Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Chainsaws not listed - Gas OPE => Topic started by: Giles on February 08, 2015, 12:39:41 pm

Title: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Giles on February 08, 2015, 12:39:41 pm
I have owned hundreds of chainsaws over the years but never owned a Tanaka or ever worked on one.
I found a really nice Tanaka ECV 4501 on eBay at buy it now or make offer. I did a little research and discovered they are not very popular. I made an offer that was accepted and finally received the saw with a busted rear handle. I contacted the seller, gave photos, and we agreed he would refund price of new handle. Several days later, after he contacted UPS, he offered to give FULL REFUND including shipping and I could just keep the saw ! ! WHAT ? ?
Unbelievable but true. This guy has sold over 4K items and has a 100% feed back.
Anyway, saw was supposed to run perfect but while waiting for the replacement handle, I decided to go over the saw.
This saw is built like a Japanese motorcycle. Quality throughout with nearly all screws having lock washers and flat washers.
Still had the carb restrictors so I removed the carburetor. Took about FOUR minutes.
I was so impressed with Tanaka quality, I decided to try their bigger saw ECV 5601. This was also top quality, even has a small hole in the end of crankshaft to lube clutch bearing. I was really surprised to discover neither saw had a catalyst muffler but had carb restrictors. They both appear to be made in 2007.
Now the sad part. They are now Communist made!! --and parts are expensive and a little hard to find.
By owning the two Tanakas, I now see why they were expensive chainsaws.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Cut4fun . on February 08, 2015, 12:56:35 pm
Didnt they used to be Japan made and now they are made in China?
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: 660magnum on February 08, 2015, 01:07:51 pm
Tanaka is a very common Japanese Surname such as Smith or Jones in the USA.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: RoyM on February 08, 2015, 01:33:33 pm
I have no experience with their saws but sold the lawn edger and ice auger. They were top quality pieces, not cheap, but appealed to customers that wanted the best. Unfortunately, distribution is weak in North America.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Giles on February 08, 2015, 01:43:08 pm
Yeah---The 5601 I bought was sold having a defective oil pump. I sometimes take gambles and this one paid off. I knew before buying that a new oil pump cost about $133 but the oil pump was not the problem but the drive worm gear was stripped. Worm gear was not available separately, so I made a modification to it.
I made an aluminum sleeve to replace the stripped threads.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: aclarke on February 08, 2015, 02:52:57 pm
Cool fix!  We had some Tanaka gas drills for cabling trees and they were top notch very well made in Japan.   Newer stuff seems like its all China?
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: fuzz1500 on February 11, 2015, 06:11:17 pm
Ive always wanted to try one... But im just too uninformed on them to spend the cash !  Love the homemade gear :)
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Giles on February 11, 2015, 07:11:35 pm
Actually what I did was make a "thread sleeve". What is pictured is the original worm gear with specially sharpened threading tool that is centered and adjusted to maximum depth and documented. I then removed the damaged threads of the plastic gear. Next, I fabricated a thin ring, from aluminum, with threads cut on outside diameter and it was pressed onto the plastic gear.
This involved a great deal of figuring that would have not been feasible had I been able to buy a new one.
As I stated, it was only available with the pump and cost around $133.00.
Husqvarna has a very similar worm drive on some of their saws and the gear is available for less then $10.00 new.
That's part of the sad part in that parts are not plentiful and they are expensive.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on March 31, 2015, 07:05:42 pm
I have a little "Tas" branded outboard motor (1.2HP, weighs 11 pounds) that was made by Tanaka 30 or so years ago.  Very well made little machine.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: aclarke on March 31, 2015, 11:02:52 pm
Aaron, air cooled?

