The Homelite 540/8800 Thread

[weimedog]

From what I understand, it was designed by Solo- and manufactured by Homelite. May not be, but from the various Homelite dealers and obselete parts collectors that I have talked to, this seems to be the most consistent answer. May or may not be true, but would explain the "Made in U.S.A" sticker that is on it.

It was the last "pro" level Homelite from what I understand...mine has a Made in USA sticker on it as well. It doesn't look like any solo I've seen either. Very sophisticated design...and as a result probably too expensive to manufacture at a competitive price. I need an air filter cover for mine and would like a better handle/tank...then it would look like new. Lots of grunt and a real easy starting saw.

 

[lesorubcheek]

I've heard the Solo story too, but have no solid information that's substantiates this. One thing that is fact are similarities between the 540/8800 and the 410. Mr Acres' site shows the 410 as introduced in 1986, but I can swear I've seen ads form the early 80's or even late 70's that show the 410. Any case, it appears the 540 evolved from the 410 as a bigger stronger brother and then the 8800 attempted to fix a few problems that existed in the 540. Sure wish there were some retired Homelite engineers around to give us a history lesson.

Dan

 

[Saw Dr.]

Anyone know if any of the 410's came with the recessed style fuel caps on those 540's in the pics? I like the looks of those alot. They look like older Husky caps.

 

[lesorubcheek]

Don't think so. Pretty sure the 540 was the only one with a plastic tank housing and with the recessed fuel/oil caps with an outer O-ring.
Dan

 

[Farley9n]

Favorite Homelites

Here's a picture of a couple 540's. The one with the full wrap ia a neighbors that I have changed to an 8800. I am going to do the same thing to another of my 540's. These saws are very good performers but a bit on the heavy side........Bob

 

[csx7006]

Here's a picture of a couple 540's. The one with the full wrap ia a neighbors that I have changed to an 8800. I am going to do the same thing to another of my 540's. These saws are very good performers but a bit on the heavy side........Bob

yep

 

[lawnmowertech37]

she runs but its getting harder and harder to find a bar for her

U Still in leguine ?

 

[csx7006]

U Still in leguine ?

yep

 

[7600]

A good used 540, picked up off Ebay for just over $200:

And my brand new 8800:

That 8800 is sweet!

 

[lesorubcheek]

Heart of the differences between the 540 and 8800 begins with the cylinder and piston. The cylinder on the 540 used open transfers and the 8800 used closed. Here's a couple pics for comparison.

540 Cylinder

8800 Cylinder

Piston was also different. The 540 used two thin rings (same size as on a 650) and the bottom of the piston was totally encircled. The 8800 used conventional rings with a more open skirt area. Apologies, but the only pic I have handy for the 8800 has it installed, but you can see the differences.

540 Piston

8800 Piston

Dan

 

[procarbine2k1]

Here's a picture of a couple 540's. The one with the full wrap ia a neighbors that I have changed to an 8800. I am going to do the same thing to another of my 540's. These saws are very good performers but a bit on the heavy side........Bob

Beautiful! Where on this Earth can I find a full wrap for my 540's? Thank you so much for sharing, great looking lineup to say the least!

 

[procarbine2k1]

Heart of the differences between the 540 and 8800 begins with the cylinder and piston. The cylinder on the 540 used open transfers and the 8800 used closed. Here's a couple pics for comparison.

Piston was also different. The 540 used two thin rings (same size as on a 650) and the bottom of the piston was totally encircled. The 8800 used conventional rings with a more open skirt area. Apologies, but the only pic I have handy for the 8800 has it installed, but you can see the differences.

Dan

Thanks a ton Dan. Where where you at when I was asking about rings for my 540 a while back? Hmmm? I didn't know that 650 used the same thing ring setup. Nice to know that I can find rings for my other saw when I need em'...

Thanks a bunch fellas for the great information here on the 540/8800. Can't get enough of these saws, and the more I know about them- the stronger the love is... haha
Jeff S.

 

[lawnmowertech37]

yep

Why not meet me somewhere in Jville sometime this week i will bring all my bars with see if you can find one that will fit that 540

 

[Saw Dr.]

Heart of the differences between the 540 and 8800 begins with the cylinder and piston. The cylinder on the 540 used open transfers and the 8800 used closed. Here's a couple pics for comparison.

540 Cylinder

8800 Cylinder

Piston was also different. The 540 used two thin rings (same size as on a 650) and the bottom of the piston was totally encircled. The 8800 used conventional rings with a more open skirt area. Apologies, but the only pic I have handy for the 8800 has it installed, but you can see the differences.

540 Piston

8800 Piston

Dan

Great post Dan,

Sadly, now I will not be able to find a 540 OR an 8800 top end to put on it. I think this thread has probably helped the next few 540 sellers on ebay, though. Keep 'em coming. These things have a way of showing up when you least expect it.

 

[HomeDelight Man]

I have a few pics to share. My dad and I own 5 540/8800's, 3 of which are new. He has a 8800 with a full wrap handle that Ken Dunn worked on, revs up to about 15,500RPM's, it is awesome. Just a note, on both of our 8800's we had to plug an extra high speed jet in the carb to be able to get full power. They came from the factory extra rich, and we were unable to adjust the high speed screw enough, until Ken Dunn discovered a extra jet in the carb. Maybe the carbs were used on the MP-88 cut-off saw as a limiter of sorts. I will attach the pic is my next post.
Jonathan

 

[HomeDelight Man]

pics

 

[HomeDelight Man]

Whoops, looks like a picture of a New 550 slip in there, oh well 550 540 close enough!

 

[lawnmowertech37]

Question who wants to purchase a Starter Spring for the 540 ?

 

[csx7006]

pics

intrestin to sell one?

 

[lamar_3704]

I was reading through this and decided I just had to post a pic of this 540 clone to give ya'll somethin else to watch for on the bay