New Husqvarna 346XP Yikes

[xyz123]

Now they don't show it at all on the standard 346xp but do show 14.1k on the e-tech version.

I have owned several new 346 50cc versions and none were e-techs and they all were 14.1k Just look at your coil it says right on it.

 

[Bluegill2]

IMO, the max RPM is a pointless spec anyway. Just used to sell saws

I somewhat agree, but higher max RPM can mean higher 'in the cut' RPM. There are variables to it though.

My OE stock ones dont have the balls to pull 3/8 JMO used 325 stock. Now the ported OE's did pull 3/8 way better then 325.

The NE 346 was no comparison with a new loop of 3/8 compared to new 325. 3/8 smoked 325 on stock NE 50cc.

My OE is ported and is a little beast. But it is faster with .325. I have been around other 346 NEs' (ported and stock) that were faster with 3/8 and at least one ported one that was faster with .325. All pretty close, so I say run what ya like. I do need to try 3/8 on my NE at some point...

 

[JimR]

What did you do to port your 346?

I somewhat agree, but higher max RPM can mean higher 'in the cut' RPM. There are variables to it though.



My OE is ported and is a little beast. But it is faster with .325. I have been around other 346 NEs' (ported and stock) that were faster with 3/8 and at least one ported one that was faster with .325. All pretty close, so I say run what ya like. I do need to try 3/8 on my NE at some point...

 

[Bluegill2]

What did you do to port your 346?

I widened the intake and exhaust ports, matched the lower transfer ports to the base and opened them up some. Opened up the upper transfers also. Removed the base gasket and add a 357xp carb and intake boot. It cuts much faster than a 45cc saw should!

My newer 346 is still stock, but that might change at some point.

There are guys out there who do this kind of work professionally and better than me. They get into changing port timing and machining the cylinder to boast compression. There is a guy about an hour away from me here that is getting Very good at this. For awhile he was just trying to build a saw that'd beat my old 346, now he's building saws much faster and for guys all over the country.

 

[LD1]

I somewhat agree, but higher max RPM can mean higher 'in the cut' RPM. There are variables to it though.

Modern saws all have a max free speed above 12.5k. Not many pull more than 10k in the cut. Most are around 8-9k in the cut regardless of max-free speed. So it is MY opinion that it is just hype to sell saws because it is meaningless. A saw with a 12k max speed that can hold 9k in the cut will cut faster than a saw with a 14k free speed but only 8k in the cut. RPM is not a replacement for power. I like power, not screaming RPM for my saws.

 

[JimR]

I have a question for those of you running a 3/8 chain setup on your 346's. Are you running chisel chain or narrow kerf 3/8 chain?

 

[Bluegill2]

Modern saws all have a max free speed above 12.5k. Not many pull more than 10k in the cut. Most are around 8-9k in the cut regardless of max-free speed. So it is MY opinion that it is just hype to sell saws because it is meaningless. A saw with a 12k max speed that can hold 9k in the cut will cut faster than a saw with a 14k free speed but only 8k in the cut. RPM is not a replacement for power. I like power, not screaming RPM for my saws.

Yes, RPM in the cut is what is important and 'spec sheet' max rpm has little meaning. But if I tune one of my saws to max RPM and still get some 4 stroking, it will hold higher RPM in the cut. If tune lower max rpm, the in cut rpm will drop. My ported 346 will hold around 10.5k in the cut with moderate pressure.

 

[Bluegill2]

I have a question for those of you running a 3/8 chain setup on your 346's. Are you running chisel chain or narrow kerf 3/8 chain?

All narrow kerf is .325. No 3/8 narrow kerf.

I run semi chisel for work and full chisel for racing.

There is a 3/8 low profile, but it's less aggressive than regular .325 and I don't like it.

 

[Bluegill2]

I have a question for those of you running a 3/8 chain setup on your 346's. Are you running chisel chain or narrow kerf 3/8 chain?

You might be confusing narrow kerf with semi chisel, since all narrow kerf in semi. But semi chisel is available all sizes.

I run regular .325 semi chisel and 3/8 semi chisel most of the time.

 

[Car Doc]

This is what is on all my saws 346 included. fwtw

Bailey's - WoodlandPro 30RC Chainsaw Chain