Replacement for Husq 350?

[TradEddie]

So I finally killed it, or at least damaged it to such a point that it might kill me. After years of abuse, some intentional, some in ignorance, it's time to replace my Husqvarna 350. I've stripped the cylinder muffler threads so often than even the helicoil won't hold for more than a few minutes, but more seriously now, it's not dropping to idle. Given the state it's in, any money spent on professional repair would still only return me a badly abused saw, better to spend that money on a new one.

What should I do? I can't really fault the 350 for it's failures, I did not treat it well, but it started easily, handled well and was enough saw for my needs. I'm tempted to buy the same again since I have lots of spare parts, but would I be better off with something else?

What are the alternatives? I promise to treat any new saw better than the last one.

TE

 

[TimfromMA]

I bought a Husqvarna 350 after mother nature decided to park a maple tree on my roof. Since then, I've removed a dozen or so trees from my property. It works quite well and I can usually get it started in 3 or 4 pulls.

 

[TradEddie]

I bought a Husqvarna 350 after mother nature decided to park a maple tree on my roof. Since then, I've removed a dozen or so trees from my property.

Same here, see my avatar....zero research went into purchasing that saw, it was the only one left in the store the morning after a microburst hit the area.

I've never had the slightest problem starting it, 4 pulls would be 2 more than it usually takes. It still runs fine, the problem is that muffler threads are stripped, the case is badly melted from the muffler coming loose so much, and now it won't run down to idle, with no hand on the throttle it's at about 50% speed, chain still spinning. I can handle inconvenience of the muffler, but not a spinning chain. It just doesn't seem worthwhile to pay to have it repaired, and I can't figure out myself what's wrong, even though I'm usually good with these things.

TE

 

[Jon1270]

Same here, see my avatar....zero research went into purchasing that saw, it was the only one left in the store the morning after a microburst hit the area.

I've never had the slightest problem starting it, 4 pulls would be 2 more than it usually takes. It still runs fine, the problem is that muffler threads are stripped, the case is badly melted from the muffler coming loose so much, and now it won't run down to idle, with no hand on the throttle it's at about 50% speed, chain still spinning. I can handle inconvenience of the muffler, but not a spinning chain. It just doesn't seem worthwhile to pay to have it repaired, and I can't figure out myself what's wrong, even though I'm usually good with these things.

TE

That sounds like an air leak, which will ruin the engine in short order anyhow. I've rebuilt my 350 completely, and with the problems you're describing I don't think I'd bother either.

If you want something used, in the same ballpark but better, consider a 353. It's very similar in size, with practically the same top end as the better/newer 350's, but has a magnesium crankcase, front bracing on the muffler, and a quick-release top cover for air filter access. The model is on my mind because nmurph over on AS has one for sale right now. If you want to go with a new saw, that's a bigger question.

 

[TreePointer]

+1 on the 353

And If you happen to come across a 346XP (50cc version) in your searches, buy it!

 

[TradEddie]

yes, air leak is the googled consensus, but I can't find it in the typical locations. Thanks for the model recommendations.

TE

 

[Jon1270]

When my 350 developed an air leak it was between the plastic chassis and the riser block under the cylinder. The two are held together by 4 screws that are only accessible if you pull the whole gas tank / handle assembly off of the saw. One of those screws had loosened and fallen out.

 

[TradEddie]

Aw, now you've made me go take it all apart and look! I can't resist the challenge to fix something, especially one that does not require buying any parts.

TE

 

[clemsonfor]

Air leak is what id say as well

 

[northwinds]

The same muffler issue killed my 350. I bought a Stihl 261 as a replacement and really love it. It's a step up but you've earned it if you've
worn out your 350 like I did.

 

[BobUrban]

I love my 350 and since I used locktite I have had no muffler bolt problems but if and when it does die I am going to rebuild it as a 346xp and be even happier

 

[Fred Wright]

Another vote for the 353. It's a popular pro-grade saw and will give you many years of service. I've worked the heck out of mine going on 4 years now, have yet to even replace the spark plug.

 

[TradEddie]

When my 350 developed an air leak it was between the plastic chassis and the riser block under the cylinder. The two are held together by 4 screws that are only accessible if you pull the whole gas tank / handle assembly off of the saw. One of those screws had loosened and fallen out.

That was it! Not fallen out, not even very loose, but obviously loose enough. Putting that gas return line back wasn't fun...

Darn, now I'm stuck with no excuse to buy a new saw, but I've had enough of that muffler, time to drill it out for larger bolts.

TE

 

[Jon1270]

Cool. Running well now?

 

[TradEddie]

"Well" is a relative term, I haven't tried it with on real wood yet (no sharp chains), but it sounds much, much better!
I suspect that leak has been affecting power for longer that it was affecting the idle. I may need to adjust the carb.
With all these thunderstorms delivering small loads of fresh oak firewood onto my lawn and driveway every few weeks, it shouldn't be long before I need it.

Thanks again

TE

 

[Jon1270]

Sure. Keep in mind that there's no gasket between those parts. Instead, there's a liquid sealant applied to the mating surfaces during assembly, The right way to fix the problem you had is to totally disassemble it, clean off all of the old sealant and apply new. If you just tightened the loose screw then you've probably still got a small air leak. It may not be worth messing with if the saw is on its last legs anyhow.

 

[clemsonfor]

Jon are you the same one on FHC?

 

[Jon1270]

Jon are you the same one on FHC?

The one and only.

 

[clemsonfor]

Thought so.