Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design

R.Boreal · 9th February 2008, 08:21 AM

Got that MS200T awhile back, maybe 2 months ago. Monster of a saw. Want to thank all of the posts detailing how to remove the muffler baffle and all that good stuff.

Really took some time looking thru the manual, and am following mfgr's instructions as to not over-revving while unloaded during the break-in and such. Just amazing how much lighter than my old 019T. When you hold it straight out at arm's length, and turn it sideways and all manner of positions, it's just so noticeably easier to maintain position and work with.

But I have to say, aside from the attachment point for the lanyard being flimsier than my 019T, what I really must classify as a peeve is the new filler caps for oil and gas. My bigger saw, (MS310) has ratchet-style caps too, but on the MS310 they find their fit quickly and were never a problem.

But on the MS200, if you don't align the cap exactly right, it just doesn't turn and lock - you don't have 2 choices 180* apart. It's only one position that it will bite and lock. AND GOD FORBID you fill the oil the slightest bit too high, then getting the cap on is - ridiculous, forget it. You might as well tip it over and drain some out.

And sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I think it's on, but NOT REALLY. And then I see oil or gas spilling out when I pick it up and I realize the filler cap's not really seated.

I'll take the threaded caps on my old 019 any day.

My $.02

Pro Nemus · 9th February 2008, 08:57 AM

Yeah, I've had a miniature arboricultural Exxon-Valdez incident twice this year - thanks to the brilliance of Stihl engineers, and a less than attentive groundie. Let me tell you, there's nothing like cursing your favorite saw manufacturer for three hours while finishing a job with an oil-soaked pant leg.

Petre · 9th February 2008, 09:34 AM

Hi R Boreal,
I remember on two of my Stilh`s havin issues with the new caps when I first got them,but now I hardly think about it,whether they get better with use or you develop the technque I dont know, maybee a bit of both,I hope they havnt got worse a mates bringing a new ms200t back from the states for me next week. (For half the price you`d pay here)
Goodluck with your caps. Petre
I`m going to track down the fore mentioned posts on my new saw, gotta love this site.

pomme · 9th February 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Boreal

Got that MS200T awhile back, maybe 2 months ago. Monster of a saw. Want to thank all of the posts detailing how to remove the muffler baffle and all that good stuff.

Really took some time looking thru the manual, and am following mfgr's instructions as to not over-revving while unloaded during the break-in and such. Just amazing how much lighter than my old 019T. When you hold it straight out at arm's length, and turn it sideways and all manner of positions, it's just so noticeably easier to maintain position and work with.

But I have to say, aside from the attachment point for the lanyard being flimsier than my 019T, what I really must classify as a peeve is the new filler caps for oil and gas. My bigger saw, (MS310) has ratchet-style caps too, but on the MS310 they find their fit quickly and were never a problem.

But on the MS200, if you don't align the cap exactly right, it just doesn't turn and lock - you don't have 2 choices 180* apart. It's only one position that it will bite and lock. AND GOD FORBID you fill the oil the slightest bit too high, then getting the cap on is - ridiculous, forget it. You might as well tip it over and drain some out.

And sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I think it's on, but NOT REALLY. And then I see oil or gas spilling out when I pick it up and I realize the filler cap's not really seated.

I'll take the threaded caps on my old 019 any day.

My $.02

same as that the oil caps are a pain in the t*ts. tip the saw a touch when the oil is full and it will release an air bubble and the cap will go on

Ekka · 9th February 2008, 03:46 PM

Also if some-one does the cap rotation some how prior to actually trying to put the cap back on it just wont go back on.

If this happens you have to grab the inner part of the cap and turn the outer so you get the proper bite.

R.Boreal · 9th February 2008, 04:35 PM

Oh for God's sakes !!! Thanks for saving me 15 minutes of cursing and swearing there. Especially if I don't have my "reading" glasses on, which are now really my "everything closer than 2ft" glasses. Only the "CSI Miami" magnified view is good for trying to determine what the f__k is wrong if the thing is counter-rotated out of aligment. I had no idea the cap itself could rotate like that.

That's good to know.

Ekka · 9th February 2008, 06:16 PM

LOL, you obviously don't like puzzles.

Smash that darned rubiks cube with a hammer.

shaggs · 11th February 2008, 07:51 PM

I found the same prob.
What I did was unscrew the cap but not lift it off. Then mark with marker or scratch! a mark from the cap to the saw. I use this as a "line up aid". I think there actually is a white on white arrow (at least on the ms360) which is perfect if you have a bionic eye!
If you line them up and it doesn't go on, the the unserside of the cap is "scewiff" as ekka pointed out.

