Stihl 046 - suitable for tuning, big bore etc

[spudulike]

Got a friend that is thinking of fitting a big bore kit on a Stihl 046, does anybody know if the 046 is a solid enough saw to take a big bore kit and a bit of tuning, has anybody got any advice on how to hot this saw up.

Any advice appreciated

Spud

 

[HILLBILLYREDNEC]

Saw Help

Yes it can take a big bore. Putting a dual port muffler front and tuning to 4 stroke will gain alot. What chain and bar is it running? Semi skip non safety with the riders filed down a few thous can make some difference.

 

[spudulike]

I don't know what bar he has but would reckon a full chisel and a 20" bar would be about right!

 

[HILLBILLYREDNEC]

Saw Help

The 046 is a real work horse. They are well balanced with a 28" bar and semi skip chain

 

[stihl 440]

Yes it can take a big bore. Putting a dual port muffler front and tuning to 4 stroke will gain alot. What chain and bar is it running? Semi skip non safety with the riders filed down a few thous can make some difference.

If you can file a chain you shouldnt have to cut the rakers to make it cut. Keep them at .030 and you'll be fine.... 046 is a tough reliable saw...big bore it and mod the muffler...keep in mind the 80% of the exhaust port rule...tune it by sparkplug color....my saws are a medium tan plug color. My 440 is doing 14,100rpm and my 460 will run 14,000rpm but i have the 8 pin rim on it so i leave it at 13,800...as it likes it better. I run full comp RSK on stihl ES 20" bar...pulls it exceptionallly well even buried in locust and hickory....and my hand filed chains are really aggressive even with normal raker height...

 

[mtngun]

If you can file a chain you shouldnt have to cut the rakers to make it cut. Keep them at .030 and you'll be fine...

Keep them at 6 degrees and you'll be fine.

 

[justtools]

the 046 really isnt worth the expense of a big bore kit. Your friend may be better of with a new saw. An ms290 or husky 455 come to mind as logical replacements for the 046. I am willing to send your friend postage and a little extra to get it off his hands. HAHA. I have a 046 and it is one of my most used saws. A properly tuned oem 046 is a real workhorse I do not know if you are going to get alot more out of it with a big bore kit.

 

[mdavlee]

I wouldn't spend the money on the big bore. Just muffler mod or maybe port the oem cylinder.

 

[eMGunslinger]

...keep in mind the 80% of the exhaust port rule...

It is 70% max or -2mm from the piston skirts whichever is first

and really 65% for a worker

 

[JDNicol]

mod the muffler...keep in mind the 80% of the exhaust port rule.

It is 70% max or -2mm from the piston skirts whichever is first

and really 65% for a worker

Stihl 440 was talking about a muffler mod whereas I believe you are talking about porting the cylinder exhaust?