038 Magnum 2

[slander]

Hey guys, just wondering what if any of you are familiar with the 038 Magnum 2 saws. I picked one up yesterday in some work trade.

What are the differences between the 038 Magnum, Magnum 2 and Super series saw? From what I've seen, the Magnum 2 has the larger, more powerful engine, is that correct? Also, what size beaver tail can this 038 Magnum 2 handle?

I'm still deciding if I'm going to keep it, and use it as a backup to my favorite 032AVE saw.

 

[subhunter]

I picked one up a few eeks ago and it was also a magnum II. From what I can tell its a great saw. The 038av is a 48mm piston, super a 50mm, and the magnum is 52mm being the largest of the 038's. I have only heard great thing about them! I would definitly keep it.
Good luck!

 

[StihlyinEly]

Hey guys, just wondering what if any of you are familiar with the 038 Magnum 2 saws. I picked one up yesterday in some work trade. What are the differences between the 038 Magnum, Magnum 2 and Super series saw? From what I've seen, the Magnum 2 has the larger, more powerful engine, is that correct? Also, what size beaver tail can this 038 Magnum 2 handle? I'm still deciding if I'm going to keep it, and use it as a backup to my favorite 032AVE saw.

If it's in good condition, you'll find the 038 Mag II has a LOT more muscle than your 032 (72cc vs 51cc). Pay no attention to the fact that they are both members of the "30" series. Two very different saws. Definitely hang onto the 038. You may end up with the 032 as backup.

The 038 will positively roar while running a 20-inch 3/8 pitch full comp .050 B&C, with a 25-inch being workable. Really, the 038 Mag II is comparable in most ways to a muffler-modded MS441.

Very nice score!

 

[Mad Professor]

What subhunter said ...

+ early 038 av had metal tank housings

May be minor differences in mufflers between Mag and Mag II , if the the later has the rare 3 port/west coast muffler. Mag and mag II are about the same saw.

With full comp chisel the mag is happy with a 20" and 8 pin or a 25" and 7 pin. If you open up the muf a 8 pin with 25", it won't bog down. This is ash, maple , oak, beech, cherry , woods.

If the saw has seen better days your milage may vary.........

Heavier than the "fabled" 044, but built, better.

 

[volks-man]

i agree with the last guy about the bore sizes and i add:

the 48mm was 61cc
the 50mm was 66cc (as i recall)
the 52mm was 72cc
the diff between the mag I and the mag II is the mufler. the magII had a tri-port muffler whereas the magnum had a dual port.

038 is a good saw!
in my opinion your 'favorite old standby 032' will be the backup to the 038m in just a short while.

edit: those other guys type too fast!

 

[subhunter]

I didnt know that about the mufflers. Mine is a magII ( or what the tag said) and my muffler was completely flat across the front. Just had the one port in the side. Could that be a aftermarket part?

 

[slander]

The kind of wood I cut, the 032 is pretty ideal. I cut a lot of small fir and alder. Sometimes I get into some bigger fir, but not all that often. I usually pick on the smaller wood that I don't have to split as much.

The kind of stuff I usually go after is usually about 2 foot across the top of the stump, and smaller. But there at times I'm felling some trees for people that I wish I had a little bigger saw. Looks like this 038 will be the perfect fit.

But, I doubt I'll grab it before my 032 on most days!

 

[Mad Professor]

I didnt know that about the mufflers. Mine is a magII ( or what the tag said) and my muffler was completely flat across the front. Just had the one port in the side. Could that be a aftermarket part?

Most supers and Mags had the Two port outlet, that can be opened up , w/screens intact to make a great runner.

Optional USA west coast saws had the 3 port. You can still buy this but it's $$$$$.

See Lakesides posts on this..........

P.S. Yes the 038 runs a bit better than the standard dual port, with breathing room.

 

[subhunter]

Most supers and Mags had the Two port outlet, that can be opened up , w/screens intact to make a great runner.

Optional USA west coast saws had the 3 port. You can still buy this but it's $$$$$.

See Lakesides posts on this..........

P.S. Yes the 038 runs a bit better than the standard dual port, with breathing room.

On mine it has the flat front cover. I took and open up slightly the exaust exit on the side and also drilled the baffle holes double their original size on mine. It is VERY loud compared to any of my other saws. I didnt think a very big MM would be very much of an advantage on this older saw.?

 

[NC4TN]

I'm still deciding if I'm going to keep it, and use it as a backup to my favorite 032AVE saw.

