I have a 15 year old Husqvarna 450 e that has cut alot of wood every year without an issue. Since last year I've noticed a loss of compression. I don't have a gauge but it doesn't do well on the slow drop test, so I'm sure that's the problem. I cut wood today and it still works but not like it should.

I have the same model saw that is almost new, so I have a working saw. I'm going to get a piston/cylinder kit off Amazon, (I assume all these parts are made from Chinesium anyway), and give it a go. I've seen two videos and it doesn't look like a big deal and for $50 there isn't any risk.

I'm handy with chainsaws and other two strokes and have the tools I need, but just curious if anybody here has done the same thing.

Thanks,

Pete

I bought a chinesium carburetor from amazon for an eight horse briggs. Old one was leaking gas and the kit was more than the carb. Not had any problems with it.

Honest experienced opinion.

The after market top ends are severely out of spec (quench and ports).
Any saw that has the cyl with part of the crank case as one piece is
really tough to work (seal) with and very undesirable.
Said saw, with 125 dollars into it and running good,
is not worth 125.
I'd call it parts for the other
and buy a non-homeowner model.

A typical fix.
Clean old cyl. Scotchbrite.
New piston and rings.
Crank seals.
New Fuel system.
Check everything else.

Good luck and let us know.

Check and be sure your exhaust isnt carboned up.

I had a saw i was sure was losing compression so i got a new piston and rings. When I started tearing it apart the screen in the muffler was totally stopped up. Cleaned it and saw ran fine. Not saying that is your problem but is an easy fix if it is.

I'd also run a pressure-vac test before replacing piston and cylinder. Might be an issue with just crank seals or some other leak at a base gasket or intake boot

If you go with a new jug and piston , do crank seals also.
.

I’d take the muffler off and look inside if scored up cylinder or piston just pitch the saw or keep for parts. Clamshell is a horrible design to work on even with a pile of experience. Would be further ahead just replacing the saw itself.

Since you have another one newer I would just put it in rotation for parts. Save the money fixing it and put it towards the next new saw. It is 15 years old and doesnt owe you anything.