346 xp time to replace ?

[stevesjc]

I bought this 346 xp back in 2005 I think for use around my property not for any paid work and have used it to fell some big trees as well as more mundane things .
Never had anything major just usual wear n tear until last week and the engine is goosed - mecanic seems to think it got overheated .

probably gonna cost the equivalent of $300 to repair it .

I am a bit attached to it but wonder for similair money is there something kinda similair ? fast light decent power to weight ratio.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Well worth keeping and rebuild.

Repair it yourself or let them do it right . If a OE. Make sure you update it from the plastic clamp. Known issue.

I just fixed a NE for maybe 125 total if you counted my labor cost to do it with piston kit etc and cleaning up oem cylinder to reuse.

Farmer had never checked cylinder bolts etc. Bolts loose etc. Pic after cleaning saw and fixing.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

OE I just did and sold too.

Rebuild them and keep them going. They dont make them like they used to.

 

[jltrent]

Put it on an auction site and it will bring crazy high. I have a couple 350 s I bought with a bad cylinder/piston and replaced with 346xp top ends. Get one of those and you will have the same performance.

 

[David Ellis]

I am a bit attached to it but wonder for similair money is there something kinda similair ? fast light decent power to weight ratio.

no

 

[Gord404]

Quality seems to be a thing of the past on most small saws - Husky and Stihl- I stick around the 3 series area and some of the pre junk stihls -I do rebuid a lot of saws... imo

 

[quattro.pilot]

you will not be able to buy a new equivalent saw for $300.

If the mechanic is willing to properly R&R your 346 with oem parts for 300 bucks then that should be your course of action.

Conversely you could sell it to me as a parts saw.. I'll give you $80

 

[Kanscruzer]

you will not be able to buy a new equivalent saw for $300.

If the mechanic is willing to properly R&R your 346 with oem parts for 300 bucks then that should be your course of action.

Conversely you could sell it to me as a parts saw.. I'll give you $80

$110,, going once goin,,,,

 

[quattro.pilot]

I just fixed a NE for maybe 125 total if you counted my labor cost to do it with piston kit etc and cleaning up oem cylinder to reuse.

What was your technique/materials employed for cleaning up the cylinder as well as you got it? Sanding? Acid?

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

What was your technique/materials employed for cleaning up the cylinder as well as you got it? Sanding? Acid?

I dont used acid any more.

Easy as 1 2 3.

3 isn't needed but I like results of a fresh crosshatch. You only do it slow a few seconds each way at end.

I use flapper to clean transfer, then hand check with emery clothe going over it where was.

 

[Tomyp89]

I know i have a problem, i bought a 560 as a backup and in the mean time repaired my 346ne. Turns out the used backup cost about the same as the rebuild. Maybe i could have gotten away a little cheaper but if it will last another 15 years of reliable duty without any investments them i gotta say ive spend more cash less responsible.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Save it and spend that $300 on tooling to be able to diagnose and repair the issue yourself and the parts you’ll need. Find the reason it failed, try save the cylinder and go from there regarding what parts need replacing. Modern saws both Husky and Stihl, are not what they use to be in terms of reliability, quality and construction.

 

[Gord404]

Save it and spend that $300 on tooling to be able to diagnose and repair the issue yourself and the parts you’ll need. Find the reason it failed, try save the cylinder and go from there regarding what parts need replacing. Modern saws both Husky and Stihl, are not what they use to be in terms of reliability, quality and construction.

trouble is people don't have a lot of choice anymore

 

[pioneerguy600]

trouble is people don't have a lot of choice anymore

I will keep my old ones,thanks.

 

[John Lyngdal]

I bought this 346 xp back in 2005 I think for use around my property not for any paid work and have used it to fell some big trees as well as more mundane things .
Never had anything major just usual wear n tear until last week and the engine is goosed - mecanic seems to think it got overheated .

probably gonna cost the equivalent of $300 to repair it .

I am a bit attached to it but wonder for similair money is there something kinda similair ? fast light decent power to weight ratio.

I've rebuilt a handful of 346XP saws and it's all the ask is a pretty straightforward undertaking. I haven't priced OEM piston and cylinder sets in some time and they have increased from the $130 USD for my last set a couple years ago to nearly $200. Ouch! Fortunately pistons are significantly less expensive, if the aluminum deposits on the cylinder sidewall can be successfully removed. Given the price increase on the replacement components, $300 breaks down to $200 for parts and $100 for 2, possibly 3 hours of labor. If you do choose to have the mechanic repair your saw, ask for the old parts to be returned as they will only be getting more difficult to find and more costly.

Just out of curiosity, where in France are you located?
If you're near Bordeaux or Ales, I could pack the needed tools and meet up with you in June.