Air leak or carb issue?? Diagnosing a poor running 268 husky.

In this video I show the general steps I use to diagnose a lean condition on a chainsaw.
thanks for watching

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

Hi Tinman ! I’m here in Western NY about 1/2 mile from Lake Erie and currently buried in 62” inches of snow - thanks for the video , need a break from shoveling

[@konner1707]

I really enjoy this diagnostic type of video. Very helpful for troubleshooting! I appreciate you, tinman! Thanks for teaching us.

[@tinmanssaws]

Thats great to hear cause I enjoy making these types of videos..

[@curtisgriffith9825]

Keep em coming!

[@rocketruss3405]

@@tinmanssaws ​ RE:Husqvarna 268XP Greetings from Lone Butte British Columbia! I couldn’t figure out how to send you an email so I I am contacting you this way. I hope that this is appropriate. Like you you guys on the prairie, we get long cold winters here in North Central British Columbia also. I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been thoroughly enjoying it. My two favourite saws are my Dad’s XL12 Homelite from the early 70s and my early eighties 268XP. Now that I am retired and living in the bush, so to speak, I have a lot more time to use my saws and to work on them. As we heat our house and my little shop exclusively with wood, my saws have been used more in the last year than the previous 20 years combined. Last year my 268XP started acting up. It Fires up and runs strong but after 20 or so minutes of cutting it acts like you turned the switch off and will not restart. Give her an hour or so and It’ll fire right up and run strong again. What is your SWAG ( Sophisticated, wild ass guess)? Coil? Watching your show, motivated me to dip my toe into tweaking the saws’s performance. A few days ago I deleted the head gasket and checked the squish. I believe I have 24 to 26000 of an inch clearance, as per your advice . I very lightly honed and polished the exhaust port. The cylinder, ring and piston looked good though I did polish them up with some fine sandpaper. The saw ran noticeably “snappier” and I think cut faster. I would say a definite improvement. But as usual, after cutting for about 20 minutes today, it switched off and would not restart for an hour. I’m guessing electrical, but a buddy of mine says could be an air leak. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Cheers, RocketRuss.

[@eurokid83]

I just did a 268XP top end with HS260 carb on a 266SE. One thing I noticed is the 268XP cylinder has a noticeably bigger combustion chamber. Just ran it in wood today. It’s not even close to being broken in but it’s a good performer. Once the ring has seated it should be pretty sweet. Gonna do a muffler mod on it eventually, it’s got a 266XP can on it now.

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

I continue to be so grateful and appreciative of your teaching and especially the diagnostic discussion.👍👍👍

[@paulmcreynolds1774]

Great diagnostic video Tinman. I can't wait to see the repair on this saw. Keep up the good work.

[@hdhhc5555]

Love it Tinman!! Hope all is well and thank you for showing what you do!!

[@KarlHeinrichFreimut]

Well thanks a bunch from a german Chainsaw fan. You really do teach us a lot. Big Thanks, for sharing your experience. Be safe

[@brucenicov1224]

Always love the troubleshooting vids.

[@jeffryminarovic3215]

Great video tinman, the tuning pointers are super helpful.

[@joebrent2762]

Super good explanation and diagnosis of a two stroke lean condition!!! It's cold and snotty here in Michigan too!!! Stay warm my friend.👊

[@josiahdabill4862]

This is a great video, if it was me would have checked all the normal suspects. Very interesting way of checking the seals.. Thanks for the video.

[@RNT_SS579]

Man you have some amazing quality videos keep it up and thanks for the help!

[@darrellepickering8433]

I used to make block-off plates but switched to duct tape. Then use the muffler or carb to complete the seal. So far it's worked for many years. Got tired of making 'em for so many different makes.

[@rogerjustice8835]

Had one of these come to me 2 years ago with the exact same problem. It was crazy you could vacuum and pressure test it and it passed flying colors, but as soon as it was hot it was all over the place adjustment wise. Finally replaced the o ring and both crank seals, problem solved. My brother in law is still using it heavily with no problems. Love your channel

[@dannytriplett8625]

Mr Tinman, this absolutely invaluable information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless you friend ❤

[@AB-AXE]

Top video. Lots to learn, thanks bud!

