Changing MS361 from 3/8 to .325

[Pete Mctree]

We run 341's on 15in & .325. They work very well, but depends on your usage to swap or not. If your cutting in the woods then the narrower kerf will be an advantage, otherwise not thatmuch difference. The 9 tooth sproket does increase chain speed quite a bit

[jpbeaver]

My 361 runs a 13" bar on 3/8. If your running a 440 and 660 on 3/8s I'd leave it on that.

[WoodED]

a 9 tooth would bog down the 3/8's quite abit.. 8 tooth is quite ample

[C.J]

I've been running my old 56cc dolmar with a 9 x 325 sprocket and an old 15" Husqvarna pixel bar.Yes its fast but its cutting a narrow kerf.

 

If I was all Stihl like you are I would keep to the 3/8" by 63 gauge and run a 15" bar with a 8 x 3/8" rim that would be compatible with your other saws.

[Stubby]

Why? Need it explained to me the reasons for "down-gearing" ????

 

Changing from 3/8 to .325 is not "down gearing " . It just gives you more cutters for a given bar length. Standard rim sprocket is I think 7 pin . you can raise the gearing to an 8 pin but be sure that it still allows the saw to "rev out " . If it does not you stand a chance of plug fouling as it will tend to be slightly rich . You can get away with taller gear ( 8 instead of 7 pin ) if you use a relatively short bar or the saw is ported . ( see spud for porting ! )