Thread: Homelite 903, tell me about it

Did the standard searches, but would like to see a discussion about these saws. I might be getting one in here soon on trade, if all goes well and would be interested in the finer details, and am basically asking you guys to discuss the likes, dislikes and knowledge of these saws so a fella like me can do some learning.




Much obliged

Chris

Ran mine for years. A practical saw even now as its got pretty solid power & reliability. Fairly typical of that Homelite 82cc series prior to the much snappier 925...but while the 925 I have runs much high RPM's and has more power..it has a compression ratio that makes it tougher to start for an old guy. The 903 has a compression release....which is why mine got the bulk of the work for so long. Easy to start, solid power, never let me down from a reliability standpoint. For a old saw from that period, its one of the best to have as its still a practical option for doing real work.

Here's mine doing the typical work of that time for me...lots and lots of this type of thing. It had the power to make it easy..and firewood too. Found it was happiest with a 20inch bar & chain. Things like carb kits were still available from any saw dealer..although you will need to grab filters from ebay..be patient as the price varies radically on that stuff sometime wonder if posts like this effect pricing!

I don't know much about the 903 itself but I do believe about all of the XL900 series saws were about the same and around 82cc. Here is the info that Mike Acres site has available for the 903.

Model Profile: XL-903

Actually while they were similar in configuration, the 924 went to an electronic Ignition instead of points. Also the Cylinders while all either 77cc or 82 cc had differences. The 925's are stronger by far than the earlier points versions. They also had more compression to go along with the later cylinder's. They were all pretty much finger or open port cylinders but there was some progression in performance from the early 700's thru the 800's and into the early 900 series. Then the 924/925 was a radical change. I have had 800's, a 901, 903's, and still have a 903 and two 925's.

Here is the acres site listing of the 925..note the difference in operation RPM and ignition configuration...

Model Profile: SUPER XL-925

Are many of the 924/925 parts interchangable with the 903, that you are aware of?


Chris

I really haven't tried..I was happy just the way it is. Too bad you are so far away..we will do a All American GTG at some point and I have boxes of that 82cc stuff we could mix and match to see.