Hey guys. Rebuilt the carb on my 61 last spring and set to just below 12k WOT using my tach. Just took her out for the first time today to finish cutting a pine stump. Let her warm up for a bit and then got ready to cut. Very little power and sounded rich - checked on the tach and running about 9600 on the tach. Any thoughts on why the carb went rich during the last 6 months or so? Bad needle spring? Saw hasn't moved an inch since I tuned it in the spring. I did just put on a new 20" bar today (had a 16" bar), but can't imagine that would cause this issue - but it's the only thing that changed. At least it went rich rather than lean! Thanks! Cheers!
Could possibly be a difference air temp and humidity. Under 12k seems pretty rich, although I do not know the spec for the 61 off the top of my head. Setting it rich for 40-50 degree temps and 50% rel. humidity will result in it really choking with the current 80-90 Deg temps and 80%+ humidity levels. I would tune it by ear, if it adjusts easily then all is most likely well with the carb.
Thanks guys. No gas in tank since first tuned and brand new mix yesterday. I did let her warm up for the first tune, clean air filter and full tank of gas. Spec for max rpm on the 61 is 12k - I usually tune a bit rich. Definitely different temp/humidity MM between the first tune in spring and yesterday, so perhaps that was the issue. She tuned right up and stayed tuned yesterday, so I don't think there is a problem, just curious as to why she came out of tune so badly - thanks! Cheers!
I don't know the answer to that MM. I did mix a little richer than normal - I was at 45:1 in the spring and went a little richer in the mix, but not to 40:1. I did get 89 vs. 87 octane, but can't see that having an effect. I heard something in the barn last night - carb gremlin? Cheers!
Hah! (Carb gremlin, lol) I doubt that the small change in oil mix had any effect. However the bump to 89 octane might have because in some areas, the higher octane levels do not contain ethanol. That would most certainly cause exactly the symptoms you describe and the remedy is also exactly as described. Lean it out a tad and enjoy the power boost.
Interesting - I think all gas near me has 10% ethanol regardless of grade, so I'm nearly certain my new mix has ethanol gas. She leaned back out fine and is cutting great - will be interesting to see if she goes rich again after some downtime. Cheers!
Id sell it... And buy a certain husky 261 from our classifieds section ! I hear that fella selling it is awesome ! Lol
Ha! Good looking 261, but not selling my 61 - gift from my good friend and neighbor - he's much older than me - when this 61 dies, it will go on a shelf and be a reminder of our times together. Cheers!
Well don't let it die! Those are fine very reliable saws, a new ring every couple years and they will run for a long time. I was told that more R&D money went into that saw than any other HVA had or has produced.
No plan to let her die KRed - she's a strong runner and I enjoy running her! Had a chance to pick up a great 61 parts saw this past spring - piston/cylinder were bad, but otherwise, I have a nice parts saw to help when things need done. My 61 had a 16 bar when my neighbor gave it to me - was real quick with that set up, but just added a new 20" bar and I'm very happy with how she pull it. My dad has a good sized red oak that needs to be bucked - looking forward to giving her a longer workout. Cheers!
