mjwhit
ArboristSite Lurker
I was given a dead 394 from a friends part bin, he acquired it for parts and it has been sitting around for a few years. Unfortunately he doesn't know its cause of death. It is in quite a state but as far as I can tell the only major part that is missing is the pull start /side cover.
The saw came in one unit but I done a quick dismantle just to see what I could see. I noticed damage to the ignition coil cable, and the black seal collar that holds the intake spacer was shattered into fragments (the intake collar thing itself seems good so I guess we can rule out air leak there). Also the chain brake band is snapped. Bit of gunk on the top of the piston but surprisingly no damage evident to the piston or the cylinder, so we are going to have to find another reason it was binned. I'm hoping it was just the damage to the ignition coil.
My plan is to use it as a working saw and run it on the Alaskan mill. I plan to put new piston/rings in but re use the cylinder. Replace ignition cable and the seal collar. New gaskets, bottom end bearing seals, fuel and air filters, fuel line. Still thinking about what to do with the carb but I might just leave it for now and work on it later if it causes problems. I dont really feel confident enough to crack open the cases.
I posted here in order to gather input from those more experienced than myself, to keep a bit of record of progress as well as to force a bit of accountability so I can get the project done. I have next to no experience with engine work so hopefully no big mistakes. Any input welcome, thanks.
The saw came in one unit but I done a quick dismantle just to see what I could see. I noticed damage to the ignition coil cable, and the black seal collar that holds the intake spacer was shattered into fragments (the intake collar thing itself seems good so I guess we can rule out air leak there). Also the chain brake band is snapped. Bit of gunk on the top of the piston but surprisingly no damage evident to the piston or the cylinder, so we are going to have to find another reason it was binned. I'm hoping it was just the damage to the ignition coil.
My plan is to use it as a working saw and run it on the Alaskan mill. I plan to put new piston/rings in but re use the cylinder. Replace ignition cable and the seal collar. New gaskets, bottom end bearing seals, fuel and air filters, fuel line. Still thinking about what to do with the carb but I might just leave it for now and work on it later if it causes problems. I dont really feel confident enough to crack open the cases.
I posted here in order to gather input from those more experienced than myself, to keep a bit of record of progress as well as to force a bit of accountability so I can get the project done. I have next to no experience with engine work so hopefully no big mistakes. Any input welcome, thanks.