Better filter for Stihl 26

ralphbsz · Jul 23, 2003

I'm the happy owner of a Stihl 26 (vintage 1996), among other saws. Note that this is the 26, not the 26Pro.

The one thing I dislike about the 26 is the air filter. The paper-covered plastic frame clogs very easily, and power goes down pretty quickly then. Also, as the paper filter is quite fragile, I'm always worried that I'll make a small hole when cleaning it in the field (unbolt it, tap it against a tree a few times). If I don't notice the hole quickly enough, it may be time for a new piston or worse.

I've seen the foam filter on a new 26Pro at the dealer. Question 1: Does the big foam filter work significantly better than the paper filter on the 26? Can it handle more dirt between cleaning without power dropping? Is it more sturdy?

Question 2: What parts do I need to replace to fit the foam filter onto the existing 26? I think I need just a filter, and the red exterior hood that goes over the filter. A dealer I visited in Oregon (land of no sales tax!) was clueless, even tried comparing the parts listings and just got confused. Haven't talked to my local dealer yet.

Question 3: Are there other good after-market filter options? I know of none.

stihltech · Jul 23, 2003

pro

Get the filter, the intellicarb cap for the meteing side of the carb.
I think you may need the cover also, but I have not tried the switch yet. Maybe tonite.

jokers · Jul 23, 2003

I tried the filter cover from a non-pro 026 on an Intellicarb outfitted 026 and it did not fit properly.

Russ

stihltech · Jul 23, 2003

cover

Yep, get the cover. Old one is not big enough and latches differently.

sritzau · Jul 24, 2003

May sound excessive, but I clean the outside of my 026's filter in place at every tank with a soft paintbrush. It takes all of 10 seconds and does a nice job. By cleaning the filter a little bit many times, it's never that bad.

Stiltech, do you see any problem with this kind of cleaning? Might be an easy way to go and avoid having to spend extra $. I don't like the idea of unbolting the filter "in the field."

Steve

stihltech · Jul 24, 2003

brush

I never like to see the outside brushed because most people will overdo it. I even had 1 guy use a WIRE brush,(can you guess where the bristle ended up?)
However, you did say a soft bristle brush, sounds like you are removing dirt, not pushing it in.
To check, just remove the filter periodically and check for sawdust inside. If you find a good coating inside, please discontinue the brush. If it looks nice and clean inside, you are doing something good.