Hang on to it. My 032 got swiped by the help the same year that I bought my 038 super.

It's my guess that your 032 will become your backup saw. I bought my 038 Super new in 1983; it's the "go-to" saw 9 times out of 10. Although it doesn't compare with the power of my new MS-460, it is just as "torquey". I used it just this afternoon to buck up some ash that I scored on recently.

 

[dieselram]

I also just picked up a 038 AVS. Do you guys know what the hp ratings for these saws? Does the AVS mean its a super? Either way I love this saw too, it has a 20" bar and the thing ripps!

 

[willsaw4beer]

038 mag's are pretty sweet but the 044 was an improvement in a lot of ways. The main one is that the 44 cuts as fast with a 7 pin as the 38 with the 8 pin..
This being said I have a really nice 044 and soon an even nicer 440 and would be damned to sell the tank 038.

 

[slander]

038 mag's are pretty sweet but the 044 was an improvement in a lot of ways. The main one is that the 44 cuts as fast with a 7 pin as the 38 with the 8 pin..
This being said I have a really nice 044 and soon an even nicer 440 and would be damned to sell the tank 038.

I'm not into saws quite as much as you guys. I usually just upkeep them and cut wood. What do you guys mean by "7 and 8 pin" ?

 

[beavis331]

I'm not into saws quite as much as you guys. I usually just upkeep them and cut wood. What do you guys mean by "7 and 8 pin" ?

They are referring to the chain drive sprocket.
I just acquired a 038av myself. It was in pretty rough shape but I should have her runing in the next day or two.:rockn:

 

[NC4TN]

I also just picked up a 038 AVS. Do you guys know what the hp ratings for these saws? Does the AVS mean its a super? Either way I love this saw too, it has a 20" bar and the thing ripps!

Here's an AS thread that should answer your questions:

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=29893&highlight=038+specs

As you will see, there are 3 versions of the 038; some say 4 versions if you include the "038 Magnum II". The "AV" denotes that the 038 is equipped with Stihl's then-exclusive anti-vibe system. Mine is a 1983 vintage with the magnesium tank. Later models had poly tanks with a slight corresponding weight reduction.

 

[dieselram]

Here's an AS thread that should answer your questions:

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=29893&highlight=038+specs

As you will see, there are 3 versions of the 038; some say 4 versions if you include the "038 Magnum II". The "AV" denotes that the 038 is equipped with Stihl's then-exclusive anti-vibe system. Mine is a 1983 vintage with the magnesium tank. Later models had poly tanks with a slight corresponding weight reduction.

Thank you, good info here.

 

[Mad Professor]

038 mag's are pretty sweet but the 044 was an improvement in a lot of ways. The main one is that the 44 cuts as fast with a 7 pin as the 38 with the 8 pin..
This being said I have a really nice 044 and soon an even nicer 440 and would be damned to sell the tank 038.

The oiler and the clutch set up on the 044/440 is a step backwards, from the 038. They are lighter and rev higher thou. AV and air filtration are marginally better too.

 

[Ron Riek Jr]

My father purchased my 038 Mag ll about thirty one years ago I think. I slowly started inheriting it about 20 years ago, ,as he didn't need it and I sometimes did. Anyhow, I have bought a couple brand new saws in the mean time hoping for something lighter with enough power... NOT! My brand new MS 440 ran strong, sure, when it ran right, no joke. And now I did what I said I would never do and bought a Husky 550 XP. Decent saw, but once again a bit temperamental. Got frustrated and got the 038 out a few weeks ago as I am trying to get firewood in. Has not ran for about a year, and only took about 5 cranks to start. How sweet it is. I have run the H E double hockey sticks out of this saw for 20 plus years, and it runs better and stronger that any new saw I buy. I am running a 30" bar on the 038 right now, and with a sharp chain I can chow right through 24-28" larch like nothin'. Heavy, ya, just eat your Wheaties and enjoy your saw, I do. The new husky is now usually the back up unless its something quick and small sometimes.
Cheers!
Rangerriek

 

[teacherman]

I have begun collecting these. DOes anyone have some good pictures of the three port muffler? I need to learn to replicate it. My mage 2 came with a single port.... someone got to it and cannibalized it!

 

[bulletpruf]

I looked for pictures, too. They are out there, but I wasn't able to find any real good ones. Do a Google search for 038 Magnum triple port or something like that and then click on images. You'll see some.

I have an aftermarket dual port muffler that I'm going to convert to a triple port. Not exactly sure how to yet, but I think I have a few options.

Scott