Husqvarna 350 Chainsaw Specs & Restoration Tips (Expert Tune-Up)

Husqvarna 350 Chainsaw: Specs, Restoration, and Expert Tune-Up

The Husqvarna 350 is a legendary saw for a reason. It’s a sweet spot between power, weight, and reliability, making it a favorite for homeowners and professionals alike. This article is your deep dive into everything Husqvarna 350, from understanding its specifications to mastering the art of restoration and tuning. We’ll also explore broader wood processing and firewood preparation strategies to maximize your efficiency and minimize headaches.

Understanding the Husqvarna 350: Key Specifications

Before we dive into restoration, let’s get familiar with the core specs of the Husqvarna 350. Knowing these details is crucial for diagnosing problems and ensuring you’re using the right parts for repairs.

• Engine Displacement: 49.4 cc (3.0 cu. in.) – This is the heart of the beast, dictating its power output.
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp) – A good balance for felling small to medium-sized trees and processing firewood.
• Recommended Bar Length: 13-18 inches – While it can handle a 20-inch bar, I’ve found 16 inches to be the sweet spot for optimal balance and control.
• Weight (without bar and chain): 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs) – Light enough for extended use without excessive fatigue.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.5 liters (1.06 US pints) – A decent capacity, allowing for reasonable run times between refills.
• Oil Tank Capacity: 0.3 liters (0.63 US pints) – Important to keep the chain well-lubricated.
• Chain Pitch: .325″ – A common pitch, offering a good balance of cutting speed and durability.
• Chain Gauge: .050″ – Also a common gauge, ensuring compatibility with readily available chains.
• Carburetor: Zama C1Q – A reliable carburetor, but prone to needing adjustment and cleaning.
• Ignition System: SEM AM50 – A solid ignition system, but the coil can fail over time.

These specs are your baseline. Any significant deviation from these figures during operation can indicate a problem that needs addressing.

Why Restore a Husqvarna 350?

Why bother restoring an older saw when you can buy a new one? Here’s my take:

• Cost-Effectiveness: A well-restored Husqvarna 350 can perform as well as, or even better than, a new entry-level saw, at a fraction of the cost.
• Durability: These older saws were built to last. With proper care, they can outlive many newer models.
• Simplicity: The Husqvarna 350 is relatively simple to work on. Parts are readily available, and there’s a wealth of information online.
• Satisfaction: There’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from bringing an old machine back to life. It’s a hands-on learning experience that connects you to the tool in a deeper way.
• Environmental Responsibility: Restoring and reusing equipment reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new products.

I’ve restored several Husqvarna 350s over the years, often finding them at estate sales or from friends who were ready to give up on them. With a little elbow grease and some strategic parts replacement, I’ve turned these neglected saws into reliable workhorses.

The Restoration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Restoring a chainsaw can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much less intimidating. Here’s my proven approach:

