Muffler mod - 036

[Ashful]

Okay, guys, I'm ready to start mod'ing the mufflers on all my saws. Since the 036 is such a wimp, that's where I'd like to start! I know some of you love your 036's, and my local Stihl shop says mine is running great, but I just find it pathetically under-powered. Time to hang some balls on it!

Anyone got a diagram of the best mod's for this muffler? Should I run to the dealer and pick up a fresh muffler gasket, or anything else, before I start?

My big question, having spent years building hot rods, is what I'm giving up at lower RPM's, by opening her up? I'd watch guys put free-flowing exhaust on cars with intakes and cam's tuned for low RPM torque, and then wonder why their cars were slower.

If this goes well, I'll be doing the 064 and T435, as well.

 

[ScotO]

A general 'rule of thumb' is to make your total muffler outlet (I.E. port/ports) slightly smaller than the total area of your exhaust port coming out of the cylinder. So it's best to try and measure your exhaust port on the cylinder (using calipers if you can), and make the ports on your muffler a little smaller. Now, I know this isn't a scientific calculation, but you can get amazing results with it. You DON'T want your ported muffler outlet 'larger' than the outlet on the cylinder, as there will be ZERO back pressure on the motor......

I use small stainless steel pipes (1/2" I.D.), and shrink them down slightly with a ball been hammer on the anvil in my shop if they need to be made smaller. I put the shrunken end inside the muffler and weld them fast. Not only does it look good, but they sound fantastic!!

 

[clemsonfor]

Wow slightly smaller than the outlet in the cyl! I'm thinking the output on my 390 was like 1" x 3/4". I don't have near enough muffler output holes ! Even though I'm over 2 x what the factory ones are.

 

[MasterMech]

Wow slightly smaller than the outlet in the cyl! I'm thinking the output on my 390 was like 1" x 3/4". I don't have near enough muffler output holes ! Even though I'm over 2 x what the factory ones are.

What the engine can tolerate and what your ears can tolerate are two different things for sure. Your kinda limited on how much room you have to play under that front cover on your 390. Remember, the center rectangle is off limits unless you really want to make some noise. Might be better off figuring out a side port somewhere but the plastic chassis on the MS390 could make that a challenge.

Joful, check out Boog's muffler surgery results.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/added-a-simple-dual-port-to-my-036s-muffler.106856/

 

[Ashful]

Just found this...

(broken link removed)

I'll have to check and see if there's a factory or aftermarket dual port I can just buy and bolt on.

 

[MasterMech]

Just found this...

(broken link removed)

I'll have to check and see if there's a factory or aftermarket dual port I can just buy and bolt on.

No such critter to the best of my knowledge. I looked for my 034 but I already have the early style muffler on it.

 

[Ashful]

Yep... I seem to be finding the same. Will have to pull the muffler this week, and see what I'm dealing with. Seems there are many different internal configurations reported on the forums for the 036.

 

[MasterMech]

Yep... I seem to be finding the same. Will have to pull the muffler this week, and see what I'm dealing with. Seems there are many different internal configurations reported on the forums for the 036.

Basically maximum power is achieved by gutting the can and opening up total port size to 80% of the engines exhaust port area.

 

[smokinj]

At best your going to pick up 5 percent. If its not enough grape another saw!

 

[MasterMech]

At best your going to pick up 5 percent. If its not enough grape another saw!

That might be true for a saw that was pretty decent to begin with but there are saws like the MS290, 310, and 390 that greatly benefit from some extra breathing room.

I wouldn't expect a massive difference on Joful's 036 but it should sound better at the very least.

 

[smokinj]

Some models need it 460 darn sure did....anything with an o to start with is pretty good.

 

[Ashful]

I just can't figure this one out. This thing doesn't cut as well as my old Echo 510 EVL, and the Echo is a smaller cc saw. This has much higher chain speed, but that's useless, as chain speed drops as soon as you put it to the log. I believe I already confirmed it has the stock sprocket, but will check that again.

I took it to the local Stihl dealer / shop, a second-generation shop that does a TON of work for the local arborists, and they seem to think it runs as good as any 036 they've seen. These guys have a dozen or more saw repairs go thru their shop every day, so they seem to know their stuff.

 

[smokinj]

Lets check off the basic first. What are you cutting size of bar and chain you running?

 

[clemsonfor]

That 036 ought to do good nuff. My 390 ought to be about the same or similar urs maybe even better. My 390 with a sharp chain will throw pretty big chips and cut an 18" log as fast as a firewood cutter would need. I do wish I had more power when cutting 20"+ stuff where the whole bar is burried.
Put an 18" bar on it and it will scream.

 

[clemsonfor]

That 036 ought to do good nuff. My 390 ought to be about the same or similar urs maybe even better. My 390 with a sharp chain will throw pretty big chips and cut an 18" log as fast as a firewood cutter would need. I do wish I had more power when cutting 20"+ stuff where the whole bar is burried.
Put an 18" bar on it and it will scream.

 

[DexterDay]

I have a minty 026 if your looking for a nicer smaller saw to trade on? This saw has a nice Muff Mod. Runs great with full rebuild. Only 2 tanks since...

The 036/360 platform is one the best from Stihl. Some will argue the 044, but I don't want that much weight and I run a 18" on my 036 Pro.

Here is a pic if you are interested in getting rid of it, rather than Moding. T
My 036 is the ONLY saw that is completely stock. No muff mod, no nothing. Only did the 460 because I have a 32" and use it for BIG wood.

 

[clemsonfor]

Wow that 026 looks mint!

 

[DexterDay]

It's looking for a new home?

 

[Ashful]

That 026 is purdy, Dexter, but no way am I running a limber like that for my mid-size saw! I'd be trading the 036 for an 044, if anything at all.

I'm running a 20" bar with 33RSC (3/8" 0.050") chain on the 036, which I feel it should handle well. I do spend more time with the nose buried than not, as it seems I've lately become the guy friends call when they have a 40"+ tree they want down or gone. When I'm going to be cutting a bunch of big stuff, I just grab the 064, but I'd like to use the 036 more than I do.

 

[DexterDay]

Tu Chet... Big wood needs Big saws.

And although the 036 says it can wear a 24"? I say an 18"-20" is its home. When cutting wood where the tip is outside of the wood. .


(Congrats on the lil one. She is a cutie)

 

[MasterMech]

I just can't figure this one out. This thing doesn't cut as well as my old Echo 510 EVL, and the Echo is a smaller cc saw. This has much higher chain speed, but that's useless, as chain speed drops as soon as you put it to the log. I believe I already confirmed it has the stock sprocket, but will check that again.

I took it to the local Stihl dealer / shop, a second-generation shop that does a TON of work for the local arborists, and they seem to think it runs as good as any 036 they've seen. These guys have a dozen or more saw repairs go thru their shop every day, so they seem to know their stuff.

Wanna race it against my 034? I've got a nice Oak log to run a 20" bar thru. If you can't tie or beat the 034 then I'd say you have a problem.

Have you ever checked the compression? If so, what did it pull?

 

[smokinj]

Check your rakers hieght could be running to low!

 

[aansorge]

Also, do you keep your air cleaner clean? This makes a huge difference in power.

 

[Ashful]

Brand new OEM filter, blown clean with air gun at each chain swap. Running brand new Stihl 33RSC or Husqvarna equivalent. Haven't had this saw long enough to sharpen a chain yet!

 

[smokinj]

Brand new OEM filter, blown clean with air gun at each chain swap. Running brand new Stihl 33RSC or Husqvarna equivalent. Haven't had this saw long enough to sharpen a chain yet!

BIGGER SAW! 064 comes to mind......