Exhaust leak??

[Knotdodger]

 
   Hello fella's.
I noticed today on my ms361, that the chain sprocket cover was dark colored at the top near the front of the saw. I wiped it , but I was caused from heat from the exhaust.
So I took the muffler off and where it meets the engine, on the same side of the gasket
as the sprocket  cover ,I could see black residue on the gasket fanning out that way.
The saw runs just fine that I think anyway. Is this a leak?? Or is it bad?? Normal??
There is no physical damage to the metal gasket at all . I have run saws at work for years.  Mainly storm damage stuff, I cut alot of telephone poles with them. And twisted and downed tree's so I can put the phone lines back up.. If there is something wrong would I be doing right by having someone open up that muffler a bit also.? Sure would like to get through some of those pole's quicker. I get paid by production. :P

[MDP]

As far as your exhaust leak goes, not too big a deal just clean the gasket and all mating surfaces and torque it down good,should seal back up fine, there is a fair amount of vibration on those small bolts that hold the muffler on, they can work loose sometimes. As far as power goes opening up the muffler is a start and will help performance some,making sure your air filter is good and clean makes a difference, you could look into some porting maybe but that gets expensive, maybe the biggest thing to boost production is good sharp chain, you can dump hundreds of dollars into a saw that'll run like a scalded dog, but it won't cut worth a darn if the chain isn't sharp. A good grinder may be a better investment towards production than mod work, but if you already have a grinder then I guess go for the mods.

Mark

[Kevin]

Are you running 50 or 40:1?

[Knotdodger]

  I am running 50 : 1 . The saw cuts fine. Just , in some large poles it wants to bog just a little bit . Not much mind you. My main concern was the exaust leak.. If it is no big deal thats just dandy. I cleaned and made sure everthing fit back together just fine.Oh.. I am running a 20in bar. I am not to good working on engines, just wanted to make sure the small leak wasnt something serious.. I did not know if it was normal or not. I am a lineman not a saw builder..hehe.Oh and I can brag about a super sharp saw chain.. I hand file them and I am good at that.. I clean any saw when I am done using it everyday. Including the bar and air filter. I may clean them a little too much according to my wife.As far a more power go's, I dont know if I could part with the main saw for a couple weeks. Or whatever it take's to get the thing built up. Plus I am  in michigan. I dont know anyone that works on them here.

[beenthere]

Can you post a pic of the area that shows dark? 
My MS361 gets a bit dark around where the serial number is stamped but comes clean with Simple Green cleaner. I know it won't just rub off, but takes a little extra to get it clean again.

[Kevin]

Knotdodger, if you can tach it and achieve the top rpm I wouldn't be too  concerned.
I do line clearance for a communications utility as well, mabe we'lll see you at the pig roast this year.