Reasonable step up to ported ms362, or not necessary?

[livemusic]

Two questions....

I have a ported ms362 and, to me, it is bad to the bone. I have a 20" bar. It sure feels strong. Do you think it could pull a 24" or 25" bar? I occasionally wish for a longer bar in big trees. On the occasion I would prefer a longer bar, I'm thinking my bad boy could pull it off. It wouldn't have to be a hot rod with a longer bar, just get the job done on those rarer occasions that I would prefer a longer bar.

Other than that, anyone have any idea how much power increase a 362 could gain with porting/mod job done by a reputable builder? The 362 is rated at 4.6hp, stock. I was considering a used Husky 372xp x-torq and it has a 5.3hp rating, which equates to 15% more hp than the stock 362. Heck, I'm thinking my 362 probably gained at least that much with the port/mod job. Is a 15% gain reasonable? What size saw (stock) do you think you'd have to get to reasonably surpass a ported full mod job 362? TIA!

 

[cuinrearview]

I have a ported ms362

Do you think it could pull a 24" or 25" bar?

Yes

 

[livemusic]

Yes

Thanks. What about next size up. 28 inch?

 

[cuinrearview]

Thanks. What about next size up. 28 inch?

A stock MS180 will pull a 36" bar, you just have to have enough patience.

Do you come across 48"+ wood all that often?

 

[Mike Kunte]

My 361 pulls a 25" bar perfectly. Be patient, and don't bully the saw. You'll enjoy a 25".

My 0.02....

 

[NCPT]

Who ported your saw? I would ask them. The oiler is what will limit you as your bar lengthens.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

You say your saw is ported, but then ask about a professional port job. Do you mean that your saw has a muffler mod?

 

[livemusic]

You say your saw is ported, but then ask about a professional port job. Do you mean that your saw has a muffler mod?

I think you misread my post, as my 362 is already ported. I don't know how much power it gained but wonder, it sure seems strong. I bought it used, already ported by a builder.

 

[huskihl]

Two questions....

I have a ported ms362 and, to me, it is bad to the bone. I have a 20" bar. It sure feels strong. Do you think it could pull a 24" or 25" bar? I occasionally wish for a longer bar in big trees. On the occasion I would prefer a longer bar, I'm thinking my bad boy could pull it off. It wouldn't have to be a hot rod with a longer bar, just get the job done on those rarer occasions that I would prefer a longer bar.

Other than that, anyone have any idea how much power increase a 362 could gain with porting/mod job done by a reputable builder? The 362 is rated at 4.6hp, stock. I was considering a used Husky 372xp x-torq and it has a 5.3hp rating, which equates to 15% more hp than the stock 362. Heck, I'm thinking my 362 probably gained at least that much with the port/mod job. Is a 15% gain reasonable? What size saw (stock) do you think you'd have to get to reasonably surpass a ported full mod job 362? TIA!

Not sure why, but a saw that gains 30% faster cut times from porting only gains maybe 15-20% in hp, or at least only runs with a saw with 15-20% more cc's.

I'd think the oiler would be marginal on a 24 or 28, but they have the potential to pull it

This is a 24/25

 

[Jay Hansen]

The Stihl 362 and Husky 562 are both commonly used with a 28' bar on the West coast, usually with full skip chain.

 

[livemusic]

I just checked, Stihl ms362 specs for bar length are 16" to 25", so, I will assume that the oiler should perform adequately on a 25" bar. Typically, I don't favor running a saw with a bar at the highest length mentioned in manufacturer's specs, but as long as the oiler can keep up on this one, it should have plenty of power.

 

[cuinrearview]

Typically, I don't favor running a saw with a bar at the highest length mentioned in manufacturer's specs

But it's a ported saw, the manufacturers specs no longer apply.

 

[livemusic]

But it's a ported saw, the manufacturers specs no longer apply.

That's true. Do they make a larger oiler for 362? How could one determine how long a bar you could use?

 

[cuinrearview]

That's true. Do they make a larger oiler for 362? How could one determine how long a bar you could use?

It's on you to determine now. How fast do you like to cut? What's your bar oil viscosity like? Some guys like wading in bar oil while they cut, some like just enough. Maybe your saw has a Tuesday oiler instead of one assembled on Monday or Friday. I like just enough oil on a bar that's on the short side for the amount of power. If I need more bar I grab a bigger saw. If I didn't want to have as many powerheads as I do I would push it more with bar length. It's easy to just say the manufacturer is right when you're operating within their parameters. Once you've stepped outside of those lines you kind of have to figure out what works for your situation.