Adam
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on April 01, 2015, 04:41:36 am
Hi Adam.  Yes air cooled.  Lightweight little kicker motor.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: aclarke on April 01, 2015, 05:23:35 pm
Sounds cool! We have some old Tanaka gas powered drills from the early 1990's that we still use for tree cabling jobs. Very well made.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on April 02, 2015, 05:46:27 am
It is a cool little bugger.  When I was a kid, Dad bought it to use as a kicker on our Lido 14 sailboat.  Moved that boat around pretty well.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg1NzY=/z/z8IAAOSwv0tU92eA/$_86.JPG)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg1NzY=/z/0BIAAOSwv0tU92eD/$_86.JPG)

Not my motor, but mine looks just like it.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/GFcAAOSwmrlUz6DQ/$_35.JPG?set_id=880000500F)
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQV3cwE8u5Vpi_qz6-nPE-yJT2Ki5D-s7d4X4Sy8HEQerkm2lXp)

Tanaka and Sears Gamefisher branded versions.  Also not my pics.  Just found on the web.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: aclarke on April 02, 2015, 11:52:18 am
Super cool.  Thanks for sharing the pics..
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Cut4fun . on April 02, 2015, 12:06:06 pm
I remember sears selling these.  Least I think it was them with white main paint.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Cut4fun . on April 02, 2015, 12:08:48 pm
 Tanaka History  http://www.tanakapowerequipment.com/main-navigation/company/history

Time Line

TIMELINE

1943           Tanaka became the leading manufacturer in aero plane industry with the development and production of high accuracy airborne fuel and hydraulic pumps

1951           Began production and marketing of moped engines

1954           Produced and marketed TAS Vanguard 125cc motorcycle engines

1955           Produced and marketed compact general-purpose D-51 (50cc) engines

1957           Began production of the TAS moped (50cc) and general purpose J-1 (37cc) engines

1960           Pioneered an innovative concept in backpack sprayer design by combining the blower fan and engine cooling fan into one unit.

                    P5 engine

1962           Introduced the world’s smallest industrial general-purpose two-cycle engine- P7 (22cc)

1964           Incorporated the successful P-7 engine into lightweight power products, including liquid pumps (PC-12), engine drills (PED-3), electric generators (PEG-200), and Japan’s smallest chainsaws (PCS-3).

1966           Villers Engineering Co., Ltd., England, obtained a licensing agreement to manufacture the successful (P-7) engine

1968           Produced the “Chibi” (50cc), “Tora” (60cc) and “Taka” (100cc) motorcycles and exported them to North America

1971           Produced ECS-5 (37cc) chain saws and PHT-22 Hedge trimmers. Received a special importation license enabling a joint venture between Tanaka and a Brazillian company for the manufacture of back pack sprayers

1973           Introduced a new generation of lightweight, general-purpose engines. Developed the QEG-300 Generator

1974           Introduced the TOB-25 outboard motor. Began local production of the B-70 (70cc) and B-100 (100cc) chain saws in Brazil, as part of the Brazilian joint venture

1975           Developed a 23 cc front wheel drive bicycle engine- QBM-23 Bicycle Motor. Produced the general purpose T-50 engine and T-23 engine used on Grass Trimmer, Hedge Trimmer, Drill

1977           Developed and produced the ECS-35 Chainsaw (35cc). Introduced the TCP-38 Centrifugal Pump

1980           Introduced a revolutionary concept in outboard motor design by producing lightweight      outboard motors which feature dual automatic drive (TOB-175 & TOB-300) with Dual Automatic Clutch systems. Produced the THT-162 hedge trimmer

1981           Introduced the ECS-405 and -505 Chainsaws

1982           Color Coded Nylon Line

1983           The BRAIN® Fully Automatic and adjustable cutting head

1984           Perfect Mix® 2-Cycle Oil in a 16 oz. self-measuring bottle

1985           TLE-500 Edger featuring gear / shaft driven cutting blade

1986           AST-7000 Electric Start Trimmer / Brushcutter

1986           TLE-550 Edger and TBL-455 Backpack Blower with innovative frame / harness system

1987           TED-260 Reversible and TED-265 Reversible / Hammer Drill

1988           TST-218 Telescopic Shaft Trimmer / Brush Cutter

1989           New Accessory Merchandiser Kits

1990           ECS-320 / ECS-330 (32cc) Chainsaws and TED-262 Drill

1991           SRS Sound Reduction System used on TBC-220SS, THT-210, TED-210 and TCP-210

1992           TBC-250 / 300 Grass Trimmers with SRS

1993           TPE-250 Portable / Handheld Edger / TED-262L Drill with locking gear case

1994           THT-2120 26" Double Sided Hedge trimmer with the Quick-Twist pivoting rear handle

1995           TED-262R Drill with reverse

1996           TBC-2510 Trimmer, ECS-3301 / 3351 Chainsaws

1997           THT-2520 30” Double Sided Hedge Trimmer

1998           40cc PureFire Engine, TCS-3401 Chainsaw

1999           26cc PureFire Engine, Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment

