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

Need advice on a husky saw

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by buckman84, Mar 15, 2017.

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  1. buckman84

    buckman84

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    Picking up a 261 husky, getting a decent deal on it. As it is right now it's sporting a 20" bar. I've heard that you can go with a larger piston and a muffler mod and get a little more power out of it. If anybody has any experience, i would like to get their input. The saw runs fine as is, just figured since i won't have much in it i could try it out.
     
    buckman84, Mar 15, 2017
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  2. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    Just like any motor... Once you start changing things there is always a risk. I grew up around 2 smokers. Just make sure you use some good oil and do everything to spec. I love amsoil 100:1. I usually mix at about 80 just to be on the safe side

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  3. Warped5

    Warped5

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    Yah, put in a 262 Meteor piston and do the MM .... enjoy!
     
    Warped5, Mar 15, 2017
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  4. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    mdavlee
    DexterDay
    ECsaws
    Mag Craft
    Just to name a few dudes....
    :yes:
     
    Eric VW, Mar 15, 2017
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  5. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    I'd definitely not mix to 80 to 1. I still stay away from 50:1.

    As for the saw? That is the little brother to the 262xp.

    The 261 is a great saw. Do a good muff mod and retune and you'll be happy. No need to buy a new cylinder/piston in my opinion. You won't gain a whole lot.

    You'll get around 20% from a good Muff mod.
     
    DexterDay, Mar 15, 2017
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  6. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    Mine rips no problem all day. Been through over 100 cord with it at 80:1. Break in was 50:1. Have replaced plug and she was perty.... Nice dark brown. Some people don't have faith in the amsoil 100:1. Go ahead and tear apart a top end and see why it's so nice. They look brand new and no crap built up anywhere. I run 93 octane pump gas, nothing special there.

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  7. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    I've ran Amsoil and still would run under 50:1

    I'm glad you've had great results. But you are truly the minority. I doubt anyone here here runs anything less than 50:1 now (because others have tried).

    If its a ported saw? Most run 40:1 to 32:1.

    Why run 80:1 is my question? Because you trust the oil, the equipment, or both? The manufacturer recommended 50:1?
     
    DexterDay, Mar 15, 2017
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  8. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    Manufacturer is basing it on their oil I am assuming. I am mixing it based on 20 years experience and the oil manufacturers recommended ratios. There are usually other factors if a motor burns down. Not just the amsoil. I don't sell it or anything. But when take a top end a part and it's spotless compared to other oils I'd say the proof is in the pudding. I've ran Maxima, belray, etc all the top brands of racing oils. We always had better results with amsoil.

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  9. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    I would also think some issues may arrive from people's pride not wanting to get hurt. If you mix 110 or 120:1 your sure to burn down. But do you think anyone is going to admit that lol?

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  10. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    Just blame the oil!

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  11. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    Not going to argue. But it's not the manufacturer. It's the EPA, 100%.

    Majority of people will burn a saw up at even 80:1 because of the chain they run (dull). I'm guessing you take pride in your equipment and your chain. So your saw runs as it should.
     
    DexterDay, Mar 15, 2017
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  12. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Well said Dex!:)
     
    Eric VW, Mar 15, 2017
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  13. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    It's never an argument t when it's shop talk! Hope it didn't come across as that! Was just giving my 2 cents. :) Yes. I take great care of my stuff. I'm a 3rd gen blue collar motor head. Runs in the family lol. I will admit.... I do tend to defend amsoil though. Brought me 100s of wins and numerous state titles on quads and motorcycles. Chains are always sharp, bar gets greased every use and she gets a full rub down every time I am done. Just don't telly old lady, before you know it she will be requesting the same treatment

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 15, 2017
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  14. hdtoolmkr765

    hdtoolmkr765

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    Hey, I'm all for the 100:1 stuff, I have a guy that swears by it, I've bought many toasted saws from him dirt cheap. I'm a big fan of it, in fact, 150:1 would be better. That has been my experience.
     
    hdtoolmkr765, Mar 16, 2017
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  15. Gpsfool

    Gpsfool

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    I recently bought a used 261 that has the 262 piston in it, but not the muffler mod. I've put ~3 tanks of gas through it and it runs good - very pleased. Got a 20' bar on it. Bucked up some 18' maple with it and some 22 inch black locust.

    My other saw is a 266xp - you can tell the difference it cuts faster.

    Have some fun and keep your stick on the ice.
     
    Gpsfool, Mar 16, 2017
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  16. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    And that's why it works for you! :)

    But as I said, the majority of people will burn thier equipment up because of lack of maintenance.

    I've rode and raced 2 strokes when I was younger. Had a 97 Banshee, 99 CR 125, 2002 SX KTM, and a few others. All ran 50:1 and never had any problems. I've since went to 4 strokes and had a KXF 250 and still have my 400 EX (440 with cam and a lot of extras) and my son has a 300ex that we are slowly building up.

    Sounds like your past was pretty similar to mine!
     
    DexterDay, Mar 16, 2017
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  17. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    Riding things with motors is a disease

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 16, 2017
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  18. Hydro Farmer

    Hydro Farmer

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    For when my future kids say I am a dull and overly mellow old man, I can say I was at least somewhat cool a long, long, long time ago lol.

    Cooper land in Stillwater OK on my Team Green KX100
    I want to say 1997 or 1998[​IMG]

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    Hydro Farmer, Mar 16, 2017
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  19. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Tell us more about this 20' foot bar!
    :whistle:
    :rofl: :lol:
    :handshake:
     
    Eric VW, Mar 16, 2017
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  20. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    So....you got :BrianK: and can't do that anymore?
    :rofl: :lol:

    But hey, I got old too, so no harm no foul :handshake:
     
    Eric VW, Mar 16, 2017
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