M tropic upgrade

Jim Chance · November 10, 2021, 06:10:06 PM

I have an MS261 with version 1 mtronics. I seldom have trouble with it, but once in a while when I try to restart it it gets balky. When it does this I can usually get it started in "run" with the throttle open. It will not idle for a bit but eventually it will get back to normal. I got the dealer to look at the codes and he said they were good. He also told me that for about $100 he could upgrade it from V1 to V3 mtronics. He said the V3s were less troublesome. Has anybody done such an upgrade and did it make a notable difference?

axeman2021 · November 10, 2021, 09:43:13 PM

Before you go for that $100 upgrade I would get a can of RedArmor fuel try running the calibration process from the manual and I bet you will see improvement quickly I also have the cm261.

realzed · November 11, 2021, 07:09:43 PM

Quote from: Jim Chance on November 10, 2021, 06:10:06 PM
I got the dealer to look at the codes and he said they were good. He also told me that for about $100 he could upgrade it from V1 to V3 mtronics. He said the V3s were less troublesome.

I didn't know this was at all possible.. Is the process just strictly a software upgrade by flashing it or do any of the sensors have to be swapped?
For $100 I'm betting it would be only software - but I'd like to know more, when and if you get more info..
Thanks - Randy

Jim Chance · November 26, 2021, 07:37:58 PM

There is a part they have to change. I think it is called a fuel solenoid. The part is about $60 and the labor is about $30. Even though it is called a "solenoid" I think it is a bit more complicated and actual contains the brain. Once they change it there is a little setting up to do via computer. My understanding talking to the tech was that when the solenoid goes out on a V1 or V2 they put the V3 solenoid in, not the earlier solenoids.

realzed · November 26, 2021, 10:51:08 PM

Very interesting - I'll have to enquire the next time I'm in at my local dealership to see what they say about it..
Thanks for the reply!

sablatnic · November 27, 2021, 01:46:36 AM

It could be something as simple as a periodically leaking needle valve - computers and all, they are still sensitive to basic defects.

SwampDonkey · November 27, 2021, 06:13:47 AM

For the new FS561 clearing saw, the upgrade from the FS560, has v2 mTronics , different front end angle gear for a 10" blade, instead of the 9". That being said I've run the FS560 across 100's of acres of ground for 7 years before I got a new FS560. I have no desire for a bigger blade, 561 has same power. v1 has been very reliable and those saws put out a lot of rpm's.

Just saying. ;D

Jim Chance · December 11, 2021, 08:29:49 PM

The saw has been working like a champ lately. No tune up kit, no calibration, no nothing. Either they did something when they had it at the shop or it responds to threats.

lxskllr · December 11, 2021, 08:35:23 PM

I have a poulanpro that responded well to violence. I had a saw stolen, so I got that NIB from a pawnshop as a theft resistant replacement. I couldn't get it running right, and the last thing I did before putting it away for a few months was slam it on the truck tailgate. After taking it back out, I didn't touch a single thing on the carb, but it's been running great. It's turned into a decent saw. It's still pretty junky feeling, and heavy for the power provided, but it runs great, and cuts wood.