Sthil FS350 Brush cutter

[philmountains]

Hi I have a problem ,the cylinder and piston are highly scored on my FS350, and the only replacement parts are genuine Sthil which are way too expensive for the age of this machine, I was wondering if anyone has fit a FS 250 ( Chinese Ebay copies) cylinder to a FS350 as these are a fraction of the cost and I have used copy parts to other Stihl models and have had great results.
The main difference is that the smaller engines do not have a decompression valve is this a real issue ?
Thanks for any advise
Phil

 

[Nwatson99]

To consider installing non Stihl components on a Stihl would be an abomination!!!
Do the right thing, fix your Stihl correctly.

 

[EngineMan]

Many local repair shops are using aftermarket parts on top end makes, don't see why you should'nt.

 

[philmountains]

Many local repair shops are using aftermarket parts on top end makes, don't see why you should'nt.

Hi it,s simple I got a quote for a genuine cylinder and piston kit £288 ,compared with less than £50 for copy parts for a old machine there is absolutely no way it,s worth it.

 

[EngineMan]

No one in they right mind would pay that, may has well go out and buy a new brush cutter...!

 

[philmountains]

No one in they right mind would pay that, may has well go out and buy a new brush cutter...!

Thank,s for you interest,that,s exactly what the shop said I was best to do,I,m going to give it a try with a FS250 cylinder kit, seems same casting minus decompression valve? should if needed and can identify the thread be able to drill and tap the cylinder head to fit a valve ,the kits are £35 on ebay, I have just about rebuilt the rest of the strimmer so it,s a damn shame about this problem ,but most part,s apart from the engine, are the same as the FS400/450 so I could use as a donner machine.
I,m not a great fan of the FS350, I had a FS400 before this model which was a fantastic powerful machine always reliable, but unfortunately had all my gear stolen from my donkey shed in Spain,a lesson learned there.

 

[Nwatson99]

No one in they right mind would pay that, may has well go out and buy a new brush cutter...!

That is exactly what I would do before sticking chinese junk in my Stihl.

 

[philmountains]

That is exactly what I would do before sticking chinese junk in my Stihl.

Hi Just thought I would update this thread, I managed to get a FS250 piston/cylinder kit for ｣30 from Ebay ,overboard to 40mm so same capacity as FS400. Apart from the cylinder being minus the decompression valve tapping, a great deal as all working again and defiantly more power ,started 2nd pull.:thumbsup:

 

[EngineMan]

Thanks for the update, just check the head bolts after a few hours use...:thumbsup: