Husqvarna 266SE Piston options

[cdntbone303]

In need of a new piston for a 1985 Husqvarna 266SE. I will be using original cylinder. I am a bit confused on what to get I can find aftermarket 266 closed skirt/windowed which was originally what came in the saw, open skirt/non windowed. open skirt/windowed and even windowed/Open skirt with pop up. Which one would be best and why?

 

[cranman1951]

The 1982 266se/xp I bought new has so much compression (still) and is the hardest saw I ever pulled...so I might skip the popup. I never knew there were so many choices.

 

[John Stryker]

Hi, I have seen both the first and third examples in the 266 and they both ran well. Avoid the popup if you don't want to break the starter spool, the 266 has very high compression stock. Meteor is the brand to chose for best quality.

 

[HiOctane]

On 266,you need a windowed piston.

 

[Huskvarna hotellgäst]

In need of a new piston for a 1985 Husqvarna 266SE. I will be using original cylinder. I am a bit confused on what to get I can find aftermarket 266 closed skirt/windowed which was originally what came in the saw, open skirt/non windowed. open skirt/windowed and even windowed/Open skirt with pop up. Which one would be best and why?

As you have observed, in 1985 the original piston would have been "closed skirt/windowed". These were prone to cracking of the narrow section of the skirt so around 1986/7 an "open skirt/windowed" (aka skirtless) design was introduced on the 254 and 266. The "open skirt/windowed" piston is also lighter. So if we were talking OEM my preference would be "open skirt/windowed" but quality considerations need to be taken into account with aftermarket products. No 266s left the factory with "open skirt/non windowed" pistons which will work but negate the lubrication/cooling advantage of the incoming charge passing around the little-end bearing on its way to the transfer port entry.

 

[cdntbone303]

As you have observed, in 1985 the original piston would have been "closed skirt/windowed". These were prone to cracking of the narrow section of the skirt so around 1986/7 an "open skirt/windowed" (aka skirtless) design was introduced on the 254 and 266. The "open skirt/windowed" piston is also lighter. So if we were talking OEM my preference would be "open skirt/windowed" but quality considerations need to be taken into account with aftermarket products. No 266s left the factory with "open skirt/non windowed" pistons which will work but negate the lubrication/cooling advantage of the incoming charge passing around the little-end bearing on its way to the transfer port entry.

I can get an open skirt windowed meteor brand piston. Would that be a good match for my original cylinder?

 

[cdntbone303]

On 266,you need a windowed piston.

Ok, that rules out one option. So open skirt/windowed is best option in my original cylinder?

 

[HiOctane]

Ok, that rules out one option. So open skirt/windowed is best option in my original cylinder?

I just realized i didnt give you the best option.The best one,is open skirt, second windowed. You need those kinds because OEM cylinder has closed ports.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Id advise against buying from Lil Red Barn...they sold me a Homelite piston that didnt fit then ghosted me about it.

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

 

[cdntbone303]

I just realized i didnt give you the best option.The best one,is open skirt, second windowed. You need those kinds because OEM cylinder has closed ports.

So best option picture one. Second best picture 3 in original post?

 

[HiOctane]

So best option picture one. Second best picture 3 in original post?

third one from left.

 

[cdntbone303]

third one from left.

Ok, Thanks a bunch. I had to switch to my laptop to see that, also noticed your in Quebec, where abouts? I am in the townships

 

[HiOctane]

Ok, Thanks a bunch. I had to switch to my laptop to see that, also noticed your in Quebec, where abouts? I am in the townships

Gaspesie.

 

[cdntbone303]

Gaspesie.

Nice country up there

 

[Huskvarna hotellgäst]

I can get an open skirt windowed meteor brand piston. Would that be a good match for my original cylinder?

If it's one that looks like the third from the left, yes. The original cylinder will not care
FYI, the one second from the left is a compromise that will work in either a 266 or 268(aka 66 outside north America). The 268 has a simpler unique Gilarnoni-patented transfer port design in which the scalloped side of the piston acts as the inner wall of the port.

 

[Oldtoolsnewproblems]

I'm still kicking myself about losing the pictures of my piston, I just redid my 266se with a new piston. Old one was fine but the ring somehow had .13 gap! I think mine was from little red barn, runs great, base gasket delete, but I suspect I'm not getting quite the compression I should, not sure why.

 

[cdntbone303]

I'm still kicking myself about losing the pictures of my piston, I just redid my 266se with a new piston. Old one was fine but the ring somehow had .13 gap! I think mine was from little red barn, runs great, base gasket delete, but I suspect I'm not getting quite the compression I should, not sure why.

Not broken in yet maybe?