In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Echo CS-400 Muffler mod and limiters

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by bobdog2o02, Feb 11, 2016.

  1. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    So i cut my teeth on the Blue max, now i'm tearing into the cs-400. Today i gave it a good wash down and degrease. Removed the muffler, top cover, and pull start. Got the muffler gutted (paint drying as we speak), and got the limiters removed. This was much easier than i thought, they had me worried. The screws themselves are a spline head but didn't fit any screw drivers I had so I filed off the limiting tabs off and pushed them back on. To get them off I used a drywall screw, thread into the center, about two turns. You know its in far enough when you turn counter clockwise and it turns the carb screw instead of backing the drywall screw out....
    The exhaust gasket tore on me so a new one should be here tomorrow. The CAT comes out with a 7/8 hole saw, be ready for some grinding and smoothing after this step. O the outlet of the muffler i widened it up as far as possible while maintaining the spark screen holder and screen. I did take a short video of the saw in a cut and set the round aside until i have it done and tuned.... More Pics after the paint is dry and i get a new exhaust gasket.

    On a side note the parts for these, even OEM parts, are not expensive at all. I think when i'm done with this saw i might make a flow bench and toy with some porting.....

    20160211_160014.jpg 20160211_160019.jpg 20160211_160003.jpg 20160211_155958.jpg 20160211_171633.jpg 20160211_164050.jpg 20160211_164636.jpg 20160211_164649.jpg
     
  2. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    btw, this is how the muffler looks stock, just realized i started hacking before taking pics.

    upload_2016-2-11_18-49-40.jpeg
     
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  3. CoreyB

    CoreyB

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    Very cool! I am intrigued by the cs 400. For some reason I think I NEED ONE. And a 490 oh and a dolmar 421 oh wait this isn't my therapy session.
    I look forward to all your pics , feedback, and hopefully videos.
     
  4. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    This isnt my picture but this is how the muffler inlet looked before the hole saw got to it.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    Great post...and awesome pics ! Sounds like you are doing good over there....nice work :thumbs:
     
  6. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Thank you sir.
     
  7. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Nice progress, A.:thumbs:
    So is it safe to assume these cats are coated with exotic metals similar to other catalytic deals?
     
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  8. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Idk, it seemed magnetic. The bits stuck to the bit. It was Siler ish in color, kind of like aluminum.
     
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  9. Horkn

    Horkn

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    Cats are typically made of a lot of different rare earth metals. Platinum, rhodium, nickel, palladium and others are used.

    I know nickel isn't healthy to handle.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2016
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  10. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    I didn't know nickel was used as a catalyst... something every day right.
     
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  11. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    Good work on the saw! I bet it sounds great and will be much healthier now!!
     
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  12. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Nickel itself isn't dangerous to handle unless it's in ultra fine powder form. Similar to other heavy metals.
     
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  13. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    So you just used a holesaw to cut that cat out ?
     
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  14. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Yupper, I copied what a guy on Another Site did.
     
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  15. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    Great idea ! I'm gonna remember this one ;)
     
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  16. old 040

    old 040

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    Hmmm..........why would you need to remember this modd??..................:D
     
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  17. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    Just for future reference lol ;)
     
  18. old 040

    old 040

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    Very NEAR future?........:D
     
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  19. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Come on, we all know it was you that snatched up that 400... you'll be pleased, it's a tough little tool.
     
  20. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

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    Here are the before and after videos, i measured a 10% faster cut. and i think its not quite tuned perfect but being 10 deg outside today wasnt helping anything.