Modified saw

[abohac]

I asked a similiar type question on the chainsaw page but thought I'd throw it out to you guys also. Who has a modified saw out there? Who did it? What did they do? Did it make a major difference in the productivity of the saw?

Also, anyone have a bad experience with tinkering around with your saw? I'm thinking about doing this to my 395XPG but hate to screw up a $1100 saw.

 

[cord arrow]

You need more pop outta' that saw...you've bigger stones than I....

 

[Bowtie]

What kind of mod are you talking about? Muffler modding is easy. Porting ans squish increase is where it gets tricky. I run some of my saws modded, some mostly stock. The only saw I have that I havent done anything to but add the dual port factory cover to is my 064, and its going to stay that way.

 

[abohac]

You need more pop outta' that saw...you've bigger stones than I....

No, not really. It's already more saw than I need. Does everything I want including beating my buddies 660 thru a piece of wood. Don't really know why I want to do this? Did you have to ask me this question? I won't sleep all night trying to figure out the answer.

 

[abohac]

What kind of mod are you talking about? Muffler modding is easy. Porting ans squish increase is where it gets tricky. I run some of my saws modded, some mostly stock. The only saw I have that I havent done anything to but add the dual port factory cover to is my 064, and its going to stay that way.

Why is it going to stay that way? What does the muffler mod do for me (besides make it noisier)?

 

[KsWoodsMan]

The muffler mod reduces the amount of restriction in the exhaust. This restriction traps burned air/fuel in the combustion chamber and reduces the amount of fresh air fuel charge it can get. The remaining spent charge doesnt burn as hot and reduces NOx compounds in the same manner that an EGR system on a vehicle works.

More clean air/fuel charge in the cylinder means more power from the same engine. A less restrictive exhaust does tend to raise the sound pressure level and changes the 'note' of the exhaust.

Low restriction mufflers that arent as loud can be made but the manufacture has to meet EPA standars for emmisiions and they cant get the engine to pass NOx levels and hydrocarbon levels running richer stronger saws.

I have opened the outlet ports on my saws marginally and made noteworthy changes in how well they do in the cut.

 

[drmiller100]

the OP has great thoughts.

Lots and lots of aftermarket monkeys make the saw louder and slower. and when all done, time is money, so a faster saw is better.

As a thought, spend your efforts on sharpening chains. more time in chains then engines.

to answer your question, i have done 2 of my own. one is faster then stock, slower then the other guys. The other i gave to be tested, and haven't seen since.

 

[abohac]

Thanks to both of you guys. Also, I keep my chains in very good working order. I can't stand cutting with a dull chain.

 

[AIM]

I'm a little curious about this as well. I have a Husky 45 that I would like to see some more power out of.
The problem is that in the past I have seen that modifying anything usually results in less dependability.

 

[Deadman]

I had the muffler opened-up on my Husky 357XP, and it made a HUGE power increase. It did get louder obviousely too.

 

[Zodiac45]

I would do a muffler mod, retune it and leave it at that. Muffler mod is the easiest and probably the best mod you can do as it truely does add too the health of the saw. Your saw will breath better, run cooler, and last longer.

 

[Crofter]

I would do a muffler mod, retune it and leave it at that. Muffler mod is the easiest and probably the best mod you can do as it truely does add too the health of the saw. Your saw will breath better, run cooler, and last longer.

Yep, and a whole lot easier to reverse if you dont like it. Some saw modifications have turned out a bit like a drunken tattoo. You best know exactly what you want and exactly what you are going to get.

 

[DonB]

When you say muffler mod, do you mean removing the spark arrester screen or something more comprehensive?

 

[Zodiac45]

When you say muffler mod, do you mean removing the spark arrester screen or something more comprehensive?

A bit more than that Don,

Generally it involves drilling/cutting a second or larger exhaust "port" inthe muffler. There is a formula thats used (based on saw size) but usually 1/2 inch is good. After that a washer or bit of pipe is welded on too strengthen the area and/or direct the exhaust flow. If you look in the chainsaw forum, there are loads of threads with pix on Muffler Mods.

 

[DonB]

Thanks Steve. I'll have a look. Even though I'm very satisfied with the performance of my four year old saw, your comment about improved health and longevity definitely caught my eye.

 

[nmurph]

i opened the muffler on my 310. it definitley makes a for a stronger saw. it also makes it a little louder and raspier. the motor sounds like it has a little attitude. this is a chainsaw! if i wanted a quiet saw to cut wood, i would use an electric CS. besides, hearing protection i mandatory from my perspective. from what i read, some saws do not have much increase with a muffler mod. i have seen estimates of 10-20% increase. i can only guess that my saw has picked up about .5hp. i base this on the differences in power bw some of the other saws that i have run. you have to be careful not to open the muffler too much, as some back pressure is needed. the number that i see is that the muffler opening should not exceed about 70-80% of the area of the exhaust port. i went with about 70% and i haven't seen any changes with usability. it still cranks, idles and runs exactly as it did before the mod. no stumbling, hesitation or loading-up. if anything, it might crank a little easier from cold, but i don't have any proof, just a feeling. one thing that i have noticed is that my brother will pick up my saw every chance he gets. he has a 55 rancher and he never seemed to prefer mine to his bf the mod.

 

[abohac]

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it.

 

[04RevX]

Hi guys...is there someone on the forums that does these muffler mods for people? I'd like to do this to my Jonnyred 2159 but I don't have the welding ability. Is there an honest person on the board with a good rep that would be willing to do this?? Thanks!

 

[abohac]

Hi guys...is there someone on the forums that does these muffler mods for people? I'd like to do this to my Jonnyred 2159 but I don't have the welding ability. Is there an honest person on the board with a good rep that would be willing to do this?? Thanks!

The place that the guy who sells me my saws recommended Walker's Saw shop. I am taking his advice and sending my piston jug and muffler to them. However there were a couple of negative posts about this shop so I guess buyer beware. I'll let you know how things went when I get my saw back.

 

[Wet1]

Danny

You also might want to look up Dozerdan...