help getting into piston, removing cylinder?

[finkey]

for Craftsman gas chain saw model 358.360280 18" blade

Just replaced zama carburetor, no problem, but don't know how to get into the cylinder and piston, to replace rings. Have kit. Working only with owner's manual blow-away, and you bet Sears repair shop doesn't offer "tech support"! Took off flywheel nut but no luck. Anyone know the trick? Thanks in advance! :blob6:

 

[Chris J.]

If you are being serious, and since no one else answered...

Looking down at the cylinder, you'll see four holes going thru the cooling fins. At the bottom of each of those holes you'll find a hex screw. Remove the screws, and you should be able to lift (carefully) the cylinder off of the piston.

You'll first need to remove the carb, muffler, and anything else that attaches to the cylinder. If you go to Sears.com, you will probably be able to find an IPL and other documents for this saw. It might take a little searching.

Good luck!

BTW--Removing the flywheel, also the clutch, won't give you access to the piston & rings.

 

[scottr]

4 Screws

Finkey , look at the bottom of your saw and you can see the four screws (small bolts) that hold the cylinder on . If you use the search forum and the words 'poulan rebuild' that will help .

 

[finkey]

Thank you

Thank you, will do.

 

[timberwolf]

Just Trying to help avoid problems here, but if you had a hard time figuring how to get it appart you will have even more trouble trying to get it back together. Do you have something to use as a ring compressor?

Not 100% sure but I think you need to take the carb and adaptor plate / boot off on that saw also to get the jug off. That is what I found on some of the cheep Poulan saws.

 

[finkey]

ring compressor

re: http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=25308&highlight=ring+compressor

Thanks, Timberwolf, found good info above.

Joe

 

[timberwolf]

I have found it workable to use a piece from an empty beer can. Wrap it around the piston and hold it with pliers to guid the ring into the cyl.

I find the engines with the top half of the crankcase incorporated into the jug more of PITA than the short jugs off Stihls Huskys ect

 

[finkey]

great idea

Great idea - thanks!