Husqvarna 346xp Crankshaft

[jmester]

Can some here tell or explain the difference in Crankshafts for the 346xp. Looks like they made a change to them when they went to the new edition. The old edition part number is 503857671. The new edition part number is 504206802. Looks to me that they used the 503857571 crank until 08 in the 346xp. At the beginning of the new edition.

Guess my big question is can you use either crankshaft?

@Spike60

 

[P.M.P.]

@Stump Shot

 

[Stump Shot]

You can use either, I would think that the updated version might be preferable.

 

[jmester]

You can use either, I would think that the updated version might be preferable.

Any reason behind you saying the updated might be preferable?

 

[Stump Shot]

Any reason behind you saying the updated might be preferable?

Usually, and I don't know the particulars in this instance, the latter version has been updated for strength, oiling, flywheel retention or some such thing. Sometimes there's just a part number change for in house purposes that don't reflect on the part itself.
Seeing that guy's have been building ported 346's off of clam shell cased saws with slip bearing cranks with great success, I wouldn't worry myself over it any.
I will say it's interesting though.