390xp Project

[juttree]

oh, and in the parts diagrams, it looks like the seal covers the bearings outer race like on a husky 350 ... it does not. the seal is integral between the inner and outer race more similar to a regular sealed bearing. its just sealed only on one side. what you see on your unit there is the same as part #503251301

I'm still trying to wrap my head around how you can just change the seal if it is one complete unit, does it separate? I know I should just replace the bearings since the case is split (and I'm sure I will) but the bearings are actually fine. I had planned on changing the seals whether they passed a test or not, but I didn't realize the this saw had this crazy bearing/seal setup.

 

[mdavlee]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around how you can just change the seal if it is one complete unit, does it separate? I know I should just replace the bearings since the case is split (and I'm sure I will) but the bearings are actually fine. I had planned on changing the seals whether they passed a test or not, but I didn't realize the this saw had this crazy bearing/seal setup.

Stick a screwdriver or something into that seal and pull it out. It's just rubber for the most part.

 

[blsnelling]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around how you can just change the seal if it is one complete unit, does it separate? I know I should just replace the bearings since the case is split (and I'm sure I will) but the bearings are actually fine. I had planned on changing the seals whether they passed a test or not, but I didn't realize the this saw had this crazy bearing/seal setup.

The 385/390 PTO bearing and seal is no different from many other saws. The seal presses into the outer race and seals against the inner race.

 

[juttree]

Ok I missed that brad, thanks. So what do you guys think, just change the bearings while it's apart or save the $20 and just do the seals? Sounds kinda stupid to get cheap over a $20 bill now that I'm writing it. It sure would suck if the old bearings decided to go after just a little while.

 

[Mattyo]

Swap the whole unit.....keep it simple

 

[blsnelling]

That seal is kind of difficult to install too. You have to use a thin film on the I.D. Too get it over the inner race without it prolapsing.

 

[juttree]

I think just for the sake of knowledge I'm gonna pull the seal before removing the bearing. It sounds like using the puller like you would on a traditional seal wouldn't work.

 

[Mattyo]

Might be easier to pull the bearing first

Heat the case around the bearing with a torch....go easy.....then take a socket...lay it on the bearing
...and tap it out

 

[blsnelling]

It's one of the easiest seals to pull. It'll pop right out with a little screwdriver.

 

[juttree]

Wow, you guys weren't kidding. This is definitely the easiest seal to pull. Is it really that bad to put a new one in?

 

[juttree]

Looks like I should have used a little bit more heat, bearing stayed on the crank on the flywheel side.

 

[blsnelling]

Make sure the bearing isn't loose in the pocket.

 

[juttree]

Make sure the bearing isn't loose in the pocket.

It did take a few good smacks to get it out.

 

[blsnelling]

You're good to go then.

 

[juttree]

Ok Matt I just ordered from Brodner, hopefully all goes well. In a way I'm kinda glad Stihl doesn't sell parts online, it's way too easy to keep hitting the Add To Cart button.

 

[Mattyo]

Yep....my problem is that I order stuff at 3am when my judgment isn't so good haha

 

[juttree]

Yep....my problem is that I order stuff at 3am when my judgment isn't so good haha

I hear that.

 

[juttree]

Ok, so I'm kinda bored with this project while I wait on parts and I figured I'd look into some paint (what the heck). Looks aren't REALLY important to me when it comes to a saw. I'd rather have an ugly badass saw than a beautiful lemon but for the sake of this thread I thought I'd play around with some paint.
I used an old 372 starter cover to test out two colors. I also bought some clear coat gloss stuff. I have no idea how this stuff will last but after it dries I'll try to beat it up a little. I've only put one coat of paint on and it has runs but it's just practice. I'll add to this as I do more.
Here's what I used

372 cover, one picture with flash and one without.

The left side painted

Both sides painted with a different color.

It kinda looks like half husky and half Stihl.
That's it for now, paint takes FOREVER to dry, especially when your watching it.

 

[juttree]

I've decided that painting the plastics is stupid so I'm not gonna be doing that. I did start painting the case though. I'm not sure if it was a stupid idea but it's too late to turn back now.
First, I cleaned it really good

Then, I scuffed it up a little bit

And here's half of the case done

 

[juttree]

I finally got the new bearings in. Now I'm waiting on a gasket set on back order.