R.Boreal · 13th February 2008, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggs

I found the same prob.
What I did was unscrew the cap but not lift it off. Then mark with marker or scratch! a mark from the cap to the saw. I use this as a "line up aid". I think there actually is a white on white arrow (at least on the ms360) which is perfect if you have a bionic eye!
If you line them up and it doesn't go on, the the unserside of the cap is "scewiff" as ekka pointed out.

Making a mark is something I was going to do too.
But since the black part of the caps always face the same direction, I take off only one at a time (blehhhh!! don't wanna "konfuze" myself) and I can start a few degrees counter-clock and end up the same.

Tipping to let out the air is a great tip. (Redundant?)

It's not that I don't like puzzles, you know, it's more like I don't expect things I flag as easy to be difficult. But I'll remember the remark about the Hammer and the Cube and laugh next time instead of making new forays into the art of creative expletives.

I have also found that even though I set the oil flow to a counter-clock wise "minimum" setting, the oil level drops rapidly so I end up with less than half oil and more than a half tank of fuel.

I also am a little leery of this because when you really get going with a saw, you don't pay much attention to the fuel until it runs out. I hope that the oil doesn't run thru before the fuel runs out. That would suck !! I tested the chain for spray when I rev it - doesn't look like all that much is spraying out - just enough. But sure seems to eat up the oil reserves quick. Hmmm, I think I just named my MS200T ... "Miss USA"

Ekka · 13th February 2008, 05:51 AM

I have the oil up flat out for mine and there's no way you'd run out of oil before fuel even if you didn't "burp" that bubble.

Sounds unusual, maybe you gotta leak somewhere?

R.Boreal · 22nd February 2008, 07:44 PM

Well, I had the opportunity to do some tree work the other day and I'm glad to report that my concern about the oil running out before the gas was premature.

It's fine. Great saw. Eff me and my blatherings, no worries, go buy it, maybe they'll throw in a Rubik's cube if you say PLEEEEEZE.

You know, I scoured the internet for comparisons between the Husky 338 XPT and the Stihl MS200T. And since both my previous saws are Stihl's, no way was I going away from Stihl without a hands down rave on the comparo. And that's far from what I found. I read some really great comments (mostly from this site, I think that's how I found Tree World) detailing the pros and cons of each. But there was nothing about the Husky talk that was enough to pry me away from Stihl loyalty.

Good climbing and cutting out there and make sure you look at the picture of the kickback.

Have to add this last PS - I recently bought the Silky Sugoi and I use the chain saw a lot less now !!! If you don't mind getting your heart rate up a bit - Kee-Ryst!! Does that thing ever go thru a limb!

Arizona Kenn · 22nd February 2008, 09:15 PM

Instead of trying to pour out oil from an overfilled oil or fuel reservoir, I use a clean paper towel to sop up some of the fluid so the cap will go on without making a mess. Then I use the same paper towel to give the saw a wipe down, it seams to get the goop and sap off.

Ekka · 22nd February 2008, 11:25 PM

That 200T is a little stinger.

I had a 335XP but the 200T is nicer balanced and more durable.

Often cleaning palms I find myself reaching around the back of the palm head, saw horizontal to the ground and cutting on the top of the bar as I pull the saw into the frond's petiole to clean the frond off (one handed). No way is the Husky as kind with balance.

Grizzly · 23rd February 2008, 10:43 PM

I'm sort of in the same boat as it seems your in too. I ran my O19t since day one and it still runs today, but what I likes about the 200t was the turn lock gas and oil cap because it was easier to do instead of getting the wrench to fule up and it has ball unlike the O19T were its just good for trimming and thats it.
The down fall about the 200t that I experience with them is that the pull start recoil spring has F#^* up on two of the three 200T's I own. yet ever time they messed up it was when some one else was starting it up and the guys that were using them were supose to have been really experience cutters.

Therrin · 23rd February 2008, 11:09 PM

Just wanted to throw in that I run my 200T with the oiler on maximum, and never had a problem with running out of oil before gas.

I suppose some would say it's messier, but I prefer having as much oil hitting the chain as I can get. I don't know that too much lube has ever hurt anything.

