chainsaw milling

downtown72 · April 02, 2022, 09:00:21 PM

Hi everyone I'm looking for some info regarding saw mixture for milling. I was milling with a 288xp and just upgraded to a 395xp. I was running 50:1 on the 288 but I think its running hot, Should I go with 40:1 on the 395 or even richer? I don't want to damage the saw and I have quite a bit of milling to do this summer. Also any info on a external oiler for a 28" bar?

Thanks for any feedback.

miro · April 03, 2022, 06:08:02 PM

OUCH - I think you are running too lean at 50:1
When I was CSM-ing, I used 30:1 - yes it was a bit smokey but that engine is still in good shape after 25 years.
You are running that engine long and as hard as it can go and then some ( bogging down) which is not the usual run cycle for chain saws.
Miro

downtown72 · April 03, 2022, 07:46:24 PM

Ill try 30:1 for the 395 better to be safe than sorry, I was also thinking on opening up the muffler for more power and better cooling, do you know much about that or any other mods for milling?

mike_belben · April 03, 2022, 08:05:31 PM

You want a lazer sharp chain, perfectly dressed bar rails with correct kerf gauge, a rich oil and a fat tune. Opening muffler will help with heat retention on the jug as will idle breaks. I hand brush oil on the sprocket end to force myself to give it idle time.

A piece of tin or flashing rigged over the muffler and clamped to the handlebar will help you not get sick from the fumes. Terrible for you.

downtown72 · April 03, 2022, 08:46:21 PM

Sounds good, any advice on how to open up the muffler or should I buy a after market style?

mike_belben · April 04, 2022, 07:11:40 AM

I dont like tubes. Instead i usually slit a vertical gil into the passenger side above the chain if itll fit there, aiming gas flow at the saw. I upen it up with a screwdriver and a small pair of tin knocker's seaming pliers.

Then i fab a little tin reflector to weld over the gill and redirect the gas toward the bar tip. This uses the reflective wave principle to cancel soundwaves while increasing flow. Sound wise they arent really any louder but drop heat and rev up quicker with a proper retune. A stainless screen is easy to stuff in and shoot a sheetmetal screw thru for spark arrest

downtown72 · April 04, 2022, 10:47:16 PM

So basically zip cut a slit into the side of the muffler, any pic's ?

mike_belben · April 04, 2022, 10:54:12 PM

if youre just gonna put a slit, aim it forward. itll be loud. if you dont want loud, aim it back toward the carb and then weld a louver over that to reflect the gas flow toward the sprocket tip.

i dont think i have any modded ones or pics here on this phone. i will ask a buddy to text me one i did for him in the morning but he probably wont get back to me for a few days.