Stihl bar and chain size change over

[Bodaway]

Hello,

This is most likely a very newbie question and something that I think I have already figured out, but want to confirm.

I recently purchased a new Stihl ms362 C with a 25" bar, part number 3003 000 8830. The chain is 3/8 0.050.

What all do I have to change on the saw, if I wanted to change to a .325 0.063 20" bar and chain? I'm assuming the drive sprocket, but don't want to miss anything.

I have several chains for my ms290 in that size and want to buy a 20" bar for the 362.

Are there any draw backs to the .325 chain versus the 3/8"?
Thanks,
John

 

[Lowhog]

I just sold a ms290 20 inch that had the 3/8 .050 setup. If it were me I would change the ms290 over to a 3/8 and buy a 3/8 20 inch bar for the pro saw. .325 chains are for baby saws like my ms260 and ms291.

 

[Bodaway]

I just sold a ms290 20 inch that had the 3/8 .050 setup. If it were me I would change the ms290 over to a 3/8 and buy a 3/8 bar for the pro saw.

I have thought about that too, but I already have about 10 chains for the 290.

The 362 came with a 25" bar that I doubt I will use a whole lot, so I don't think I would ever need anything longer.
Thanks,
John

 

[CR888]

You just need a .325 rim drive sprocket and a new bar in .063 gauge with .325 nose sprocket and chain to match. It would be nice and smooth running .325 but you could run 3/8 too in 20". Go for it, I have a 59cc husky 555 with a 15" .325 bar and 9pin rim sprocket and its a nice combo.

 

[LoveStihlQuality]

Congratulations on your new saw! I have one as well anyway so far has been terrific. I run that and a couple other saws with 20

LoveStihlQuality

 

[LoveStihlQuality]

You will probably have this saw for a long time. Plenty of time to accumulate 3/8 20". Suggest getting the .325 rim sprocket but not the new bar yet. Try cutting with the bar from your 290 on a good size log. Run some cookieswith it and then switch sprocket back to 3/8 , mount the 25 and run cookies in same log. Be sure to use sharp chains for test. I think you'll find 3/8 cuts better with that saw. You may find that you're using the 362 all the time! Be sure to post some pictures. Have fun and be safe, Ed

LoveStihlQuality

 

[SawTroll]

Hello,

This is most likely a very newbie question and something that I think I have already figured out, but want to confirm.

I recently purchased a new Stihl ms362 C with a 25" bar, part number 3003 000 8830. The chain is 3/8 0.050.

What all do I have to change on the saw, if I wanted to change to a .325 0.063 20" bar and chain? I'm assuming the drive sprocket, but don't want to miss anything.

I have several chains for my ms290 in that size and want to buy a 20" bar for the 362.

Are there any draw backs to the .325 chain versus the 3/8"?
Thanks,
John

To use .325, you need to change the drive sprocket, but unless you want to use a 9-pin (which will be a bit much with a 20" bar), you need to change the clutch drum as well, as the original standard 7-spline drum won't take a 7 or 8-pin .325 (there isn't room to make them for that drum).

Then, you have the choice between the Stihl mini 7-spline, and their high priced rims (that are no better than the Oregon ones), or an Oregon small 7-spline drum, that takes the much more common (and cheaper) small 7-spline rims.

3/8" vs. .325 is about borderline with a 60cc saw, only you can tell what works best for you. 3/8"x7 and .325x8 will result in pretty much the same "gearing".

 

[Bodaway]

Thanks for the reply, I think based on the comments about the 3/8" setup, I will stick with that and just buy a 20" 3/8" bar and chain.

I guess I'm not to the point that I'm ready to start swapping sprockets yet.
Thanks,
John

 

[longbowch]

Just sell the 290 and all the chains and buy the 3/8ths 20 inch bar and chains.