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Post by herbertv2 on Feb 1, 2016 23:36:42 GMT -5
I'm curious about the Homelite XL and XL2 saws. I recently acquired a Homelite XL2 for $20, I have always thought the XL2 and the XL were pretty much so the same saw. It got me wonder just what are the differences between the two models and what were the production years for each?
I know the XL line had two different designs one with a metal casing, and the other a plastic casing I have one of each. I was under the assumption the XL2 model was the model that replaced the XL. the XL2 was going to be a parts saw, but now seeing the differences between it and the XL I kinda want to get it running now too.
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Post by undee70ss on Feb 2, 2016 3:29:02 GMT -5
Both are pretty close to being the same saws with just a few differences. Both had a 1.6 ci (26.2cc) engine, used .375 lo pro chain and up to a 14 in bar. XL2 had dual throttle triggers, XL had one. XL2 had a aluminum handlebar, (thick rubber coated later yrs) XL a steel one, (thermoplastic later yrs). XL2's were made from 72/73-83/84. XL's from 72/73 till the early 90's. You can determine the yrs your saws were made here. houseofhomelite.proboards.com/attachment/download/377
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Post by herbertv2 on Feb 2, 2016 12:00:48 GMT -5
found the XL2 uses a different chain at least mine does, hoped to make a quick chain and bar swap today to get my XL back in service quick today found the links are smaller, would seem it has a 1/4 pitch chain and my 2 XLs use a 3/8 pitch chain. Not sure if that is normal or something that could be changed.
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Post by undee70ss on Feb 2, 2016 15:01:13 GMT -5
1/4 pitch is mostly used for chainsaw carving. To change to 3/8 lo pro, you need to change bar, chain and clutch drum.
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dynodave
Saw Builder
equal opportunity GEARHEAD
Posts: 246
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Post by dynodave on Feb 2, 2016 19:30:56 GMT -5
Most very early XL2 Were originally 1/4" chain. The early XL2 had a hard nose bar usually 12". Later they came with 3/8Lo Profile... not full 3/8" and were mostly sprocket nose bars. Ive got 2 early ones circa 1973. You would need a new chain, clutch drum and bar to change pitch if it is not a hard nose bar. I have both set ups and prefer the 1/4" for the tiny motor.
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Post by chainsawlady on Feb 2, 2016 22:36:23 GMT -5
Most very early XL2 Were originally 1/4" chain. The early XL2 had a hard nose bar usually 12". Later they came with 3/8Lo Profile... not full 3/8" and were mostly sprocket nose bars. Ive got 2 early ones circa 1973. You would need a new chain, clutch drum and bar to change pitch if it is not a hard nose bar. I have both set ups and prefer the 1/4" for the tiny motor. I have several 12" & 14" 1/4" sprocket nose bars for the Homelite XL & XL-2 chain saws, if anyone is interested. chainsawlady
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Post by Supercharged86 on Feb 4, 2016 15:53:15 GMT -5
found the XL2 uses a different chain at least mine does, hoped to make a quick chain and bar swap today to get my XL back in service quick today found the links are smaller, would seem it has a 1/4 pitch chain and my 2 XLs use a 3/8 pitch chain. Not sure if that is normal or something that could be changed. Hi Herb, My 1974 "Angry Mosquito" aka XL2, is also 1/4" pitch, cuts good when sharp. If it were 3/8"LP, it definitely would be wearing a Stihl Rapid Super 3 full chisel chain (or a Oregon 91VX) like my Echo CS-341 does. That RS3 chain makes really short work of any small (and medium) size jobs. Good luck, Steve
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