 with the spike kit... Will do that muffler mod too, thanks for the video!
Heck yeah! Always cool to hear peoples experiences. I had a pleasant surprise as well. Nearly impossible to beat for the money!! Thanks for watching!!!
3 upgrades i did new bigger carb and xd series bar and carbide type pd3 brings rm up to 11 k max, still cuts 10x faster 6sec for 14 inch thick 16inch bar
Man I like your video and I'm heading out to the shed to do the muffler mod on mine. Question: at idle and under normal operating temp or at cold start what causes a slight rpm dive when I hit the throttle? It regains composure quickly and runs full rpm, no performance issues other than that dip when I throttle up from idle.
The carb on mine is not adjustable but if it was an adjustable carb I’d say to fatten up it (turn out) the L screw! And thanks!! I appreciate ya watching 👊🏻
Been using this saw for about 4months and I am in love with it! I don't have a lot of chainsaw knowledge but i want to increase the power of this saw. heard about the 215 wt carbs but i never worked with carbs and don't know how to tune them properly. I did the muffler mod which was a crazy upgrade. Atm still using the stock 16in bar with the 3/8 picco .43gauge chain. But i am looking for an upgrade for the bar for cutting power but i got no idea. i heard .50 with 14in the bar but idk which bar. From your experience what is the best bar/chain can i get for this ms 170 beast?
Yes .50 is a good upgrade! Stihl bars are good also Sugihara it Tsnumara also quality. Just match bar and chain with proper gauge. 3/8 will not require a change at all with the sprocket or anything else.
@@timberandtools what is your opinion on oregon bars? Do you think i should stick with 16in? or send it with a 14in bar? Cheers! thanks for all the advice!
Great mod, very interesting, Ive a dumb question. So what did the change you make actually do ? Just increase airflow and increase power and speed. So why wouldnt Stihl do this in the first place and have a more open vent? Are there disadvantages to what you did ?
No disadvantage to it, only reason Stihl had it so restricted was to comply with strict epa regulations. More air can get more fuel and get through the saw faster !!!
I don't need more power, but after two years of light use, my MS170 bogs down and won't make power. It starts fine and revs okay with no load, but when I try to cut something it bogs down and quits running. I removed the screen, but that didn't improve matters, so I'm going to try your muffler mod. Thx!
@@timberandtools Thank you! I performed both of your muffler mods per the video and the result was a better than new chain saw! I was prepared to replace the carb (less than $20) but did not have to. Thanks again!
The timing advance mod gives you more power than the muffler mod. Both mods together turn the MS 170 into a little beast. Advance the flywheel 1/4" and your golden
@@timberandtools those of us who are tinkerers try everything.....Lol You won't be disappointed. To advance the timing you have to grind about 2/3rds off the key off the flywheel and that will allow you to turn the flywheel. Everyone who has done it has had zero problems with the flywheel staying put once you tighten it back down
@@timberandtools I got the info from a reputable saw builder. Some saws respond very well to advancing the timing while others don't. The MS170 is a big-time responder. I do run the stihl 93 octane or the VP 50:1 mix that is 94 octane to assist the advance. Let me know how it works for you friendo!
It makes it louder, definitely not LOUD. I could run this with out hearing protection and not be bothered. I almost always wear hearing protection of course but if you just need to make a quick cut it’s not bad at all
@@timberandtools can I move L or H to get the same result? my chainsaw is bigger and cuts well with the tip but when I want to cut with the whole chain it doesn't maintain its power and gets stuck. What I can do?
@@emmanuelgiovannicaballeros3796 sounds like carb is out of adjustment. If that’s what it is turn both screws in all the way and then out 1 1/4 turns that’s a good base point to start at
@@hippo-potamus I never got why drop starting was consider dangerous lol. Been running chain saw for 18 years. I think respecting the tool and knowing how to use it keeps you safe, I have been for nearly 20 years mind you close to half of that I was running saw everyday for a living
My screen on that saw got totally plugged after about a couple dozen uses. Tried cleaning in gas but no go so I pitched it. No fire hazards where I live in the fall and winter when I typically use it.
Personally I don’t really but it was the general consensus before I got this that they were little junky homeowner chainsaws…the smaller the better for me haha.
Just bought myself a 2nd hand, 3 year old ms170, it’s not even arrived yet but already I know I’m going to give this a go! As well as side chain tensioner and felling dogs 🙌🏻🙏
@@lntkernow for what they are they’re good 👌🏻 you gonna post a video for us!?
