Finally! My 288XP!

[MarkEagleUSA]

There are used OEM cylinders floating around. I would definitely want one of those rather than aftermarket.

Why is this? I thought Meteor was comparable to OEM? A few people have told me to stay away from A/M jugs and pistons for the 288. Is this a 288 oddity?

 

[mdavlee]

288 cylinders are pretty easy to come by. I would search for one of them first.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

288 cylinders are pretty easy to come by. I would search for one of them first.

Ok... who's got a good condition OEM 288 cylinder with decomp for sale?

 

[HuskStihl]

Why is this? I thought Meteor was comparable to OEM? A few people have told me to stay away from A/M jugs and pistons for the 288. Is this a 288 oddity?

Pistons probably, but I would bet cash money that an OEM XP cylinder will make more power than a meteor, and much more than some of the other brands

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

I'll already tell my colleague that the engine is broken, if he gives me the saw I'll start by cleaning everything, and maybe wait for a good deal for a cylinder / piston.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Can't get to any wood until the weekend to try her out but she's purring at 2600 idle and tached at 12,000 while still 4-stroking. I won't push that until I can get some cuts in.

Finally had some time to try her out today (no pics or vid since nobody was around to help). Lots of power and surprisingly smooth compared to what I was expecting from reading various threads around here. Ok, so it was only 6 or so cookies, but it felt really smooth. That's with 6 hard rubber A/V mounts with the big front spring. It doesn't feel any worse than my old 162SE so I can live with it for now.

Replaced a few more small items and got some decals for it. Does anyone know for sure where the "288XP" decal goes on the hi-top cover? Top or rear panel? I've seen pics with it in both places so can't tell for sure.

Put a new brake handle on it since the old one was cracked and melted by the exhaust outlet. Replaced the modded muffler with an AM tube outlet muffler for the time being. Will probably add another tube outlet to it soon. And a new 28" TechLite and a couple of loops of skip chain should be here this week.

I think the clutch is on its way out... lots of odd sounds from it at idle. That'll probably be the last major replacement. Then I hope to do a gasket delete to try and gain a little more oomph outta this puppy.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this saw and I'm glad I finally found one. To anyone on the fence about a 288XP, just go for it... you won't regret it.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Some updated pics with the new 28" bar with full-skip chain, and some decals.

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

Nice saw! I'll have exactly the same saw in two days, when my parts are there! I just waiting for the decals I ordered from chainsawr.

I also painted magnesium parts with orange Kubota.

Can you make some vids of your saw?opcorn:

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Can you make some vids of your saw?

I've been trying to get some video in the cut but haven't really had the time lately. Not sure if I'll be able to get it done this coming weekend but I'll try.

 

[old 040]

lookin good mark...............here's mine, unfortunately it doesn't see much use, but nice to know it's there if needed...................

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Updated idling video. New oil pump, drive gear, and clutch drum... no more Star Wars sound effects!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I just picked up a side port muffler for the 288 that I want to mod. Do I totally remove the little flap under the front deflector? Do I enlarge the opening as well?

It would be great if anyone has any pictures of a modded 288 muffler that they could post. I tried searching but all the threads are older with broken links and/or missing pictures.