What older model chainsaw has the most durable engine?

[Maintenance supervisor]

There are quite a few older models that keep up just fine with their modern counterparts.
Most of the modern features are nothing more then creature comforts. Honestly btw people talked about 372s and 044s I'd thought they'd cure cancer! But honestly a well cared for McCulloch 7-10 doesn't have a hard time keeping up with them.
Longevity is really the point of the story here though and old saws didn't get there by being poorly built.

 

[Mad Professor]

Not old enough or still no love for the 038M?

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

Although I have no personal experience with the 038 and all its versions, I’ve heard that they are really good all round users. Never heard one ill word about a 038, including the super/magnum versions. If it has done you well in your experience, let’s give it some props too!

 

[Ed Penney]

I have bought many over the last 50 years. I have had really good luck with my smaller 70's Homelites and Textron manufactured Craftsman. I bought a 038 And a 028 in 1980 brand new. My first Stihls. I have rebuilt both of them after many years of productive and dependable life. I used a lot of Jonsereds, Husqvarnas and a few older Mc Co's that were forest service saws in the early 70's. They all were rode hard and put up wet but all seemed to function well. Life span was unknown they bought new ones quite often.

 

[Ed Penney]

I

I have bought many over the last 50 years. I have had really good luck with my smaller 70's Homelites and Textron manufactured Craftsman. I bought a 038 And a 028 in 1980 brand new. My first Stihls. I have rebuilt both of them after many years of productive and dependable life. I used a lot of Jonsereds, Husqvarnas and a few older Mc Co's that were forest service saws in the early 70's. They all were rode hard and put up wet but all seemed to function well. Life span was unknown they bought new ones quite often.

bought a new MS310 in 2006 it's still going strong also, after using my old ones so long the first time I picked it up at the Stihl dealer I almost threw it through the ceiling it was so lite.

 

[John Lyngdal]

My favorite general use 70's saw is the Homelite VI 955. At 14.5 pounds it's not overly heavy for a 82cc saw.
It might not be the fastest saw, but it's bottom end makes it fun to lean into.

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

I’m trying to get ahold of one of those, or a XL-925. Sure everything has physical limits but those Homelites sure are ruggedly built.

 

[Ted Jenkins]

The original question as to what saws last considerably longer than the next is a very difficult one to consider. I had many that became obsolete not because they wore out but other concerns like a oiler gear got jammed and parts were not available. I still have a few sears saws that seemed to last forever but they one by one were not serviceable because of reed valves or. I thought of my current list of saws which includes several clones. My first completely new clone saw was a 070 which I had trouble with it from the start and was ready to toss it. I discovered there were small issues that had good remedies. So I bought this thing when I first heard about them maybe ten years ago. When I got this thing I used it wanting to put as many hours on it leaving the other saws as back ups. Most would have to agree that being an aftermarket saw it should not last longer than the original. It is right now getting tired and low on compression but could not care less as I have several others waiting to take over. What has it done well probably in excess of six hundred cords of Oak and Pine. Maybe approaching a thousand but think that it is closer to six hundred so who runs a old saw more than that. It has been my go to for getting the work done. I do not use it for limbing though. More like anything over twelve inches. Thanks

 

[Ed Penney]

yep had a craftsman that ran a long time till the carb started leaking. couldn't find a kit or a new carb. Tried in vain to find a different carb that would fit it. NO LUCK.

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

I really like what this has turned into folks! To everyone who chimed in and voiced their positive experiences as well as shared the more technical aspects of the older era chainsaws’ quality/durability, I kindly thank you. This topic was meant to be as fun and enjoyable as it is serious. It is great fellowshipping with you about the saws that have given you all steadfast, reliable service with minimal fail….what makes and models did us the very best as far as saws with zero quit in them. This was meant to not only be an informational experience for us all, but also a chance for each of us to bring to the table the stories and memories in our lives about what we believe to be the most reliable and durable chainsaws we’ve used, ones we will remember forever. Whether they are long gone or still with us, let’s hear about them!