1. Initial Assessment:
   • Visual Inspection: Look for obvious damage, such as cracks in the casing, broken handles, or missing parts.
   • Compression Test: This is crucial. Low compression indicates a problem with the piston, cylinder, or rings. You’ll need a compression tester for this. A healthy Husqvarna 350 should have a compression reading of at least 120 PSI. If it’s below 100 PSI, major engine work is likely required.
   • Spark Test: Remove the spark plug, connect it to the spark plug wire, and ground it against the engine. Pull the starter cord and check for a strong, consistent spark. No spark indicates a problem with the ignition system.
   • Fuel System Check: Examine the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. Check the fuel filter for clogs.
2. Disassembly:
   • Safety First: Disconnect the spark plug wire before starting any disassembly.
   • Take Pictures: Document each step with photos. This will be invaluable when it’s time to reassemble.
   • Organize Parts: Use labeled containers to keep track of all the screws, bolts, and small parts.
   • Remove the Bar and Chain: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
   • Remove the Top Cover: This gives you access to the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug.
   • Remove the Muffler: Be careful, as the muffler can be hot. Inspect it for cracks or excessive carbon buildup.
   • Remove the Carburetor: Disconnect the fuel lines and throttle linkage.
   • Remove the Cylinder: This requires removing the four cylinder bolts. Be careful not to damage the cylinder or piston.
   • Remove the Piston: Remove the piston pin retaining clips and slide out the piston pin.
3. Cleaning and Inspection:
   • Clean All Parts: Use carburetor cleaner or degreaser to thoroughly clean all parts. Pay special attention to the carburetor, cylinder, and piston.
   • Inspect the Cylinder: Look for scratches, scoring, or other damage. Minor scoring can often be cleaned up with muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid), but deep scratches require cylinder replacement.
   • Inspect the Piston: Check for wear, cracks, or carbon buildup. Replace the piston if it’s damaged or excessively worn.
   • Inspect the Rings: The piston rings should be free to move in their grooves. Replace the rings if they’re worn or broken.
   • Inspect the Crankshaft Bearings: Check for play or roughness. Replace the bearings if they’re worn.
   • Inspect the Fuel Lines: Replace any cracked or brittle fuel lines.
   • Inspect the Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter if it’s clogged.
   • Inspect the Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly reduce engine performance.
4. Parts Replacement:
   • Prioritize Quality: Use genuine Husqvarna parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. Don’t skimp on critical components like the piston, cylinder, and bearings.
   • Common Replacement Parts: Piston kit, cylinder kit (if necessary), piston rings, fuel lines, fuel filter, air filter, spark plug, carburetor rebuild kit, crankshaft bearings (if necessary), and AV (anti-vibration) mounts.
5. Reassembly:
   • Follow Your Pictures: Refer to the photos you took during disassembly to ensure you reassemble everything correctly.
   • Use Assembly Lube: Apply assembly lube to the piston, cylinder, and crankshaft bearings to prevent damage during initial startup.
   • Torque to Spec: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring proper engine function.
   • Install the Piston: Install the piston rings onto the piston, making sure the ring gaps are properly aligned. Install the piston into the cylinder, being careful not to damage the rings.
   • Install the Cylinder: Install the cylinder onto the crankcase, aligning the cylinder bolts.
   • Install the Carburetor: Connect the fuel lines and throttle linkage.
   • Install the Muffler: Tighten the muffler bolts securely.
   • Install the Top Cover: Secure the top cover with the screws.
   • Install the Bar and Chain: Make sure the chain is properly tensioned.
6. Testing and Tuning:
   • Initial Startup: Prime the carburetor and pull the starter cord. The saw should start within a few pulls.
   • Carburetor Adjustment: Adjust the carburetor to achieve a smooth idle and good acceleration. (More on this later.)
   • Chain Oiling: Verify that the chain is being properly oiled.
   • Test Cutting: Cut some wood to test the saw’s performance.

This detailed process has served me well. I remember one Husqvarna 350 I picked up for next to nothing. The piston was scored, the fuel lines were cracked, and the carburetor was completely gummed up. But after a thorough cleaning, new piston and rings, new fuel lines, and a carburetor rebuild, that saw ran like a champ. It became my go-to saw for limbing and small felling jobs.

Expert Tune-Up: Maximizing Performance

A well-tuned chainsaw is not only more efficient but also safer to operate. Here’s how to fine-tune your Husqvarna 350 for optimal performance:

1. Carburetor Adjustment:
   • Locate the Adjustment Screws: The Husqvarna 350 has three adjustment screws: L (Low), H (High), and T (Idle).
   • Initial Settings: As a starting point, turn both the L and H screws all the way in, then back them out 1 to 1.5 turns.
   • Idle Adjustment (T): Start the saw and let it warm up. Adjust the T screw until the chain is not moving at idle.
   • Low-Speed Adjustment (L): Adjust the L screw for a smooth idle and good throttle response. If the saw hesitates when you accelerate, turn the L screw out slightly. If the saw idles too fast or stalls easily, turn the L screw in slightly.
   • High-Speed Adjustment (H): This is the trickiest adjustment. Use a tachometer to measure the engine RPM at full throttle. The maximum recommended RPM for the Husqvarna 350 is around 12,500 RPM. Adjust the H screw to achieve this RPM. If the saw sounds strained or “four-strokes” at full throttle, turn the H screw out slightly. If the saw bogs down or lacks power, turn the H screw in slightly. Caution: Running the saw too lean (H screw turned in too far) can damage the engine.
   • Fine-Tuning: After making these adjustments, cut some wood and fine-tune the carburetor as needed. The goal is to achieve a smooth idle, good throttle response, and maximum power without straining the engine.
   • Use a Tachometer: Investing in a small engine tachometer is well worth it. It allows you to precisely adjust the high-speed carburetor setting, preventing engine damage.
2. Spark Plug:
   • Inspect the Spark Plug: Check the spark plug for fouling or damage. A healthy spark plug should be clean and dry with a light tan color.
   • Gap the Spark Plug: Use a spark plug gapping tool to set the gap to the manufacturer’s specification (0.5 mm or 0.020 inches).
   • Replace the Spark Plug: Replace the spark plug if it’s fouled, damaged, or if you’re unsure of its condition.
3. Air Filter:
   • Clean the Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly with soap and water. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.
   • Replace the Air Filter: Replace the air filter if it’s damaged or excessively dirty.
4. Fuel and Oil:
   • Use Fresh Fuel: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89.
   • Mix Fuel Properly: Mix the fuel with the correct ratio of two-stroke oil. The recommended ratio for the Husqvarna 350 is 50:1 (2.6 ounces of oil per gallon of gasoline).
   • Use High-Quality Chain Oil: Use a high-quality chain oil to keep the chain well-lubricated.
5. Chain and Bar Maintenance:
   • Sharpen the Chain Regularly: A sharp chain cuts more efficiently and is safer to use.
   • Check Chain Tension: The chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand.
   • Clean the Bar Groove: Clean the bar groove regularly to remove sawdust and debris.
   • File Down Burrs: File down any burrs on the bar rails.
   • Flip the Bar: Flip the bar regularly to promote even wear.