2000           25cc PureFire Engine

2003           PF-3300 PureFire Engine

2010           PureFire II Engine




In 1918, the Tanaka business was started in Japan by Takashi Tanaka who created “Tanaka Iron Works” near Tokyo, Japan. In 1941 the manufacturing plant near Narashino (approximately 25 miles SE of Tokyo) was built and in 1948, Tanaka began research and development of compact internal combustion engines. In 1950, the company name was changed to Tanaka Kogyo Co., Ltd. The word “Kogyo” (pronounced “Koh-gyoh”) means industries in Japanese.

In 1951, Tanaka began mass production of moped engines and in 1954 produced and marketed a 125 cc motorcycle engine. Their focus on larger, moped and motorcycle engines continued until 1962, when they opened a plant in Shirako and introduced the world’s smallest industrial, general purpose 2-cycle engine (22cc/P-7). In 1965, Sieken Tanaka (Takashi’s son) became President of the company and they began their pursuit of worldwide markets.

In 1968, Tanaka began marketing50, 60 and 100 cc motorcycle engines for export to North America. In 1971, they produced a new chainsaw and hedge trimmer for export markets and in 1974, introduced a 2.5 hp outboard motor that would eventually be private label for Sears. In 1975, Tanaka expanded its production plant in Shirako and began production of a 23 cc (1.2 hp) bicycle motor.

In 1978, Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd. was established in Kent, WA to pursue and support North American sales. In 1984, Tanaka acquired a small mail order company, Aquabug International, expanded its product offering and renamed it Sporting Edge.

In 1985, Tanaka relocated its entire operation to a new 70,000 sq. ft. facility in Bothell, WA. In 1987, the Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd/Sporting Edge assets were purchased from Tanaka Japan by an investment group led by Bill Thomson. The company, while now separate from Tanaka Japan, retained the identity of Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd and the exclusive marketing rights for Tanaka North, Central and South America.

In 1989, Tanaka’s USA assets and marketing rights were purchased by the Ariens Co. of Brillion, Wisconsin. Soon after, a new subsidiary company of Ariens, Tanaka Ltd., was established to continue marketing and support of Tanaka products. In 1990, a new line of Ariens brand 2-cycle handheld products (made by Tanaka) was introduced for Ariens Distributors and Dealers. In 1992, Ariens discontinued its relationship with Tanaka and ISM was established by a five long-time Tanaka employees.

In May of 2007, Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd from Japan acquired Tanaka and created two new companies- Nikko Tanaka Engineering Co., Ltd. to conduct OPE manufacturing and domestic sales in Japan and then Nikko Tanaka Engineering USA Ltd., to conduct North American sales and support, based out of Auburn, WA.

By January 2009, the business functions of Nikko Tanaka Engineering USA were fully absorbed as a brand within Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd’s North American division; Hitachi Koki USA Ltd (commonly referred to as Hitachi Power Tools) based out of Norcross, GA. The goal has been to create synergy between Tanaka Outdoor Power Equipment and the Hitachi Power Tool business resulting in improved business efficiencies, and the collaboration of product lines to benefit from technological innovations, as well as share in R&D endeavors going forward.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Cut4fun . on April 02, 2015, 12:10:53 pm
Sears   http://www.searspartsdirect.com/tanaka-boat-motor-parts/model-TOB120/1058/1305320.html
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on April 02, 2015, 03:04:52 pm
I remember sears selling these.  Least I think it was them with white main paint.