Again, durability, reliability and build quality takes priority as the main topic over all attributes in the thread. Power, speed, special features, bells & whistles, popularity, or whether a saw is or isn’t obsolete may have some place here in the thread to a degree. But they’re not the most relevant aspects I was asking about. Steadfast quality workmanship that stood the test of time, as well as your rough use and came back for more. What was your best as far as that?

With all that we have offered up, I’m hoping we can all pay respects to different saws that we might not have ever considered before. I know I have. If this conversation ends soon, it’s been great and I thank you! If it continues, I definitely welcome it and let’s keep the testimonies, experiences, and possible data coming!

 

[Modifiedmark]

. The 245A was another Shrevport L. Pioneer clone ,

Wait, What? I don't have a clue where you get that from.

I'm not going back to look up your other post that was messed up too. You need to learn your history a bit better.

 

[Modifiedmark]

I’m trying to get ahold of one of those, or a XL-925. Sure everything has physical limits but those Homelites sure are ruggedly built.

I wouldn't put a SXL-925 in that category. They had there own set of issues. Mainly cooling. They would boil the gas in the tank and vapor lock if you ran it out of fuel.

The flywheel screen would plug with chips when cutting on its side and cause more overheating that way too.

Homelite went to semi fixed high speed jets on the later ones trying to keep them rich enough not to melt down.

They also cut the displacement back to 77CC and even went to only offering the smaller bore cylinders as replacements.

They also had very high compression and no decomp. Broken recoils were not uncommon.

I'm not bashing them, just stating facts that can be proven. They are very powerful no question about that.

I had 4 of them myself and first hand experience.

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

I haven’t ever heard of those problems out of a homelite in that model, let alone any of them. That’s sad to hear and I’m sorry to know that! The only ones I’ve ever run were really solid. Was this a problem amongst others like the Xl-901 and the 800 too?

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

Yeah the 925xl had the terrible plastic intake block that seems to create air leaks.
That being said, when they're running good you can put a bruise on your thigh lifting the handle through the cut and it won't slow down!
AWESOME power = yes, reliable =?

 

[Phir_1]

I vote for any Stihl 1128 (044-MS461). I get them in my Stihl saw shop frequently and they are always worth putting money into.

 

[rocketnorton]

and easy sell when done

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

Yeah the 925xl had the terrible plastic intake block that seems to create air leaks.
That being said, when they're running good you can put a bruise on your thigh lifting the handle through the cut and it won't slow down!
AWESOME power = yes, reliable =?

Were you keeping the flywheel and ignition coil housing clean from caked up sawdust? That can make almost any saw that’s made out of metal with an overhead fuel tank boil. Just curious.

 

[HuskyShepherd2016]

I wouldn't put a SXL-925 in that category. They had there own set of issues. Mainly cooling. They would boil the gas in the tank and vapor lock if you ran it out of fuel.

The flywheel screen would plug with chips when cutting on its side and cause more overheating that way too.

Homelite went to semi fixed high speed jets on the later ones trying to keep them rich enough not to melt down.

They also cut the displacement back to 77CC and even went to only offering the smaller bore cylinders as replacements.

They also had very high compression and no decomp. Broken recoils were not uncommon.

I'm not bashing them, just stating facts that can be proven. They are very powerful no question about that.

I had 4 of them myself and first hand experience.

Do you know what year they started reducing their engine size?

 

[Modifiedmark]

Were you keeping the flywheel and ignition coil housing clean from caked up sawdust? That can make almost any saw that’s made out of metal with an overhead fuel tank boil. Just curious.

Really? I present some facts about something and that must have hurt your feelings so you post that in reply?

Like me not being smart enough was the trouble and nothing to do with the saws weaknesses? Kind of a insult if you ask me.

And yes I know those saws well, like I said I personally owned 4 of them.

 

[Modifiedmark]

Yeah the 925xl had the terrible plastic intake block that seems to create air leaks.
That being said, when they're running good you can put a bruise on your thigh lifting the handle through the cut and it won't slow down!
AWESOME power = yes, reliable =?

Yeah then there was that too.