I’ve seen firsthand the difference a properly tuned chainsaw can make. A few years ago, I was helping a friend clear some brush on his property. He was struggling with an old, poorly maintained chainsaw that kept stalling and bogging down. After a quick carburetor adjustment and chain sharpening, his saw was cutting like new. He was amazed at the difference, and the job got done in half the time.

Strategic Insights: Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation

Restoring and tuning your Husqvarna 350 is only part of the equation. To truly maximize your efficiency and enjoyment, you need a solid strategy for wood processing and firewood preparation.

1. Project Planning:
   • Assess Your Needs: How much firewood do you need? What types of wood are available? What is your budget?
   • Develop a Timeline: Create a realistic timeline for harvesting, processing, and drying your firewood.
   • Identify Resources: Identify sources of wood, such as your own property, local landowners, or firewood suppliers.
   • Gather Equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including your chainsaw, splitting axe or hydraulic splitter, safety gear, and log handling tools.
2. Sustainable Harvesting:
   • Selective Cutting: Focus on removing dead, dying, or diseased trees.
   • Leave Seed Trees: Leave healthy trees to provide seeds for future growth.
   • Protect Waterways: Avoid cutting trees near streams or wetlands.
   • Obtain Permits: Check with your local authorities to see if you need any permits for harvesting wood.
3. Efficient Log Handling:
   • Use Log Handling Tools: Use log tongs, cant hooks, and peaveys to move logs safely and efficiently.
   • Skid Logs: Skid logs to a central processing area using a tractor, ATV, or winch.
   • Buck Logs to Length: Buck logs into manageable lengths for splitting. I generally aim for 16-inch lengths for my wood stove.
   • Stack Logs for Splitting: Stack logs in a convenient location for splitting.
4. Optimized Splitting:
   • Choose the Right Splitting Tool: Use a splitting axe for smaller logs and a hydraulic splitter for larger logs.
   • Use Proper Technique: Use proper technique to split logs safely and efficiently. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and swing with your whole body.
   • Consider a Wood Grenade: A wood grenade (splitting wedge) can be incredibly useful for splitting tough or knotty logs.
5. Effective Drying:
   • Stack Firewood Properly: Stack firewood in a single row with good airflow. Elevate the bottom row off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up.
   • Cover the Top: Cover the top of the firewood pile to protect it from rain and snow.
   • Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the firewood. Firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.
   • Allow Adequate Drying Time: Allow firewood to dry for at least six months, or preferably a year, before burning.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, burning properly seasoned firewood can increase heating efficiency by as much as 30% compared to burning green wood. This translates to significant cost savings and reduced emissions.

Case Study: From Forest to Fireplace

Let me share a case study that illustrates the power of strategic wood processing. A few years ago, I helped a friend prepare firewood for the winter. He had a large property with plenty of dead and dying trees, but he had never processed firewood before.

