replace 61 cyl. & piston with compression release

[Tepin]

Howdy folks, Its mid winter down under in Tasmania, and I should have been reading how to tune my husky 61 twenty minutes before pushing it too hard.That tells the story of my scored cylinder and welded ring. I've had it for 25 years,and amazingly only now realized I was too slack on my mixture adjustment.
Before checking this incredible site my local Husky dealer quoted me $900 for a new cylinder assembley, or $999.00 for a new 365s (for what the S is worth?) So I am back in the bush happy with my saw.
As my 61 is only twenty five years old and I'm a bit more, if I prop my saw on my leg I can manange to get through a few ton of firewood. (A ton is 2 cu. mtrs down here). But, and this brings us to the point, pulling the cord is a different matter, as my shoulders and elbows wore out faster than my Husky. Finally the question - Can I put a cylinder assembly of any description, bolt on, sort of like the idea of a hot rod type if its bolt on, so I can keep the husky 61 as a second saw or sell it to a friend with a clear concience, the rest of the 61 is in pretty good, I'd even say very good, condition. Oh, I'm talking about an ebay $99 assemblys. What are my chances? Thanx

 

[Four Paws]

I am not overly familiar with the 61 Husky, but if there is an aftermarket kit advertised for the 61 on eBay for $100, go for it. It might not be as high-quality as the OEM unit, but it will do just fine and it isn't $900 either! Good luck on your project and welcome to the site!

 

[HiOctane]

You can install cyl from 162,266,268 or 272 or jonsered 625,630,670.The only thing different will be the intake flange and bolts depending which cylinder you use.

 

[rickyrooster]

husky 61

you can install a husky 272 cylinder and piston on this saw. you will then have a 72cc saw and the later xp jugs had a compression release. this will help those wore out body parts. I dont know of any after market replacements but watching ebay can net a good used one from time to time. there is a listing for a new oem kit there also but its around 275.00. if you go this route you will also need to change to a 272 intake and carb assembly to make it work. I would also do a muffler mod to help with breathing. good luck. Rick!:chainsawguy:

 

[infomet]

Go for the comp release! It's a lifesaver for us seniors!

 

[andrethegiant70]

I was just at the Tecomec site looking to see what they had, and they DO list piston/cylinder kits for the 266 and (I believe) the 61. So they are out there and I'm told they are pretty good units.