Did I do good or not? Makita 6401

[idiotwithasaw]

I would love more info on the 7910 conversion.

 

[Woodpecker]

I think they feel lighter than a 460, similar feel to a 440 in my hands.

Still though stock form stock, the 79cc top end is potent.

It is one saw that runs amazing although in theory it should'nt

Sent from my non internal combustion device.

It's for sure lighter than a 460. Better anti vibe too.

 

[huskihl]

There's really nothing more to know about it. Unbolt 64 cc's and bolt on 79. The 7900/7910 conversion deals with location of the decomp. On a 6400/7900, it's on the left. On the 7910, it's on the right I believe. Since the 7900 are nla, they offer a 7910 cyl kit that comes with a new cyl cover with correct decomp hole location

 

[angelo c]

i flat out love mine. Worth the money all day long AS IT IS. It's a tremendous bargain if you 7900 convert it and yes there is a filter conversion kit. For fire wood I don't think it's an absolute necessity.
Just tune it in wood, they are rev limited and bouncing sounds like 4stroking out of the wood.

 

[CR888]

Are the 6400's coils limited or unlimited? I have a nice one I'd like to upgrade.

 

[mdavlee]

All limited coils. The HD kit elbow is smaller than the standard filter. I keep the low top set up on mine. I've milled with them with both.

 

[psuiewalsh]

The filter upgrade is around 90. I'd keep the low top and get the 79 cc cylinder from ford150. I have had several that have been done that way. Thanks @mdavlee

 

[fordf150]

What's the difference between a 7910 and a 7900 and will they interchange

7910 cylinder has a large stepped exhaust port for the SLR muffler, different decomp location, lighter piston. 7900 P&C kit is NLA, the replacement is a kit that includes the 7910 P&C along with a matching top cover to accommodate the different decomp location. No difference in how they bolt on and no other modifications needed to swap from the 6400 to 7910 cylinder.

Is there a filter upgrade for these, that is one thing I am not impressed with, in addition to being tiny the way it clamps on is horrible.

There is a HD filter upgrade for them although depending on what your cutting it may or may not be needed. As was mentioned the elbow that is required for the HD filter kit is smaller than the OE filter elbow and IMHO hurts power somewhat but i have no proof to back that up, just a gut feeling and the fact that after installing the HD filter most saws i have done required the carb to be leaned out slightly compared to the settings from using the stock filter. IIRC the HD filter is around $80 shipped.

Are the 6400's coils limited or unlimited? I have a nice one I'd like to upgrade.

6400 limited at 13200 and 7910 at 12800.

 

[Onan18]

Won't a 272 XP unlimited coil work on this chassis? I know you have to get the flywheel broached for the timing difference

 

[idiotwithasaw]

This is all good information I'm curious about what it takes to put the 272 coil on.

the replacement is a kit that includes the 7910 P&C along with a matching top cover to accommodate the different decomp location. No difference in how they bolt on and no other modifications needed to swap from the 6400 to 7910 cylinder..

Does the top cover come with the filter cover as well so they match?

 

[fordf150]

Does the top cover come with the filter cover as well so they match?

nope they dont match....HD filter cover is gloss black, cylinder cover is flat black.

HD filter comes with just the filter cover(gloss), 7900 cylinder kit comes with just the hood(flat black)

 

[idiotwithasaw]

Well how much for the cylinder kit and a matching low top filter cover?

 

[angelo c]

Not to change the subject tooooooo much but I have one with the 84cc BB kit that everyone bashes....all its done for me is everything I've ever thrown at it. between the MS460 and the 385xp ( both STOCK) and the BB it usually comes down to what has the sharper chain as to which one I use that day....
pretty dern good noodler on the big oaks I got to block off sometimes. all three have 24" bars on them.

no disrespect meant Nate, Im sure the OEM jug and slug are a better product in the long haul

 

[fordf150]

no disrespect meant Nate, Im sure the OEM jug and slug are a better product in the long haul

 

[idiotwithasaw]

Ok I finally got a chance to run this thing and holy cow it's nice. I can't imagine what it would be with a 79cc jug

 

[nnero]

A 6400 runs good for what it is. I don't consider a 7900 heavy for a 79cc saw. Plus the av is sooo smooth. I built my 7900 from a bucket of parts for under 400 including bar and chain. Best money I've ever spent on a saw.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Thought I would revive this thread with a couple of Makita 6401 in action Pics:

That's my Makita 6401 with a BBK installed. A 32" bar is on board and I was cutting big elm. This saw always impresses me. Thanks for looking.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Thanks, guys for looking this thread over again. I brought the saw out once again today to cut big maple. It performed very well. I have no complaints. For limbing, I needed a younger offspring. So I bought a Makita 520i. The 520i runs flawlessly.