Makita 6401 from Ebay, what a deal I ended up getting

[Roanoker494]

Snapped a Makita 6401 up off Ebay with in minutes of it being listed for $150. It looks to be a ex-Home depot rental, because of the number scratched into the rear handle, and I bought it under the impression that the saw had no fire. Much to my surprise "Big Brown" came rolling up the driveway with it about 8PM this evening, I did not think they would run with it being Veterans day, and under closer inspection I have found what looks to be a lightly used unit. The saw is showing some exhaust side piston damage, still pulling 150psi, has a new NGK plug, looks to have a new air filter and the best part is the saw is showing good fire for me. The only parts I see missing are the rim, washer and clip. Looks like I will be stopping by the auto parts store tomorrow in hopes of finding a long shaft T27 so I can get the cylinder off.

 

[Mastermind]

Yeah you did good.

 

[ancy]

Just picked up a HD one for my brother for $125 off CL and that guy just couldn't move it. Not much drive for non-stihl around here! Funny thing is got it to his front door from 2 hours away by the owner.

 

[Andyshine77]

You did well. Looks like it was ran on straight fuel. You have the winter filter there, the felt filter is what you want. Bailey's - Felt Air Filter for Dolmar 6400, 7300, 7900 & Makita 6401, 7301, 7901 A dealer will have them for a bit less than Bailey's.

 

[ancy]

You did well. Looks like it was ran on straight fuel. You have the winter filter there, the felt filter is what you want. Bailey's - Felt Air Filter for Dolmar 6400, 7300, 7900 & Makita 6401, 7301, 7901 A dealer will have them for a bit less than Bailey's.

just put the HD filter on it won't let anything through any season!

 

[Andyshine77]

just put the HD filter on it won't let anything through any season!

Very true, but for the average firewood hack the stock filter is fine, the HD isn't cheap.

 

[Roanoker494]

You did well. Looks like it was ran on straight fuel. You have the winter filter there, the felt filter is what you want. Bailey's - Felt Air Filter for Dolmar 6400, 7300, 7900 & Makita 6401, 7301, 7901 A dealer will have them for a bit less than Bailey's.

The piston is not bad enough to have been straight gassed, maybe a little lean or a air leak though. Already have a good felt filter that came off my Dolmar 6400.

 

[ancy]

Very true, but for the average firewood hack the stock filter is fine, the HD isn't cheap.

$150 saw and your adding $69 filter kit and a saw your kids kids kids will be running and grinning!

 

[ancy]

Priceless..................

 

[Roanoker494]

I bought this for the 6400 but have not gotten around to installing it yet, the Dolmar is pulling 180psi and I just can not justify doing the swap. Looks like it may find a home on this 6401.

 

[Andyshine77]

I zoomed in on the pic and you're right it doesn't look that bad, nothing that can't be easily cleaned up.

 

[Andyshine77]

I bought this for the 6400 but have not gotten around to installing it yet, the Dolmar is pulling 180psi and I just can not justify doing the swap. Looks like it may find a home on this 6401.

Not bad kits. The kit Nik has is a bit weaker than OEM 7900's. I have one that Matt sent me that is supposedly stronger than OEM.

 

[Roanoker494]

I zoomed in on the pic and you're right it doesn't look that bad, nothing that can't be easily cleaned up.

In all honesty I can barely even feel anything on the piston through the exhaust port. I believe a little polishing and a new ring would fix it right up, but 150psi isn't bad as is.

 

[Andyshine77]

After I looked closer it appears to be nothing more than light scuffing. I've seen 150 on a few new 7900's, but I've also seen 175-185

 

[Rudolf73]

Nice find for sure!

Your stihl dealer should have a long shaft T27 bit if you can't find one anywhere else.

 

[indiansprings]

Congrats Roanoker, glad you got a good one. It'll make a heck of a saw. I'd just see if it would clean up and run the hell out of it at that price. I'd check it for any leaks. The long shaft T-27 made by Wiha is hard to beat. I taken one and cut it off and welded on a 1/4 drive hex bit and use it in a 1/4" impact driver. It's the best tool ever for assembly/disassembly. For the money you saved on that saw you should get yourself the whole chainsaw mechanics set made by Wiha sold by Bailey's. The german tools by Wiha and Wera are like german made saws, hard to find anything made any better.

 

[madhatte]

Agreed that Wiha tools are excellent. I have a small screwdriver, standard-issue with Campbell Scientific dataloggers, that was with me my entire time on The Boat. I also use the long T27 at work a lot. One of these days I'll get around to buying a full set.

Also: great score on the 6401. Bummed I didn't see it first!

 

[redunshee]

Snapped a Makita 6401 up off Ebay with in minutes of it being listed for $150. It looks to be a ex-Home depot rental, because of the number scratched into the rear handle, and I bought it under the impression that the saw had no fire. Much to my surprise "Big Brown" came rolling up the driveway with it about 8PM this evening, I did not think they would run with it being Veterans day, and under closer inspection I have found what looks to be a lightly used unit. The saw is showing some exhaust side piston damage, still pulling 150psi, has a new NGK plug, looks to have a new air filter and the best part is the saw is showing good fire for me. The only parts I see missing are the rim, washer and clip. Looks like I will be stopping by the auto parts store tomorrow in hopes of finding a long shaft T27 so I can get the cylinder off.

No 150 isn't bad at all. Put a baileys BB kit on my 6400 and it started out at 150. Am sure it will increase but it runs fine right now.
bob

 

[sachsmo]

All those saws and you don't have a T27?

 

[angelo c]

Congrats Roanoker, glad you got a good one. It'll make a heck of a saw. I'd just see if it would clean up and run the hell out of it at that price. I'd check it for any leaks. The long shaft T-27 made by Wiha is hard to beat. I taken one and cut it off and welded on a 1/4 drive hex bit and use it in a 1/4" impact driver. It's the best tool ever for assembly/disassembly. For the money you saved on that saw you should get yourself the whole chainsaw mechanics set made by Wiha sold by Bailey's. The german tools by Wiha and Wera are like german made saws, hard to find anything made any better.

Snap-on makes a great and cheap torx bit that fits into an impact driver( I know the "rope" police will be coming for me) . i have the Wiha set too. can never have enough good tools. For $250 you'll have a 84cc saw with anti-vibes and b@lls too. I run mine next to my 385 often its always easier to pick up another saw then sharpen a chain...hehe

SDMT627, Bit, Power, TORX, T27, 1/4" hex, 6"
ships for like a $buck or so too.

Oh and Roanoaker...thats a great deal. I been looking for the same situation for a while. I swapped out a 64cc for a BB and still have the OEM top end awaiting its donor recipient.