@@timberandtools maybe! I do more camping and hiking vids usually. Would like to try carving something for the garden though
@@lntkernow very cool 😎
Most people own an ms 170. And i hear them say its sucks.
Well, after last years hurricane, i was helping peoole clean up. And nobody could understand how i was going so fast with the same saw.
When we took a break i sharpened the chain. And to my amazment 4 MS170 owners were shocked that you can sharpen the chain.
The ms170 is fantastic, especially when taking the price into consideration. I think the bigger issue is those who buy it aren't knowledgable.
Very true!! That’s why I’m here my friend!! Spreading information 😎
People are stupid.
do saw owners dont know that the chain should be sharpened? lmfao 🤣
@martinv.- people are ignorant, irresponsible, careless and take no initiatives to learn and take care of their stuff. They think you buy something and it should just work forever. Half these idiots probably put straight gas in it.
People are just shot
Great saw had mine for 2 years and still killing it 👌🏼
Heck yeah !!!
170/171 is a great little saw, looks even better after that muffler mod!
Truly is a great little saw! Definitely surprised me. Still running great too!!
Amazing the difference with a few quick mods. It’s still a small saw but seems to run quite nice
Runs even better after it got broken in too! Muff mods really help, saws are chocked out for epa
@@timberandtools makes sense, I never believed the break in things with saws but it is true. They really run better after rings seat
@@Supersquirrelly definitely!!
I use a 12 " bar & it's a great light saw. Use it all day without fatigue. Limbing & smallish tree felling. Keep it sharp & it's great. It gets more use than my big saws for a fraction of the price.
I agree!! I also use a 12” on mine, wonderful little saws!!!
Work smarter not harder haha
I didn't see this video until I did my own muffler mod on older MS180 and I figured out this way could be easy, efficient and kind of balanced for those smaller powerheads. I was also VERY impressed how the saw improved, also the sound was SO much better than before.
I'll continue testing the modded saw tomorrow, maybe the frozen birch will show if there's any reliability left afterwards.
Yes I’ve had mine modded for many months no problems to speak of. I have also done the 180. Good gains of power, what size bar you running?
@@timberandtools I've got the 12" bar it came with in 2005 or something. .325 chain and it's incorrectly shortened to fit the bar... I'm thinking of getting the Oregon 13" speedcut bar + 2 chains kit.
It seems Stihl is selling much shorter bars here in Finland for stock setup...
@@Ponttiaika yes I Still even see that today a lot of shorter bars there. Not sure why, I bet she rips with a 12” bar!! I did have a 14” bar at one point with the 1/4 pitch conversion which was pretty slick
Thanks for the video. I've been wanting to switch to a rim sprocket but didn't want the loss of torque going from 7 tooth to 6 tooth. This simple mode compensates for that and maybe a bit more.
Yes this mod helps a lot, you’ll gain torque going from a 7 to a 6… chain speed should go down 10-12 feet per second. If you go from a 7-8 you’ll need more torque because chain will be spinning faster. As far as I can recall anyways 😂🤓 your welcome for the video, I have fun making these!
The MS211 uses the same sprocket as the 170, 180 series but uses the .050, 3/8 Picco bar and chain. I changed my 180C to the bigger and longer bar and chain and it cuts so much faster.
Heck yeah
Well you convinced me I'm going to get one
To be honest I run it all the time at work haha. I did a 1/4 bar and chain conversion running a 14” on it now! I’ll be making a video on that 🔜.
Of all of my saws, up to a 461, I reach for my 170 90% of the time. Its so light. I run a 14-in woodland pro bar with 3/8 .050 full chisel chain
Seriously tho, it’s the truth! They get the job done especially when nice and sharp!!
I've had mine about 4 years... Long story, but I needed a new chain saw, $180? Man, I was skeptical, how good could this be for $180? I'll tell you, the more I use it, the more I like it. I thought it was going to disappoint, boy was I ever wrong. Lightweight, easy to use, quick and very nimble and just downright fun to use!
No issues with mine, running that premix 50:1 Echo Red Armor fuel in the can. Ethanol in our gas here, lost a few 2 cycle motors to that crap, and said never again, and went to this stuff. All my equipment now starts when I need it to, no more fouled plugs or carbs, love this fuel.
I'm a homeowner, mainly use this little saw to clear limbs and what not in my jungle in the back yard, use it maybe a dozen times a year, if that...
Now, I have a few trees down and what a mess... Just ordered the heavier Oregaon 16" bar and the .050 chain, along with the Stihl tensioner like on the 180 with the spike kit... Will do that muffler mod too, thanks for the video!
