Mesh Winter Filters vs ?

[jacktheripper]

I know it's been debated, but what are your opinions on these things? Ported saws run like mad with them, but how long until you start to see damage on pistons, cylinders?

I personally am more of a fan of the fine nylon-style filters like those found on the 266's than the wire mesh that is found on various Stihl models.

Some builders only build their saws with the winter style to maximize performance.

I put a brand-new OEM yellow felt-style filter on my ported 026 and felt a lack of performance. Swapped for a nylon mesh-style 026 PRO filter and picked up 1400+ rpms.

Lastly, I believe that the general consensus is that foam filters are among the best as a compromise between filtration and flow. I have seen performance gains from using the Max Flow filters on my old 660 and on an 044. But still not quite at the level of those winter filters.

What is your reasoning and choice?

 

[jacktheripper]

I should also add that I am facing this question as I look for a new filter for my 038 Mag II, which like many of these old saws, is experiencing issues with the choke flapper. There are plenty of the metal mesh filters available for these saws, but I can't bring myself to buy one... maybe you can change my mind.

 

[Joe Kidd]

I'd run 25 micron nylon mesh on green species here, probably not on dry dead chit. I inspect frequently if running nylon.

 

[jacktheripper]

I'd run 25 micron nylon mesh on green species here, probably not on dry dead chit. I inspect frequently if running nylon.

What saws are you running them on?

 

[EFSM]

I like nylon. It seems like most 2-piece flocked filters let just as much dirt through at the seams.

 

[Wilhelm]

Since most my saws are stock I tend to utilize the standard felt filters.
Although on saws I purchase that need the filter replaced due to damage I opt for "fine" nylon mesh when available as an OEM option.

I find the standard nylon mesh filters to be a bit coarse and try not to use them actively.

 

[Wilhelm]

I like nylon...

 

[Joe Kidd]

What saws are you running them on?

550xp mk2
562xp mk1 late run

 

[HumBurner]

I know it's been debated, but what are your opinions on these things? Ported saws run like mad with them, but how long until you start to see damage on pistons, cylinders?

I personally am more of a fan of the fine nylon-style filters like those found on the 266's than the wire mesh that is found on various Stihl models.

Some builders only build their saws with the winter style to maximize performance.

I put a brand-new OEM yellow felt-style filter on my ported 026 and felt a lack of performance. Swapped for a nylon mesh-style 026 PRO filter and picked up 1400+ rpms.

Lastly, I believe that the general consensus is that foam filters are among the best as a compromise between filtration and flow. I have seen performance gains from using the Max Flow filters on my old 660 and on an 044. But still not quite at the level of those winter filters.

What is your reasoning and choice?

I pretty much always opt for the felted. I haven't experienced particles coming through the seams.

Did you measure that 1400rpms with a tach, or just guessing?

 

[TheWizard]

The 550 is very good at filtering as long as you keep your chain sharp and look after the saw like everyone should, the filter will do a good job. Flock or mesh

 

[jacktheripper]

I pretty much always opt for the felted. I haven't experienced particles coming through the seams.

Did you measure that 1400rpms with a tach, or just guessing?

With a tach. The late 026 pro filters have much more surface area than ones on the early 026's that have the tower style tank vent.

 

[Wilhelm]

With a tach. The late 026 pro filters have much more surface area than ones on the early 026's that have the tower style tank vent.

An atmospheric engine can't run freely if it has difficulties breathing in!

Apparently One can "tune" it up to rpm specs, but One has to wonder how much power is wasted on just drawing in air.

 

[Woodwater]

I don't run anymore airsieves (winterfilter). Only fine filters plus a prefilter with oil. I can not recognize any performance loss.

 

[dangerousatom]

I only rune the fine white mesh filters.

Ive been putting an oversized square of pre-mesh filter cover material on the intake opening before the filter. It seems to help with catching any extra fines that find their way in. The old original version 550xp filter sucks, leaks all over along with 1st version 562xp. Ive been trying to find a tiny draw string filter bag ( like a tea or potpourri bag ) to bag the whole filter after its on like a shower cap. When I do Ill post it up, as I feel it will be a benefit to anybody cutting alot of dead hard wood that makes q ton of fine dust.

Ive also just rubber banded fuel friendly .25" foam on the outside of the white mesh filters.

 

[Woodslasher]

I only rune the fine white mesh filters.

Ive been putting an oversized square of pre-mesh filter cover material on the intake opening before the filter. It seems to help with catching any extra fines that find their way in. The old original version 550xp filter sucks, leaks all over along with 1st version 562xp. Ive been trying to find a tiny draw string filter bag ( like a tea or potpourri bag ) to bag the whole filter after its on like a shower cap. When I do Ill post it up, as I feel it will be a benefit to anybody cutting alot of dead hard wood that makes q ton of fine dust.

Ive also just rubber banded fuel friendly .25" foam on the outside of the white mesh filters.

I put a redbeard velocity stack and an UNI pod filter on mine after seeing @Loggernate do it, my only regret is not doing it sooner. That setup is the cat's meow for the 562 chassis. The V1 setup leaked badly, the V2 setup was ~20% less, with grease on the filter lip it was ~50% less, with the UNI there's no more issue.

 

[Loggernate]

I put a redbeard velocity stack and an UNI pod filter on mine after seeing @Loggernate do it, my only regret is not doing it sooner. That setup is the cat's meow for the 562 chassis. The V1 setup leaked badly, the V2 setup was ~20% less, with grease on the filter lip it was ~50% less, with the UNI there's no more issue.

More air flow and more rpm in the cut too and WAY longer run time before it needs cleaned. Only draw back I’ve found is it gets beat up walking through thick brush and probably not great in rain/ snow.

 

[2000ssm6]

I’ve used a velocity stack/green weenie on ported 026/260 saws before, looks terrible but work great. The stock filter setups leave a lot on the table for flow.

 

[Squareground3691]

Outerwear’s makes a pre- filter for any application of filter, and use them on all my stack filter setups 266’s , and do a very good job keeping the fines out , and can be used on stock filter setups too,

 

[qurotro]

I've come across a few 038s, with metal mesh air filter. None of the piston in them has machine marks, but they all still run. For a work saw I wont use mesh air filter but that's just me.