TraditionalTool
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No, it had the cover over it, and the cylinder cover on top of it. I just opened it all up so I could see how the owner kept the filter clean, I was actually expecting quite a bit more dust in there considering how dirty the rest of the saw is/was.Did the previous owner run the air filter on the saw like it was shown in the picture?
Nitro,This is one of the easiest saws to repair that I have worked on. From what I can see the cylinder should clean up good, buy an aftermarket piston for it; looks like you have the 44mm version as it is not a dished piston (as found on the epa version). Any aftermarket piston will do, don't get hung up on a named brand, the experience is what you're after; shouldn't cost you more that about $30-$35. Meteor doesn't make one & OEM is priced way to high, and since it's your first rebuild, go cheap, get your feet wet & get it running. Once you have it running & have built a little confidence, then try your luck with the 346 conversion if you want (you can always sell the 350 P&C later to help pay for the 346 P&C). I have had great luck with the 45mm version epa/dished 350 saw by replacing bad pistons with one for a 353 (flat top), but like I said, unless I'm seeing the pictures wrong, it looks like your saw is the 44mm version. Good luck with the rebuild, if you have any questions, PM me; I can almost do these in my sleep I've done so many.
You are correct, I do have a non-EPA version, and the saw was built in 2002. Earlier I called and talked with Gregg at Bailey's and decided to do just as you suggest, I ordered the aftermarket piston for about $30, for the sole reason to port this cylinder. I will plan to replace with a 346 xp ne p/c in the future, but for now I'm going to play with the old cylinder.
The after market piston is made in Taiwan, but I figured just as you say, since it is my first port, it makes perfect sense to use what I have.
For $25 for the saw, and $30 for the piston/ring, I don't think I can loose too much!
Was almost going to order the OEM 346 piston, it was about $50, but I figure for this it doesn't matter so much and the cheaper Taiwan piston should do fine, and save me $20 if I do resell it later when I upgrade.