[@longbar185d2]

Tinman , I do love winter. Probably why I’m a chainsaw guy! Keep it up buddy love the content!

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

I use inner tube and some flat stock to block off the intake and exhaust - yes it’s some work but once you make the plates u have them forever. I’d say the pressure / vac test is necessity after a rebuild - I’ve had saws that would hold pressure but not vac (lips on seals) and vice versa … they have to hold for a set time period also - they bleed off slowly it’s only going to get worse - no sense of spending the time and money and not doing it - your mileage may vary

[@jma8352]

thanks bro, blessings from Virginia

[@rise_above]

Learn a lot with this one

[@jimsworthow531]

great diagnostic tip.

[@PaddyHustle]

Love your videos my friend thank you

[@tinmanssaws]

You're welcome, thanks for being here!!

[@tomcota1199]

I like your noise comparison! Lol

[@Hydrogenblonde]

A very helpful video indeed!

[@eastcoastozzy2884]

Great information!

[@mattfleming86]

Even all the way down here in West Virginia in the states it was windy and snowing today and maybe in the teens tonight. Last year, meanwhile, I was hunting deer in a T-shirt. This winter should be fun!

[@mikecook2714]

HOWDY BBR sent me over, Happy to see ya !

[@tinmanssaws]

Hey Mike welcome buddy!!

[@mrtennessee6862]

Great video

[@ArkansasLivin]

This was helpful. Thank you sir

[@ronsilva516]

That was interesting spraying break cleaner and it sucked it in and died . Now as for you weather we had snow about 2 weeks ago and we got about 2 1/2 foot loot of it is melting still cold. And wee have leaves on the trees still there are in the process of falling off iam about 3,500 ft elevation in the mountains of of Northern California , I hope you and the wife and your baby stay healthy this winter 👍😎😎

[@incidentalauditor]

Love this freaking guy. I don't need a vacuum tester I don't need a tacometer, I don't need specialty tools I just listen to ma girls and see what they say they need!!! A TRUE WRENCH just stop knocking ma stihls and we can be buds tinamn!!!😁🤣🤪 Ya listen to the saw and I just learned a new trick I love this spray brake cleaner ya why didn't I think of that opposed to make all kinds of plates to vacuum test!!! KEEP MOTIVATING ME TINMAN MAY GOD BLESS YOU

[@williamboner7313]

North Dakota is the same way.. cool and blowing snow love it😂 .

[@stuartramage5933]

Awesome tinman lets try an fix them all baby .peace an love from scotland stu an family .

[@aaronpowell4885]

Great example of one that'd be easy enough to kill by someone whom doesn't have an ear for 2 stroke tuning! I also use the brake/carb cleaner trick for seal testing most of the time.

[@tdawg8605]

Absolutely love my 268xp. It starts with a half pull (once warm) and cuts like nobody's business. It has put up hundreds of cords of wood and it's all original. Except for a carb kit. My 272xp is right up there as my two all time favorites. They cut, they start and they are reliable. Great video Tinman this is right in my wheel house of saws. Sat and listen intently throughout the show. Good, good stuff thank you as always. TC Mahalo Tinman 🤙🤙🤙

[@tinmanssaws]

These saw are my favorite to. They are so reliable and make good power to weight.

[@tdawg8605]

Agreed 100%.

[@jamiebarkingspider5419]

Thanks!

[@afleetcommand]

SAME weather here : ( Nice video anyway BTW :)

[@tinmanssaws]

Thanks for always commenting Walt, I've learned a ton from you over the years.

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

Historic storm here ! … I need a snowblower already only time I’ve not been able to keep up with a shovel … I check out afleetcommand also - knowledgeable advice about 200series fo sure

[@robertsmith7580]

I get saws all the time with different problems here at the shop the other day I guy brought a saw in and said he couldn't get to cut , I looked at it and asked him if he wanted me to turn his chain around the right way or did he want to do it !

