Author Topic: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156] (Read 2852 times)

deezlfan · « **on:** December 18, 2017, 01:06:16 pm »

I have been thinking about getting a second one of these saws for a while now. I even started collecting a few parts from here and there. I did a swap with Jacob J a while back that got me a bunch of parts from a 65cc Efco cut off saw that may be useful. So last week, I saw a parts saw on eBay for a C note with free shipping. Looked rough and but mostly there. Will update when I get the sticky mess of melted packing peanuts and gasoline off my hands and clothes long enough to handle my digital camera. I estimate there was at least a half tank of fuel in this baby when they slipped it inside the box. Luckily they did wrap the saw in plastic first so I don't need to get the Styro-goo out of the nooks and crannys.

We used to have a JD tractor we called jonny popper. I think I'll call this saw Jonny Peanut. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

deezlfan · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2018, 10:31:23 am »

Well this thing was so ratty when I unboxed it, I tossed it on my project shelf thinking it might just be a parts source for my other saw instead of a builder as originally intended. Finally got around to evaluating the saw this weekend and I am pleasantly surprised. A lot of the screws were missing, so stripping off the recoil and top cover went fast. The chain brake and clutch cover likewise. Despite all the dirt oil and saw dust, everything else was there and the only damaged part I could find was the intake boot between the carb and air box. It was deformed from the cover just being forced on for shipping, but it may be usable if I install it correctly.

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So, down to the nitty gritty. Pulled the muffler and this thing looks really good. The muffler confirmed the the previous owner wasn't stingy with the oil. The piston was in excellent shape on the exhaust side and there was some piston wash on top that allowed me to see that there is no signs of distress on top.

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So I screwed in my compression gauge and reinstalled the recoil. Yanked and yanked but she wouldn't push any higher than 60psi. Disappointment at first but then I realized the decomp was stuck open. Once I fixed that, I get 130. Not to bad. So what's a guy to do? Screw in a plug and see if she pops. A shot of premix down the throat and she pops and runs til she's dry.

This project is starting to look better....

deezlfan · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2018, 10:48:10 am »

So all the fuel system is needing attention. New in tank filter and lines and a carb kit. Iron out the intake boot and that might get this up and running. Will need a couple of the wires running to the kill switch repaired and replace all the screws that came up missing. The chain brake works but needs about a pound of saw dust removed. I will have to get it running to evaluate the oiler system but I have confidence that it will work. The previous owner made a mess scratching an ID number into all the covers but that doesn't hurt anything. A good cleaning and I have a solid 56cc back up saw.

farmboy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2018, 11:30:55 pm »

CS56 is same as 956 is dual port cyl. 156 is quad port. Just for info. I did a basic woods port on a 956 that baby woke up!! Really need to change ex. deflector they blow on chain brake handle and or mod the muffler really helps these saws a lot. I really like these saws. Just got a nice CS62 has scored piston hoping it wasn't but. IMO Efco's best 152,156,162. Need info I can help.
Shep

deezlfan · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2018, 09:30:46 am »

Thanks Farmboy.

I opened the louvers on my original saw with a screwdriver and added a bit of felt to the air filter seal to reduce the amount of fines that squeeze through but I am happy with it as is. I am over 30 full cords of firewood with it since I got it in 2009. Mine is tough as nails.

I hear that the 56cc is better than the 165 model, not sure why.

Is there a set of Caber rings that would fit the factory piston? I can't seem to find a listing on Efco saws in any of those series.

deezlfan · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2018, 08:17:16 am »

Update. Appears that this saw was sidelined because of broken fuel and impulse lines. Couldn't find any other issues other than that. After a good cleaning session it was time to start tracking down the missing parts. Mostly missing bolts and fuel lines. Standard hardware store metric screws for all the covers. I couldn't see paying $20 for the fuel line with the curly cue twist in it but it took a while to find a line with the proper inside and outside diameters to replace it.

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Couldn't salvage the boot between the carb and the cover, so I had to order one. Took 3 weeks to get through an on line retailer but wasn't a rush.

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Reassembled the saw yesterday and fueled it up. She needed a tiny bit of fuel down the carb throat to get it to fire but once it did, it idled and revs as it should. Restarts one pull warm and three pulls cool. Oiler is working. Found that I did not get that rubber guide block that slides over the carb screw to facilitate carb adjustments but I can live with that. Will have to wait 'til the mud dries a bit to get up to the wood lot to put it in real wood. Meanwhile I'll touch up the previous owner scratched in identifying marks with some JD green aerosol.

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Cut4fun . · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2018, 09:01:03 am »

Seen the red versions in menards. But have yet to ever see one come through my way.

156 was the mag cased ones right? 152 was the plastic I am thinking. Just dont see them here.

deezlfan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2018, 09:45:27 am »

Yes, magnesium case and clutch cover. I know many don't consider these Pro saws but I think they are very close in quality and construction to a Husqvarna.

I put this one back in service for $13 in addition to the $100 initial purchase, so I'm happy. .

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Author Topic: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156] (Read 2852 times)

deezlfan

JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

deezlfan

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

deezlfan

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

farmboy

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

deezlfan

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

deezlfan

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

Cut4fun .

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

deezlfan

Re: JD CS-56 Project Saw [Efco 156]

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