Repair or buy new?

skyva

Hi, I have a 346xp in a few pieces at present. It is a 2003 model I bought 2nd hand, and now has a scored piston and probably worn cylinder, worn 16" bar, and I should rebuild the carby as well. I need new fuel line and a new muffler bolt.
A got a quote to fix it of $800 from a Husky dealer!

I have not rebuilt a chainsaw before but think I could do it. If I get the parts from online US stores, I could probably rebuild it for around $300 (parts + delivery) given the strength of the Oz dollar right now (currently $US = $OZ).
I see that at certain online stores I could pick up a new saw for under $500US + delivery (unsure how much that would be, but maybe another $100).

A new saw in OZ is ~$1300.

I want to keep a 346xp as it seems to be the perfect size of the jobs I want: cutting up limbs, cutting firewood and small trees.

My question is, should I just leave the rebuild for a rainy day and import a new 346xp from the US? Are the new 346xp better or worse than the 2003 model? Anyone import one from US and have good/bad stories?

Cut4fun

I would rebuild the old one myself and get another one shipped in JMO. While you are at it put the NE 50cc top end kit on the old 45cc one

Bruce Hopf

I agree with Cut4fun. I'd fix it up. All of my Stihl chain saws in my signature, I got as non working chain saws, that I fixed them up my self.
My one 044, my first Stihl chain saw I had bought, needed new bearings, piston, and cylinder kit, seal and gasket kit,and a carburetor repair kit. I used it for almost 2, till the main bearing, where the connecting rod attaches to the crank shaft went.
I have that chain saws apart on my bench, with a new crank shaft ready to put back in, and in the next few days, I'll have it finished torn down, and the new crank shaft put in.
Both my 034's needed pistons, one has a new P&C kit, and both have had new carburetor repair kits put in, while my 024's just needed a carburetor repair kit.
My 064, needed a new carburetor repair kit, as well as a new base gasket, and it runs great. My 084, just needed a carburetor repair kit, and it too is a good running chain saw.
All of my Stihl chain saws, I have tied up the less money, with the saws themselves, plus the parts, as it would cost me to buy a brand new chain saw.
The P&C kits, were aftermarket parts, from Golf, that I used, and have had very good luck with them, thus far, and I cut some where's around 20 to 30 cord of fire wood a year with them.
If your handy, that is the route that I'd go. Just my opinion. Bruce.

__________________
McCulloch chain saws
1- Pro Mac 60, 1- Pro Mac 700, 2- Mac 10-10 Automatic's, 2- Mini Mac 30's, 2- Mac 110's,
2- Mini Mac 35's, 1- Mac 140 with Automatic Chain Sharpener,
1- Pro Mac 10-10, 1- Mac Cat, 2- Eager Beaver
2.0's, 1- Mac 1-10
Stihl chain saws
2- 044's, 2- 034's, 2- 024's, 1- 064, 1- 084,
Strunk chain saws
1- Busy Beaver, 1- SpeeDemon Special
Stand Back, I Have A Very Extreme Case of CAD (Chain Saw Addiction Disorder).