Have you guys used the Stihl BioPlus?Oil??
The site says:
"STIHL BioPlus? oil is made with a vegetable oil base. This means that the oil is less harmful to humans, animals, micro-organisms and plants. The oil also offers excellent flow characteristics at low temperatures and has a high flash point. Available in 1, 5 and 20 liter bottles. Rated by the Coordinating European Council to be 93.8% biodegradable in only 21 days. "

And the other fuel, the Special fuel MotoMix 1 : 50. I know Q swears by it, has anyone else used it? I couldn't find any info on it on Stihls website.

Also looking into the

Petre · 24th February 2008, 01:34 AM

That Bio friendly chainlube sounds good I wonder how pricey,We use to use canola oil when milling up Kauri in the rivers here, seemed to work fine though I never left it sitting in the tank for long ,I supose we should all take the eco friendly options whenever we can and ofcourse passing on any increased expense to the cilent shares the good green Karma around.
I just recieved my brand new MS200t,My mate coming back from the USA brought it back for me,after a 5 minute catch up (he`d only been away a few months) I was out at the truck fueling up & bursting to sink her into a little wood ,much to me mates new girlfriend`s dismay maybee because I`m so rude or maybe because it was ten at night,anyhow it wasn`t to be It wouldn`t start so begrudgingly I went back inside and consulted the manual.
Page 30: If engine is new,pull starter grip several times to prime the fuel line.
Back outside, seventy pulls on every angle ,blowing in tank , pulling out fuel filter braking off fuel filter then reattaching fuel filter, splashed a bit of fuel in the inlet which got it running but not pickin up da fuel ,during all the pulling the starter occationally clicked a funny unhealthy sort of feel it only happened a couple of times ,I`m starting to feel discouraged Am I gonna f#@k something before I even get it going.Give up have a beer go to bed.
In the morning everything was clear,calm kinda, surreal, casually glancing at the saw I effortlessly notice the fuel line between the tank and the carb has a kink, the line is physicaly 15mm too long hard to believe from the factory but the only solution was to shorten it ,
Oh and doesnt she run sweet (carefully keeping the revs down for the first few tanks)
Even the filler caps seem to be workin
So I`m a happy chap ,it amazing how a change of perspective is often all it takes .
I hope this starter issue was in my head too !?
lookin forward to work tomorrow

9th February 2008, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
R.Boreal Sappling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upper Dublin, PA Posts: 19	Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Got that MS200T awhile back, maybe 2 months ago. Monster of a saw. Want to thank all of the posts detailing how to remove the muffler baffle and all that good stuff. Really took some time looking thru the manual, and am following mfgr's instructions as to not over-revving while unloaded during the break-in and such. Just amazing how much lighter than my old 019T. When you hold it straight out at arm's length, and turn it sideways and all manner of positions, it's just so noticeably easier to maintain position and work with. But I have to say, aside from the attachment point for the lanyard being flimsier than my 019T, what I really must classify as a peeve is the new filler caps for oil and gas. My bigger saw, (MS310) has ratchet-style caps too, but on the MS310 they find their fit quickly and were never a problem. But on the MS200, if you don't align the cap exactly right, it just doesn't turn and lock - you don't have 2 choices 180* apart. It's only one position that it will bite and lock. AND GOD FORBID you fill the oil the slightest bit too high, then getting the cap on is - ridiculous, forget it. You might as well tip it over and drain some out. And sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I think it's on, but NOT REALLY. And then I see oil or gas spilling out when I pick it up and I realize the filler cap's not really seated. I'll take the threaded caps on my old 019 any day. My $.02 __________________ I'm not smug, but I do feel elevated.

9th February 2008, 08:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Pro Nemus Sappling Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 39	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Yeah, I've had a miniature arboricultural Exxon-Valdez incident twice this year - thanks to the brilliance of Stihl engineers, and a less than attentive groundie. Let me tell you, there's nothing like cursing your favorite saw manufacturer for three hours while finishing a job with an oil-soaked pant leg.

9th February 2008, 09:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Petre I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Whenuakite New Zealand Posts: 3	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Hi R Boreal, I remember on two of my Stilh`s havin issues with the new caps when I first got them,but now I hardly think about it,whether they get better with use or you develop the technque I dont know, maybee a bit of both,I hope they havnt got worse a mates bringing a new ms200t back from the states for me next week. (For half the price you`d pay here) Goodluck with your caps. Petre I`m going to track down the fore mentioned posts on my new saw, gotta love this site. Last edited by Petre : 9th February 2008 at 09:36 AM. Reason: tidying it up

9th February 2008, 03:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,846	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Also if some-one does the cap rotation some how prior to actually trying to put the cap back on it just wont go back on. If this happens you have to grab the inner part of the cap and turn the outer so you get the proper bite. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

9th February 2008, 04:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
R.Boreal Sappling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upper Dublin, PA Posts: 19	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Oh for God's sakes !!! Thanks for saving me 15 minutes of cursing and swearing there. Especially if I don't have my "reading" glasses on, which are now really my "everything closer than 2ft" glasses. Only the "CSI Miami" magnified view is good for trying to determine what the f__k is wrong if the thing is counter-rotated out of aligment. I had no idea the cap itself could rotate like that. That's good to know. __________________ I'm not smug, but I do feel elevated.

