245SL chain length for an 18" bar

[dpress]

I have just acquired another Homelite, this time a one owner 245SL, 1988 saw. It is currently dismembered for probably the first clean it has had in its life, and is in very good original condition, apart from the original Homelite chain which needs replacement.
The saw has an 18" safe-T-tip bar, and 8P .325 sprocket which is only very slightly marked and does not need changing. I was given all the sales literature with the saw including bar and chain information, which shows that I will need a 73 link replacement chain.
Has anyone got experience with running a 72 link chain on this saw? The reason I ask is that 73 is not a standard size, but there is lots of availability of 72 link chains. I don't mind getting a special one made to order, but if another owner has used a 72 link one with success then I might plump for that.

Many thanks, Steve

[undee70ss]

I would stick with 73 drive links. 72 will probably be to short.

[dpress]

After further searching on the web I have located a new correct length Oregon 20BPX chain, so all should be fine. The old one has clearly stretched badly, but it would have been very tight fitting the shorter 72 link I expect. Saw now back together and runs beautifully, so another one saved for posterity. Now I must get on with the XL400 Floating Power which is still in numerous boxes...

Steve