More power/mods Echo 452 VL

Jeekinz · Jan 13, 2007

Some of you may relate with me.......I was given the 452 about 9 years ago, I know it's an old saw...but I love this thing. I recently replaced the rings, sprocket and rebuilt the carb. I have a 20" bar on it, but it seems like there should be more power available. When in use, I have to back off every now and then to get the revs back up. This is only with larger diameter trees. Is there anyway to improve this saw? Thanks for your help. -J

gatkeper1 · Jan 13, 2007

The 452VL is only a 44cc saw. A 20 in bar is asking an awful lot from it.
I have 2 of them My first was bought new [JD 50V] and it was equipped with a 16" bar w/3/8" chain. the saw excels with the 16" and does well with the 18" on it now. but that is a big as I think you should be using on this saw

Jeekinz · Jan 13, 2007

452

Yeah. I got this thing with a 20" but they list up to 24". Is there any way to get more power out of this thing?

Bob Wright · Jan 13, 2007

I would drop down to an 18" bar for that saw, they were sold with the 20" bars but in a perfect world they would work fine like on Japaneese pine trees but on some hardwoods you would run out of power. They were never offered with 24" bars, but the longer bars are the same pattern thats why they are listed as they will physically fit but won't do well...Bob

gatkeper1 · Jan 13, 2007

Just because they show that a 24" will fit the saw doesn't mean its a good idea. They show 72" bars that fit my 266xp Husqvarna but it only has a 20" on it.
Compare your saw to the current Echo CS-440 45cc. Echo only recommends 16-20" bars, and thats on a saw that makes more power than the 452.
Your saw is 25+ yr old tech. I would suggest its time for a saw upgrade and give the old boy lighter work.
But this is only MHO

Jeekinz · Jan 13, 2007

I hear what you guys are saying, I just didn't want to replace the saw...just improve it if I could. I'm trying to find a 12" that I can trim with as well. Keep in mind, I don't do this for a living, I just help out friends/family when they need it. But lately I've been pretty busy with it.