346xp intake bearing

[AKJonsereds]

Alright guys, I have seen 100 topics on intakes for a 346xp. Using all 346xp or 357xp intakes and every mix in between.

Here is the question

Some use the blue ring in the boot, some use the red ring, some use no ring. This ring is from my 2149. Looking in the intake, the track looks bigger than 346 and 357 without a ring. There is no step in the rubber. This brass ring looks like it might have a golf ball effect.

Any opinions on the use of this thing?
Would it help atomize the fuel?
Is it better to just go for flow?

Probably try it both ways (with and without) in the end but am curious what you guys think of this design. Reminds me of the intake pics of those guys that make the intake track look like a golf ball.—-no, i will not be trying that

 

[cuinrearview]

When I go 357 on a 346 I leave it out.

 

[AKJonsereds]

When I go 357 on a 346 I leave it out.

Probably what I will do as well, but why did they put holes in this one? Are they attempting to mess with the air boundary layer?

 

[cuinrearview]

Probably what I will do as well, but why did they put holes in this one? Are they attempting to mess with the air boundary layer?

Weight savings?

 

[AKJonsereds]

Weight savings?

I thought of that, but why not make the exhaust can half the size they did? It is an empty can on this saw... Or make the bolts holding the pull starter on smaller? Or drill a hole in the felling spikes? Holes in this thing just looks like way more work then it is worth for the savings. I would’ve made it shorter before drilling all the holes if weight was the issue. Or left it out....

 

[Duane(Pa)]

It’s a turbo. They just put it on the wrong side.

 

[AKJonsereds]

It’s a turbo. They just put it on the wrong side.

Looked kinda like the holes were to oil the intake bearing...

 

[cuinrearview]

Looked kinda like the holes were to oil the intake bearing...

Like the machine marks on the piston, once the holes are gone or fill up they won't hold oil anymore.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Joking aside, people way smarter than me leave them out.

 

[AKJonsereds]

Joking aside, people way smarter than me leave them out.

I left the ring out on my 2159. Then added it back in. Saw no difference.... just odd that this one was so different from the plastic ones....

 

[huskihl]

I believe the 346/50’s came with the brass diffuser. The 357/9’s that I’ve been into had a plastic ring

 

[AKJonsereds]

I believe the 346/50’s came with the brass diffuser. The 357/9’s that I’ve been into had a plastic ring

Interesting, i have only seen the blue and red plastic ones. I have a ne 346 intake and a 2159 intake. Was it the oe 346 with the brass maybe? Would be the same vintage as my 2149

 

[huskihl]

Interesting, i have only seen the blue and red plastic ones. I have a ne 346 intake and a 2159 intake. Was it the oe 346 with the brass maybe? Would be the same vintage as my 2149

Ne and oe 346 have both come with the brass piece

 

[AKJonsereds]

Ne and oe 346 have both come with the brass piece

I wonder how mine came with the other... must’ve switched at some point? More importantly, any idea what the holes were for?

The 2139t has a little ring in the intake. I think it is to keep the intake from collapsing. The 2149 intake is more robust and won’t have collapsing issues. The holes are still bothering me....

 

[huskyboy]

Most saw intakes have a ring of sorts to keep it from collapsing. I imagine that is the case here too. I guess the only way to really find out is to ask the engineers at husqvarna. Or take out the ring and see if the intake collapses or leaks in heavy cutting use.

 

[AKJonsereds]

I missed that it was called a diffuser. Almost seems like it could be helping mix stuff up, but the end of it is slightly crimped which would increase velocity?

 

[AKJonsereds]

Most saw intakes have a ring of sorts to keep it from collapsing when bolted up. I imagine that is the case here too. I guess the only way to really find out is to ask the engineers at husqvarna. Or take out the ring and see if the intake collapses or leaks in heavy cutting use.

It isn’t really needed in this saw, and maybe i am looking too far into it. It is just a different design from the other rings I have seen. Was wondering if there was purpose behind it.