Stihl MM 55 tiller

[dgrapes59]

I picked up a Stihl 2 cycle MM 55 tiller a while back and have just got around to messing with it. The carb needs to be rebuilt or replaced but before I dig into it further I have a question. Does anyone have one and can answer a question? I am wondering if the tines should turn by hand when just sitting there? Mine won't budge and was wondering if that's normal or if something is "locked up". If that's normal then I'll pursue getting it running, if not then I'll not waste the time and effort. It was given to me and was told "it ran when parked" I have no reason to doubt it, but it sat in a damp barn for a while so who knows

Thanks for any insight,

[Eugene]

If there is a clutch engage it, crank engine over, see if the tines turn.

[dgrapes59]

No manual clutch that I am aware of. It turns over fine if you pull the starter rope (tines don't move). Didn't know if it has some kind of centrifugal clutch that engages to the tines gearbox. Seems to me it should turn now and that's why I'm questioning it.

[Don McCombs]

https://www.stihlusa.com/webcontent/cms ... manual.pdf

[Eugene]

https://www.diyspareparts.com/parts/sti ... ams/mm-55/
Above, exploded parts.

Reading the Operators manual, I think there is a centrifugal clutch.

Short look at the drive train, it is worm gear driving a bull gear. I don't believe you will be able to turn the tines by hand.

[outdoors4evr]

Did you get just the tiller tines or did it also come with other attachments? I've always been fascinated with the power sweep function.

[dgrapes59]

Stihl.JPG
Did you get just the tiller tines or did it also come with other attachments? I've always been fascinated with the power sweep function.

No, just the tines. I've seen people using the power sweep also to move rocks back to a driveway, looked slick!

I never really saw much benefit in one of these as a tiller, but I've seen some videos of them scratching surfaces for planting grass. That would be my primary use for it as I see it.

[outdoors4evr]

I used one in the garden last year between the tomatoes. It had a hard time with the clay, but did well with the lighter dirt.
My fascination is definitely with the power sweep function.

[SONNY]

mine is an Earthquake and I use it around plants and in the raised beds,---works good for that.

[dgrapes59]

This project moved down the "to do" list, guess I'll make another run at getting it going. Previously I found it did have a spark so I replaced the dry, cracked primer bulb. Was surprised by the amount of Stihl parts my local Ace Hardware has in stock (picked up an odd muffler bolt for my blower yesterday). It wouldn't prime any fuel so I opened up the carb. Was a mess! So, will try to rebuild it, or replace it when I determine which of the two it lists, is the correct one. Rebuild kits, will fuel lines, filters, gaskets and needed parts are cheap, under $20, as are replacement carbs. Just need to make sure they are genuine Stihl parts, it's kinda deceptive how some are listed on line.

Anyhow, thanks all for the insight.

[Mht]

I have a bunch of Stihl chainsaws and string trimmers. On several occasions I’ve been able to buy a new stihl carb for only 10-15 dollars more than a carb kit. It seems like my local dealers don’t stock many carb kits anymore. I guess with 100 dollar labor rates it’s more cost effective to replace carbs than rebuild them but I have a hard time replacing a carb that just needs a couple of new diaphragms in it. One of my local small engine shops who is not a stihl dealer carries a large line of Oregon brand aftermarket carb kits and I’ve used them numerous times with great success. They can’t cross reference kits by stihl model numbers but if I take a carb in they always seem to know exactly what make and model the carb is and have the parts I need. I’d prefer to use genuine stihl parts but when a stihl carb kit is 30 bucks and an Oregon kit is 8 bucks the tight wad in me takes over. Stihl is one of the few that only sell their products through servicing dealers so it doesn’t surprise me that anywhere that sells stihl equipment has a pretty good selection of parts. The ace hardware near me sells stihl equipment, parts and also services them

[Mht]

I meant to add in my previous post that I’m pretty sure you can’t buy genuine stihl parts online