Echo CS490 chainsaw. Air filter upgrade kit.

[ebinmaine 80,196]

I've mentioned elsewhere on the site that I've been messing around with a few chainsaws this year. 

This Echo CS490 is the only one I've bought new. I believe that was 2017. 

 

This year I decided to do a couple upgrades on it. 

 

A muffler modification or "mod" is basically when you remove the restrictions of the stock exhaust by either modifying the existing muffler or replacing it with an aftermarket option. 

On this particular saw there's a good addition in HP and torque if one removes the internal screen and restrictor pipe. 

I did that a couple months ago and was instantly impressed.  

As part of that process you have to richen the mixture. For that reason I removed the carb adjustment limiter cover caps. 

 

The next thing is to increase intake capacity. 

This kit is 3D printed by a company called A2D. (See the sticker.)

 

It's a super simple completely bolt on kit. 

The biggest benefit is MUCH better air filtration. 

A side benefit is a little better breathing.  

 

 

Before. 

 

 

 

Original air filter. 

 

Original air filter base. 

 

 

Parts removed down to the carb. 

 

 

The original air filter and base on the right. 

Replacement base, filter, and top holder on the left. 

The new air filter is actually a stock replacement filter for a different Echo model. 

 

The kit maker recommends a thin layer of grease between the new base and carb, and on both sides of the new air filter. 

 

Note the large black surround piece. That stabilizes the filter base and raises the stock lid for space to install the new filter. 

It also allows a huge improvement in breathing capability by allowing air flow from the sides. 

There's a solid piece available for very cold weather operation. 

 

New filter in place. 

 

 

All cinched up. 

 

The kit even comes with a rub on decal to identify the modifications.  

 

 

 

I took the saw out to the side forest for a few minutes. Power level seems a tad higher. Definitely runs nice and smooth and has a very quick throttle response.  

 

I was unable to run it long because that saw needs a new bar. That's been ordered.  

 

 

[ri702bill 12,762]

Nice - first thing I thought of is adding a foam pre-filter to the element (along the lines of a K181...)

The second thing was smoothing out the knit lines on mating surfaces....

Edited 1 hour ago by ri702bill

[ebinmaine 80,196]

2 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Nice - first thing I thought of is adding a foam pre-filter to the element (along the lines of a K181...)

 

Not sure if there is one but I like the idea.  

 

2 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

The second thing was smoothing out the knit lines aon mating surfaces....

 

This I did.