576xpAT -autotune unit lifespan?

[IyaMan]

Hey, does anyone have any input on the lifespan of the autotune unit for a 576? Do the electronics hold up for years, or do they eventually have problems?

And would leaving the saw unsued for a few months affect the circuits? Or is there a good way to store the saw in such a case?

If someone has a 576AT from 2012 or earlier, how's the autotune holding up?

(and SawTroll and/or whoever, any idea if the most recent AT unit been updated much since the earlier versions?)

 

[CR888]

AT systems have only been availible for about 5ish years so its hard to say. What we do know is rarely do they fail and are reliable. My guess is they are one of the least likey components to fail on a saw. Like on a car, the computer programmed fuel system is not likely to fail being used daily or after long periods of non operation. Don't be scared, ethanol fuel will damage a carb far quicker or fuel lines degrading would be of more concern. Certain precautions should be made to ANY carb wether they are AT or not.

 

[Termite]

I sold my 576at to my logger buddy in 2012. The generator under the flywheel became loose and damaged the case in the seal area. The generator is close to $100 so I bought a parts saw and swapped parts until I had a good saw. It is still running strong. I would not put as many hours on this saw as he has in my lifetime.

 

[cedarshark]

I just bought a 2012 576(AT) that arrived early this week. It has the original AT circuitry. The saw has seen some use and starts fine but I am in the process of cleaning it up and have not put it in any wood yet.

 

[amberg]

I have a new one so I hope it keeps going for a while, Because it is the last one I will ever buy. I will be happy if I am able to pick it up in a couple more years. Chainsaws fell heavier than they used to I think. It is my first auto tune saw and I am liking it very much so far.

 

[bacon K5]

When I was looking to buy a 576 i read a lot and found a lot of posts about AT units going out often, which seems to disagree with what people are saying here. I ended up going with a carbed unit because it has more power and I know how to fix carbs. If you get an AT and something goes south, you can always replace with a brand new plain carb for $60ish

 

[cedarshark]

The only reason I got an auto tune was to aquaint myself with the operation of these saws as we are very likely to see more and more of them in the future.

 

[hamish]

Gen 1 AT is bulletproof. Like wise Gen 2 for I have never had to change out an AT module due to failure.

 

[IyaMan]

Good to hear hammish. Have you ever had to reset the AT?

 

[cedarshark]

hamish, I only read about 15 pages of the 50+ page thread on the AT hesitation issue but your comments and insight on the AT is informative and appreciated. I have a couple questions if you have the time:

1) I frequently clean my saws with low pressure compressed air mixed with gas or soap/water. Are the electronics in the AT saws sealed to resist this cleaning ?

2) Are the carbs (Zama-EL44's) rebuildable by someone familiar with the old style carbs ?

Thank you.

 

[hamish]

Good to hear hammish. Have you ever had to reset the AT?

Yes, after any extensive repair it need to be reset.

 

[hamish]

The modules are sealed, you may wish to omit the fuel from your cleaning mixture, no sense wasting fuel like that, let alone using soap and water. Compressed air works just fine.

The 576 only used the EL-40, and big shock...............a carb is a carb, still the same as an old style carb, just has a fuel valve mounted to it. It still needs to be cleaned and has a diaphragm, needle etc.............all the serviceable parts.