New Saw Recommendation

[Paystar]

Have you ever had to replace your muffler?

Thats when most of them get done here. The insides of those style mufflers rattle apart.

Open that center some or even all. Then add some above etc

So they will get quick mod before putting new on if owners agree.

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Thanks for the info, but still don't think I want to touch it? Do you have to adjust carb when you open exhaust up?
I don't play with small engines at all any more, I usually just bring them to my friend.

 

[xyz123]

Thanks for the info, but still don't think I want to touch it? Do you have to adjust carb when you open exhaust up?
I don't play with small engines at all any more, I usually just bring them to my friend.

Yes most need a some tuning. Like said just do it IF you ever had to replace the muffler.

Most times them muffler bolts will snap when removing anyways.

 

[Paystar]

Your the first guy from Canada I know that said they can still get Efree.

The others I know from up there say some law took effect that was no more and they cant get it.

If you ever want a easy test I posted in my junk chainsaws thread how to do it.

It makes sure it is Efree. Ole pilots way.

Pic is good test of Efree.

Also make sure single hose pump for Efree.
If one hose does other grades you need to pump close to 1-2 gal to get all Efree. That way ethanol gas is gone.
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I'll have to search that thread, I'd love to test to verify. I'm in northern Ontario and my friend is manager at a Petro Canada distributor. He said they have no ethanol, not even in the reg grade. But there's only a couple stations they fill and only one local to me that has dedicated above ground tanks for reg and premium.
But the other Petro Canada's and all other stations that get their gas trucked in from southern Ontario....it is all Ethanol. Even their premium now.

 

[xyz123]

I'll have to search that thread, I'd love to test to verify. I'm in northern Ontario and my friend is manager at a Petro Canada distributor. He said they have no ethanol, not even in the reg grade. But there's only a couple stations they fill and only one local to me that has dedicated above ground tanks for reg and premium.
But the other Petro Canada's and all other stations that get their gas trucked in from southern Ontario....it is all Ethanol. Even their premium now.

I used to run around in Kitchener with friends car guys back in mid 80's. Fun times.

I'll find my old thread and copy and send to you in pm.

Here is what it does if detects any ethanol. So easy to tell.

I always test some 10% to make sure.

 

[Paystar]

I used to run around in Kitchener with friends car guys back in mid 80's. Fun times.

I'll find my old thread and copy and send to you in pm.

Here is what it does if detects any ethanol. So easy to tell.

I always test some 10% to make sure.

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I tried searching but can't find it. I'd love to test my gas to see who's lying, LOL

I had a Champion generator go bad but I was using local regular gas in it that had ethanol.

 

[John_Mc]

One that doesn't get mentioned is Makita/Dolmar. My Makita 6421, I've been real happy with for the bigger stuff. Mine is an older one with blue plastic. I saw one in a pawn shop just like mine but they wanted too much money for it.

https://makitatools.com/products/details/DCS6421RFG

I thought they were no longer making gas saws?

 

[Paystar]

I used to run around in Kitchener with friends car guys back in mid 80's. Fun times.

I'll find my old thread and copy and send to you in pm.

Here is what it does if detects any ethanol. So easy to tell.

I always test some 10% to make sure.

View attachment 5473728View attachment 5473729

Thanks a lot xyz123! Got your link. I'll have to try that.

 

[crhunts]

I had a Stihl 029(with a bow I installed) from 1980 that cut everything I threw at it, including a 44" live oak tree. Your saw will do the job!!
It ran great until I had a carb kit put on it(2019), and it was never the same again. I now run an Echo, as I've gotten much older, and didn't want the weight of a bow-saw(which I think may be illegal now). Love the Echo but your Stihl will get-r-dun!!

 

[Paystar]

Is this saw any good? It's been kicking around in my shed. Was my fathers when he passed away. I have never even tried to start it.
Is it worth fixing?

 

[xyz123]

Is this saw any good? It's been kicking around in my shed. Was my fathers when he passed away. I have never even tried to start it.
Is it worth fixing?

Called the brick. Some people like them. Me not a fan.

Only reason I would keep it around because it was your dad's.

Same reason I keep his TH mac 130 around. I hated that saw.

Now his poulan 54cc one I went through.

 

[P113565]

Pro Saw w a good service network nearby. The power to weight ratio is much better w a Pro saw. Also, much less vibration with a Pro saw. I use a 550XP. It does the job of my similar sized saw quicker with w less fatigue. Buy once, cry once. Wish I had known the pro to non-pro saw difference 20 years ago.

 

[Paystar]

Called the brick. Some people like them. Me not a fan.

Only reason I would keep it around because it was your dad's.

Same reason I keep his TH mac 130 around. I hated that saw.

Now his poulan 54cc one I went through.

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Yes, it is heavy, LOL But I had thought my father said it had more power than the 029?

 

[xyz123]

Yes, it is heavy, LOL But I had thought my father said it had more power than the 029?

Yes it is. 60cc or 61cc 3.7

 

[RobertN]

Just throwing it out there... I picked up a nice used MS461, and have been very happy with it. Used saws can be hit or miss, but this one has been great. Last week had a big oak come down; that saw has been ripping it up.

Am thinking of going from 32" bar to 24" or 25" for a little better balance though.

 

[xyz123]

Just throwing it out there... I picked up a nice used MS461, and have been very happy with it. Used saws can be hit or miss, but this one has been great. Last week had a big oak come down; that saw has been ripping it up.

Am thinking of going from 32" bar to 24" or 25" for a little better balance though.

View attachment 5477558

Do get you some more bars. Amazing the difference in bars in right length for uses.

No need to haul around a 32 when only need a 20 or 24.

I keep 16 20 24 32 around.

20 24 32 shown.

 

[xyz123]

16 and 32

 

[jyoutz]

Do get you some more bars. Amazing the difference in bars in right length for uses.

No need to haul around a 32 when only need a 20 or 24.

I keep 16 20 24 32 around.

20 24 32 shown.

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What brand are these? I’ve never seen blue saws.

 

[xyz123]

What brand are these? I’ve never seen blue saws.

Blue NLA unless old stock now.

Clone saws of the old saws we all liked. Those are 440 460.

I have had about all of them testing out and for my uses anymore.

3120 880 Gen 2 361 2511 200T 372xp 288 395 660 you name it. The older ones we loved.

Holzfforma Farmertec IMHO #1 in clones.

 

[John_Mc]

Do you find you need to go through the clone saws before use… torquing bolts, checking that things are properly seated etc.?

Some years ago, I had heard people were having issues with things vibrating loose if they did not give the clone saws a thorough going over. I’m wondering if that is still the case, or have things improved

 

[xyz123]

Do you find you need to go through the clone saws before use… torquing bolts, checking that things are properly seated etc.?

Some years ago, I had heard people were having issues with things vibrating loose if they did not give the clone saws a thorough going over. I’m wondering if that is still the case, or have things improved

I go through clone saws the same way I go through oem ones too.

Way way back they didnt use loctite on stuff. Today most have been loctite and torque pretty close.

Like anything depends on who assembled the saw. Even oem suks about this stuff.

Thats why folks with no clue should buy from folks like Scotty Hockfire saws south of me. He goes through saws before shipping.

Me having my own know how and shop just do it myself like he does for others. Locals even bring their saws to me in boxes and I set them up for them.

So far to date only saws been seen with a piston installed backwards from the factory had been husqvarna OEM saws in 395 390.

So yes you need to check over any OPE clone or oem IMHO.