Husqvarna 345 top end kit

[ronniescott]

Hi, I would be grateful if you guys have a recommendation for a good brand of aftermarket top end kit for this saw.  It still runs OK for home use but it takes a few pulls to start and the piston is scored.  The vintage is about 1986, if I remember correctly, and it has stood no end of mistreatment, most recently a loose muffler burned a hole through the oil tank. A professional tree friend said that the modern saws a inferior and I should hold onto it.  I therefore think I might treat it to a new top end kit.  What do you think?  Good idea.  It might be due a new carburettor.  

[spudulike]

Meteor or Hyway, the rest are a bit suspect. You may get away with salvaging the OEM top end and fitting a Meteor or Hyway piston as a lower cost option.

[adw]

I saw many 345 and 350 shed their mufflers, the later muffler has an additional fixing, so the cylinder gained an additional thread, it was possible to fit the muffler support bracket from the 346xp before the new muffler was introduced, how did you repair the burnt hole in the oil tank? This is an old semi pro saw so you need to think about how much money you throw at it.

[ronniescott]

14 hours ago, spudulike said:

Meteor or Hyway, the rest are a bit suspect. You may get away with salvaging the OEM top end and fitting a Meteor or Hyway piston as a lower cost option.

Thank you.  I will try to source one of those.

[ronniescott]

11 hours ago, adw said:

 how did you repair the burnt hole in the oil tank? 

 

Washed with gas, then Halfords degreaser spray, then a shot of carb cleaner for good measure.  The hole was filled with JB Weld Plastic adhesive.  I don't know how long it will last.  Perhaps I should wait a season before I do the top end.

[spudulike]

If the JB Weld fails (it probably wont) try an epoxy putty called Milliput, this will stick like the proverbial and drys to be rock hard - make sure the receiving surfaces are degreased with brake cleaner.

Don't replace the carb, just stick a new carb kit in it or clean and service it....most carbs have pretty much nothing wrong with them.