Advise appreciated - Husky 455 Rancher

[two4spooky]

So a friend, co-worker, gave me a Husqaurvna 455 Rancher. The good: 1) looks to be OEM from bar and chain(3/8" 72DL .050", I can break/spin that, covered) to the air filter and plug - original. Low hour saw with little use. 2) compression seems good just pulling on the rope, slow drop. Feels real firm. 3) All controls: chain brake, choke and slow idle control seem to work 4) *FREE* - self explanatory. The bad: 1) looks to have been "rode hard and put away wet". Rough. Lived in the open bed of his truck most of it's life. No maintence. 2) primer bulb is gone and has been long gone. Was told "it leaks fuel". China carb for $20-30 maybe acceptable? IDK 3) dropped and busted rear handle, needs left and right side of rear handle to be replaced. OEM rear handle(left and right side) looks to be about ~$60 in hand. Tank seems good. 4) add in to cost of basic tune up - air filter, fuel filter, plug and probably a clutch bearing. 5) serious cleaning needed. Compessed air will not cut it, Simple Green and maybe pressure washer. So parts (about $100) plus time (0$ as hobby/interest). Worth fooling with or pass on? I have other good saws, would be used for the 4 wheeler, tractor or given to a family member/friend *as a useable/reiable?* saw. No experience with Husky nor thier "Ranch/FarrmBoss" equivalcent. Grew up with McCulloch and run Stihl and Echo. Homesteader/hobbiest expierence fits my skill level. I can tune and run a saw. Is the 455 Rancher at ~$100 in parts plus time worth fooling with?​

 

[Jusgunn3]

I have rebuilt a few and always spent a little to get them running. I like tinkering with saws so it doesn’t bother me but if you have other good saws then eh…maybe not. I have had 3 of them and used them a bunch but graduated to pro saws now but a good running one would make a good truck/tractor saw.

 

[Agrarian]

Be careful with the compressed air. It can drive water into the crankcase so if you don't soon get it started, that water will rust the crank and bearings to the point they're worthless. Only takes a couple of weeks, ask me how I know.

Being low hour, likely your tuneup kit and clutch bearing are unnecessary. Clean the air filter and use the rest. Use the carb as-is - if it doesn't start due to fuel, buy a rebuild kit for $10. Your expense, other than time, then becomes the handle halves and primer bulb. If you can get both handle halves delivered for $60, you're doing well. Based on that, I'd do the repair. I wouldn't spend too much time cleaning until you know you can get it running properly.

 

[two4spooky]

Good advise. Thanks