Husky 346 NE Echo 501

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Husqvarna 550 MKII. They have updated the crank bearings once again. Was awhile back this year. Just getting around to updating in places. So look for the SB.

MKII still having failures.

Posted by a tech - Bearings are QVW now no longer SDK per bulletin.
 

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Husqvarna 550 MKII. They have updated the crank bearings once again. Was awhile back this year. Just getting around to updating in places. So look for the SB.

MKII still having failures.

Posted by a tech - Bearings are QVW now no longer SDK per bulletin.

That's really disappointing to hear. Any word on the 562s, as well?

I'll have to check the serial on my 550xpg. Still unfueled, so maybe I'll send it down the road.
 
That's really disappointing to hear. Any word on the 562s, as well?

I'll have to check the serial on my 550xpg. Still unfueled, so maybe I'll send it down the road.
I still blame 50:1.

Run good FD oil and at least 40:1. Folks running at least that I dont hear or read about issues.
 
I still blame 50:1.

Run good FD oil and at least 40:1. Folks running at least that I dont hear or read about issues.
Yea, that's what everyone says. Some suggest even going higher oil at 32:1 for the x-torques and 5-series.

I switched to 40:1 after my 562 ate it's bearings in 2023. It was a hard use saw that was mostly bucking firewood, but always kept clean with chains/bar in good order and only made it to 600 hours or a little more.
 
I haven't exceeded 20" with my stock 359 yet. Seems to be a good fit, though I'm tempted to go down to 18" in the future. I know a lot of people run 24" on them stock.
Ya I did a 16 20 and just had to try a 24 with full skip. Just for kicks.

So ordered one in. Cheap bar too.

I owned 2159's and I wouldnt try that stock. 20" max to me for hardwoods
 

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I still blame 50:1.

Run good FD oil and at least 40:1. Folks running at least that I dont hear or read about issues.
I ran my early 562 hard at 32:1 or greater and never had an issue. Doing the same with my 550xp MK2 and don't anticipate any issue.
I agree with you. It's not the heavy piston, it's the lack of oil. A strato running 50:1 has way less oil going through it than a regular two stroke at 50:1.
 
Yea, that's what everyone says. Some suggest even going higher oil at 32:1 for the x-torques and 5-series.

I switched to 40:1 after my 562 ate it's bearings in 2023. It was a hard use saw that was mostly bucking firewood, but always kept clean with chains/bar in good order and only made it to 600 hours or a little more.
Nothing wrong with 32:1.
 
Dustin was kind enough to send me a extra homemade spike.

Kickstand spike that will fit the 346 etc. Plus 359 etc spike to compare to stop that weeble wobble I must fall over crap on it's side while set down idling.

Stock 346 stock 359 spike and the homemade one. It will be black when put on and weighed too.
 

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