I'd have to agree, OEM vs. Aftermarket is the difference between losing money on a saw or making a little money if you're selling the saw. The 55 I have will eventually be sold.
thanks alot Cliff for posting all this info.The later Rancher 55's are all open port, larger 46mm bore, and they upgraded to .375 chain from .325". They really don't have the "ump" for pulling the larger chain or a bar longer than 18", IMHO. I think the "Rancher" 55's were an attempt to steer folks who cut a decent amount of firewood and do some land clearing, etc to go that direction instead of the more expensive Professional models. Must have worked pretty well, you still see a LOT of 55's in service, and Ebay usually has a decent selection to choose from.
The entire series of 55's are very rugged and well made, aside from the weaker direct oil pump drive and plastic intake parts being a few weak spots they are tough little units. Also good parts supply and most of the parts are still available on the IPL's.
The EPA "closed port" 55's are a great find. You either have to know the model years they ran them or be able to see the bottom of the cylinder, simply seeing the compression release and not seeing "Rancher" on the cover isn't enough to ensure you're going to get one. You really need to see the flange on the cylinder, it's lined with a bunch of "X's" across the flange from what I can remember.
The down side to the closed port models is that they were set pretty lean with limiter caps being "EPA" models, and a high percentage of the used ones that show up on Ebay will have some damage across the exhaust side of the P/C.......Cliff
Exactly.If OEM can be had for $100 that's a no brainer. I wouldn't use OEM at the retail price of $249.95 (last time I checked for a closed port P/C when they were available).
In the same sentence the $20 P/C's from China sold all over Ebay.......probably aren't worth two squirts of duck poop, but that's just a guess on my part.......Cliff
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CYLINDER-PI...616222?hash=item4af78a4e1e:g:GcYAAOSw-zxWnUsE
im late but i get what your saying. nice saw thouIf OEM can be had for $100 that's a no brainer. I wouldn't use OEM at the retail price of $249.95 (last time I checked for a closed port P/C when they were available).
In the same sentence the $20 P/C's from China sold all over Ebay.......probably aren't worth two squirts of duck poop, but that's just a guess on my part.......Cliff
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CYLINDER-PI...616222?hash=item4af78a4e1e:g:GcYAAOSw-zxWnUsE
i know but it was freeI used a cheap AM kit off ebay and my biggest complaint was squish. U might have to cut base down some even without a base gasket. I would not spend much on the saw in parts. It would be easy to buy new oem and if you need other stuff you can end up with more in the saw than its worth. If you want oem i would try to pick up a used saw for cheap with good usable cylinder. These saws are a dime a dozen. Jmo
Looks just like a 45 that I have.They may have made them with white tops, not sure. The one I have is a dark grey top like the one below.......Cliff
View attachment 483488
I saw that. What are advantages of the close port?hyway makes a closed port cyl for theses....
i just got one and it looks great for fit and finish....
have not installed it or even checked squish yet though...
I had someone here explain it to me but I've forgotten. I thought the open port was the best. Not sure why they make both for the same engine like the 353.I saw that. What are advantages of the close port?
just got a 55 air injection with a toasted piston and cylinder for free. It's an 46mm with a decomp valve. I'm not going to waste my time on trying to save the cylinder it's gone. Just got off ebay and saw cylinders kits from 23.00 to 150.oo . My question would you spend the extra $ for the Meteor kit. Or what kit would you get? Sorry no pictures because i run over my cord with my chair.
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