Get em while they are still usable!

[Tony Snyder]

Non adjustable carbs?

What will the EPA rules do to chainsaws in the next few years?

Will there be a black market in adjustable carbs?

 

[eyolf]

It will be interesting. There are 4 strokes now in the string trimmer world, And Dolmar and Stihl are supposedly experimenting with them in chain saws. Husqvarna has invested some money in a 2/4 stroke hybrid, but their research has only yielded a Jet-ski type craft that can go like a raped ape and still keep the environuts at bay.

One of our moderators posted a pic of a small diesel engine that produced outrageous HP for the military. Many folks think that diesel engines ignite fuel as it is injected into the combustion chamber, but this isn't the only case; the fellow that invented the scheme of a compression-ignition engine applied it to all manner of fuels, even having commercial success with giant engines that used coal dust and crude oil straight from the grouind in the late 1800's. There are diesel model airplane engines.

In the interim, however, I think there's a chance that some pro-level saws will become very valuable for a time. Some national governments will basically outlaw chainsaws that aren't able to meet emission requirements, leaving only those already out in the field. Dealers will rebuild and build them from parts in order to meet the needs of folks that aren't able to make a living elsewise.

It will be the wise fellow that stocks up on 372 Huskies to resell later. Until Dolmar releases its twin turbo diesel, ceramic and space-age resin chainsaw that weighs 3 lbs and produces 1300 hp at 300,000 rpm. Shortly followed by the GE/Phillips lightsabre. I'll be too old to go into the woods when the portable pocket particle accelerators show up, but they will eventually be supplanted by a genetic change in the population where the logger is able to fell the tree and levitate it to the mill with his mind.


I had a Buick GS455 when I was 19. Endless amounts of torque. I missed the days when detroit sold us boats like that; they would pass anything but a filling station on the straightaway, it was nothing to crap out a third-member on a 1-2 shift, and rear tires lasted about 6000 miles.

That old 455 is long gone. But, you can adapt.

 

[treeclimber165]

I still have at least one fully adjustable carb for my preferred climbing saw, an Echo 3400. Haven't had to use it yet, but I have it available for the day that I buy a new saw and can't get it to run strong enough with the EPA carb. Perhaps I need to check out other carbs that might still be available off the shelf. Like an old style carb for an 026 or 046???? The day my 'intellicarb' breaks down on me (or just gets clogged up), I may end up sh1tcanning the whole thing and retro-fitting an older style carb.

 

[stihltech]

epa

I will go the route of learning to make the new technology work. Remeber mid 70 cars? EPA controls at their worst. Look around, performance is back. When they start with a clean sheet, the ways are found.
Small engines? They all are working on it. Every major brand has the next 5 years planned.
As for todays stuff, those of us who will take the time to learn to repair and make the motors perform have a future. EPA carbs are the best thing I have come across for the normal consumer customer. How many saws have I lost because the NEIGHBOR adjusted it for him? Let's check the pile. Performance? I have a pro cutters' 066 that outcuts any of his previous saws, he has owned 4 over the last 6 years,( OK he now knows what maintenance is too). The muffler is an untapped resource.
The are quiet because people asked for it. They have pollution controls because people asked for it. They are safer because people asked for it. People buy chainsaws. Most are amateurs. Unfortunately, they are a majority.
You can try to buck the system, but the people that learn to work it make the bucks. I don't like it either, but I am not giving up either. I see the progressive dealer surviving, saw mods on the rise, with some tuners becoming certified.
Auto performance did not die, it evolved. Small engines will too.

OR, in a few years I will eat my words. I sure could use a big dose of hind sight right now

 

[rahtreelimbs]

What did I do ???

I bought a couple of Shindaiwa 488's a year or so ago. Both had fixed EPA carbs on them. They revved out to about 12,300 rpm. After running an older model and finding out that the factory calls for 13,500 max rpm on this saw I did something about it. I went to my Shindaiwa dealer and purchased fully adjustable carbs at $51 each. Now the saws are up where they should be and run alot stronger. Had the saws been at the right rpm with the fixed carb I wouldn't have bothered. Rich.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Good replies

Stihltech is the brave soul, tackle the technology head on. He will probably be proven to be right in the long run.

These fixed jets may not work out to be too much trouble. I just wanted to see what experiences people were having so far. I only have a few units out in this catagory after restarting handling saws after about a 12 year intermission. I have not yet had an opportunity for any service training on this newest stuff. But I also have not had any significant problems.

I had a Shrevesport Jonsered that would not idle or wrap out cleanly, I did not want to struggle with it so someone got a once in a lifetime deal and I won't have that same problem again.

 

[stihltech]

epa

I have to admit I have learned alot in the last couple of years about the fixed jet. I now keep an assortment of jets and number drills. I think the manufacturers are learning too. Rejetted about half as many saws this year.

 

[Methoss084]

I think that Stihltech is on the right track as well. For years we struggled to to get 020T's and 019T's to run out properly at high RPM's. It became a learning curve for customer and dealer alike. Most professional cutters were annoyed and down right nasty at times after they found out we had sold them a pro saw that they could not adjust in the field. Some of my friends have buckets of Walbros, Zamas and Tillotsons stashed away. Technology over the last 10 years in the small engine world has grown by leaps and bounds.
Look at Kohlers CH26 fuel injected engine for instance. We have a ton of them out in the field right now. We all thought they would flop, but they haven't skipped a beat. I think everyone doubts new technology when it first arrives until they see that it eventually works out better in the long run.
Its kinda weird hopping on a lawnmower and starting it ice cold without any choke, and just go.

 

[rbtree]

Hey rich,

I just bought my first 488, lightly used by a homeowner, on ebay for 197.50

Likely it has an adjustable carb!

I may have Dennis hot rod it for me!!

Roger

 

[tony marks]

i doubt ill out work my 028 or outlive it.
we treat each other good.