346xp OE Rebuild

[Full Chisel]

Bought this 346 off fleabay for a song a while back with the intention of rebuilding it. It was a runner but apparently it took a fall or a log fell on it because the top cover was missing and the cylinder was missing almost half of the fins. I had been looking for a 346 project for a bit after buying a good condition used 42mm P&C from a member here that upgraded his to an NE 44.3mm top end.

Had to replace quite a few odds and ends and the clutch and drum which was not original and did not allow the brake to engage(smaller diameter than stock). Hoping for good compression with a caber ring and base gasket delete. Sealed it up with motoseal...fingers crossed and giving it 24hrs for good measure. Muffler mod in the works to let her breathe.

Looking forward to seeing how this one performs compared to the 350s!

 

[sunfish]

Nice!

 

[Big_Wood]

it's gonna scream. make sure you tune it right as the OE really shines at about 14.2. will go way higher once ported.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Light and lotsa jam, that's what I like about the 346.

 

[Big_Wood]

just for everyones info, i bought a modded gypo 346 from timber tool. i pulled it apart and the only mod done was he electrical taped a reed in the intake port! i'm still pissed! the muffler mod was a fiberglassed deflector to the muffler. smoked like hell and stunk like a gay1212 bag'o'dicks. he said it was a great performer.

 

[Full Chisel]

just for everyones info, i bought a modded gypo 346 from timber tool. i pulled it apart and the only mod done was he electrical taped a reed in the intake port! i'm still pissed! the muffler mod was a fiberglassed deflector to the muffler. smoked like hell and stunk like a gay1212 bag'o'dicks. he said it was a great performer.

Sounds like a turd, lmao!

 

[Full Chisel]

Welp, fired her up this morning and she runs...with a massive air leak. Damn.

 

[sunfish]

^^^ Easy fix, seals or plastic intake clamp.^^^

346xp OE ported. Still 4 stroking.

 

[Full Chisel]

I used a metal clamp with the old partition and even used sealer around the flange...don't think that is the culprit. Could be seals, probably should have gone ahead and replaced them while I was in it.

 

[sunfish]

I used a metal clamp with the old partition and even used sealer around the flange...don't think that is the culprit. Could be seals, probably should have gone ahead and replaced them while I was in it.

I have an old OE that runs funny, can't tune it. I suspect seals & will replace em this Fall.

 

[Full Chisel]

Just for kicks I swapped out the HDA159A with the Zama out of the 350 and it ran perfect at first but once it warmed up a bit it started racing. Had my hopes up for about 10 seconds, lol.

Guess I'll start with the seals and go from there. I really hope it's not leaking at the base.

 

[old-cat]

Pull the cylinder off. I think you might have a problem right there.

 

[Full Chisel]

Pull the cylinder off. I think you might have a problem right there.

Could very well be...this was my first time sealing one up. I went with a "less is more" approach so I could have had a thin spot or two.

 

[old-cat]

First clean both flat surfaces then use a blue felt marker on one of the flats then rub the cylinder hard against the crankcase to make sure you have good mating surfaces.

 

[spudulike]

Typical air leaks on these saws is a split manifold around the impulse nipple not easy to see, leaks around the manifold or the clutch side seal. when you fit the manifold, take all the plastic off it so you can position it correctly.

 

[Full Chisel]

Well I pulled the cylinder and the seal looked awfully thin so I resealed it with a thicker bead this time. Hopefully that does it but I'm not holding my breath. I looked at the partition closely and I didn't see any tears. I have access to a mityvac at work so if it is still leaking I will probably pressure/vac test it.

How difficult is it to get the seals out? Is there a special tool for that?

Nice to see you around again, old-cat!

 

[sunfish]

Nice to see you around again, old-cat!

Yes it is!

 

[sunfish]

How difficult is it to get the seals out? Is there a special tool for that?

Flywheel side just pops out, easy to replace. Clutch side seal is part of the bearing and the case need to be split.

 

[Full Chisel]

Flywheel side just pops out, easy to replace. Clutch side seal is part of the bearing and the case need to be split.

That's what I was afraid of...

 

[blsnelling]

You can remove and replace the PTO side seal just like any saw.