Guide Bar Identification Numbers

[Deleted]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone understood the identification number stamped on a guide bar. I have a Homelite Super 2 with a 16" bar. On the bar the ID number states: PT 16371- F4. I am looking for a 14" bar and want to make sure the ones I am looking at will be a good replacement. I do know the following: The PT means Power Tip. The first 2 digits indicate the bar length. The next 2 digits indicate the pitch, and the last digit indicates the gage. So I know that I need a bar that states PT 14371. What I can't find out is detail about the last 2 identifiers. The F4 on the 16 bar. I understand that it represents the bar pad but other than that I know nothing else. I have come across a brand new (sitting in a shop for 30 years) unused 14" Homelite bar that has the ID: PT 14371 G4. So bottom line, does anyone know what the letter and number indicate. Do I have to find a F4 or will a G4 suffice. Thanks.
RichK

Also, just as a sidebar here - I have come across a technical service document from Homelite - Jacobsen that explains how to read a Homelite serial number and thus tell you the actual date when the saw was manufactured. The date of this bulletin is March, 1985 and I have it as a Word file. If anyone needs that info let me know. Or if anyone has a suggestion as to a good place in this forum to place this file please let me know. It isn't that long - 3/4 of a page so another option is to put it in as a post in an appropriate place.

[karla48]

Rick, I think, not sure but the "F4 or G4" sounds like a Bar Mount diagram, which will give you a diagram of the mounting holes and dimensions of the mounting. I don't know where you can find the Homelite Bar mount diagrams, but Oregonchain.com has some bar mount diagrams, you may find them there. I hope this helps.

[karla48]

Rick, I took a quick look at Oregonchain, and Nope the "F4 & G4" , there are plenty of Homelite Bar/ Motor Mounting Diagrams but they all use three & four characters, like "A095", But they still could be an Old Bar/ Motor mount diagram numbers, You may get some other posts from someone else that knows the answer!

[karla48]

Rick, I don't know if this text will paste but I did find some info in one of the service letters on bars:

* B A R *
Typical Homelite designation of a guide bar and the significance of various digits.

Example: PT-l437l-D4 PT 14 37 1 D 4
1 2 3 4 5 6
1:Type of Bar:
HT - Laminated with induction hardened nose.
PT - Laminated with sprocket nose
GW - Solid with gas welded hard tip nose
SP - Solid with sprocket nose

2: Approximate cutting length
of bar in inches

3: Pitch:
00 None
25 l/4"
32 .325"
37 3/8"
38 3/8"
40 .404"
50 l/2"

4:Gauge
l .050"
2 .058"
3 .063"

5: Revision letter which
signifies a change, e.g.,
"D" means that the bar can
accomodate Homelite's
exclusive "Safe-T-Tip"

6: Guide Bar Pad Configuration
1 - SlOSO, S2100, Sll30G,
Wiz's
2- XL-12, SXLAO, 900's,
4 5o • s , 6 so ' s , c- 7 2
3 - 150, SEZAO, 350, 360
4- XL's, XL2's, Super 2,
VI Super 2's
5 - Denotes universal
guide bar which can
replace any of the
bars with 2 or 3
configurations

[karla48]

Rick, It didn't paste so good, any how the 5th and 6th digits.
In your example: (F4), F=Revision "F" and 4="XL, XL2, Super 2, VI Super 2.

So an F-4 should equal a G-4 just a revision change.

[karla48]

Also, If you have access to service letters, this is Info is from "Exhibit 3 of service letter 671.

Good stuff, Thanks for having me become curious, Lol.

[Deleted]

Karla48,
Thanks for all your effort and replies. I think you hit the nail on the head with your last post. The information I had was the same on the type of bar, cutting length, pitch and guage. Looks like the revison letters represent continous improvements / changes made to the bar. So a "G" could be just fine depending on what the change was. The "4" seems to be a constant for the type of saws the bars are made for (bar pad design). In my case the Super 2 model requires a "4" so that looks really good.
I plan on taking my saw and 16" bar to the guy that has the 14" G4 bar and we will compare pad layouts, especially the oil fill holes and see if it will be a direct replacement. I will put a post in to let you know what I find out. Thanks again.
Rich K

[Deleted]

OK, I picked up the bar today. The 14" PT 14371 G4 had the same bar pad style as the PT 16371 F4 16" bar that I brought down with me. Same oiler holes, same rivet patterns - same everything. Homelite did make a revision but we could not determine what it was. It may have even been a metalurgical change! But it will work. So that give me the 14" bar that I was looking for. Now to get a chain!

[ckbrew]

Great information on decoding the part numbers. I am attempting to purhase a replacement bar for my saw, 245 made in about 1985. The part number on the old bar is PT-18321-G4. The bar that is being offered for sale has a part number of 18/45 D1 04 PY stamped in it. Does anyone know of a translation between part number nomenclature?

old bar number and new bar number: