Tech talk 261/262

There was a saw Husqvarna made before Electrolux bought out Operations of Husqvarna, it was the 261 Xp. The 261 was supposed to be their mid power entry level saw that at the time met E.P.A. Standards. A lot of people that bought this saw didn't know what they were buying unfortunately.The 261 model in my opinion made the (200) series look bad which was far from untrue.Anyone that has a little age on them and knows saws especially Husqvarna saws know that the (200) series of saws Husqvarna made were bulletproof. There are many of the (200) series saws running to this very day in me opinion they were the best!!! Getting back to the 261xp versus 262xp the two major differences were one was low compression and one was high compression.Before I get ahead of myself there were three main differences, piston, clutch, muffler. The 261 Xp/e.p.a. Model had low compression even though both saws had same bore 48cc. The 261 had a dome shape to it. It's predecessor the 262 XP had a flat top piston. The next difference was the muffler, the 261 muffler was made with honey cone baffles which restricted flow of exhaust gas. The 262xp muffler was more open inside giving it more flow. Finally and thirdly the last difference was the clutch the 261 Xp had a two shoe clutch whereas the 262xp had three shoe clutch. So there you have it. If you want to make 261xp to a 262xp now you have the three ingredients. My opinion is for no more gain in power around .7-1.0 money wise it's not worth it. Hope all my friends in the club will enjoy this. Have a nice day. Stumper! More info on bore on husky saws 254=45mm, 257=46mm, 261/262=48mm

 

Good info on the 261xp. I had always thought it was an earlier version of the 262xp. Didnt know about the less compression and epa muffler. I love the 200 series saws, i own a very nice 266se that is my favorite saw.

 

It seems odd that the dome piston has less compression than the flat top.​

 

It was in fact a dished piston.

 

And ive run several of both (261 and 262xp) and there is certainly an increase in power with the flat top piston and different muffler, though ive seen 262 mufflers with a large baffle and tube similar to some more modern saws.

 

And the 261 was never an "xp", though it had basically all the same features as the 262, except the piston and muffler, clutch wasnt a real performance advantage for stock saws.

 

The 261 was introduced long after the 262 was out, and only lasted a couple years i think? Late 90's...

 

That makes sense

 

You are exactly right about the 261 it was never defined as XP for good reason. I have tested both saws 261 and 262xp on dynamometer under load conditions each time the 262 XP out performed the 261 with same length bars. The torque curve was much lower with the 261 at same r.p.m. around 12,000. To answer your question about dome top pistons versus flat top pistons, the major factor is a engineering fact that more displacement means more power, due to the difference between domed pistons and flat, the later gives for more combustion due to more displacement means more power at a different power curve. Hope I didn’t confuse you. Have a nice day. Stumper

 

I answered a question about a post that I made in September though I would share it with whoever may wanted to read it. You are exactly right about the 261 it was never defined as XP for good reason. I have tested both saws 261 and 262xp on dynamometer under load conditions each time the 262 XP out performed the 261 with same length bars. The torque curve was much lower with the 261 at same r.p.m. around 12,000. To answer your question about dome top pistons versus flat top pistons, the major factor is a engineering fact that more displacement means more power, due to the difference between domed pistons and flat, the later gives for more combustion due to more displacement means more power at a different power curve. Hope I didn’t confuse you. By the way I have seen 14,500 r.p.m.on the 262XP under no load. Have a nice day. Stumper

 

Without a doubt Stihl has created one hell of a saw I call the”Boss Saw” To start off this saw is no longer available in U.S. The particular saw was ordered straight from Germany made sticky by Sthil. They make the 661 now but it doesn’t have all the power the 660 has stock. We ported the 660 changed the piston and advanced the timing put a new gutted dual port muffler on it and created a beast the 660 “Boss” by Sthil. Without a doubt if you have never felt raw power then this saw would rock you off you feet “wow” what a monster.The only problem I could see with the “Boss” 660 was the weight it weighed in at around at 22 lbs. let me tell you if you cut or bucked with this saw you fealt it at the end of the day. The saw would sling chips like the beast it was. I put my Husky 288XP up against it but there was a little disadvantage because of the piston displacement but still will stick with my 288XP because of the power to weigh ratio. But I will never ever say I didn’t cut with the “Boss” 660 just raw power straight from Germany. By now my back is hurting just thinking about it.Have a nice day. Stumper

 

The only thing im confused about is whats with all the bizarre posts youre making and copy/pasting other peoples work without credit. And its not a domed piston vs flat piston. 262 has a flat-top piston, 261 came with a dished piston.

 

You are exactly right! I am a Sthil/ Husky dealership I have torn down more saws in my lifetime than you can imagine. I think I stated in my Post 261/262 there were three major differences in the 261, that was the piston design, the clutch, and muffler! By the way, I’m twice your age so I have twice as much knowledge than you. Next I am College educated, with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from N.C. State University. I have five Outstanding Awards that Sthil gives to only Master Technicians after competition of there schools. So if you have any doubt about my knowledge on saws ask “Rich” the chainsaw guy.I am quite sure you will get your answer, to my Expertise in Chainsaws.My son now runs my shop, and he he is damm good also. If you don’t like my Posts don’t read them or either block them. Have a nice day...
Stumper

 

Dont look now, but I do believe that you have broken both arms patting yourself on your back

REALLLLYYYY ????
Have you actually ran a 661 ?

 

I'm sure Rich will be more than happy fielding calls, vouching for someone on the internets.

 

I see someone is smoking more than tobacco

 

So, about your son who helps and runs your Stihl/Husky certified shop ........ he is younger than you, cant possibly have a masters and have 5 outstanding Stihl awards.............. does this make him the dumbest guy in your shop ?

Your opinion is as clear as mud and holds as much value as the turd you sling ............. have you heard of the 4701 modules ?