Old McCulloch Chainsaw Parts Needed

timb · May 18, 2006

Yeah, from everything I've been able to find out, it's not worth fussing with too much. It did seem to run pretty well as is, so I think I'll spring for a new bar and chain - either a 12" or 14" - (not sure about a sprocket I'll have to look at it) and run it until it dies.

I always thought it would be nice to have a very light handy saw around for some trimming chores. If it works out that I do get good use out of a small one, I'll probably pick up a small Stihl ("arborist" model) for long term use.

Now my FIL has a decades-old big McCulloch and it just doesn't know when to quit. He's cut all the wood needed to heat his place for 30 years with that saw, but he's pretty fussy about maintenance and keeping the blade and bar in condition.

timb · May 18, 2006

Yeah, from everything I've been able to find out, it's not worth fussing with too much. It did seem to run pretty well as is, so I think I'll spring for a new bar and chain - either a 12" or 14" - (not sure about a sprocket I'll have to look at it) and run it until it dies.

I always thought it would be nice to have a very light handy saw around for some trimming chores. If it works out that I do get good use out of a small one, I'll probably pick up a small Stihl ("arborist" model) for long term use.

Now my FIL has a decades-old big McCulloch and it just doesn't know when to quit. He's cut all the wood needed to heat his place for 30 years with that saw, but he's pretty fussy about maintenance and keeping the blade and bar in condition.

Captinjack · May 23, 2006

Beware running your saw without a muffler. Besides noise, the most important thing is that a 2-strke needs back pressure or will blow the engine.

My McCollough ran great, but the muffler fell apart and I couldn't get another. I was told that the motor would blow and they were right!

Don't invest in a bar and chain because without a muffler, all you have is a temporary noise maker.

Captinjack · May 23, 2006

Beware running your saw without a muffler. Besides noise, the most important thing is that a 2-strke needs back pressure or will blow the engine.

My McCollough ran great, but the muffler fell apart and I couldn't get another. I was told that the motor would blow and they were right!

Don't invest in a bar and chain because without a muffler, all you have is a temporary noise maker.

timb · May 23, 2006

Well all the good things about how well it started up after 20 years I take back. Told my wife about it when we were out in the barn. Wanted to show her how well the old guy ran. 20 minutes and every trick I knew later I gave up trying to start it after the old frayed recoil rope finally gave out. It's back in the 'pile' in the back of the barn. Maybe I'll try it in another 20 years! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Just call it RIP v. Winkle.

On the other hand, I also came across my Stihl catalog buried in a stack. The arborist models, particularly the T200 (200T?) sounded very interesting for a light weight trim saw.

And I haven't unearthed a muffler yet for the McCulloch anyway.

timb · May 23, 2006

Well all the good things about how well it started up after 20 years I take back. Told my wife about it when we were out in the barn. Wanted to show her how well the old guy ran. 20 minutes and every trick I knew later I gave up trying to start it after the old frayed recoil rope finally gave out. It's back in the 'pile' in the back of the barn. Maybe I'll try it in another 20 years! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Just call it RIP v. Winkle.

On the other hand, I also came across my Stihl catalog buried in a stack. The arborist models, particularly the T200 (200T?) sounded very interesting for a light weight trim saw.

And I haven't unearthed a muffler yet for the McCulloch anyway.

ThePrimitiveFarmer · Dec 20, 2009

timb said:
So - rummaging around for some odds and ends I needed for a project I finally got tired tripping over a little yellow chainsaw that's been sitting in the dirt and junk on the floor in the back of the barn discarded by the previous owner for at least 15-20 years. I meant to toss it myself by never got around to it. So I look at it again.

The bar and chain are complete rust. The body is covered by 1/8" of grease and dirt, only a little yellow showing through. I wipe if down with a rag - it's a McCulloch Power Mac 6. (Later checking shows it's from the 1969-1974 era.)

I wonder what would happen if I put a little fuel mix in? I douse the chain with oil and work it around a little - add about 1/3 tank of 50:1 I had nearby - and on about the third pull it starts to sputter. A few pulls later it's running. And loud - whoops - no muffler at all. But it runs well, idles well. Never touched the plug or anything else.

It clearly needs a chain and a bar, but otherwise seems to be in good shape. Not a bad little trim saw. (Word was when it was introduced it was the worlds lightest chain saw).

Like I said, I know it hasn't seen the light of day for at least 15 years. Can't help but like a tool that wants to wake up and go back to work. Bars and chains are easy, I've tracked down air filters, but anyone have any idea where a muffler can be had? And what's the right mix for this era of McCulloch? (I assuming the 50:1 I had for my Stihl is too lean - probably 40:1 or 32:1?)

I have many old chainsaws. Please visit my website ThePrimitiveFarmer.com and give me a call. I have many more makes and models than currently listed on the website.

Have a good day,
Scott