Heck yeah! Always cool to hear peoples experiences. I had a pleasant surprise as well. Nearly impossible to beat for the money!! Thanks for watching!!!
Got one awesome little saw
Yes sir! Been really into the modded 250 lately to! Not much heavier but lots of power 🤙🏻
Good machine
3 upgrades i did new bigger carb and xd series bar and carbide type pd3 brings rm up to 11 k max,
still cuts 10x faster 6sec for 14 inch thick 16inch bar
Heck yeah! 215 carb ? Muff mod also?
Thanks Bro it got much better
Good to hear!!
@@timberandtools 👌🤝
♦Put a wT-215 carb on it. Need to adjust the choke linkage to work (easy bend at the bottom 90° angle).
I have the carb just didn’t do the swap yet 🤓your right tho it needs it!!
@@timberandtools thanks, I wish you the best of success, I'm sure it'll be great.
@@thomasgronek6469 thank you sir!!
Man I like your video and I'm heading out to the shed to do the muffler mod on mine. Question: at idle and under normal operating temp or at cold start what causes a slight rpm dive when I hit the throttle? It regains composure quickly and runs full rpm, no performance issues other than that dip when I throttle up from idle.
The carb on mine is not adjustable but if it was an adjustable carb I’d say to fatten up it (turn out) the L screw! And thanks!! I appreciate ya watching 👊🏻
@@timberandtools yep the 170 has no adjustment other than idle speed so they saved a few bucks on the carb I suppose...
@mikefoster6603 I picked up a 215 carb to swap but haven’t done it yet !
@@timberandtoolsTotally different saw now! Rpms turn up waaaaay faster, sounds like a hopped up dirt bike, not louder, just zippy as all get out!
@@mikefoster6603 awesome!!!! Glad to hear she’s come alive for ya 👌🏻💥
Want to see this after it gets some run time on it too.....
Will do. Just put a 14” bar on it 1/4. It’s sweet
Been using this saw for about 4months and I am in love with it! I don't have a lot of chainsaw knowledge but i want to increase the power of this saw. heard about the 215 wt carbs but i never worked with carbs and don't know how to tune them properly. I did the muffler mod which was a crazy upgrade. Atm still using the stock 16in bar with the 3/8 picco .43gauge chain. But i am looking for an upgrade for the bar for cutting power but i got no idea. i heard .50 with 14in the bar but idk which bar. From your experience what is the best bar/chain can i get for this ms 170 beast?
Yes .50 is a good upgrade! Stihl bars are good also Sugihara it Tsnumara also quality. Just match bar and chain with proper gauge. 3/8 will not require a change at all with the sprocket or anything else.
@@timberandtools what is your opinion on oregon bars? Do you think i should stick with 16in? or send it with a 14in bar?
Cheers! thanks for all the advice!
@@rawdawg_ Oregon bars are just fine, I like a 16” on the 170 but it’ll have an easier time with a 14” on there!!!
Great mod, very interesting, Ive a dumb question.
So what did the change you make actually do ? Just increase airflow and increase power and speed.
So why wouldnt Stihl do this in the first place and have a more open vent? Are there disadvantages to what you did ?
No disadvantage to it, only reason Stihl had it so restricted was to comply with strict epa regulations. More air can get more fuel and get through the saw faster !!!
I got the MS180, i open it up a bit but ill still leave the spark shield on.
Even opening it up a little bit helps!!
I have one and so do a few of my buddies. My only complaint is the air filtration system, what an absolute joke.
Yes air filter is beyond cheap
How light did you say this saw is? I might grab one when they go on sale... Something to tinker with....
It’s 8.6 pounds. Definitely a nice little saw to knock around. I’m truly impressed for the price
HOLZFFORMA. same saw at half the price
They are super lightweight I bought mine for about 230$ with 4yr warranty thru ACE hardware stilh dist
I don't need more power, but after two years of light use, my MS170 bogs down and won't make power. It starts fine and revs okay with no load, but when I try to cut something it bogs down and quits running. I removed the screen, but that didn't improve matters, so I'm going to try your muffler mod. Thx!
Try out the muffler mod! Usually a big is a lack of fuel or a leaking seal making the air fuel mix to lean. Good luck 👍
@@timberandtools Thank you! I performed both of your muffler mods per the video and the result was a better than new chain saw! I was prepared to replace the carb (less than $20) but did not have to. Thanks again!