You remember correctly.  Sears sold them with white paint, and later black.  The 1.2 hp was the smallest, with a couple larger engines (3hp and 5hp or thereabouts) also in the line.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on April 02, 2015, 03:06:41 pm
Sears   http://www.searspartsdirect.com/tanaka-boat-motor-parts/model-TOB120/1058/1305320.html

Looks like most everything for that engine is NLA from Sears now...
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Eccentric on April 02, 2015, 03:12:16 pm
Tanaka History  http://www.tanakapowerequipment.com/main-navigation/company/history

Time Line

TIMELINE

1943           Tanaka became the leading manufacturer in aero plane industry with the development and production of high accuracy airborne fuel and hydraulic pumps

1951           Began production and marketing of moped engines

1954           Produced and marketed TAS Vanguard 125cc motorcycle engines

1955           Produced and marketed compact general-purpose D-51 (50cc) engines

1957           Began production of the TAS moped (50cc) and general purpose J-1 (37cc) engines

1960           Pioneered an innovative concept in backpack sprayer design by combining the blower fan and engine cooling fan into one unit.

                    P5 engine

1962           Introduced the world’s smallest industrial general-purpose two-cycle engine- P7 (22cc)

1964           Incorporated the successful P-7 engine into lightweight power products, including liquid pumps (PC-12), engine drills (PED-3), electric generators (PEG-200), and Japan’s smallest chainsaws (PCS-3).

1966           Villers Engineering Co., Ltd., England, obtained a licensing agreement to manufacture the successful (P-7) engine

1968           Produced the “Chibi” (50cc), “Tora” (60cc) and “Taka” (100cc) motorcycles and exported them to North America

1971           Produced ECS-5 (37cc) chain saws and PHT-22 Hedge trimmers. Received a special importation license enabling a joint venture between Tanaka and a Brazillian company for the manufacture of back pack sprayers

1973           Introduced a new generation of lightweight, general-purpose engines. Developed the QEG-300 Generator

1974           Introduced the TOB-25 outboard motor. Began local production of the B-70 (70cc) and B-100 (100cc) chain saws in Brazil, as part of the Brazilian joint venture

1975           Developed a 23 cc front wheel drive bicycle engine- QBM-23 Bicycle Motor. Produced the general purpose T-50 engine and T-23 engine used on Grass Trimmer, Hedge Trimmer, Drill

1977           Developed and produced the ECS-35 Chainsaw (35cc). Introduced the TCP-38 Centrifugal Pump

1980           Introduced a revolutionary concept in outboard motor design by producing lightweight      outboard motors which feature dual automatic drive (TOB-175 & TOB-300) with Dual Automatic Clutch systems. Produced the THT-162 hedge trimmer

1981           Introduced the ECS-405 and -505 Chainsaws

1982           Color Coded Nylon Line

1983           The BRAIN® Fully Automatic and adjustable cutting head

1984           Perfect Mix® 2-Cycle Oil in a 16 oz. self-measuring bottle

1985           TLE-500 Edger featuring gear / shaft driven cutting blade

1986           AST-7000 Electric Start Trimmer / Brushcutter

1986           TLE-550 Edger and TBL-455 Backpack Blower with innovative frame / harness system

1987           TED-260 Reversible and TED-265 Reversible / Hammer Drill

1988           TST-218 Telescopic Shaft Trimmer / Brush Cutter

1989           New Accessory Merchandiser Kits

1990           ECS-320 / ECS-330 (32cc) Chainsaws and TED-262 Drill

1991           SRS Sound Reduction System used on TBC-220SS, THT-210, TED-210 and TCP-210

1992           TBC-250 / 300 Grass Trimmers with SRS

1993           TPE-250 Portable / Handheld Edger / TED-262L Drill with locking gear case

1994           THT-2120 26" Double Sided Hedge trimmer with the Quick-Twist pivoting rear handle

1995           TED-262R Drill with reverse

1996           TBC-2510 Trimmer, ECS-3301 / 3351 Chainsaws

1997           THT-2520 30” Double Sided Hedge Trimmer

1998           40cc PureFire Engine, TCS-3401 Chainsaw

1999           26cc PureFire Engine, Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment

2000           25cc PureFire Engine

2003           PF-3300 PureFire Engine

2010           PureFire II Engine




In 1918, the Tanaka business was started in Japan by Takashi Tanaka who created “Tanaka Iron Works” near Tokyo, Japan. In 1941 the manufacturing plant near Narashino (approximately 25 miles SE of Tokyo) was built and in 1948, Tanaka began research and development of compact internal combustion engines. In 1950, the company name was changed to Tanaka Kogyo Co., Ltd. The word “Kogyo” (pronounced “Koh-gyoh”) means industries in Japanese.

