I heard back from Joe. He doesn't sleeve McCullochs. Apparently, they have a higher risk of the cylinder cracking when sleeving. He also said he may be offering a replating service soon; I'm assuming through U.S Chrome based on Mark's previous comments.
Not sure what I did to be so fortunate, in a bout of wild luck I hit the ‘mac-pot’ this weekend… long story short I have two 8200’s that run great and a pair of PM700's.
The Long Story:
I was browsing FB marketplace on Friday night where I noticed an ad simply titled “Mccullochs”. I expected someone was cleaning out their garage by asking too much money for a PM610, a 3200, and maybe an Eager Beaver. Then I noticed the cover photo of the ad clearly showed the distinct gray fuel tank and large air filter cover of not one but
TWO Pro Mac 8200’s next to a pair of Pro Mac 700’s. I managed to not only be the first person to respond, but my wife had to work this weekend. I didn’t have to tell her I bought four chainsaws until they were already in our garage!
I was given a complete history of both saws. The seller purchased both 8200’s new. He wasn’t wild about selling them, but tired after lugging around 18.5 lbs. of Mac for the last 25+ years. The shiny 500i on his bench also weighed less and cut faster. The one without the safety label (2nd left) on the brake flag was purchased new in the 90’s from a local dealer and spent most of its time cutting hardwoods. It shows normal signs of wear but is free of mag rot and the A/V’s are surprisingly good. When he acquired the second saw, the first one was put on ripping duty to fit large logs onto a sawmill. The 8200 with the sticker on the flag (leftmost), the second saw, came to the same dealer shortly before McCulloch folded. The guy I bought it from had a "running disagreement" with the dealer over its value, triumphing only after the dealer passed away and the seller bought it at auction. Other than usual paint wear on the bottom from the saw idling, a chip on the air filter cover, and UV damage to the stickers from it sitting in a shop the saw is essentially new. The front A/V mount differs from the IPL and part of the chain tensioner was installed upside down. Both saws have original 28” McCulloch bars. I'll be running the more used saw at the MN GTG in December. The only things I'm messing with on it are adding the missing spikes and installing an OEM skidplate I have lying around.
The PM700’s had been dropped off with him for repairs and the saws were never picked up. One had been straight gassed but caught quickly and the saw was undamaged. The other developed a fuel leak when starting and running; it also smokes quite a bit. They’re also exceptionally clean and have McCulloch bars. I’ll be going through both saws to get them back to good running condition; hoping to have the better one going in time for the GTG. I blew a crank seal on my 372 I really need to fix...
Receiving a full history of these saws from their now former owner was a real treat. He tried to clean the permanent marker initials off the saws, which I quickly put a stop to. They add character and depict part of each saw's history. The seller was adamant in showing me how well the 8200’s ran and how much compression the 700’s had. I was frankly surprised how strong the 8200's were. I did not expect to find another 8200 fan less than an hour away, let alone someone who used them as work saws for over 20 years. I am consistently amazed by the chainsaw enthusiast community. No other group I associate with are as inviting and willing to share knowledge.
