Homelite VI 200

[fmaglin]

Hello, I am new to this site, and was wondering if anyone could help me with any information on a saw I purchased from a fellow up in Canada. It is a Homelite VI 200. It has stamped in the top of the housing 3 69. I don't know if this would be the year of manufacture? Someone thought that it is the Canadian version of the Homelite VI 123; however, I am not sure of this. The saw has 160 lbs of compression and starts on the first to second pull. It is a real runner! The throttle is very responsive and I have been using it to cut Black locust. I have honestly not been able to bog her down. The guy I bought it from cut 8 cords of wood with it last winter and too was impressed with its performance.

I understand that the VI 123 has a decompression valve located on the cylinder just behind the muffler; however, I could not find this valve on my VI-200. Does anyone know if this saw is supposed to have one and where might it be located?

Again, any information any of you experts might have on this saw would be greatly appreciated.

[lesorubcheek]

Hello fmaglin and welcome!

Don't know about the year of manufacture, but its also my understanding that the VI-200 is a Canadian version and very similar to the VI-123. I don't have an IPL for a VI-200, but I do have one example of the saw, and as your saw, does not have a decomp. Here's pics comparing a VI-200 to a VI-123. The VI-200 is on the left. You can see numerous details that are different between the two, but also many similarities.





Dan

[fmaglin]

Hey Dan, thanks for your reply and also for the comparison pics. The VI 200 in your photos looks just like mine. I understand that parts are quite difficult to come by for this saw. So far, I have been lucky to find a NOS air filter, and luckily so far thats all I have needed. The previous owner replaced fuel lines and installed a carb kit (tillotson carb).

Would you happen to know how difficult it is to change the drive sprocket? It appears to have an outboard clutch.

I also have a 1978 vintage Homelite XL 12 that has some light piston scoring and about 90#s of compression. It runs, but nothing at all like my VI 200.

[fmaglin]

Hey Dan, I just noticed that the VI 200 in your photos has a full wrap handle. Would you happen to know what length bar would be maximum for this saw? Am I correct in assuming it is a 57cc engine



Frank

[lesorubcheek]

Hi Frank, I'll need to look later, but I believe the clutch is identical to the SXL and most other XL1xx saws. Ideally, there's a Homelite spanner tool for the clutch, but you can improvize. There's 3 holes around the clutch to engage a spanner. I've used a flat piece of metal with holes drilled to line up with the clutch holes and small bolts to engage it. I usually remove the starter housing (crank will need to rotate and starter pawls can grab), remove the spark plug and use the rope trick as a piton stop. remember the clutch is reverse threaded, so turn it clockwise to remove.

Yes, these engines are 57cc. Most of the time, I have 16" on mine, but I think up to 24" bars were listed as the longest. Depends on type of wood, chain, etc.

Dan

[fmaglin]

Hi Dan, thanks for your reply. The only difference I see in the XL 12 clutch is that it is inboard rather than outboard as on my VI 200. It appears to have three slotted flat head screws around the clutch. Is this where the 3 holes are you are referring to? In other words I need to remove the three screws and then spanner the clutch in a clockwise direction? The only reason I ask is I was considering a new chain and heard it is wise to replace the drive sprocket at the same time.

[lesorubcheek]

Yes, and if its threaded, I try to use the same size bolts (probably 10-24 or maybe 10-32) to hold it to an improvised spanner type tool. The 3 screws will be normal direction for removal, but the clutch threads are reverse. So, yes, loosen the clutch in a clockwise direction.

Dan

[fmaglin]

Thanks Dan ;D