Husky 359 EPA muffler mod-Help Please.

[crankincraig]

I was looking for help for modding a muffler on a Husky 359 , it is the Cat. type muffler , one of those saws with the green gas cap. Can I cut the muffler in half with a cutoff wheel on a die grinder and remove the guts, install the double barrel shotgun modification then weld it back together. I am not afraid about cutting it open but not sure what suprises I will find inside.
I tried searching but couldn't find any info on modding the EPA type muffler Thanks for any help.

 

[troutfisher]

I think you could do it, or start with a non cat muffler. here's a link.





http://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-bin/baileys/5905?mv_session_id=meMexDnw&product_sku=503 91 75-03

 

[MADDOG_359]

No question...junk the etec muffler and buy a non-etec from baileys!!!
Trust me as I have learned the hard way.

 

[Steve128]

No question...junk the etec muffler and buy a non-etec from baileys!!!
Trust me as I have learned the hard way.

+1

 

[nisse]

The cat-plate contains some real nasty stuff, so be cautious when cutting.
Or, preferably, buy a non-cat to mod.

/Nisse

 

[crankincraig]

Thanks guys , Baileys it is. Non EPA muffler then mod that.

 

[Four Paws]

The cat-plate contains some real nasty stuff, so be cautious when cutting.
Or, preferably, buy a non-cat to mod.

/Nisse

What sort of nasty stuff is that?

 

[nisse]

Don't know exactly, but HVA says the coating in and on the catalytic element is hazardous to touch and recommend protective gloves. Even when changing spark arrestor mesh...
Supposed to be highly carcinogenic( like just about everything nowadays..)

For the cost of a muffler, I'd never risk breathing dust from that crap when cutting & drilling in search of hidden horsepower.

/Nisse

 

[SawTroll]

:jawdrop: Hmmmmm - first time I have read anything like that, about saw cats - but it sounds logic........

 

[Austin1]

I did the same thing you want to do with my 2159 {same saw} I picked up a non cat muffler and did a mod to it. Just a single barrel for me I will leave the double for the pheasant's! But it did make a difference and I think you will be real happy with your 359. Plus I have some run time on my cat muffler so if it dies for some reason slap it on and take it in for warranty work. But I don't think it will die! It has probably been said a million times but you will have to richen up the mixture screw a bit.That means shave or pull off the limiter caps. I did mine by inserting two small eye glass screw drivers in the holes next to the slot on the limiter cap and pulling them off without shaving the plastic stop.

 

[redprospector]

Don't know exactly, but HVA says the coating in and on the catalytic element is hazardous to touch and recommend protective gloves. Even when changing spark arrestor mesh...
Supposed to be highly carcinogenic( like just about everything nowadays..)

For the cost of a muffler, I'd never risk breathing dust from that crap when cutting & drilling in search of hidden horsepower.

/Nisse

Yea, that sound's about par. The EPA comes up with a way to lessen (in their minds) the amount of pollution coming from a saw, and in the process kills every one working with, or on the saw.
Less saw opperators = less pollution.

Andy

 

[nisse]

:jawdrop: Hmmmmm - first time I have read anything like that, about saw cats - but it sounds logic........

Actually, I think it was YOU who provided the link to the manual I quoted

But I've heard it from other sources as well, so I wouldn't risk it just to save a penny or two.

/Nisse

 

[MADDOG_359]

Another thing ive noticed with the non-etec muffler is the HUGE decrease in heat coming off from around the engine compared to the etec muffler. So even if it does throw out some raw fumes it saves my saw

 

[Austin1]

Another thing ive noticed with the non-etec muffler is the HUGE decrease in heat coming off from around the engine compared to the etec muffler. So even if it does throw out some raw fumes it saves my saw

Yes the non cat does run way cooler! just look at the owner's manual it says clean the cooling fins daily if it has a cat muffler on it, and weekly if it does not. Made me think I have to get rid of it.

 

[MADDOG_359]

Heres a couple of pics that might help ya. The first is from the cylinder side looking through to the exit, second is the finished product with the bracket cut out. With a spark arrestor of course