Makita 6401 "big bore" or no

[Mike Ray]

I have two makita 6401's and I really like them one with 20" bar other 24" bar. I bought a big bore kit to have if one needs rebuilt, my question is that somewhere I read that you don't see much difference with the big bore unless you are running longer bar than 24. would like to hear opinions on this.I have no need for a longer than 24" bar.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Guess that depends on what kind of "big bore" you are talking about?
7900 NLA but bolts on for an instant OEM upgrade- think you might still be able to get 7910 cylinder kits.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Did one on mine a few years ago - from Bailey's. Definite improvement but you're better off with an OEM 7900 top end if you can find one.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Only “big bore” for these saws is aftermarket chicom junk. 7900 top ends are still available if you know where to look. Don’t bother with aftermarket offerings. 7910 top ends are available as well. Go OEM or don’t mess with it.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

My 6401/7900 hybrid, 28” ES light bar 33RS chain.

 

[2StrokeFondler]

Does a Solo 681 P&C fit? They're 81cc and are still available. I think I paid around 250€ for one recently.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Does a Solo 681 P&C fit? They're 81cc and are still available. I think I paid around 250€ for one recently.

Solo 1mm longer stroke and harder to get. So betting different base height etc.

Why guys put 7900's on 681 and thinking they use a spacer to add height. Just my WAG.

Bet Kevin knows. @huskihl

I would just put a oem 79 on it myself. Was around 200 for kit.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

First one I seen online just now was 255 for oem 7900 kit. 2 shops around me used to be 200.

 

[2StrokeFondler]

First one I seen online just now was 255 for oem 7900 kit. 2 shops around me used to be 200.

Still a decent price for an OEM P&C. I think my 681 was from Mahle.

 

[Mike Ray]

wasn't asking about oem or aftermarket p&c , just would like to know if I would see a difference in the wood if I only use a 24" bar. between stock 6401 and say I use a 7900 , or 84cc aftermarket p&c. I know In theory there should be.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

wasn't asking about oem or aftermarket p&c , just would like to know if I would see a difference in the wood if I only use a 24" bar. between stock 6401 and say I use a 7900 , or 84cc aftermarket p&c. I know In theory there should be.

Yes, but people can hardly offer up a broadcast opinion that covers all bases- if you want to know if putting a genuine 7900 top end on your 6401 and see gains using a 24 inch bar- then yes undoubtedly you will- if you are asking regardless of the larger capacity cylinder used- then it becomes a guessing game of maybe- maybe not.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Only “big bore” for these saws is aftermarket chicom junk. 7900 top ends are still available if you know where to look. Don’t bother with aftermarket offerings. 7910 top ends are available as well. Go OEM or don’t mess with it.

wasn't asking about oem or aftermarket p&c , just would like to know if I would see a difference in the wood if I only use a 24" bar. between stock 6401 and say I use a 7900 , or 84cc aftermarket p&c. I know In theory there should be.

I have no problems with mine. Maybe they were better back then.

Mike, I've run both and the 7900 will run a 24" bar much better than the 6401 - imo..

 

[Mike Ray]

that is what I was looking for buzz sawyer, I am going to leave everything as is for now, can cut bigger blocks of firewood than I can lift. I'm under the weather (been taking lung cancer treatments for a year) and just got to thinking about the up grade. thanks to all for your replies.