husqvarna 257 rebuild or replace

[jpsp]

I have had a husqvarna 257 for almost 20 years. recently started having problems. Would fire up then die after about 10 cuts. Rebuilt carb. Improved and was able to almost run a tank through then quit. Tested the compression and only 100 psi. Took off exhaust and from what I see there is no scoring. Will now pull the jug and get a better look. My question is if the cylinder and piston look OK should I just put in a new ring for five bucks and hope that 's the fix or get a new piston or new piston and jug. Had this saw for a long time and cut a fair amount of wood. Any thoughts? worth rebuilding?

 

[grizz55chev]

I have had a husqvarna 257 for almost 20 years. recently started having problems. Would fire up then die after about 10 cuts. Rebuilt carb. Improved and was able to almost run a tank through then quit. Tested the compression and only 100 psi. Took off exhaust and from what I see there is no scoring. Will now pull the jug and get a better look. My question is if the cylinder and piston look OK should I just put in a new ring for five bucks and hope that 's the fix or get a new piston or new piston and jug. Had this saw for a long time and cut a fair amount of wood. Any thoughts? worth rebuilding?

I vote rebuild, but put a good Meteor piston and ring ( Meteor comes with Caber ring ) in it. Do a check on the squish, base gasket delete, and cut another 15 yrs of wood with it.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

It is probably due a set of crank seals- might as well shout her a set of crank bearings while you are in there.
If the internals of the top end check out, new ring and replace all the wear items while you have it stripped down.
Don't neglect the coil either- I mean it should not run at all at 100 psi- but that all depends on your gauge and if it reads good on small capacity motors- a coil heating up and stopping spark could be another culprit.

 

[Stateline Sawer]

I have had a husqvarna 257 for almost 20 years. recently started having problems. Would fire up then die after about 10 cuts. Rebuilt carb. Improved and was able to almost run a tank through then quit. Tested the compression and only 100 psi. Took off exhaust and from what I see there is no scoring. Will now pull the jug and get a better look. My question is if the cylinder and piston look OK should I just put in a new ring for five bucks and hope that 's the fix or get a new piston or new piston and jug. Had this saw for a long time and cut a fair amount of wood. Any thoughts? worth rebuilding?

Re ring it stock, or turn it into a 262xp with some parts and time! Good saws!

 

[Lionsfan]

Replace it. The 3 series and 5 series are better saws.

 

[holeycow]

likely it just needs a ring. Measure it all up to see.

there's no reason to replace still-good parts

 

[Stateline Sawer]

2 series saws are tough as nails! Send it to me, I'll give you a decent price for it.

 

[svk]

I’d definitely rebuild it. That is a great family of saws.

 

[Stateline Sawer]

People who say the 3 series are better, haven't wrenched on them! 2 series are great old school saws!!!

 

[svk]

People who say the 3 series are better, haven't wrenched on them! 2 series are great old school saws!!!

First number is larger so it must be better

 

[Stateline Sawer]

Boo!!!l lol!

 

[Redgap]

I’ve got a weak 257 too, which doesn’t seem scored up, so I’m gonna throw a new ring in it and if that doesn’t perk it up enough, I’m looking forward to turning it into a 262! BTW I’ve got another strong 257 and right now it’s my favorite firewood saw.

 

[Stateline Sawer]

I’ve got a weak 257 too, which doesn’t seem scored up, so I’m gonna throw a new ring in it and if that doesn’t perk it up enough, I’m looking forward to turning it into a 262! BTW I’ve got another strong 257 and right now it’s my favorite firewood saw.

Do it, that series of Huskys deserve it!

 

[Stateline Sawer]

Do it, that series of Huskys deserve it!

I love my 257! It's a beast!

 

[belgian]

I converted a 257 to a 262 with some parts I had laying around. Unfortunately, the cylinder has no decomp, so it's quite a heavy load on the starter to start it. But it surely rips. Very easy saw to work on, so I'd definately put a new piston and seals in it.

 

[jpsp]

I pulled the head and the piston and bore look fine. Think I will put just in a new ring. It had improved a bit after a new spark plug so Bob's advice about the coil is probably spot on.

 

[grizz55chev]

I pulled the head and the piston and bore look fine. Think I will put just in a new ring. It had improved a bit after a new spark plug so Bob's advice about the coil is probably spot on.

Delete that base gasket, you'll thank me later.

 

[jpsp]

Delete that base gasket, you'll thank me later.

so just put it together without a gasket?

 

[grizz55chev]

so just put it together without a gasket?

Yep, lots of posts on the subject. Just make sure you have at least .020 squish. Use a good sealer like the right stuff.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

I pulled the head and the piston and bore look fine. Think I will put just in a new ring. It had improved a bit after a new spark plug so Bob's advice about the coil is probably spot on.

Or it is something dead simple like a carbonised spark arrestor screen?