• Planning: We started by assessing his needs. He estimated he would need about 5 cords of firewood to heat his home for the winter. We developed a timeline for harvesting, processing, and drying the wood.
• Harvesting: We focused on selectively cutting dead and dying trees, leaving healthy trees to regenerate. We used log tongs and a cant hook to move the logs to a central processing area.
• Processing: We bucked the logs into 16-inch lengths and split them using a hydraulic splitter. We stacked the firewood in a single row with good airflow and covered the top with a tarp.
• Drying: We monitored the moisture content of the firewood throughout the summer. After about eight months, the moisture content had dropped to below 20%.
• Results: My friend was able to heat his home for the entire winter using the firewood we had prepared. He saved a significant amount of money on heating costs, and he enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing he had provided for his family’s needs.

This project demonstrated the importance of planning, sustainable harvesting, efficient log handling, optimized splitting, and effective drying. By following these strategies, we were able to transform a resource into a valuable source of heat.

Addressing Common Challenges

Wood processing and firewood preparation are not without their challenges. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Minimizing Wood Waste:
  • Use Small Pieces: Use small pieces of wood for kindling or small fires.
  • Chip Branches: Chip branches and use them for mulch or compost.
  • Sell Scrap Wood: Sell scrap wood to woodworkers or artists.
• Dealing with Knotty Wood:
  • Use a Wood Grenade: A wood grenade (splitting wedge) can be very effective for splitting knotty wood.
  • Hydraulic Splitter: A hydraulic splitter can handle even the toughest knots.
  • Cut Around Knots: If possible, cut around the knots to avoid splitting them.
• Preventing Back Pain:
  • Use Proper Lifting Technique: Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
  • Use Log Handling Tools: Use log handling tools to minimize the amount of lifting you have to do.
• Dealing with Wet Weather:
  • Work Under Cover: If possible, work under a tarp or in a shed.
  • Wear Waterproof Clothing: Wear waterproof clothing to stay dry.
  • Dry Firewood Indoors: Dry firewood indoors using a dehumidifier or wood stove.
• Saw Chain Kickback:
  • Maintain Proper Chain Tension: A loose chain is more likely to kick back.
  • Use a Sharp Chain: A dull chain is more likely to kick back.
  • Avoid Cutting with the Tip of the Bar: The tip of the bar is the most likely area to cause kickback.
  • Use a Chainsaw with a Chain Brake: A chain brake can stop the chain quickly in the event of a kickback.

Current Trends and Best Practices

The world of wood processing and firewood preparation is constantly evolving. Here are some current trends and best practices:

• Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws are becoming increasingly popular due to their low noise, low emissions, and ease of use.
• Hydraulic Log Splitters: Hydraulic log splitters are becoming more affordable and efficient.
• Wood Pellets: Wood pellets are a renewable and sustainable source of heat.
• Kiln-Dried Firewood: Kiln-dried firewood is becoming more readily available. It has a low moisture content and burns cleanly.
• Sustainable Forestry Practices: Sustainable forestry practices are becoming increasingly important to ensure the long-term health of our forests.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Restoring and tuning a Husqvarna 350 is a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to learn about how chainsaws work, save money, and contribute to environmental sustainability. But it’s also just the beginning. By combining your newly acquired chainsaw skills with strategic wood processing and firewood preparation techniques, you can transform a challenging task into a productive and enjoyable activity.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand your Husqvarna 350: Know its specs, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
• Restore with care: Take your time, use quality parts, and follow the steps carefully.
• Tune for performance: Adjust the carburetor, check the spark plug, and maintain the air filter.
• Plan your projects: Assess your needs, develop a timeline, and identify resources.
• Harvest sustainably: Focus on removing dead, dying, or diseased trees.
• Handle logs efficiently: Use log handling tools and skid logs to a central processing area.
• Split strategically: Choose the right splitting tool and use proper technique.
• Dry effectively: Stack firewood properly, cover the top, and monitor moisture content.
• Address challenges: Minimize wood waste, deal with knotty wood, and prevent back pain.
• Stay informed: Keep up with current trends and best practices.

Next Steps:

1. Assess Your Husqvarna 350: Determine its condition and identify any necessary repairs or replacements.
2. Gather Your Tools and Supplies: Collect the tools and supplies you’ll need for the restoration and tune-up.
3. Start the Restoration Process: Follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article.
4. Tune Your Chainsaw: Adjust the carburetor, check the spark plug, and maintain the air filter.
5. Plan Your Next Wood Processing Project: Assess your needs, develop a timeline, and identify resources.

So, grab your tools, fire up your Husqvarna 350, and get ready to experience the satisfaction of transforming trees into a valuable source of heat and enjoyment. Happy sawing!

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