In 1951, Tanaka began mass production of moped engines and in 1954 produced and marketed a 125 cc motorcycle engine. Their focus on larger, moped and motorcycle engines continued until 1962, when they opened a plant in Shirako and introduced the world’s smallest industrial, general purpose 2-cycle engine (22cc/P-7). In 1965, Sieken Tanaka (Takashi’s son) became President of the company and they began their pursuit of worldwide markets.

In 1968, Tanaka began marketing50, 60 and 100 cc motorcycle engines for export to North America. In 1971, they produced a new chainsaw and hedge trimmer for export markets and in 1974, introduced a 2.5 hp outboard motor that would eventually be private label for Sears. In 1975, Tanaka expanded its production plant in Shirako and began production of a 23 cc (1.2 hp) bicycle motor.

In 1978, Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd. was established in Kent, WA to pursue and support North American sales. In 1984, Tanaka acquired a small mail order company, Aquabug International, expanded its product offering and renamed it Sporting Edge.

In 1985, Tanaka relocated its entire operation to a new 70,000 sq. ft. facility in Bothell, WA. In 1987, the Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd/Sporting Edge assets were purchased from Tanaka Japan by an investment group led by Bill Thomson. The company, while now separate from Tanaka Japan, retained the identity of Tanaka Kogyo (USA) Co., Ltd and the exclusive marketing rights for Tanaka North, Central and South America.

In 1989, Tanaka’s USA assets and marketing rights were purchased by the Ariens Co. of Brillion, Wisconsin. Soon after, a new subsidiary company of Ariens, Tanaka Ltd., was established to continue marketing and support of Tanaka products. In 1990, a new line of Ariens brand 2-cycle handheld products (made by Tanaka) was introduced for Ariens Distributors and Dealers. In 1992, Ariens discontinued its relationship with Tanaka and ISM was established by a five long-time Tanaka employees.

In May of 2007, Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd from Japan acquired Tanaka and created two new companies- Nikko Tanaka Engineering Co., Ltd. to conduct OPE manufacturing and domestic sales in Japan and then Nikko Tanaka Engineering USA Ltd., to conduct North American sales and support, based out of Auburn, WA.

By January 2009, the business functions of Nikko Tanaka Engineering USA were fully absorbed as a brand within Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd’s North American division; Hitachi Koki USA Ltd (commonly referred to as Hitachi Power Tools) based out of Norcross, GA. The goal has been to create synergy between Tanaka Outdoor Power Equipment and the Hitachi Power Tool business resulting in improved business efficiencies, and the collaboration of product lines to benefit from technological innovations, as well as share in R&D endeavors going forward.

Looks like they developed that little outboard in 1974.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Giles on April 02, 2015, 03:43:39 pm
I recently bought another Tanaka ECV 4501 that would not run. The chainsaw had about 130# of compression and I did get it to run after cleaning the carb.
I might add that it ran really good but I had already discovered that it had a (not so good looking) piston. I took the cylinder off and saw that there was some scoring of the piston but the cylinder cleaned up like new.
While searching for a piston, I discovered that many hobby shops carry a replacement piston that is used in some ---(airplane/boats)-- or something, and it is for a Fuji IMVAC engine.
When I received the piston, I discovered it was an exact match but had a dome that was polished really good, and it was marked Hitachi.
I have no idea what other engine parts would be the same ---might be that they adapted basically the same engine for this sports application.
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: 660magnum on April 02, 2015, 04:48:09 pm
The Fuji/IMVAC line of model airplane/boat engines as a brand name have not been supported in the USA in 12 years.  Maybe they were actually made by Hitachi?

The Stihl 27.2cc weed whacker engine can use a Zenoah 26cc piston and they are not related. So I suppose it is coincidence?
Title: Re: Tanaka ---Happy and Sad
Post by: Giles on April 02, 2015, 05:34:39 pm
Possibility, but I found the piston with a Tanaka part number search.  I think it was cross-referenced though.