I was traveling today and stopped at Husky dealer on the way home. Got to pick up and look over a 357xp. I have been interested in this model to provide me more power when working on something bigger than my 346xp was intended for, and it only weights in at 12.1 . I noticed the end of the decompression value was replaced with a hose assembly that when back into the cover--"automatic smart start". How long has this feature been on the mid to larger saws? Is it reliable ? Oh, I know some of you are going to push the 372xp, but I think the 372xp is just a lttle more saw than I can handle safely, unless I put a shorter bar on. Bob.
So far so good but a little too automatic for me until it`s proven a little longer.
Russ
What's it do?
Its an automatic decompression valve that you never have to touch to start the saw. I would rather have to push the button on it and know its working properly than trust it to work because its automatic. Just my .02 cents
I've used the decompressor on my 395 once or twice since I've had it and have never even touched the one on the 372. It's been my experience that a saw starts harder if you use them. An engine needs compression to run. They will make a recoil last longer though ;D. One winter I worked in a local mill pulling boards and the guys small saw that we were trimming the piles with broke. They brought us out a 3120 to fish the job :o ::). I quickly found that if you didn't use the decompressor the saw would start with less pulls. It was trade off more easy pulls on the recoil of a big saw or less harder pulls.
I have been using a 357 XP all winter cutting spruce logs, it has the auto compression feature you mentioned...
I have problems with my elbow (and most other joints) and this
feature really works nice..
The saw pulls so easy, just a slight snap and away she goes.
I find it is a real fast limbing saw, all winter it has never jammed while limbing.
I would never have another saw without decompression starting at my age, I think it makes for more safe starting as well.
Thanks Woodhog. I am having righ hand/arm problems and too many pulls results in a lot of pain. Sounds like the 357xp will fit in nicely. BOb
good gosh was every body drinking from the same spring as me. we all got joint, muscle problems. :D
The 357 is a strong running saw and pretty light.
I had my decompression valve switched to the manuel one, cause when the saw was modified, the automatic one would flutter in and out at high rpm's.
EHP ported my 357 and it will outrun a stock 372 hands down. I looked at it as a great investment. Light saw, with lots of power.
Hunter
I know this is an old thread, but is this "automatic decomp" thing still out there. I have not seen, but sounds interesting.
It was discontinued as it proved to be problematic and led to many air leaks. A bulletin was put up to disable it and use a conventional decomp valve or just plug the cylinder.