STHIL MS290 CHAINSAW TIME FOR A TOP-END REBUILD?????

[Billrog]

Here's a place to check if it worth it for you.
CYLINDER STIHL 029, MS290 46mm - Cutter's Choice Online

 

[s219]

I think the issue in this case is that it's a 290, which is not a great saw unless someone wants less power and more weight. It's probably worth fixing to someone though.

 

[Coyote machine]

I realize that most people do not have the ability and/or inclination to fix this saw. We live in a throw-away society,
so broken items are usually tossed in the scrap heap, as you say.

But let's not project. A rebuilder or DIY guy would pay $40-50 for the saw, buy $50 worth of parts, and sell it for
$300. Some of these guys are amazingly fast, and may put only an hour or 2 into the saw. That unit sells for
about $400-450 new. It is a Stihl, and they always sell for good money in any condition, in my experience.

As for myself, I do it for the enjoyment. Some folks do crossword puzzles; I like to rebuild/modify engines.

I get doing it for the enjoyment if that is fun for you to do. But from a purely economical POV, it's hardly worth it.
If one has $100+ into the saw, then adds their time, a $300 payout at the end, if you're lucky, is say $50 for two hours work/hr, then another $100 at sale.
Too much risk for too little payout, if nothing else is wrong with the saw. And, as stated below, it's not a great saw model due to weight to power balance.
For my time and money buy a newer more powerful/popular model Stihl and enjoy that benefit.

I think the issue in this case is that it's a 290, which is not a great saw unless someone wants less power and more weight. It's probably worth fixing to someone though.

Well stated! Agree 100% Every saw maker has duds, this saw is one of them. Scrap heap.:confused3:

 

[motownbrowne]

I realize that most people do not have the ability and/or inclination to fix this saw. We live in a throw-away society,
so broken items are usually tossed in the scrap heap, as you say.

But let's not project. A rebuilder or DIY guy would pay $40-50 for the saw, buy $50 worth of parts, and sell it for
$300. Some of these guys are amazingly fast, and may put only an hour or 2 into the saw. That unit sells for
about $400-450 new. It is a Stihl, and they always sell for good money in any condition, in my experience.

As for myself, I do it for the enjoyment. Some folks do crossword puzzles; I like to rebuild/modify engines.

No dog in this fight, but if you're gonna pay 300$ for a chainsaw, there's better value to be had than a 290 farm boss with an aftermarket Chinese top end. Personally, I'd save the money and put it towards a much better saw. For example, I bought a very low hour (could still scan the barcode by the muffler) ms361 for $400 with a full wrap and bigger dogs. It's aalittle bigger saw with way more power and not much more weight. Also, being a pro saw, it can be rebuilt if need be much faster and more easily than a clam-shell 290.

 

[stuckmotor]

If you decide to scrap the saw or part it out, PM me. I need the chain brake and rear handles.

 

[crazyal]

Another option would be to part the saw out. Take it apart, clean up all the parts, and then put them on ebay. While some people may not like that model I'm sure there are plenty of people who own one and it's their go to saw (because it's all they know). For them dropping a few bucks to replace a part that's bad but the dealer wants too much for is a good deal.

 

[davesl708]

My MS290 is four years old and has cut about 100 trees up to 42" diameter. If the cylinder looked like that I would not hesitate to spend $70 and an hour to fix it. If I did not need it would put it on ebay for $250 and call it good.

If your not cutting professionally or putting up cords of wood each year the 290 will serve you well for many years. I am picky about my machinery and do not allow anyone else to mix fuel for me or use theirs'.

No saw will last very long without proper lube. Baring any other issues (crank or main bearings) the saw would be worth some parts and time.

 

[dfkrug]

But from a purely economical POV, it's hardly worth it.

I think it would be worth it to many people, esp those who don't want to drop $400+ on a
chainsaw.

This is the first I heard that the MS290 FarmBoss was a "dud". For the thousands of these out there, I
am wondering how many are seen that way by their owners.

Note that a true pro saw will run 2x what these mid-grade saws sell for, new. The MS361 is over
$900 new. Used Stihl saws are the easiest to sell, tho they are not always the best, and never
the least expensive.

 

[stuckmotor]

Another option would be to part the saw out. Take it apart, clean up all the parts, and then put them on ebay. While some people may not like that model I'm sure there are plenty of people who own one and it's their go to saw (because it's all they know). For them dropping a few bucks to replace a part that's bad but the dealer wants too much for is a good deal.

When I bought mine, it was advertised as the most popular saw in the line. There should be plenty of takers.

 

[motownbrowne]

I think it would be worth it to many people, esp those who don't want to drop $400+ on a
chainsaw.

This is the first I heard that the MS290 FarmBoss was a "dud". For the thousands of these out there, I
am wondering how many are seen that way by their owners.

Note that a true pro saw will run 2x what these mid-grade saws sell for, new. The MS361 is over
$900 new. Used Stihl saws are the easiest to sell, tho they are not always the best, and never
the least expensive.

The ms361 sold new for about $650, not $900. The replacement, the 362 is around $750, I think.