Husqvarna 181 SE

[TrunkJunky]

I have got plenty of experience starting Husqvarna 395 and Stihl 660,088. But, based on the comments, this is going to be a whole new experience.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

I have got plenty of experience starting Husqvarna 395 and Stihl 660,088. But, based on the comments, this is going to be a whole new experience.

Its just a simple technique thing- learned in the days of old before big saws all got decompression valves.
Some folk opt for rescue saw D handles- but they are a bit bulky for my liking. Main criteria is to pull the rope like you mean it after setting the piston to the compression stroke- not dissimilar to starting the old Honda XR500R when they were first released.

 

[dogfather]

My fuzzy memory is that the 181 was never available with a full wrap from the factory. It was made available on the 281 and 288 saws, but is not interchangable, the reason being in that two different fuel tanks were used. The tank for the 281/288 saws has the engine mounts further "aft" and this allows the saw to use the full wrap and a functioning brake. There was a TSB, and I probably have it somewhere.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

My fuzzy memory is that the 181 was never available with a full wrap from the factory. It was made available on the 281 and 288 saws, but is not interchangable, the reason being in that two different fuel tanks were used. The tank for the 281/288 saws has the engine mounts further "aft" and this allows the saw to use the full wrap and a functioning brake. There was a TSB, and I probably have it somewhere.

Interesting. My 181 has full wrap, always wondered if it came that way or was added on later.

 

[dogfather]

the tank for the 281/288 will "fit" the 181 engine with modification to the throttle linkage, but the 181 tank will not fit the 281/288. the 181 tank has been unavailable as a replacement part for 20-plus years

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Barrett’s IPL shows a wrap handle, 1985
But, a different pt# for the next year, 281 wrap.

I put a Dukes clutch cover/brake on my 288 with wrap and it fits fine. The oe cover with plastic flag does not. However, the oe metal flag, not the wrap one, does fit.

Thanks. Now I have to find one of these, sigh…
Like I need another saw…

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

the tank for the 281/288 will "fit" the 181 engine with modification to the throttle linkage, but the 181 tank will not fit the 281/288. the 181 tank has been unavailable as a replacement part for 20-plus years

Seems to me you should be able to swap the trigger from 181 to the later style tank? I know 281/288 has the little roller linkage, 181 has the wire link like a 61/162/266 etc.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Barrett’s IPL shows a wrap handle, 1985
But, a different pt# for the next year, 281 wrap.

I put a Dukes clutch cover/brake on my 288 with wrap and it fits fine. The oe cover with plastic flag does not. However, the oe metal flag, not the wrap one, does fit.

Thanks. Now I have to find one of these, sigh…
Like I need another saw…

lol. Took me a few years of searching to find that 181. Got lucky because it pretty much fell into my lap. Got it for a song as well.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Seems to me you should be able to swap the trigger from 181 to the later style tank? I know 281/288 has the little roller linkage, 181 has the wire link like a 61/162/266 etc.

Or, swap carbs?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Or, swap carbs?

I’m thinking that would work as well. 281/288 is governed carb but that’s easy enough to take care of if one wanted to do so.

 

[wcorey]

Yeah I don't know what the inside of that cover looks like unfortunately this saw is couple hours away so I don't have a opportunity to inspect it. The other thing about it is it's got a top air filter cover on it that says XP on it it doesn't look like a sticker it looks like it's embossed. I'm kind of seeing red flags all over the place that maybe I should just pass on it. I will post another picture of it in a moment I got to transfer it to my tablet

I believe that could very well be the original top cover...