338 2139 334 boot torn apart

[Cut4fun]

Dealer friends tell me they see this all the time. I have read about it, but 1st one I have seen to repair. Do you guys see this often?

I only charged the owner $20 labor to remove and install the boot, set carb and test tune. Mainly because I was gaining experience of doing this work on the 338xpt.
What a pita installing the boot.

 

[rbtree]

I've had no problems with the newer design boot.....used to be a problem with the old 335's.

In fact, I have had zero problems with the NE saws. Muffler modded, they have gobs more torque than a 200, and cut a bit faster as well. Just got a new one for $390 and it kicks ass. Carb in the front is the only problem...and the balance isn't as perfect as the 200. Otherwise, and contrary to what most think, I prefer the 338/2139T Jonsy over the Stihls ...and why I'm in no hurry to get a 540..which is heavier, and word of inconsistencies is leaking out

I also got a low hours 338 on ebay for $180. Seller said the oiler didn't work and it ran fine. He was wrong--oiler fine but won't idle, turns 15k rpm, and won't stay running..plus compr is about 130. I have yet to tear into it, but expect to at least need to home the cylinder, replace the ring and seals, and of course will check the boot

 

[Magnus]

I've had no problems with the newer design boot.....used to be a problem with the old 335's.

In fact, I have had zero problems with the NE saws. Muffler modded, they have gobs more torque than a 200, and cut a bit faster as well. Just got a new one for $390 and it kicks ass. Carb in the front is the only problem...and the balance isn't as perfect as the 200. Otherwise, and contrary to what most think, I prefer the 338/2139T Jonsy over the Stihls ...and why I'm in no hurry to get a 540..which is heavier, and word of inconsistencies is leaking out

I also got a low hours 338 on ebay for $180. Seller said the oiler didn't work and it ran fine. He was wrong--oiler fine but won't idle, turns 15k rpm, and won't stay running..plus compr is about 130. I have yet to tear into it, but expect to at least need to home the cylinder, replace the ring and seals, and of course will check the boot

I never seen the boot get this bad unless they are pulled apart. Odd there is no cracks or nothing in it, still split in half?

Never liked these it is easy to work on them, you tear them down and back again under a hour with cleaning included, but a pain in the butt to tear them down completely to clean clogged oiler or so...
Seen a couple 338 that run ok, but a lot more that has been real crap.

 

[HolmenTree]

I'm with rbtree and sticking with my 338XPT for another season. 4 seasons on mine now and still as strong as ever with zero problems. Will wait until the dust settles with the new T540XP for another year before purchasing.
Now have the 338 running 1/4" chain with 9 pin rim sprocket and 14" Stihl 1/4" sprocket nose bar.............I'm very impressed, old school arb chain on a new age saw.

 

[HolmenTree]

A few pics of my 338XPT