XL 123 Question

[tbebbington]

Gentlemen:

Over the weekend I inherited an old XL 123. Don't know much about it other than it looks like it was used a lot back in the day but probably hasn't run for some time. Did a little searching on the Net but didn't find much--maybe the XL 123 wasn't a popular model?

I figure at a minimum it needs a new bar and chain and a carb rebuild. I did a "field compression check" (hold the saw up by the starter rope) and it drops slowly--but that's with a bone dry tank, so no lube.

While I can't argue with the price, I'm wondering if it's worth fixing up for use around the homestead. I cut a cord or so of hardwood every year, plus the occasional cleanup job, and I'm tired of having to borrow my Dad's Dolmar.

Your thoughts and/or advice will be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

--Tom

[lesorubcheek]

Hi Tom,
Welcome to House of Homelite. I have a couple of 123s. I personally love 'em. They feel a little nicer in my hands than the Super Xl. Can't speak about popularity, but they are very nicely made saws in my opinion.

Dan

[mikevan]

Tom, here's some quick specs on it from www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/ed1d619968136da688256af40002b8f7/0d9238300a2713e088256c280064e9a2?OpenDocument My opinion, fix it & use it! Check it for spark, fuel line is probably dry rotted, carb kit [probably] Post a pic. of it if you can.

Model: XL-123

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURED BY: HOMELITE CORPORATION
PORT CHESTER, NEW YORK, U.S.A.
SERIES OR ASSEMBLY NUMBER:
YEAR INTRODUCED:
YEAR DISCONTINUED: 1975
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 3.5 cu. in. (57 cc)
NUMBER OF CYLINDERS: 1
CYLINDER BORE: 1.8125 in. (46 mm)
PISTON STROKE: 1.375 in. (35 mm)
CYLINDER TYPE: Aluminum with chrome plated bore, compression release
INTAKE METHOD: 4 reed pyramid
MANUFACTURER ADVERTISED H.P.: not advertised
WEIGHT : 12.5 Lbs. (5.67 kg)
OPERATOR CONFIGURATION: One Man operation
HANDLEBAR SYSTEM: Rigid
CHAIN BRAKE: none
CLUTCH: Centrifugal
DRIVE TYPE: Direct
CONSTRUCTION: Die cast magnesium
MAGNETO TYPE: WICO flywheel type
CARBURETOR: Tillotson HS-132A
Walbro SDC 31, SDC 32
MAJOR REPAIR KIT: Tillotson RK-23HS
Walbro K10-SDC
MINOR REPAIR KIT: Tillotson DG-5HS
Walbro D10-SDC
AIR FILTER SYSTEM: Cellulose fiber element
STARTER TYPE: Homelite automatic rewind
OIL PUMP: Automatic with manual override
OPERATING RPM: 6,000 under load
IGNITION TIMING: 30 degrees BTDC
BREAKER POINT SETTING: 0.015 in. (0.38 mm)
FLYWHEEL/COIL AIR GAP: 0.004 to 0.008 in. (0.1 to 0.2 mm)
SPARK PLUG TYPE: Champion CJ-6
SPARK PLUG GAP: 0.025 in. (0.63 mm)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS: Ball on mag end, caged needle roller on clutch end
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 23 fl. oz. (680 ml)
FUEL OIL RATIO: 32:1
RECOMMENDED FUEL OCTANE: Regular grade 72 to 83
MIX OIL SPECIFICATION: Homelite Chain Saw mix oil
CHAIN PITCH: 3/8 in.
CHAIN TYPE: Oregon 72D
BAR MOUNT PATTERN: 01 link
SHORTEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED: 12 in. (30 cm)
LONGEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED: 24 in. (61 cm)
COLOUR SCHEME:
PAINT CODES:
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST:
SERVICE MANUAL:

[tbebbington]

Thanks for the quick and useful responses. I am definitely inclined to fix 'er up--she'll fit in nicely with my 40+ year-old snowblower and my 22-year-old lawnmower.

My wife will be away this weekend so I'll be able to take it apart at the dining room table. I'll let you know how things turn out, and will take a few pictures to post, too!

[lawnmowertech37]

Jul 7, 2008 11:53:03 GMT -5 tbebbington said:

Gentlemen:

Over the weekend I inherited an old XL 123. Don't know much about it other than it looks like it was used a lot back in the day but probably hasn't run for some time. Did a little searching on the Net but didn't find much--maybe the XL 123 wasn't a popular model?

I figure at a minimum it needs a new bar and chain and a carb rebuild. I did a "field compression check" (hold the saw up by the starter rope) and it drops slowly--but that's with a bone dry tank, so no lube.

While I can't argue with the price, I'm wondering if it's worth fixing up for use around the homestead. I cut a cord or so of hardwood every year, plus the occasional cleanup job, and I'm tired of having to borrow my Dad's Dolmar.

Your thoughts and/or advice will be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

--Tom

tom welcome to house of homelite just feel free to browse all the forums and threads on here alot of info on here for all types of units

and alot of folks that have knowledge of the older equipment


calvin



what model snowblower ? must be a jacobsen

[tbebbington]

Gentlemen:

Got the old girl partially disassembled this evening and found a few things, both good and bad: on the good side, she has a nice hot blue spark, and the carb looks clean. On the bad side, the side plate that covers the sprocet and clutch is cracked and severely gouged on the inside, due in large part to a previous owner having installed the outer guide bar plate BACKWARDS. Also, the fuel line is missing, which strikes me as odd. So, it's off to the parts store for me.

Want to thanks you all again for your help and great info. Will let you know how things turn out and hopefully post some pix soon.

--Tom

[tbebbington]

Oh, and I forgot to mention the best one...the chain was on backwards!

[blackoak]

My question is? Did your wife find out that you tore into it on her dinning room table. I think not if your able to still post..

[tbebbington]

Nope--if she had found out I'd probably be missing some parts of my anatomy!

[RBW]

OUCH, hope her last name is not Bobbit!



The 123 is a nice saw with a good design. As stated by Dan, less clunky and better balanced in you hand than the SXL. As far as the fuel line, get some (Cant think of the name, too early for me) and replace what ever may be left if any. The clutch cover shouldnt be hard to find as I believe the same one fits several saws.



.

[lesorubcheek]

Here's a pic of one of my 123s that I'd posted earlier on Magnus's site. These are some sweet saws.

Dan

[chainsawwhisperer]

That's one nice looking saw!

[RBW]

TYGON!!!

[tbebbington]

Dan, your saw is a lot better looking than mine. But I obtained most of the parts I need locally and have a couple more on the way in the mail; I think I can get her going again. To my mind, even the most beat-up old saw is a thing of beauty while it's tearing through the 2+ cords of rock-maple in my yard!