Husqvarna 346xp "Just not oiling right"

Lets take a look at a Husqvarna 346xp chainsaw with a customer complaint that there is an oiling system issue. We'll dig into it and see if there is a serious pump problem or just a dirty bar feed hole. #smallenginerepair

[@steveriggenbach90]

Great work. You’re the first person I’ve seen to recommend checking the setting.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks. Checking the setting seems obvious to me. I like to compare a setting to a result just so I know what to expect.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Many don’t prove out the oiling by squirting on a log face or cardboard like you did. Sometimes I put a cardboard shim behind both sides of the rubber oil tubes which tightens the seal around the oil pump. Nice job Scott!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You've got my curiosity Ken. Maybe its the beer but I don't quite understand the shim. Could you further explain?

[@tedneitzel]

Love it when it's a quick fix! Well done!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

They're all quick fixes. That's why I don't like working on those filthy disgusting 4 strokes!

[@patrickvennard838]

One of my favorite three series saws.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

A light weight high revving saw for sure!

[@andybecker2693]

Another great fix. I miss the old “bullshit” alarm that you used to have. Thanks for posting………laaaaater!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I miss it too sometimes. I might have to bring it back. Thanks for watching!

[@alans.4658]

Nice job Scott! 346xp is a very nice saw.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Around here its one of those saws with a cult like following. Guys ask me to call them when a junk unit becomes available.

[@BruceLyeg]

Good job checking everything out even after you fixed the problem, most people would have just sent it out. Then maybe the customer uses the saw for fifteen minutes and the bar gets hot again and is pissed off at you or the shop for not fixing it. You fixed the problem, but could have missed other related problems. The customer just sees it as "I brought my broken saw to you to get fixed. You said you fixed it and I paid you expecting it to be fixed. Now it still not fixed and I have to bring it back for you to fix again". They just always seem to think they're being ripped off and I totally understand that. Your employer is lucky to have a conscientious tech like yourself. Not just blowing smoke up your ass, just saying that from what I see you're a pretty good tech that seems to actually want to do things right without going overboard. There's a fine line there, but that's another thing entirely. I tend to judge shops by asking myself if I'd feel good about sending a friend to get work done at that shop. I do my own work and the stuff I can't I have friends with shops, but a lot of friends ask me for mechanical advice and I'll answer them the best I can, some times it even helps. I always tell that unless it's something minor, I don't have time to do it but know someone who I trust. I'd send people to you for sure.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for the kind words. You've brought up a good point. Some people expect everything to be fixed even if they didn'y know it was a problem. Others don't want to spend a nickel more than it would take to finish their current project. Communication is key and you can't be effective at that if you don't look everything over.

[@toyotagtcoupe8487]

Cool man,thanks for the info

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@brian497]

I was watching to see how you got into the oiler. Apparently you keep a special socket in your drawer for removing the clutch. and drive , but no info on that.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@brian497 Do a search for husqvarna part number 502541603.

[@chainsawredeemer85]

Excellent!!!!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks for watching!

[@chainsawredeemer85]

@@TheGreasyShopRag nobody else gives me corny jokes with cold beer and saw dominance like u do neighbor🤣🤣🤣

[@chrischiampo7647]

Nice Job Very Thorough I Like That 😀😎👍🏼

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Thanks!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Lovely job Scott. Hey that red tube you use to remove plugs, do you like it? I see you use it fairly frequently. I’m considering getting one in the hope that it will allow me to access plugs and re install them in difficult to reach areas and to start the plugs in the hole. Any advise is much appreciated. Is it easy to cross threat the plugs when trying to start them with the flex in the hose?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

It works well and comes in a two piece kit. Thexton Mfg Co. 492 Spark Plug Installer/Remover Kit

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@@TheGreasyShopRag you highly recommend them?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Yes because it can be difficult to find a thin wall fuel hose and once you do it can be difficult for me not to accidentally throw it out, only to have to find another one. They grip well and are the correct size.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@@TheGreasyShopRag perfect thanks mate, I have one on order right now :)

[@simonv2248]

Well done ! Have you ever run into oil tank vent problem on those saw ? I've got a Husqvarna 345 that doesn't oil right too, when I open the oil tank cap for few second, it's seem to help a lot on oiling but then start to oil poorly again when I re-tight the cap. When it's not oiling right, all I can see from the oil feed tube is bubble of air. What do you suggest ?

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

If I remember right that tank vent is a sintered plug hidden behind the chain guide plate. Its possible that its covered in debris.

[@richardf9137]

NICE WORK 🎉

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

You did a good job watching, too. Thanks!

[@alans.4658]

Question Scott, On scored pistons why can you still have decent compression? Around 135-145 psi

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

Because the rings(s) may still be free and function until the engine gets hot and they pinch in the piston groove.

[@Tyroneguy77]

Ive a husqvarna 445 and its not oiling enough i dont see anything wrong with pump parts it is oiling but not enough.what could be problem

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

How about the oil feed hole in the bar. Is it blocked?

[@Tyroneguy77]

@@TheGreasyShopRag I think their just must have been some particles of dirt I removed old oil and replaced with cleaner. It's oiling properly now. Their was bits of dirt in tank so must have been a blockage. Cheers.