9th February 2008, 06:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,846	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design LOL, you obviously don't like puzzles. Smash that darned rubiks cube with a hammer. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

11th February 2008, 07:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 461	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design I found the same prob. What I did was unscrew the cap but not lift it off. Then mark with marker or scratch! a mark from the cap to the saw. I use this as a "line up aid". I think there actually is a white on white arrow (at least on the ms360) which is perfect if you have a bionic eye! If you line them up and it doesn't go on, the the unserside of the cap is "scewiff" as ekka pointed out.

13th February 2008, 05:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,846	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design I have the oil up flat out for mine and there's no way you'd run out of oil before fuel even if you didn't "burp" that bubble. Sounds unusual, maybe you gotta leak somewhere? __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

22nd February 2008, 07:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
R.Boreal Sappling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upper Dublin, PA Posts: 19	Re: Stihl MS 200T - maybe you gotts leak somewhere Well, I had the opportunity to do some tree work the other day and I'm glad to report that my concern about the oil running out before the gas was premature. It's fine. Great saw. Eff me and my blatherings, no worries, go buy it, maybe they'll throw in a Rubik's cube if you say PLEEEEEZE. You know, I scoured the internet for comparisons between the Husky 338 XPT and the Stihl MS200T. And since both my previous saws are Stihl's, no way was I going away from Stihl without a hands down rave on the comparo. And that's far from what I found. I read some really great comments (mostly from this site, I think that's how I found Tree World) detailing the pros and cons of each. But there was nothing about the Husky talk that was enough to pry me away from Stihl loyalty. Good climbing and cutting out there and make sure you look at the picture of the kickback. Have to add this last PS - I recently bought the Silky Sugoi and I use the chain saw a lot less now !!! If you don't mind getting your heart rate up a bit - Kee-Ryst!! Does that thing ever go thru a limb! __________________ I'm not smug, but I do feel elevated.

22nd February 2008, 09:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
Arizona Kenn Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 26	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Instead of trying to pour out oil from an overfilled oil or fuel reservoir, I use a clean paper towel to sop up some of the fluid so the cap will go on without making a mess. Then I use the same paper towel to give the saw a wipe down, it seams to get the goop and sap off.

22nd February 2008, 11:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,846	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design That 200T is a little stinger. I had a 335XP but the 200T is nicer balanced and more durable. Often cleaning palms I find myself reaching around the back of the palm head, saw horizontal to the ground and cutting on the top of the bar as I pull the saw into the frond's petiole to clean the frond off (one handed). No way is the Husky as kind with balance. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

23rd February 2008, 10:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
Grizzly Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California Posts: 24	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design I'm sort of in the same boat as it seems your in too. I ran my O19t since day one and it still runs today, but what I likes about the 200t was the turn lock gas and oil cap because it was easier to do instead of getting the wrench to fule up and it has ball unlike the O19T were its just good for trimming and thats it. The down fall about the 200t that I experience with them is that the pull start recoil spring has F#^* up on two of the three 200T's I own. yet ever time they messed up it was when some one else was starting it up and the guys that were using them were supose to have been really experience cutters. __________________

23rd February 2008, 11:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,254	Re: Stihl MS 200T - don't like the filler cap re-design Just wanted to throw in that I run my 200T with the oiler on maximum, and never had a problem with running out of oil before gas. I suppose some would say it's messier, but I prefer having as much oil hitting the chain as I can get. I don't know that too much lube has ever hurt anything. Have you guys used the Stihl BioPlus?Oil?? The site says: "STIHL BioPlus? oil is made with a vegetable oil base. This means that the oil is less harmful to humans, animals, micro-organisms and plants. The oil also offers excellent flow characteristics at low temperatures and has a high flash point. Available in 1, 5 and 20 liter bottles. Rated by the Coordinating European Council to be 93.8% biodegradable in only 21 days. " And the other fuel, the Special fuel MotoMix 1 : 50. I know Q swears by it, has anyone else used it? I couldn't find any info on it on Stihls website. Also looking into the