Husqvarna 181SE Top End?

[G-Man!!!]

I am in the process of rebuilding my Husqvarna 181SE top end to a larger 288 54mm, and I have to make a decision on whether to use OEM or aftermarket cylinder and piston kit, the OEM costs $350 where a good aftermarket cost $130.

I need some suggestions as which to use OEM or aftermarket? If aftermarket what name brand?

One of the down sides I see to using OEM is it doesn't have the de-compression valve and as most know the 54mm will be a little on the tough side to start.

Please give me some good advice.

Thanks......

 

[Warped5]

www.sawsalvage.com will easily beat the $130 price tag on the AM top end. They deal in quality Meteor products.

 

[G-Man!!!]

Thanks Warped5 - I looked at saw salvage.com and no savings on the Meteor 54 mm cylinder and piston kit.

 

[Warped5]

Really? Contact them and tell 'em I sent you ....

 

[nmurph]

Find a used OEM cylinder and use a Meteor piston...trust me. You will be about the same money and have OEM performance and quality.

 

[HuskStihl]

Using an AM 288 jug should be illegal

 

[rob066]

Some Husky 288 used compression releases. I know I have a good OEM 288 cylinder with compression release. Im holding it in my hand right know. IM willing to part with it.

 

[spike60]

OEM 288 top ends can be found at $225 if you know where to look.

And they are tapped for the deco as well.

 

[tpope]

Is there anything wrong with the original cylinder? They have a small combustion chamber and make a fine running saw.

 

[mdavlee]

Is there anything wrong with the original cylinder? They have a small combustion chamber and make a fine running saw.

I was about to ask that. No reason to swap unless you want to run a 36" bar a lot.

 

[G-Man!!!]

Is there anything wrong with the original cylinder? They have a small combustion chamber and make a fine running saw.

I wanted a 288 when I purchased the 181SE. I run a 36" bar and was having problems with damage to the piston I could see when viewing through the exhaust port. Plus the 181 cylinder does't have a compression valve which the 288 replacement will have. Should make starting much easier.

 

[G-Man!!!]

I wanted a 288 when I purchased the 181SE. I run a 36" bar and was having problems with damage to the piston I could see when viewing through the exhaust port. Plus the 181 cylinder does't have a compression valve which the 288 replacement will have. Should make starting much easier.

I may have have a OEM 181SE cylinder for sale, provided when I pull it, it is in good condition.

 

[G-Man!!!]

Find a used OEM cylinder and use a Meteor piston...trust me. You will be about the same money and have OEM performance and quality.

So, now I'm confused one says use Meteor piston with a OEM cylinder and the next guy says not to use aftermarket piston (jug) with OEM cylinder.

I have obtained a OEM 288 cylinder, now I need a piston kit. What do I use OEM piston or quality aftermarket like Meteor piston?????

 

[nmurph]

Meteor is AM but is of equal quality to OEM. Meteor is a supplier of OEM piston for many motor applications in European scooters, and in air compressors...and other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head.

 

[SawTroll]

I am in the process of rebuilding my Husqvarna 181SE top end to a larger 288 54mm, and I have to make a decision on whether to use OEM or aftermarket cylinder and piston kit, the OEM costs $350 where a good aftermarket cost $130.

I need some suggestions as which to use OEM or aftermarket? If aftermarket what name brand?

One of the down sides I see to using OEM is it doesn't have the de-compression valve and as most know the 54mm will be a little on the tough side to start.

Please give me some good advice.

Thanks......

A good aftermarket cylinder?????

 

[SawTroll]

Some other good suggestions here - but the final answer is in post #8, by Spike60!

 

[HuskStihl]

I didn't mean to imply you need an OEM piston. Meteor is fine. 288 cylinders have great compression and port timing, using an AM cylinder when a decent used OEM is available would be a waste of a really good saw

 

[rob066]

I didn't mean to imply you need an OEM piston. Meteor is fine. 288 cylinders have great compression and port timing, using an AM cylinder when a decent used OEM is available would be a waste of a really good saw

I sent the OP the used OEM one today. He will be set in that aspect. It all fins, nice threads in every hole, and great chrome. I talked to the OP personally and he is kinda set on a Meteor piston. I told him I used a few with excellent results.

 

[SawTroll]

I sent the OP the used OEM one today. He will be set in that aspect. It all fins, nice threads in every hole, and great chrome. I talked to the OP personally and he is kinda set on a Meteor piston. I told him I used a few with excellent results.

Meteor pistons are fine, he better stay with that plan!

 

[Duke Thieroff]

I can supply the Meteor piston to the OP if he's currently in the market for one.

SawTroll, or HuskStihl, do either of you have any experience in recent times with aftermarket products?

Not looking for an argument, but a discussion.