@@stanclayton221 awesome!!!! That’s why I’m here on YT!! Thanks for sharing 😎👊🏻
I have same Ms170 Stahl so yes would like to see a whole tree down,
I’ll have to make a video!!! Saw is still running great. Getting ready to do the 215 carb swap and port it
The timing advance mod gives you more power than the muffler mod. Both mods together turn the MS 170 into a little beast. Advance the flywheel 1/4" and your golden
Gonna try it !!! Thanks👊🏻
@@timberandtools those of us who are tinkerers try everything.....Lol
You won't be disappointed. To advance the timing you have to grind about 2/3rds off the key off the flywheel and that will allow you to turn the flywheel. Everyone who has done it has had zero problems with the flywheel staying put once you tighten it back down
@@campnoutdoors1621 never know till ya try !! I’m definitely gonna give her a go. Was planning on some mild porting as well
@@timberandtools I got the info from a reputable saw builder. Some saws respond very well to advancing the timing while others don't. The MS170 is a big-time responder. I do run the stihl 93 octane or the VP 50:1 mix that is 94 octane to assist the advance. Let me know how it works for you friendo!
@@campnoutdoors1621 yes this is very true some saws do well and some don’t! I will make a video!!
When I watched the video the Likes were 170. And now it's 171.
Thanks!!
@@timberandtools I just converted 2 170's to a metal fang and side adjust.
About to do the muffler mods.
Thanks, cheers.
@@adelarsen9776 heck yeah, good mods to do for them! Work horses for the price !
@@timberandtools We use them in forestry for small track clearing jobs. It's no fun cutting 5cm branches with a 460 all day.
@@adelarsen9776 you got that right! The big saws get heavy all day 😂👌🏻
Original size bar ?
Yes came with a 16” bar brand new
I have a 250 Stihl chainsaw I don't think it has much power what should I do
Start by the basics clean or change air filter, check screen in exhaust… if you want do a muffler mod and re tune it!!
Thanks it a new one looks like it would run better than that
@@davidward6626 gotcha, it probably has a cam style muffler. Several ways to mod it…good luck with it!!
Hard to find a sale anymore
Yeah this one was 189$
Would this mod make the saw louder?
It makes it louder, definitely not LOUD. I could run this with out hearing protection and not be bothered. I almost always wear hearing protection of course but if you just need to make a quick cut it’s not bad at all
Where is the primer bulb or does it have one?😕
No primer bulb on this saw
The muffler makes faster cutt?
Yes modification to flow more air out of the muffler increases performance of saw. Cuts a bit faster
@@timberandtools was the same thing if i open the air L or H in carburetor?
@@emmanuelgiovannicaballeros3796 no carb adjustment on this saw
@@timberandtools can I move L or H to get the same result? my chainsaw is bigger and cuts well with the tip but when I want to cut with the whole chain it doesn't maintain its power and gets stuck. What I can do?
@@emmanuelgiovannicaballeros3796 sounds like carb is out of adjustment. If that’s what it is turn both screws in all the way and then out 1 1/4 turns that’s a good base point to start at
【from HIPA】Would you like to test my accessories for your equipment?thanks
Yes, we would certainly do that!
@@timberandtools if you are interested, you can leave the email ,I will send more information to you.thanks
@@timberandtools I have emailed you and you can check it.Thanks.
No spark arrestor will get you fined.on USFS land.
Yes I’m sure I wood however I don’t cut much for them
Safety is not a priority.
Safety is a priority, because I am not wearing PPE that does not mean I don’t practice safe working procedures. I do appreciate your concern
@@timberandtools Drop starting the saw with the chain brake disengaged, fuktheworld.
@@hippo-potamus I never got why drop starting was consider dangerous lol. Been running chain saw for 18 years. I think respecting the tool and knowing how to use it keeps you safe, I have been for nearly 20 years mind you close to half of that I was running saw everyday for a living
Where is your screen very important
The screen has left the building lol. Not an issue in my region
My screen on that saw got totally plugged after about a couple dozen uses. Tried cleaning in gas but no go so I pitched it. No fire hazards where I live in the fall and winter when I typically use it.
@@davidn1369 I’m with you on this. I do realize it’s a major NO NO for people in certain areas tho!
I clean the screens with fire. Quick blast with a torch burns all the carbon out.
Clean up quick I’m sure!
ms170 is a fabulous saw. why do Americans make fun of anything less than a v8?
Personally I don’t really but it was the general consensus before I got this that they were little junky homeowner chainsaws…the smaller the better for me haha.