Can old 346xp be fitted with NE346xp P&C?

bjorn773 · Nov 4, 2009

I'm looking at a used 346xp that "needs a piston". If it can be had cheap enough, I'd consider it. I'm wondering if the NE p&c will bolt on. From what I am reading, they went to a 44mm on the NE vs. 42mm on the OE.

bjorn773 · Nov 4, 2009

Anyone used both, is there much difference in performance?

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

I would like to know if they interchange as well.

bjorn773 · Nov 4, 2009

Wow, a question you can't answer Brad? I better go buy a lottery ticket.

TRI955 · Nov 4, 2009

bjorn773 said:
wow, a question you can't answer brad? I better go buy a lottery ticket.

lol!!!

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

bjorn773 said:
Wow, a question you can't answer Brad? I better go buy a lottery ticket.

Now don't go giving the trolls ammunition. I never claimed to know everything. Guys like Lakeside, Tommy, and Jacob have forgotten more than I'll ever know :clap:

CentaurG2 · Nov 4, 2009

bjorn773 said:
Anyone used both, is there much difference in performance?

I own both an old edition and new edition 346xp. The old edition is lighter, revs higher and handles a little bit better. The old edition is just a joy to use for limbing but lacks enough power to efficiently cut hardwoods much larger than 11” in diameter. The NE346 is a much better all around saw and if you are looking for a great lightweight saw to both limb and buck firewood, I don’t think you will be able to find a better saw. With a 16” bar and .325 RSC chain, it just flies through wood. Good luck with your choice.

Kansas · Nov 4, 2009

I would just fix it with the right parts with probably less effort,money etc and not worry about it and just enjoy having a badazz little stock OE 346 and later buy an NE because its an NE but thats me not trying to be a smart alec just saying?

Kansas

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

Kansas said:
I would just fix it with the right parts with probably less effort,money etc and not worry about it and just enjoy having a badazz little stock OE 346 and later buy an NE because its an NE but thats me not trying to be a smart alec just saying?

Kansas

But why not have the power of the new cylinder if he needs one and it'll bolt right on?

Jacob J. · Nov 4, 2009

I have a blown up OE here that I'm going to buy a NE p/c for and see if it fits (as a bolt-on.)

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

Jacob J. said:
I have a blown up OE here that I'm going to buy a NE p/c for and see if it fits (as a bolt-on.)

Now I'm the one that's shocked, lol

FATGUY · Nov 4, 2009

has anyone checked the stroke of either saw?

Jacob J. · Nov 4, 2009

blsnelling said:
Now I'm the one that's shocked, lol

Well we never got too many 346s through our shop, it was too expensive a saw for the farmers and tree services in our area. The loggers had no use for them. Mostly people bought 345s, MS-290s, consumer model Poulans, and the occasional 210 EZ2start.

I'm pretty sure the NE is a bolt-on to the OE case just like the 51.4mm top end of the 372W will bolt on to any 362/365/371/372 case.

Jacob J. · Nov 4, 2009

FATGUY said:
has anyone checked the stroke of either saw?

They're both 32.5mm...

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

Same cylinder gasket too.

bjorn773 · Nov 4, 2009

CentaurG2 said:
I own both an old edition and new edition 346xp. The old edition is lighter, revs higher and handles a little bit better. The old edition is just a joy to use for limbing but lacks enough power to efficiently cut hardwoods much larger than 11” in diameter. The NE346 is a much better all around saw and if you are looking for a great lightweight saw to both limb and buck firewood, I don’t think you will be able to find a better saw. With a 16” bar and .325 RSC chain, it just flies through wood. Good luck with your choice.

I'm pretty much just looking for a limbing saw anyway. The 346 would replace my 350. I have a 365BB and 385 for bucking. I just don't have enough in the wallet to pony up to the NE at this time.

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

bjorn773 said:
I'm pretty much just looking for a limbing saw anyway. The 346 would replace my 350. I have a 365BB and 385 for bucking. I just don't have enough in the wallet to pony up to the NE at this time.

I personally wouldn't sweat it. I don't want to get into the whole debate again, but when we tested the 50cc saws recently, a stock OE 346XP was 2nd only to a NE 346XP. It was stronger than the 5100 and 260 in the wood we were testing with.

Taxmantoo · Nov 4, 2009

Jacob J. said:
I have a blown up OE here that I'm going to buy a NE p/c for and see if it fits (as a bolt-on.)

Good, then we'll find out if the intake/exhaust match up.

SawTroll · Nov 4, 2009

blsnelling said:
I would like to know if they interchange as well.

Of course they do, no problem!

blsnelling · Nov 4, 2009

My NE almost looks like one anyway with an orange clutch cover. The primer is still there, even though it's no longer functional with the 357 carb.

Can old 346xp be fitted with NE346xp P&C?

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