181se to 288xp

[Mid TN tree]

I'm building a saw for my dad. A 181se but I'm turning it into a 288. He gave me the 52mm top end from the 181 for a oem 288 top end I had. He insisted i use the base gasket. I'm wondering could I get away with reusing the old one? Or should I use a thin coat of motoseal with it? When I build my 288 I won't be using the gasket. Picture is on the complete 181 & then with the 54mm top end almost ready to bolt up

 

[cbfarmall]

Better off using a new gasket, no sealant. Expensive saw.

On another note, considering the reputation of the 181 and the relative abundance of the 288, I'd be leaving that saw as is.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

It's for your Dad.
He spent years putting up with your crap as you grew up. Stop second guessing his decisions and build exactly what he wants.
Buy a new gasket kit with all new gaskets throughout.

Owning all variants of these 81-88 type saws- its hard to pick a difference for general cutting with 24 inch bars on them, that would warrant myself removing a good 181 top end and replacing it with a 288 one- but thats not the point, not my saws.
So do what Dad wants, not what you want. When you build one for yourself, you can decide what goes in and what doesnt.

 

[Mid TN tree]

It's for your Dad.
He spent years putting up with your crap as you grew up. Stop second guessing his decisions and build exactly what he wants.
Buy a new gasket kit with all new gaskets throughout.

Owning all variants of these 81-88 type saws- its hard to pick a difference for general cutting with 24 inch bars on them, that would warrant myself removing a good 181 top end and replacing it with a 288 one- but thats not the point, not my saws.
So do what Dad wants, not what you want. When you build one for yourself, you can decide what goes in and what doesnt.

Thanks bud. I got kit ordered todayv