[@tinmanssaws]

That's funny

[@tjhughes66]

Just got my new 281xp shipped today you gave me saw fever

[@6548ww]

That 268 looks just like my 55 rancher they share same body anyway 👍

[@tswingle]

Andy - Is she pretty? Goober - Oh, she’s nice, real nice! Lol😂

[@charlesboston1]

try replacing your fuel tank vent , and fuel filter / fuel line . then take the carb apart , and blow it out , and check the impulse lines to make sure they are clear . i would also look at the crank seals . might be also on the way out

[@MinusTheSparkPlugs]

That rich four stroke then lean rev sounds like my farmertec 372xp kit saw before I put an oem walbro on it but I'm sure a lot of things could cause that

[@joescott803]

I wonder if there’s a altitude difference with you and buckin. Maybe that’s why they run different. I know echoes won’t lean out on more than 50:1. I’m still waiting to see what you do with the 590. I just got a echo 4910 and love it. It was between that and the husky 550xpii. Echo has reliability and a great warranty

[@ocsplc]

Dear Tinman: huge fan of yours. You’re a humble man who possesses a wealth of knowledge borne of experience and you’re willing to share it without reservation. Shows us all what you’re made of. High character. Salt of the Earth guy. Having said that, I study your rebuild, timing videos closely. I’ve got some jobs lined up for several of my pro saws. Mostly piston upgrades. Some need new rings (Caber). When you speak of timing what are we looking for? What are the critical numbers we’re shooting for? Is it simply that TDC and BDC are symmetrical or diametrically opposed? Or are these smaller data points like duration or blowdown signals for better performance? I’ve got the tools for it all I’m just fuzzy on what I’m looking for. Sure I can write down all these degree numbers but I’m ignorant as to why that’s important. I know I’m not alone so lots of your followers should listen if you can please respond. Dan

[@tinmanssaws]

Hey, Porting is a lifetime journey, each saw will like something different. And that being said every builder has different moves, numbers and shapes they aim for. The key is not to move any 1 port too far until you know what you are doing. 2 degrees of timing is usually safe on intake and exhaust.. Practice makes perfect

[@ocsplc]

@@tinmanssaws thanks Legend!

[@johnyk71]

Would like to see what you would do with an open port saw, loads of them around here

[@wilkey40]

Most carb problems are the crappy yellow fuel lines

[@timwatson4524]

Interesting

[@curtisgriffith9825]

What exactly is the difference between open and closed transfers? I haven't torn mine apart yet. Did a piston inspection, and everything looks good. I plan on tearing into it in the spring and doing the 272 conversion, but am curious as to the transfers. Can't wait until you get into this. Awaiting semi-patiently....

[@sagebrushhillbilly4655]

Outstanding video, buddy! Do you find it more difficult to diagnose an air leak on the flywheel side, as it seems to me the flywheel wants to throw the break clean out and into your intake? Is it a fair statement that most airleaks happen on the clutch side is this far dirtier and where most of the work happens?

[@pvwjr]

Great video, I just subscribed. My husky 350 was running great until yesterday and then the saw just bogged and wouldn’t rev but it wouldn’t idle anymore. The chain kept spinning also. Do you think it is the clutch?

[@vascopires2045]

from my understanding here in the states when they came out with the 272xp the 268 became just a 268 non xp

[@tinmanssaws]

That was my understanding of how the open port 268s came to be..

[@NothingButChainsaws]

I have 2, open port 268 cylinders!

[@palcolandcattle4259]

I have a Stihl 029 that was doing that to me today. I'm thinking it is the carburetor diaphragms are hard because it holds pressure nicely.

[@jackylsmith8138]

Stay warm up there Tinman. No snow here yet. That is a little leak. When you have a big leak they die instantly.

[@jodygallant2356]

Can you show how to change those C springs please.

[@Wickedscreams18]

Tinmann I have a 365 sp that I'm looking to see If you would be interested im working on. It seems to have a similar fueling issue as this 268.

