Well the saw I seem to use all the time had a problem today... Fired the saw up to cut a cedar tree out of the fence row and the chain got real loose... Took the cover off and this is what I found. Haven't gone into the dealer yet to see the cost. Anybody have ideas on whether this is cost effective to fix or not? Thanks, Charles
I can turn a wrench... Not the most efficient mechanic, but can keep things running and swap parts. Modification is a little beyond my abilities/comfort level
Request a copy of the 290 shop service manual and go to town. If you find yourself struggling with it, if you get the parts and handle shipping I'll swap it out for you.
Not trying to insult you but clean it after each use. A clean tool is a working tool. Also when not in use back off the tension to the chain so it's not sitting with pressure on the crank
Add up all the goodies you'll need to replace when getting to that crank. I'd be hesitant to drop a bunch on a well used 290, but if it has been a good saw to you put a price limit on it. I hear they make nice wheel chocks . (Just stirring the pot some) I like my saws a little dirty too, no shame in a well used tool.
I got the saw used at a garage sale for $200. It looked like new, with just a few scratches, but not sure how hard they used it. The saw rides in a toolbox on the ATV to be used when I check fence lines(so about twice a week). It was a little dirty, but it gets cleaned out when I swap chains(hasn't been don't for a while-haven't hit a piece of wire for a couple weeks. What other parts will I need to replace to swap the crank out?
Other than a crank, it may not be a bad idea to replace rings and or piston. You won't really know until you start tearing into it.
IF, I were to tear into that saw, I'd be looking to have a set of rings and crank seals in hand before I started. I'd also want to pick up fuel and impulse lines, plus an exhaust gasket. When was the carburetor last looked at? I'd pick up new limiter caps (with the tabs shaved of course, ) and a diaphragm/rebuild kit. There isn't much you could easily do the internals of that saw but poking a couple holes in the muffler wouldn't hurt it a bit.
I like master mec would not half azz it. Those saws are not impossible or hard to tear apart. But not as easy as some. If I were to tear into it. I would rebuild the carb and put new rubber lines on it. I would out a set of rings in it and modd the muffler. Replace the crank and seals while at it. It will probably be good for another 20 years if you do all that.
