Husky 435 Chainsaw darn plastic !!

wawajake · Oct 4, 2011

I have had a Husqvarna Model 435 chainsaw for almost one year now , (it replaced a ten year old Husqvarna same size)
This thing has had to go back to dealer twice to have the pullcord cover replaced. This is because the pullcord cover has a plastic tab that holds the pullcord spring in place, so ussually when the weather is cold the chainsaw kicks back during pulling , then I guess you put undue strain on the spring and the centre of cover inside plastic tab breaks . The second time (both last winter ) the dealer started to hint that I was not starting it correctly that I was pulling the cord out to far, but that is not true, you don't get to pull it all the way out before it might kick back (when cold ) I do not think this is a engine firing kickback this is resistance that randomly occurs before any sputter , although it seems the cylinder is full of resistance , (maybe it needs a decompression bulb)

Yes I do pull the red choke start lever up, and then do six or seven primes of the gas primer bulb, then pull quickly , soon as you hear it attempt to sputter, you know to take choke lever off and next pull it will start. AT least that is the way it will start in summer. Now it is getting cold again and it is worrisome how it is resisting starting and randomly kicks back and I know very soon that tab will break again. Does anyone else see this problem in this model or other Husky model ??? What solutions did you employ ?

whiskywizard · Oct 4, 2011

I have a 1yo 455 Rancher. Very similar to yours. The 455 has a decompressor. The button is directly beneath the forward handlebar. Does the 435 not have this? I get that kickback you're describing, if I don't use the compression release.

Regardless, that cover shouldn't be breaking - I'd be disappointed too.

arrow · Oct 4, 2011

Wawa, there are a couple things you can try. First, a chainsaw that does not reach tdc will often behave like you are experiencing. Usually, this is caused by an over rich condition. Cold moist winter air can cause this as well as too many pulls of the rope. In winter, try to store the saw indoors if you can. The next has to do with starting technique. Best way to explain this is to know that in one and a half seconds, I've pulled the cord 3 times. this means very seldom am I pulling the cord more than 12 inches out. This keeps the piston constantly moving and does not create or I should say lessens the static pressure build up of letting the piston come to rest with a full load of air to pull against. Use hi test gas with a little bit of Seafoam and short staccato pulls and see if your saw doesn't start right up when its cold. The 435 is a high compression thus high rpm saw as a result, so any little thing you can do to ease start up will help. Also, I have confronted many a saw that needed only one or two pulls with the choke on. Not all saws need to sputter start as a signal to off the choke. Play around with several start sequences with your saw.

wawajake · Oct 5, 2011

NO this saw is a step down from the 455 (maybe two steps) so no decompression button.

But Arrow, you seem to be describing what I might be up against.
I do store it in my semi heated garage , but when working in my bush lot it might be a few hours sitting in the snow. But the shorter quicker pulls and maybe high test might work , I have never seen "seafoam" as a product here in Canada, but we do have some "small engine gas treatments" if that is what "seafoam's purpose is .

I believe the Husky Model 435 is the lowest end of the Husky dealer line up, below that you can get the Husky/Poulon models at the big box stores , I believe it is called Model 235 our Canadian Tire stores sells it , but it looks very similar to the 435.
The 435 cost me almost $300 with the orange box and a spare chain and file , I guess I should of went up to 455 and spent another $100. I wonder if they will trade up with a year old machine, I doubt it !

arrow · Oct 5, 2011

wawajake said:
NO this saw is a step down from the 455 (maybe two steps) so no decompression button.

But Arrow, you seem to be describing what I might be up against.
I do store it in my semi heated garage , but when working in my bush lot it might be a few hours sitting in the snow. But the shorter quicker pulls and maybe high test might work , I have never seen "seafoam" as a product here in Canada, but we do have some "small engine gas treatments" if that is what "seafoam's purpose is .

I believe the Husky Model 435 is the lowest end of the Husky dealer line up, below that you can get the Husky/Poulon models at the big box stores , I believe it is called Model 235 our Canadian Tire stores sells it , but it looks very similar to the 435.
The 435 cost me almost $300 with the orange box and a spare chain and file , I guess I should of went up to 455 and spent another $100. I wonder if they will trade up with a year old machine, I doubt it !

WaWa Try these automotive stores in Canada for Seafoam at the bottom link. Seafoam is a product that cleans, removes moisture and lubricates. You are not so much lubricating as wanting to remove moisture. I do not think you have to sell your saw if it is worth it for you to own cutting wise. If you are going to spend another hundred on a saw, my recommendation is to go with the 353 rather than the 455. The 353 is almost a pro saw with a magnesium case. It is basically a 346 with a heavier piston. Not quite as fast but better torque. Certainly try the techniques suggested first and definitely play around with starting techniques. Uni-Select Locations