[@garengtutorial8923]

Karena saya sangat kesulitan mencari blok silinder untuk mesin hsq 268

[@tanneroliver4068]

Hey tinman just wondering where I can get a custom pipe for my 266

[@bennyblanko3]

I think if it was a big air leak, it would have died on the 1st or 2nd squirt. Carb clean, if you give it enough squirts, seems to be able to get under seals. It will be interesting to see what you find out, but that didn't seam like enough of an air leak to make the saw run right, then lean. But, maybe ... I would have checked the other side too, just for fun. Please keep us posted, because I'd like to see that thing in the wood. And, I'm not sure what 272's your running, but my friends 272 rips real good, running 32" bar and full skip.

[@tinmanssaws]

The leak is probably on the oil pump seal not the crank seal. It take a couple seconds I fond for the spary to get in behind the pump enough to get sucked into the saw.

[@bennyblanko3]

@@tinmanssaws Thanks, yeah ... where the super little thin o ring goes? I don't know, only done 372's and there is a little o ring that makes a better seal than leaving it off. Thanks for making all the vids! Appreciate it.

[@tomknapton5051]

How much would you want for the 268 Husqvarna saw

[@AaronTheViking250]

god love parrie winters hey lmao aren't they just something TinMan im originally from Winnipeg mantioba.

[@Cat99622]

It's ok to buy a Hyway engine kit for a stihl 036? It s a good engine?

[@gilligan369]

I worry that when saws are shipped, pressure changes could blow out seals and whatnot.

[@mattfleming86]

Carbs should be able to HOLD 8psi just on a test.. crankcases can not hold pressure without being blocked off. Atmospheric changes will not hurt them. These machines see pressure changes much much higher in normal operation. With the exception of the fuel tank nothing is really "sealed" to atmosphere on a saw. Now a postman throwing stuff like around like a basketball can break some parts

[@alex0000s]

I had that exact symptom on a 266XP once. It was 4 stroking for a second and then the RPM shot towards the moon. In my case, I had an airleak around the cylinder base (did a gasket delete with Dirko HT Red and some of it didn't seal up properly) so maybe this is also an issue here :)

[@tinmanssaws]

It might be. I'll bet money the o-ring on the oil pump is leaking.

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

I’m not a huge advocate of gasket deletes … dirko is what I would use. I think the issue is that sometimes the cylinder (or case) is “off” A few thousandths and without a gasket you can experience leaks , maybe not right away but down the road … I can get .005 -.015 copper gaskets that Won’t leak (one time use though) if ya wanna tighten the squish without machine work to the base.

[@alex0000s]

@@tinmanssaws That's a very good possibility, too yes :)

[@alex0000s]

@@fabzacres-blackcat yeah I don't do it either no more. I have sheets of paper-like gasket material called ABIL-N (really similar to the material of the OEM Base Gaskets) and use one that's like 9 or 10 thousands thick (half of the OEM Gasket) to cut my own gasket. Also when mounted, they compress down to like 5 or 6 Thousands and are not that far off using liquid gasket but waaaay easier and more comfortable to handle.

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

@@alex0000s Thanks for the info Alex it’s much appreciated sir ! IF both the case and cylinder are off just a few thousandths then you may develop an air leak down the road and potentially damage your saw ! I recommend using a gasket unless you machine the case and the base perfectly true

[@jonathanzimmerman2976]

What's a good mix for your saw and what octane do you run

[@tinmanssaws]

45:1, I generally run regular pump gas

[@mikefries2146]

What up two cycle homie?

[@whitesapphire5865]

That was very interesting. I don't really know enough about chainsaws, so everything is new to me, and every bit of knowledge is like a golden nugget. I've never gotten round to looking at the 266 ( at least I think it's a 266!). It's somewhere in the "Donkey Shed". My saw does some of what were showing here, but it would be useful to try that brake cleaner trick, because I suspect that it has an air leak. I wish I could send it to you for a rebuild, but it would be costly to send from UK, and back again, let alone the parts and labour, but it might have made an interesting video - Hmm "From Scrapper To Supersaw"....... Keep up the good work, and I'll keep watching. One day I'll dig out that puppy and see what it does.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Question: is a 272 built on the same crankcases as the 372 ? I ask because I'm seeing a clean one on marketplace, for $250...

