To rebuild or not to rebuild

[bryan]

I got my hands on an inherited Homelite SXL (UT 104999a) this weekend. I do not know the history of the saw and I haven't done much at all with it, but I did try to give it a pull and it wouldn't budge so I assume it is seized. From what I've seen on the AS forums is that they are good saws but parts are hit and miss. I'm looking for a gas powered firewood saw as all I have right now is an electric I got cheap off CL. I don't mind working on a project (I've got all winter), but am I better off parting this thing out and using those proceeds on buying a new(er) saw, or is it worth bringing this one back to life?

Perhaps that is a difficult question to answer without knowing exactly what is wrong.

 

[salecker]

Hi Bryan
The saw you have will run and cut wood,better than some and worse than others.
What kind of a budjet do you have?You may have to spend a few dollars on the Homlite to get it working and dependable.
Do you fix things?If so then you can start by finding out whats wrong with the Homelite while looking for a better saw.If you were closer i'd send you one that wasn't seized.I have a few.
Good Luck
Thomas

 

[Jags]

I would start by finding out why it is seized. You will be better informed to asses the costs of a rebuild.

 

[bryan]

Took the muffler off and this is what I saw. I'm guessing this is a good example of what it shouldn't look like. There is a bunch of loose white/gray sandy material in there. Muffler itself looked clean inside. I'm guess I should pull the spark plug too, and add some sort of lubricant to hopefully loosen things up.

 

[MasterMech]

I think that saw is pretty much toast. Lots of used saws out there that just need a little carb work or an ignition coil to be good runners.

SXLs are a dime a dozen, not worth saving if you ask me.

 

[clemsonfor]

Can u even get a rebuild kit for that saw?? . I'd look for a used husky or stihl. You can prolly pic up one for less than $100 as a rebuild or parts saw.

 

[MasterMech]

Can u even get a rebuild kit for that saw?? . I'd look for a used husky or stihl. You can prolly pic up one for less than $100 as a rebuild or parts saw.

And something built within the last 20-25 years is going to have decent AV, a chainbrake, and perform much better than that old SXL. I like old iron, I have a couple dinosaurs myself. Would I use them as my go to firewood saw? Heck no.