026 needs some help

[KentuckySawyer]

I've got an older 026 that until recently was a real dependable saw, but lately it has been troubled. Namely, it takes 10-15 pulls to get started, then once started it runs poorly, hesitates on acceleration, and lacks its normal power when under a load.

I just put in a new spark plug and I'm pretty good about keeping air filters clean. Could it need a fuel filter or hose?

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Could be alot of things. Filter or hose is a possibility. It sounds like it's running rich as well. You might look at the carb before you tear into the saw.

Jeff

 

[stihltech]

026

HOSES, first. Then tuneup parts, then seals, then carburetor.
My money is on fuel or pulse hose.

 

[Lobo]

G, you 2 guys are fast.

I too would go for the lines first.

 

[TonyM]

Sounds lean not rich. Lack of fuel. First try backing off the carb adjusters and see if it runs better. Turn the L and H adjuster 1/2 turn out and see if it stops hesitating. If it does, take the time to fine tune the carb and see if it runs well again. Has it been sitting for a while? Carbs get varnished up sometimes, and need a little compensation on the adjusters, and it might richen up from there with use.

If none of that helps, put a carb diapraghm kit in it, and while you have it apart, check the fuel line, filter, and impulse hose as previously suggested.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

TonyM-I always associated rough running, sluggish acceleration, and loss of power in the cut with a rich condition. Is this wrong?

Jeff

 

[TonyM]

Sluggish accleration - rich. Hesitation-lean.

Probably has more to do with the interpretation of the words. When I hear hesitates on acceleration, I hear that you pull the throttle in, and the engine cuts out, and then may catch itself and go, or may just stall.

Sluggish to me means it wants to run faster, but loads up and sputters on the way there.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

What about power loss in the cut?

 

[TonyM]

Power loss in the cut to me means lean as well. If it the saw seems to run fine at WOT, and then as soon as you start to cut there is no power - lean. If it never gets up to speed at WOT, and kind of stays the same or maybe gets a little better under load - rich.

 

[stihltech]

026

too much talk, need more action. TEAR INTO IT!