Hey guys. Just returned from 10 weeks working in the midwest. Picked up this Makita 520i from a barn at a B&B where I was staying for a few weeks. Top end is in great condition and pulling about 150 for compression. Just tuned her up and she's running great. Here's my question: had the original 20" bar and it was in pretty bad shape. Don't want to run 20" on this saw in any case. Currently set up with a 3/8 rim sprocket. Was going to pick up a 16" bar and chain for it, but I starting thinking that it would be a cost savings to switch to a 0.325 rim sprocket and use my Dolmar 510 bar/chain when I feel like running this saw (will save me about $50, so I'm leaning in this direction and it looks like the bar is okay for both saws). Anyone know if the Oregon 11892 power mate rim will work for this setup? If not, is there a specific rim sprocket I should look for (I'm guessing a standard 0.325/7 tooth sprocket is all I need). I like my Dolmar with the .325 setup and I'm sure this 520i will do well too. Here's a few shots of the ole girl cleaned up. Thanks! Cheers!
mdavlee - so good to go on the 11892 rim sprocket? If so, great - I'll order one soon. Thanks KRed - she was pretty darn dirty from a long time sitting in a barn full of swallows (read covered in bird sh!t!) Cheers!
I have a 1997 Dolmar 115i. I run a Oregon Power Match 16" bar .050" X 3/8" with Stihl RS chain. I like it very well. The original bar was .058" X .325 X 15" It looks identical to your Makita except it is orange where yours is blue.
Nice w8ye! I think I like your orange better, but that's what I'm used to. Thanks for the info! Cheers!
The 1997 Dolmar 111i was a open port 52cc chainsaw. I don't know exactly when they changed but by 1999 the 111's had closed port cylinders like the 115i. Last year I got a like new 115 closed port cylinder from the auction site and with a new Meteor piston and Caber ring, made my 111i a closed port like the 1997 115i. 1997 was the first year for the oil pump to be driven by the clutch bell. Prior to that ,this family of Dolmars were full time oilers. So the clutch bell and oil pump worm are made different. This factor is not mentioned in the repair manuals but is on the illustrated parts lists. Most of the oil pump worms and clutch bells on Ebay are the early type. There is never any mention of which type is for sale so one best be aware of the differences? Whether you have a part time or full time oil pump drive makes little difference in operational use of the chainsaw but you have to use the correct clutch bell with the under cut and toothed hub, washer, and worm together to make the chainsaw oil properly. The part time worm is nylon and the early one is steel.
Thanks Dex - looking forward to giving her a run - downed oak that my dad wants me to cut up soon - I'm going to limb with the Makita and buck with a 61 that I just did a carb re-build and want to run a bit. Cheers!
