028 AV opinions please

[Dan Forsh]

Finally bought my 1st Stihl on the bay. Took me a long time too, I thought that I'd never get my hands on one (6:1 ratio Husky to Stihl), just seemed that every time I was out in front some B*stardo would snipe me.

Anyway, I now have a 028AV, well used but generally good and no spark. Only paid 31 GBP, about $56 US I think, for it, so I think quite a good buy (at the moment)

Anyone who wants to give me their genuine opinion of the saw is welcome, haven't investigated further yet, but any suggestions as to probably cause for no spark are equally welcome.

 

[HiOctane]

Disconnect the switch lead,check if spark.If not,well,you need a electronic box,i guess.Check the spark wire is not damaged also and doesnt ground on cylinder fins.

 

[Kenskip1]

OK Dan you asked for it and I will give it two you with both barrels! That saw is one of the most reliable and trustworthy saw on the market.Yes I have one. It has been under water, cut holes in ice, and on occasion has even cut wood!I bought mine new in the year 1985. It has never failed me. The saw is as dependable as death and taxes.Really you should have no problems with it. My 028 has a life time warranty on the ignition system.I use Amsoil at 80/1 in it. It has 170 pounds of compression.In my humble opinion,this is one of the best saws that Stihl has made. I am aware that I am leaving myself open for harassment on this last statement.Get the ignition fixed and take care, use chaps hearing protection. Ken

 

[Dan Forsh]

Okay, Ken seems to like em! There she is boys. All in pretty good nick I'm looking forward to getting her going now.

 

[lostone]

Good saw, I am in the process of rebuilding one right now, the seals went bad in it, it had a torn intake boot, and a bad pulse line on it but it still ran and would cut well, I have replaced the pulse line and getting seals in a couple of weeks the piston has a mark on it so I'm going to put a new cylinder and piston on it and just be done with it, by the time I finish I will have replaced a bunch of parts (some needing it some not) but I know when finished it will last as long as I will ever have it.

List of parts replaced or replacing:
piston
rings
pin
clips
seals
cylinder
pulse line
fuel line
spark plug
gaskets (exhaust and cylinder)
air filter
fuel filter
intake boot
av mounts
sprocket
drum
bar
chain
rebuilt the carb
LOL I wanted to do a major rebuild on a saw and this one seemed to be the one that got it.

 

[Lawn Masters]

Well, as has been said, I have to agree with the general opinion here, I've heard almost NOTHING bad about the 028 that couldnt be solved by a new hose, or a slightly smaller bar.

 

[andrethegiant70]

Congrats on the new saw.... gee, now I want one.

 

[whatsnext]

I've had one just like yours for a few years now and the only problem I've ever had is that the kill switch gets bound up once in a while and the saw won't shut off. I probably should replace it but I just keep rebending it to shape. Other than the reliability I'm not too crazy about the saw. My 029s will outcut it with ease, are just as reliable, cost less, and seem to vibrate less and now that I own a couple of bigger saws I doubt the saw will see any use at all.
John........

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

028's are good saws. Not to be confused with the MS 280. 028's have a very loyal following, and rightfully so. I've never owned one, but my dad has one, and I've ran it, and was quite pleased with it. You did well I'd say.

Jeff