Thread: 026 vs. 346xp

Originally Posted by Lobo

What is a nanny carburetor ?

I'm guessing its a fixed jet carb.

would like EHP's info as well. he spits out good info. and yes the carb on the 026 is a real piece of spam as far as I'm concerned.

The 026/260 had for a while used a fixed-high-speed carb, but that's no longer the case for some time now.

Yes. "Nanny" as in nanny government...watching over your shoulder and regulating everything you do. As a mere subject, you can't be trusted with an adjustable carburetor, or anything else for that matter.

Originally Posted by SIRCHOPALOT

what is the problem with the chain tensioner?

I find the tensioning screw to be too small, but it works fine. You almost need a smaller screwdriver than the one they give you, it barely fits in the slot.

Has anyone else run into 3/8" 60 dl chains being just a bit too big for the 16" Oregon powermatch bars (still loose with tensioner maxed out). I haven't abused the chain and its only about half used. I've found the 59 dl is perfect, but I have to pay a bit more to get them.

Originally Posted by glens

The 026/260 had for a while used a fixed-high-speed carb, but that's no longer the case for some time now.

Purchased my present 026 in 2001 and it came with a fully adjustable carb.

and it is sensitive on adjustment. A hair or two and it really changes.

The 346 has as much BS wrong with it as the 260. Despite what the #'s say it does spank the 260 hands down stock or modified from what I have seen.

Nanny carburator = One you can't adjust due to manufacturer taking away or limiting that option.

Originally Posted by TonyM

I never had any issue with the chain tensioner. I didn't use the saw long, though, and I do remember noting somethin unique about the tensioner, but don't remember what now.

I suppose that the chain tensioner on the 346 is the same as on my 353. What I have noted, is that if you tension the chain to what seems "just right", and then tighten the bar stud nuts, you end up with a chain that is too tight. After a little trial and error you find out how to get it right, but the construction leaves a little to be desiered. No big deal, though, when you own the saw and use it reasonably often.
The tensioner on my Stihl MS361 is better.

Well as far as which saw is faster stock ,cutting hardwood for firewood the 346 wins easy, yes it is a 4 port closed design on the 346, the 260 is a shorter stroke than the 346 so it doesnot have the torque but does have rpm's over the 346 once moddified. But the modded 346 still will be ahead of a modded 260, the 346 has alot bigger carb on it and that helps ,so it wouldnot be hard for me to see which saw I would be running ,the 346

It would be very interesting to see how the 353 and the new 50.2 cc US-version of the 260 would enter into this picture!

I agree, SawTroll. On both your points. The stihls seem to have a smooth range of motion on the tensioner screw. The husky has "clicks". The husky does tighten up more after you tighten the bar nuts. I find if you tension it properly, then back it off one or possibly two "clicks", it will be correct after you tighten the nuts. Ben, what "BS" are you saying is wrong with the 346?

I agree on the 346 having the power edge, but I hate, Hate, HATE the stupid on/off switch/choke setup on the 346, unless it's been redesigned, but it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

Of the 2 346 XP's we went through. Neither oiled adequately. Or even close to adequate. We sent the first one back and the second had the same problem. We finally milled out the orifice on the pump with the bridgeport mill after Husky said we would just have to live with it. Sh*tty customer service. And yes the chain tensioner is a POS.

Stick with the 260. The air filtration system isn't as bad as the 346 issues. Just my experience. Others may vary.

I have never had any oiling problems with my 353. Were you running .325 or 3/8 chain? Unless you were running a 20" bar or the chain was dull I cant see where there would be a problem. I have heard some talk about the fact that you can replace the 346/353 oiler with one from a 357/359 but mostly people that were running modded saws with 3/8 chain. It would probably also be easy to run out of oil before gas with that setup.