Chainsaw Repair
Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Husqvarna => Topic started by: rayster on July 20, 2014, 04:43:18 am
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So it was a hot day and and the 345 locked up. I'm making assumptions having not disassembled it as of yet. If the piston and cylinder are trash. Is it worth the money to repair?
I read a 2 year old thread about converting the 345 to a 346. That there was a kit to do so. Is that kit still available, and is it worth the time and money?
Your advice is greatly appreciated,
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You can of course not convert a 345 into a 346xp, they are too different in many respects for that - but it surely is possible to put a 346xp top end on the 345, and make it run like a 346xp. ;)
It isn't a streight bolt-on though, you will need some parts from the 350 and some knowledge to do it.
Be aware that there are lots of rather bad "346xp" aftermarket kits out there, some aren't even attempts to copy the OEM stuff, they just "fit" it.
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I never went through with this swap. But mweba did and he posted here somewhere the kit he used etc that you can get on feebay online.
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page 3 has info on converting in video and links. Look for the kit that includes the riser. http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/stickys-of-how-to-basics/how-to-video-thread/
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Ok, I will look into the the cost and go from there.
Thanks
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Well I don't know the brands of good aftermarket parts. I am opposed to giving money to the Chinese economy. The OEM parts I found totaled over $200. I have about 5 dead standing trees that need to come down, as well as some other clearing work. So the repair project is on hold and I will just try to find a good condition used saw.
Rebuilding the 345 is something I will pursue. But it seems like a winter project for now.
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I have about 5 dead standing trees that need to come down, as well as some other clearing work. So the repair project is on hold and I will just try to find a good condition used saw.
What are you looking for cc and bar wise? What price range?
Lot of us have used ready to go saws just setting on shelf.
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I have a 455 rancher and a 200T for limbs, so something in the middle 30-35 cc and perhaps a 16" bar. Unfortunately I just found out my daughter needs new tires, so the saw will have to wait a few weeks.
I will shoot you a message when I get some cash together.
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Back to the topic at hand, the dang old 345 piston looks ok through the muffler port and the view into spark plug hole looks ok too. I could not see the compression ring.
The saw was running stumbled a bit like it was running out of gas, and just stopped. When I removed the starting-assembly. With little effort, I got the flywheel to turn. After putting it back together, I could any get any indication of it even trying to start.
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Back to the topic at hand, the dang old 345 piston looks ok through the muffler port and the view into spark plug hole looks ok too. I could not see the compression ring.
The saw was running stumbled a bit like it was running out of gas, and just stopped. When I removed the starting-assembly. With little effort, I got the flywheel to turn. After putting it back together, I could any get any indication of it even trying to start.
Do a compression test or pull the cylinder.
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Here are photos of what I found. I found a small piece of metal (like a wire), almost welded to the top of the cylinder. Foreign debris? The cylinder doesn't look too bad, can it just be honed?
(http://westenusa.com/test/1one.jpg)
(http://westenusa.com/test/2two.jpg)
(http://westenusa.com/test/3three.jpg)
(http://westenusa.com/test/4four.jpg)
Is this the the way to store this?
(http://westenusa.com/test/5five.jpg)
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I am interested in what all should be replaced? Also what is the cost vs actual worth? Is this worth the money to repair at this point? the OEM parts are expensive from what I have seen.
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Basically, you can not hone the cylinder
The wire is most likely a wrist pin keeper ring out of the side where the scratches are?
Some one was very generous with the Dirko when they were putting it back together? They made a mess! Even has Dirko stuck on the piston an the ports obstructed.
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The saw was an internet special. A local guy told me it was originally from Canada due to the bar and chain it once had. So I have no idea on the "true history" of this saw.
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Would check your big end rod bearing and your main crank bearings just to make sure either like 660 said piston pin clip or something came up the transfer port.
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I have some Internet specials too. I make do with what I received. If it gets to where it don't work no more, I fix it.
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I will check the lower end too then. If nothing else it will definitely be a saw to learn from. I really appreciate everyone's' time and advice.
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I get the feeling that is a aftermarket (Chinese) piston and cylinder due to the very silver color of the cylinder?
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Doesn't it look like the base gasket was liquid type from a tube? Would a saw from the factory not come with a real base gasket?
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Doesn't it look like the base gasket was liquid type from a tube? Would a saw from the factory not come with a real base gasket?
That is correct - the mess made by the red stuff (Stihl Supplied Dirko) was an attempt by someone, not the current owner, to increase the compression by elimination of the base gasket.
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Wow you guys have shed a whole new light on this saw... :o
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Basically, you can not hone the cylinder
The wire is most likely a wrist pin keeper ring out of the side where the scratches are?
Some one was very generous with the Dirko when they were putting it back together? They made a mess! Even has Dirko stuck on the piston an the ports obstructed.
+2 on what Jim said above! Your right this will be a learning experience, on what not to do.
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Reminds me of MS460 I sent out to supposed Stihl tech to have case gasket replaced. Dirko everywhere crank, rod etc. and he buggered up the bar studs.
Shep
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Ahh, I see I missed that in your above post.
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Somebody has already added the 350 riser and 346 or other topend to this 345 I take it? Good deal.
Husqvarna 345 340 350 IPL http://www.husqvarna.com/ddoc/HUSI/HUSI2005_AAaa/HUSI2005_AAaa__5440943-01.pdf
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I finally looked close at that drawing. You are right it does have the riser. So I just need a cylinder kit for a 346xp ? Of course I'll check all bearings and seals. Probably worth the money to just replace the seals and bearings while it's apart ?
The OEM kit is about $275 with tax & shipping ? Is it worth that to put into it?
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Weather a project saw is worth the money is all up to you. If you are just going to resell it then just find the stock parts and put it together. If you are going to have fun with the saw and use it and learn as you build it. Then to me it is worth it.
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Good advice as usual +1.
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There are some pretty decent 346NE 44.3mm AM kits for around $100 or less. I think Hyway makes one if it's anything like the Hyway kit I just bought it's the way to go IMO. If saw was a real nice 346,351,353 I'd really think OEM for a keeper.
Shep
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Ok, I do appreciate the advice. I will check out the kits mentioned above. I have no plan to sell the saw. Just get it running again, and use it. It is light and really ran good for it's size.
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I put a 350 together with a 346 xp new edition piston and cylinder a couple of months back and have been very happy with how it turned out. I think you will be impressed with it if you go that route.
http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/husqvarna/350-3526/20/