Idle a new saw

[Orange Wedge]

Is there any merit or gains to be had in letting a new saw idle for its first tank of gas. I have heard it is good and also it does nothing. If it does do any good...what is it?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Qatanlison]

I've talked to technicians at the Husqvarna factory about breaking in a new engine and they just laughed at me...
But the papers says you should run it with the factory set carb for the first 8 hrs. Letting it idle is not a good idea, 'cos that's not the way you're going to use it is it?

/Ola

 

[bwalker]

Its a bad idea IMo.

 

[Dennis]

I will give my 2 cents for what it's worth....


After I finish building a saw(not stock), I will fire it up...run it a tad rich...and let a tank idle through it...after that is done then I pull off the muffler again, and make sure that everything looks good on the inside...typically it should look good...none of those little black streaks that come from the factory on every saw....they aren't there because one dresses the rings...(as Yoda has taught me)...there should obviously be no other marks as well...When that is done, I reset the jets, and go and cut some wood, making sure there are no other issues...then its ready for work.....

The rings do seat, and the saw does change tempermant, and I personally feel this step takes one rung out of the ladder.

In saying that, I must also say that taking a saw off the shelf and firing it up and using it, will never hurt it......done it many times...I just like to double check my work.

 

[jokers]

I feel like a heretic for even suggesting this because a few of the esteemed builders like to idle `em in, but with the exception of the rings, all other moving surfaces within the saw`s engine ride on roller or needle bearings which don`t require break in. I don`t think that the rings seat properly until the engine has been fully loaded for atleast an hour and running on fast idle as some have suggested in the past can actually cause your new engine to be running a lean air/fuel ratio since you are neither on the idle circuit or high speed nozzle. How good is that for a new engine?

Sorry Dennis, I didn`t mean to take aim at your opinion, as it would seem, just stating mine.

Russ

 

[bdenny]

uh-oh! now im worried

I thought I gave my new 353 a gentle break in when I got it but now im worried. I started it up and let it idle for a while, then revved it up a few times to clear it out. Then I put it on fast idle for 1/2 or maybe 3/4 of a tank. Then I made some cuts in only 6 or 8 inch wood keeping the rpms up pretty well to prevent any bog or strain on the motor. I got the saw from commercial cutters direct and they said they always run the saw before it leaves. It seems like it was set up well as the only thing ive had to do is drop the idle a little so far. It accelerates without any hesitation and tops out to that nice "burble"everyone talks about. Russ said that running at fast idle for a while might be a bad thing because its not at idle nor drawing from the high speed jet, but wouldnt the low speed jet provide enough mix? The compression seems great and now im thinking about pulling the muffler to take a peek at the cylinder. One more question on this way too long post. The saw fires after four or five pulls when cold, then I take the choke off and it runs it one or two more. It seems like it is lean for a while though as I have to keep fiddling with the choke and/or throttle for a bit till its warmed up. Once warm I couldnt ask for a better running or cutting saw. Any thoughts appreciated. brent

 

[hlw49]

I have never let one idle for any extended peroid of time when new. I start it and run it with the choke on enough that when you open it wide open it won't run much over a good idle to make sure the engine is gettin enough lubrication. Run it like this about a minute or two and them warm it up and make sure the idle and high speed are set properly. I set the high speed about 300 to 500 rpms under factory recommended no load speed and tell them to bring it back and reset if after 5 tanks of fuel. Just my way of doing things. I know a guy that would start them up and hold it wide open as soon as it started. Never did see one give any trouble.