Homelite 7-29 rehab

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cbfarmall

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Decided finally to dive into this to figure out why this saw has been running so poorly. I mean it couldn't hold an idle, smoked like a chimney and wasn't particularly strong. I figured the seals were bad so I started with the clutch side and found it to be rather oily. Problem is the bearing is loose and the PTO bearing is a ball bearing so that is very bad news. I could wiggle the clutch end and watch recoil pully move up and down. I already have the saw tore completely down and that bearing is certainly toasted.

I have a couple feelers out for new parts, but I am wondering something else:

I see Bryce has 2 5-30 crankcases with cranks for sale in good condition. Assuming the bearings are tight, would these cases interchange with the 7-29? Is it important if the saw is a 5-30 or 5-30N? My guess is it would work.

I hope someone here could answer this. If I had an IPL for the 5-30 I could figure it out, too.

Thanks, Chris B.

Obligatory pic, before teardown:

attachment.php
 
God I love those old Homelites.

Good luck!

Matt

Yes, they are pretty awesome. I sure know I wouldn't want to swing this one around all day, maybe if I moved up to the 9 series.

I've already found one major difference between the 5-30 and the 7-29 cranks. The wrist pin boss on the rod is twice as wide on the 7-29. There are 2 bearings in mine! I think you have to move up to an antique tractor to find a boss that wide. It's at least an inch!

Chris B.
 
Chris, I can't help with info or parts,
But good luck with the project. Very
nice saw. I have one thats needs a total
resto so post some pic's along the way.


Lee
 
I'll do what I can Lee for photos. I'm not restoring this one. It's pretty clean and original as is. Just want it to run right.

Did a quick google search for the PTO bearing 5205. Looks to be fairly common.

BTW Lee, do you know of a source to find needle rollers (for the rod big end) by size? I seriously doubt I'll find the original Homelite part.

Chris B.
 
Chris, I have bought many bearings from
Action bearing in Boston Ma. I can get you
there number in a little bit.


Lee

Sure Lee, that would be appreciated. Do you think they can get loose needle rollers? I do have a few sets for my 2100s I should probably measure before I get too far ahead of myself.

Chris B.
 
Mark can you email the 7-29 file? I could see if I had bearing here to fit Chris's saw. Also the 475 your working on what model of pioneer would that be? All my numbers are for pioneer.
Bob
 
Mark can you email the 7-29 file? I could see if I had bearing here to fit Chris's saw. Also the 475 your working on what model of pioneer would that be? All my numbers are for pioneer.
Bob

Hey Bob-

A lot of those older Pioneer numbers were made modern by adding the prefix 507, if you didn't know that already.

The 475 really didn't have a Pioneer equivalent since they were a Partner/Jonsered/Poulan trifecta saw having been designed primarily by Partner (7700).
 
Hey Bob-

A lot of those older Pioneer numbers were made modern by adding the prefix 507, if you didn't know that already.

The 475 really didn't have a Pioneer equivalent since they were a Partner/Jonsered/Poulan trifecta saw having been designed primarily by Partner (7700).

Thanks JJ,
That explains why I had no luck matching numbers. I will get you a copy of them part numbers that came in that box soon. If there is any more goodies in that box I will ship them out to you. I added a carlton 24 bar and chain to the 372 now. Just loven that saw.
Thanks again
Bob
 
Thanks JJ,
That explains why I had no luck matching numbers. I will get you a copy of them part numbers that came in that box soon. If there is any more goodies in that box I will ship them out to you. I added a carlton 24 bar and chain to the 372 now. Just loven that saw.
Thanks again
Bob

I'll look around and see if I can't find a full-wrap handle for the 346. I'll bet I can- I'd bet good money once you have that one in your hands it'll be the only saw you run. :)
 
Chris, I don't have one for the 5-30 but I do have IPL's for the 5-20 and 7-29 if you need them.

Mark,

Thanks for the offer, but I have 2 versions of the 7-29 IPL and I don't yet have a 5-20.

What do you think your buddies would have said if I whipped out this 7-29 to block up that tree.

Chris B.
 
Last edited:
Mark can you email the 7-29 file? I could see if I had bearing here to fit Chris's saw. Also the 475 your working on what model of pioneer would that be? All my numbers are for pioneer.
Bob

Bob,

If you want to look up part numbers, I'll list them right here.

73557 needle bearing - need 2
71164 main bearing
50033 retaining ring
74139 cyl gasket
72969 int gasket
72206 needle rollers
72514 clutch drum bearing - need 2
71167 rod bearing

Interesting enough, the needle rollers #72206 for the rod big end also fit the 9-series saws.

Chris B.
 
Good news. I found every part that I need, plus a set of rings. Joyce has some of it, Hawkins has the rest! Even found 3 sets of the lower rod needles. Never thought I'd dig that up.

Here's a couple of interesting shots:

The 7-29 and 990G together. Homelite came a long way in the few years between the release of these 2 saws.
attachment.php


Next, you have an 038Mag piston on top of the 7-29 piston. The 990 jug on top of the 7-29 cylinder, next to the 990 piston. The 7-29 piston is gigantic and I saw that Homelite did away with the goofy high dome that was in the 26LCS.
attachment.php
 
Rick,

That's Oregon 9/16" chipper, barely used. I cut it down from a 50" loop.

I'll get a close-up of that logo next chance I get. What it says, however, is:
'Oregon, Armor Tip, Saw Bar'. Got it from Joyce for a song.

I can't wait to get my parts and put this monster back together.

Chris B.
 
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