juniormarbles
ArboristSite Lurker
Today I got the news from my Stihl shop: after 22 years, my 026 is tired, and has lost compression (no other problems, according to the man.)
I am up for a DIY project and consider replacing the cylinder and piston, hoping that it will run again like new.
Four questions for the esteemed DIY's among you:
1. Should I go with an OEM Stihl piston & cylinder set, or one of the much cheaper after-market offerings?
2. Some sellers offer an additional 'decompression valve'. I have NO idea what that does, and have no mechanism to activate one on my 20+ year old 026. Do I need to install that valve?
3. Having rebuild my 2-stroke motorcycle engines a few times as a kid, will I have enough skills to complete this DIY project, or will I need specialized tools?
4. Aside of the piston, piston rings, cylinder, sleeve bearing and mounting clips, what else do I need? Two gaskets, I presume? (An exploded drawing of the components or even a service manual would help.)
Thanks in advance for your advice!
JM
I am up for a DIY project and consider replacing the cylinder and piston, hoping that it will run again like new.
Four questions for the esteemed DIY's among you:
1. Should I go with an OEM Stihl piston & cylinder set, or one of the much cheaper after-market offerings?
2. Some sellers offer an additional 'decompression valve'. I have NO idea what that does, and have no mechanism to activate one on my 20+ year old 026. Do I need to install that valve?
3. Having rebuild my 2-stroke motorcycle engines a few times as a kid, will I have enough skills to complete this DIY project, or will I need specialized tools?
4. Aside of the piston, piston rings, cylinder, sleeve bearing and mounting clips, what else do I need? Two gaskets, I presume? (An exploded drawing of the components or even a service manual would help.)
Thanks in advance for your advice!
JM
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