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There is no "kit" just ongoing product and individual component improvement. You don't want to know how many changes that POS 346 lived through!

There were of course lots of them, as it is with all chainsaw models of decent quality. Husky may be more active at product development than most (all?) other brands though, .

The changes rarely are made because of major issues, just normal product development. Nothing ever is perfect....
 
IPL Update 550XP, 2014-10 28.84 KB IPL Update 550XP, 2014-10.pdf
IPL Update, H550XP-XPG, 2014-12 25.92 KB IPL Update, H550XP-XPG, 2014-12.pdf
IPL Update, H550XP, 2014-02 24.12 KB IPL Update, H550XP, 2014-02.pdf
IPL Update, 550XP, 2013-09 43.79 KB IPL Update, 550XP, 2013-09.pdf
IPL Update, 550XP, 2014-09 w 38. 156.85 KB IPL Update, 550XP, 2014-09 w 38..pdf
IPL Update, H550XP-XPG, 2015-06, Oil pump 102.06 KB IPL Update, H550XP-XPG, 2015-06, Oil pump.pdf
IPL update, 550XPXPG, 2014-11 58.02 KB IPL update, 550XPXPG, 2014-11.pdf
IPL update, 550XP, 2014-09 24.35 KB IPL update, 550XP, 2014-09.pdf
IPL Update, 550XP, 550XPG, 2015-04, Carburettor 25.90 KB IPL Update, 550XP, 550XPG, 2015-04, Carburettor.pdf
IPL Update, 550XP, 550XPG, 2016-02, Crankshaft, Cylinder cover 103.78 KB IPL Update, 550XP, 550XPG, 2016-02, Crankshaft, Cylinder cover.pdf
IPL Update, 550 XP XPG, 2015-10, Cylinder, Piston 13.86 KB IPL Update, 550 XP XPG, 2015-10, Cylinder, Piston.pdf

SB, Starter, 550XP, 545, 2013-01 125.54 KB HUSB2013_AAen__B1300015.pdf
SB, Clutch, 550XP, 545, 2013-01 83.93 KB HUSB2013_AAen__B1300016.pdf
SB, Fuel hose, 550, 545, 2012-06, Chain Saw 40.43 KB HUSB2012_AAen__B1200067.pdf
SB, Fuel Tank, Ignition Module, 550XP, 545, 2013-01 95.45 KB HUSB2013_AAen__B1300029.pdf
SB, Engine Diagnostic Tool, 2014-03 63.48 KB HUSB2014_AAen__B1400014.pdf
SB, Crankshaft bearing, crankcase gasket, 550XP, 545, 2012-04 159.26 KB HUSB2012_AAen__B1200055.pdf


Looking at those requires login....
 
The exact oil and fuel in the mix are likely to be factors then, and what Husky really want people to use is the Aspen alkylate premix. Stihl has a similar alkylate premix over here, that is called MotoMix.
So you're saying Husqvarna is selling a product that requires something that isn't even available in most countries? That's a bit of a stretch if I do say so myself.
 
So you're saying Husqvarna is selling a product that requires something that isn't even available in most countries? That's a bit of a stretch if I do say so myself.
That is what I initially thought also. I spent a while putting the word "alkylate" in some internet search. There are two things that came to my mind that could somewhat alter this initial impression.
1) exactly what is in pump gas in the markets where alkylate fuel is recommended.
2) In this country it is my impression that if a manufacturer says you have to use their oil for example and nothing else then the manufacturer must give that away.
 
So you're saying Husqvarna is selling a product that requires something that isn't even available in most countries? That's a bit of a stretch if I do say so myself.

No, but it is what they recommend, at least here. I'm sure they know about how the fuel situation is in the different markets - but when the user is moving further away from what is recommended than he could have, he is on his own.
 
The manufacturers know very well fuel mixes will vary widely depending on location. Fact is these saws from both Stihl and Husqvarna have had problems, end of story. If a non AT saw can be tuned for the mix I run, so should AT saws. A carburetor is still just a carburetor. Everything else is just an excuse IMHO.
 
I have both a 562xp and this new problematic 550xp and the same mix I make whether it's 50:1 or 40:1, runs perfectly fine in my 562xp but nothing runs right in the new 550xp. I still get the hesitation and hard starts regardless of fuel mix ratio.
 
I have both a 562xp and this new problematic 550xp and the same mix I make whether it's 50:1 or 40:1, runs perfectly fine in my 562xp but nothing runs right in the new 550xp. I still get the hesitation and hard starts regardless of fuel mix ratio.
Sounds like she's a bit lean on the low. The 550 has an adjustable low speed jet, remove the carb and open up the screw 1/4 of a turn.
 
The exact oil and fuel in the mix are likely to be factors then, and what Husky really want people to use is the Aspen alkylate premix. Stihl has a similar alkylate premix over here, that is called MotoMix.
I agree with this statement, many members think they know more than OEM about what oils are best for their saws and run heavy synthetic oils made for performance 2T bikes. They can hamper performance and tuning big time. I have no issues at all with my 550xp or 555, if only my ported ms261 would spool up like my stock 550, i'd be wrapped!
 
I agree with this statement, many members think they know more than OEM about what oils are best for their saws and run heavy synthetic oils made for performance 2T bikes. They can hamper performance and tuning big time. I have no issues at all with my 550xp or 555, if only my ported ms261 would spool up like my stock 550, i'd be wrapped!
This has been proven incorrect time and time again. It's an EPA thing not OEM.
 
All this talk of faults with the 550xp kind of makes me nervous seeing as I bought my saw from the states. Not looking forward to taking it in to my local dealer if I need support. Mind you I could buy another one from the states and still be ahead $$$ wise.
 
This has been proven incorrect time and time again. It's an EPA thing not OEM.
So what exactly is that 'EPA thing' that your talking about? Using high viscosity synthetic oils have been proven to cause issues. Its not rocket science, just run some thick full synthetic bike oils like HR1 or others and run some OEM chainsaw recommended oils and see the difference. It don't have to be an AT/MT saw either.
 
So what exactly is that 'EPA thing' that your talking about? Using high viscosity synthetic oils have been proven to cause issues. Its not rocket science, just run some thick full synthetic bike oils like HR1 or others and run some OEM chainsaw recommended oils and see the difference. It don't have to be an AT/MT saw either.

The EPA mandated less oil, it had little to do with the manufactures. I'm not going to get into it any farther than this. Yes H1R has caused some people issues, mostly with low idle tuning. Every other oil I know of "and there is a huge thread on the issue" that has been tested, by myself and others, has proven more oil = more power, with zero negatives I know of. I've also been running saws most of my life, I see zero benefit to running OEM oils, unless you want to pay more for oil. I ran OEM oils for years, they work fine, but not any better that's for sure. Feel free to disagree, we're all free to make our own conclusions.
 
I am no for oem oils either but quality mix oils suited for chainsaws, one should not have issues running a richer mix. However I think husky has 50:1 in mind for epa reason.
 
I've got around 100 cords on my 550xp, gives off white smoke for 5 seconds on the first start of the day, after that it runs perfect. I run at 40:1 and use the Stihl premium mix. :)
 
I also add a cap full of seafoam everytime I fill up my jerry can...just because I've always had great result.
 

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