[@Oli4vn]

Nope completely different saws

[@georgedoorley5628]

is the 268 open port non xp version any more powerful than a husky 61 ....? want something to run a 25" bar in ash ....... but something thats not too heavy , as i am not built like the terminator ...i think that a 61 might be on the limit with a 25 " bar ......

[@tinmanssaws]

My guess is the 268 would have more power then a 61.

[@garengtutorial8923]

Apakah anda menyjual blok silinder 268 bos? Berapa untuk 1 blok silinder bekas yang masih layak pake?

[@jasonturney2800]

Tinman I have a husky 460 I'd like for u too port for me

[@tedjohn441]

What is the purpose of hold the recoil handle out when shutting down??

[@ronaldbrown5745]

When you shut the saw off and the flywheel slows down the start dawgs retract and catch the teeth on the starter pulley and yank on the starter handle. By pulling out some starter rope it gives some space so the starter handle doesn’t slam into the case.

[@tedjohn441]

@@ronaldbrown5745 Thank You!!

[@frankz1125]

I just got a 61 clutch but the one on my saw has a much bigger shaft and much coarser threads. Not sure how to match it now. My G288 has the proper size shaft but different threads. Weird

[@tinmanssaws]

Your 61 proabaly has the old style clutch, most if not all of the clutches available are the newer fine thread style.

[@frankz1125]

@@tinmanssaws ya it is a 1985 case set. Where would i find that style clutch?

[@vintagesawyer6246]

@@frankz1125 Hey Frank, you could do like I did, put the spring and shoes off the new one on your old hub. Worked for me.

[@frankz1125]

@@vintagesawyer6246 I may try that. Thanks

[@AlHamberg]

Just curious but have you received any of my e-mails concerning the 576xp parts you offered me.I have not heard back from you in weeks.

[@justinweaver8107]

A feller ssid that a 266se wasn't a pro saw is that true buddy ?? I have no idea.

[@tinmanssaws]

It's a pro saw. One if the most popular ever made.

[@Johnnyreengo]

Why do you pull the cord when you shut it off

[@charlesboston1]

saves wear on the recoil when the saw reverses direct momentarily when shut off

[@williamdillingham5781]

I've noticed that you and a lot of the other saw men pull the pull rope out a little bit when you kill the engine the question is what is the purpose of doing that ?

[@jethroboorer2860]

When the flywheel slows the pawls start moving in and catch the dogs. It stops suddenly as the cord is retracted all the way in. When ya pull it out your hand acts as a shock absorber and less wear n tear on the starter.

[@BrendaSapp-ny7tt]

My husband is a big fan. How can I get your address? My husband wants me to make you something and send it. congratulations to you and your wife for the new addition. Brenda Sapp

[@leonardobatistarocha7956]

o machado e a motosserra (the axe and the chainsaw) eli silva & zé goiano composição: moacir dos santos / zé goiano o machado e a motosserra tiveram uma discussão motosserra diz que é orgulho da evolução machado pra mim já era pois vem do tempo de adão você agora só serve pra fazer calo na mão motosserra dá um ronco relou o dente no tronco já se vê o pau no chão a serra chamou o machado pra fazer uma porfia machado aceitou na hora e quando chegou o dia entraram junto no mato pra mostrar a serventia a motosserra roncava machado velho tinia e naquele matagal foi só cavaco de pau pó de serra que subia e esse grande duelo deste jeito é que termina na briga das ferramentas o machado é que domina motosserra parou cedo ali no tronco da quina machado seguiu cortando mata grossa e mata fina motosserra impotente rebentou sua corrente acabou a gasolina que isto sirva de exemplo para toda humanidade e você que é tão jovem tem que saber a verdade respeite bem os mais velhos não brinque com sua idade uma pessoa idosa também tem utilidade é um diamante valioso se não tivesse o idoso não teria mocidade

[@rydplrs71]

You do know what a barking spider is?….. I’m sure he was a good guy, I’m just curious.

[@Mikzone-zb6jk]

Sounds like an air leak

[@ericburke3642]

Tin man , what’s your email

[@dannytriplett8625]

Thanks!

[@tinmanssaws]

Thanks for your support Danny