Spring1898
ArboristSite Operative
Never messed with a 262 before, then happened to get 2 at the same time; early and late model.
I have heard that early 262's were stronger. I think I found the reason.
Take a look at the difference in transfers: Early KS (non-decomp) on the left, late Mahle (decomp) on the right
Kind of hard to get everything in the pictures, but I will explain what I see
Early KS - Transfer tunnels are much more hogged out (I would have thought it was a port job if not for the casting slag). Lower transfers are narrower, upper transfers are wider but shorter. Internal and External casting is rougher.
Late Mahle - Wider lower transfer port openings, but noticeably smaller tunnels (the "roof" of the tunnel is the difference). Taller but narrower upper transfer size.
So, experts can explain, but there are not only timing differences, but the volume of the transfer tunnels to take into account. That said the late model already has wider openings, and hogging out the tunnels would be very easy to do to make it as strong or stronger (timing permitting).
Does anyone make a quality aftermarket 262 cylinder? I would be curious to see which version they copied.
On another note, I always heard the squish was always really tight on these saws, but I couldn't even measure the squish on the early 262, as it didn't clamp on my solder at all... Forgot to measure squish on the late 262 before I pulled it off.
I have heard that early 262's were stronger. I think I found the reason.
Take a look at the difference in transfers: Early KS (non-decomp) on the left, late Mahle (decomp) on the right
Kind of hard to get everything in the pictures, but I will explain what I see
Early KS - Transfer tunnels are much more hogged out (I would have thought it was a port job if not for the casting slag). Lower transfers are narrower, upper transfers are wider but shorter. Internal and External casting is rougher.
Late Mahle - Wider lower transfer port openings, but noticeably smaller tunnels (the "roof" of the tunnel is the difference). Taller but narrower upper transfer size.
So, experts can explain, but there are not only timing differences, but the volume of the transfer tunnels to take into account. That said the late model already has wider openings, and hogging out the tunnels would be very easy to do to make it as strong or stronger (timing permitting).
Does anyone make a quality aftermarket 262 cylinder? I would be curious to see which version they copied.
On another note, I always heard the squish was always really tight on these saws, but I couldn't even measure the squish on the early 262, as it didn't clamp on my solder at all... Forgot to measure squish on the late 262 before I pulled it off.
The other later one didnt. 2 different 262's in my pics. 
