Chainsaw mechanics

[bandmiller2]

Finally have the back ordered parts for my Husky 394.Case split ,new main bearings on the crank.Is it better to put the seals in before or after installing the crank,and putting the case halves togather.??Reason I'am leaning twords after  installing the crank, is in case I may have to warm the bearing pockets with a heat gun.What is standard procedure.Frank C.

[Dave Shepard]

I put mine in after. I think there is enough to worry about putting the case back together without having to worry about the seals. I did preheat the case before pressing in the bearings. I had trouble with the clutch side seal, I damaged two of them before I figured it out. I used a pick to slowly work the seal lip over the end of the crank.

[Al_Smith]

 A little trick for installing seals on a shaft with a raised lip is to slide a thin plastic tube over the lip .Oil it up rear good ,install the seal then pull out the tube . What I'm talking about are the thin plastic tubes that cigars or drill bits may be packaged in . You can slit them to make them smaller .

[joe_indi]

I use a greased and trimmed synthetic visiting card over the crankshaft.The oil seal slides over the card easily without bending the lip.
Once the seal is in place, just ease off the card.Works every time

[bandmiller2]

Husky 394 runs like a champ.Worst thing on assembly was figuring where that DanG air scoop goes.Thanks Al for the seal tip used the plastic case from a Garcia-vega panetella shortened it skived the inside edge seal goes over easy tapped in with 3/4 deep socket.Even the cigar was tasty.Tool worked so well i saved it.Thats a big saw,would take alot of man to run that for 8 hrs. in the woods.Thanks to all who responded.Frank C.

[Dave Shepard]

Congrats on the resurrection.  8) I use my 394 almost every day now that I'm back to milling. The first day in the woods is the hardest, it gets easier on successive days. ;)

[chevytaHOE5674]

Congrats, the first rebuild is always the hardest. Once you've done dozens you learn all the tricks and can do it in your sleep. 

[Al_Smith]

Glad the cigar tube worked out for you plus you got a nice stogie out of the deal  ;D

The only way to get good at wrenching saws is to do it .You got to get with it or you'll never be any good  at . Way too many people think two cycle engines are some magical contraption dreamed up by Merlin the magician .Nothing could be further from the truth .

Good job on the rebuild .I have an idea it might be one of many . ;)