Questions about new 435

[Axolotl]

I just purchased a new Husqvarna 435. First, I would like to say thanks to numerous people on this forum as I found lots of good info here that guided my choice. The only chainsaw I have owned previously is a $99 Poulan Wood Shark. The Shark was great for seven years but it finally died, so I decided to move up to a nicer saw and now have the 435. I got it from a local dealer who is the only authorized dealer/repair shop in town that isn't Lowes. They weren't especially friendly, and although they started the saw to make sure it worked they did so in the back of the building where I couldn't watch. I brought the saw home and haven't haven't done any cutting with it since it's dark outside, but I did start it up and let it idle. My questions are probably dumb, but here they are:

1. It sounds... different. Once it's at idle there is the normal putt-putt-putt-putt of the engine, but there is also another noise hidden in there. Sort of a ringing sound. Like two pieces of metal hitting against each other as the saw vibrates. I realize this is just about impossible to diagnose from my description alone, but I'm hoping someone can say "yeah, mine does that too" and maybe explain what it is. I was a mechanic for quite a few years, so I notice when mechanical things sound odd, but I have nothing else to compare this saw to except our old Wood Shark which did not do it at all. I poked around, but couldn't find anything obviously loose that might be the culprit. Suggestions?

2. There is quite bit of bar and chain oil coming out. Again, the saw has only idled and been reved a few times, but I took off the cover from the bar adjuster and my hand came away dripping with oil. Maybe that's normal, but the old saw kept the chain wet without tons of extra extra oil dripping out. Is the oil I'm seeing from the 435 typical? Maybe a byproduct of the fixed speed oil pump that's pumping oil at a rate that will satisfy full throttle chain speed?

Thanks for taking the time to consider my noob questions.

 

[Gizzard]

I've run one of the 435's and it oils bar and chain fine. I've seen several of them when new started in back of shop at local dealer and run a while before customer purchases them. Without cutting wood they sling oil around inside of clutch cover and drip oil onto front counter when set there for completing purchase.

The ringing noise could be clutch trying to engage sprocket drum. When engine has been run awhile and warm, the idle speed should be set so that the chain does not turn at idle. If the idle speed is very close to turning the chain, the clutch will be tinging the drum as close to engagement.

The 435's are a small, light, powerful saw. Nice anti-vibe and they still have a metal clutch cover and chain catcher. Most brand saws in this category are loaded with plastic now. Good luck with your new saw.

 

[pro94lt]

I think your oiler is just working well, and the sound difference is because it's a strato saw... well I think it's a strato.

 

[sunfish]

Your saw is fine. Good little saw too.

All saw shops I've been in, fire em up out back, not in the front of the store

 

[Boskaerm]

mine also sounds funny.. like said: the strato design.
The oil pump only works when the clutch is engaged, so no oiling at idle.

 

[Axolotl]

Thanks for all the replies. It's good to know mine isn't the only one that sounds funny. I'm looking forward to giving it some use over Thanksgiving and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[CGC4200]

Carburetor tool

You may need a 530035560 adjusting tool to to rich up the mix or improvise
with a red electric butt splice or ....?
I have a 435, the clutch drum has to spin to oil bar, should not oil when chain
is not moving, a lot of newer saws are rigged that way.

 

[Axolotl]

I finally got a chance to do a few hours of cutting with my 435 over Thanksgiving. Overall I like it a lot. I have three more questions though:

1. The chain locked up twice and wouldn't release. I was cutting normally, and suddenly the chain stopped as though the brake had been engaged. The saw hadn't jumped or kicked so I don't think it was the inertia brake. Also, I couldn't get it to turn again, even after pulling the brake release, de-tensioning, and then finally removing the chain. It was as though the clutch was locked up somehow. Finally I restarted the saw and reved it up. The chain reluctantly started moving, then finally turned freely. I'm not sure what was going on, but it makes my nervous.

2. It stalled a few times at idle, even after it was warm. I'm guessing an adjustment would take care of this? Or maybe more break-in?

3. I went through 2.5 tanks of gas. On the first tank I still had bar oil left as I finished the gas. On the second tank I ran out of bar oil before gas. I thought the oil pump was supposed to be metered so that that wouldn't happen if they were both filled completely at the same time. Did I misunderstand?

I'm posting these questions because my local dealer has a reputation for not being very approachable and he tends to have multi-week turnaround time for repairs. Also, I realize that intermittent problems are not easy to diagnose. I'd like to have some idea what might be going on, especially with problem #1, before I walk in the door.

 

[motofishman]

Sorry u haven't got a response to your questions. Have u got your problems worked out. Hopefully its working good for you. I'm considering a 435 for my daughter, are you happy with yours and what do you use yours for?

 

[Axolotl]

Good timing. I used my 435 for about 5 hours over the last few days. I'm not sure how useful my opinion will be. I'm not a chainsaw expert at all, but here are my thoughts.

PROS:
+ Easy to maneuver.
+ Good ratio of weight/power.
+ Good vibration damping.
+ I like the configuration of the filler caps and tensioner (This is the main reason I didn't get a comparable Stihl).

CONS:
- It stalls sometimes at idle, even after running for 20 minutes. This may be an adjustment issue, but I haven't taken it in to be serviced. I must have restarted it 15 times today.
- Not easy to start. I have flooded it. I have also had to pull the starter over a dozen times. Yes, I have read the directions and know how to follow them. I have a ten year old chainsaw and weedeater that are both easier and more reliable to start.
- The above mentioned issue with the blade locking up. Hasn't happened recently, but when it did it was a real problem. Not sure what the cause was.
- It leaks bar and chain oil when not in use. I'm told this is normal, even for models with an oil pump. If so, disregard.

You asked what I use it for. Clearing brush. Cutting up trees for firewood. It's good for trunks up to about 10 inches in diameter. Beyond that and it will still cut but bogs down some.

Would I buy it again? Maybe. If I can get it adjusted and the issues in the CONS list are resolved, then yes. Otherwise, it has not met my expectations. I like the way it handles, but I expect it to run better. My $99 Poulan was more reliable, even after years of abuse and neglect. I have not used other saws in the price range of the 435 to compare to.

 

[Blowncrewcab]

I think you just need a better tune, I have a Husky 136 that will Idle until it runs out of gas, it starts easy, revs up when needed but being my little limb limbing saw it idles alot while i'm moving stuff and climbing through stuff, thats why I bring it because it will idle and start easy when ever needed.

 

[motofishman]

Make sure air filter is clean, exhaust is open, spark plug is good, then adjust carb as I'm sure the fine fellows here will tell you how to do, and I bet your saw will idle great.

 

[sunfish]

Like said, it needs a carb adjustment.

 

[floriceeel]

I own one and I seem to hear the same damn noise and have the same oil issues.It gets annoying but it did the job so far as it is.Regarding the starting problems you have....don't know what to say.Mine cold starts with three pulls and warm starts with one or maximum 2 pulls even at -30C .No problem with that
oh.....I must admit that the f***ing noise scared me so far and I was thinking that something has to be replaced soon or I have to buy another saw
oh......and I modded the muffler and adjusted the carb: idles great