Chainsaw Issues

[charliepff]

Since I always lirk I figured I would let you guys take a try at this before I try to fix it or buy a new one. I have a Husqavarna 350 chainsaw. Today when I was cutting I noticed it got really hot. I did not think that was good due to the fact it was about 25 degrees out the whole day. So I refueled it and left it cool down. Well when I came back to run it I cut about 3 logs with it and then there was a thud almost what you would here with the spark plug out and your finger up against the cylinder whole. When this happened I notice the plastic cover move. It would not then restart. So when I removed the cover I noticed the spark plug was out of the cylinder. I though maybe it was loose but I do not think that was it. I noticed all the threads are for the most part stripped out. I have had the saw since 2001 and it gets used extremely hard. I do not skimp on the maintenance either. Is there anything I should look for when I take it apart and is it even worth fixing if the cylinder is shot. Thanks guys ahead of time for the help.

 

[Larry Jones]

Check with a shop and see if it can be bored out and a Helicoil installed. You can probably do it yourself if you are a bit handy.

 

[schmism]

sounds like your mix was off in the fuel.

the oil in the fuel is what helps cool the engine. Under oiled will cause it to run hot.

 

[charliepff]

I did shake the mix up before I fueled it but it is old fuel too. I was thinking of the heli coil but I was wondering if I should look to see if anything else is damaged or anyone else have had this happen to them.

 

[Scooby074]

Helicoil will fix your head. Id pull the cylinder off and check for damage to cyl or rings too . If theres any scratching, a quick hone and rings will fix you up (should be under $30) Even if you got to replace the cylinder it shouldnt be that bad (around $100 if i remember what i paid for my spacing saw). Put the helicoil in when its off. Pulling the cyl off isnt hard and gaskets are cheap. Id also take a torch and burn any oil or deposits out of the muffler while i was at it. Id definitely try to fix it before i threw it out. I also only use husky oil and fresh "supreme" gas. Im not a big fan of cheap mixing oil.

 

[RobertN]

I also only use husky oil and fresh "supreme" gas. Im not a big fan of cheap mixing oil.

A friend who is an Arborist told me that too; have done it for years in dirt bike, saws, trimmer etc.

Run Premuim gas, with a good quality oil(I use Husky or Stihl, in the little bottles to mix a gallon at a time). Chain saws are a 10,000+rpm motor. They're like a little race motor.

 

[charliepff]

Thanks guy's for the suggestions. I usually do not run cheap gas. I did not take it apart yet but did price a head. The head was $240 dollars through a online parts store. That was just for the head. I am looking at Stihl specials and will take apart the Husky this weekend.

 

[srjones]

A friend who is an Arborist told me that too; have done it for years in dirt bike, saws, trimmer etc.

Run Premuim gas, with a good quality oil(I use Husky or Stihl, in the little bottles to mix a gallon at a time). Chain saws are a 10,000+rpm motor. They're like a little race motor.

I know a guy who runs AvGas in his. Says it works quite well. I'm not sure about the legality or health safety of it, though. I personally use 92 octane with synthetic 2 cycle oil.

 

[Egon]

If you have used the saw well and long it may be advisable to take a serious look at a replacement saw unless the fix on yours is quite inexpensive.

 

[Dunham Farm]

My saw guy told me to run only high test gas, as it will run cooler.
Brian

 

[WayneB]

I agree with Egon and think you should consider replacing the saw. I myself would stick with Husky but Stihl makes a great saw too. I only switched to Husqvarna because there is a local dealership and they stock all parts. As for the 350 I am pretty sure that Husky is dropping that saw and now is offering a replacement called their 450? Hard to keep up with the model numbers these days.

 

[RavensRoost]

Unless you are experienced at replacing chainsaw piston/ring/cylinder and perhaps more, I suggest selling it a a "parts saw" and buying a new saw. The saw a lot of folks nowadays think is wonderful almost to the point of claiming it cures cancer is the Stihl MS361. This is a 60cc saw, may or may not be overkill for your needs.

RavensRoost

 

[charliepff]

Thank you for the suggestions guys. I think what happened is the spark plug came loose and it sucked air in to lean it out. That is why it happened. I am taking it apart tomorrow. Unfortunately I do not know anyone that does machine work around me so getting it honed might be a chore. I am looking at the Husky Ranch Saw and the Stihl MS 310 and 390. I have to get it approved by the wife before I can buy though. I will let you all know what I find tomorrow.

 

[dqdave1]

Many 2 cycle engine makers now state in the owners manuals to use "premium" fuel only. Scrap the saw; you will put alot of money into it and it will never be the same. I think Stihl says to run premium; if you do not - warranty void.

 

[Pilot]

Do you have ethanol in the gas in your area? Avoid it if possible; it leans the mixture (it's an oxygenate) and causes other problems. Ethanol ruined a big (expensive, also) weedeater when they first started requiring it around here in the winter.

Avgas contains about 4 times as much lead as the old leaded car gas used to have. Yes, it is higher octane. If you want to use avgas, you might only want to use about a 25% mix. Avgas won't have ethanol.

 

[srjones]

BTW, for those in Oregon:

Oregon State Marine Board E-10 (Ethanol) in Gasoline and Where to Find Non-Blended Gas

 

[Pilot]

The Marine Board site doesn't list them all. Apparently, a seller has to know they can contact the board & get listed.

 

[Diesel-ME]

I'd be in the time to shop for a new saw camp...... if this were a larger saw that had an $800 replacement costs (like a 372xp) maybe I'd attempt the rebuild, but you can get a Rancher 55 (or 455 or whatever they call them now) for $399 or less. I had one of these some years back before I upgraded to a 357xp and liked it pretty well.

 

[john_bud]

Unfortunately I do not know anyone that does machine work around me so getting it honed might be a chore.

w.

Harbor Freight has a cheap engine hone (like a brake cylinder hone, only larger) in the current cat for about 5-10 bucks.

jb

 

[charliepff]

Well, I have taken apart the saw over the weekend. There is no piston or cylinder damage. Just damage to the threads for the spark plug. I chased them with a new plug and there is enough threads left to hold the plug securely with no problems. The problem I have found is I can not get the screws out for the exhaust. So I can not remove the exhaust from the cylinder. I am really skeptical since it is 2 Allen head bolts that hold it on. So I will work on that Thursday and then start assembling the rest of the saw. I am still probably going to buy another saw.