I really like this saw, after using my friends 025 and I was happy with that, this 026 came up for sale. I had the oppportunity to buy a mint 025 that was a little newer but I passed b/c I hear good things on the 026, and a little more power doesnt hurt. The saw needs some TLC though. Ive been reading a lot and I figure ill do the comp. test, new plug, new filter, check the fuel line, it could use a new bar (which I havent really looked into yet). My biggest concern though is the plastics. The saw looks like crap and I would like to replace them. Do I have to make sure that I buy a certain year/model of the 026 to get the right ones? Also after I go through it and get it set ill look into a muffler and im looking at an MT246(?) carb on ebay. I cant wait to go out and cut w/ it:greenchainsaw:
bought an 026!!
- Thread starter jbone
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Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
Yes, you do need to know the model - there are 3 different styles of plastic, some will fit and others not. What's the serial number?
ill have to take a look, I forgot when I took it out today. Speaking of which: I dont believe the bar/chain is getting oil. It seemed to cut fine and wasnt burning the wood, but I noticed later on lots of smoke was coming from hte muffler. Oil was pooled underneath it on the case and next to the bar. When I pulled the clutch cover off the saw dust was packed w/ oil and felt like pulp. It didnt appear that the b/c was getting oiled. I cleaned it up but left it for another time. Also the saw still had half tank of gas when I was cutting it started reving really high like it was lean and then immediately stalled.-(any ideas?)
Oh I forgot to mention that at first I was a little disappointed w/ the performance of the 026 today initially. It didnt think it had cut as well as my friends 025 (stock). So after my little problems with the 026 and the limited time I had left before dark to fix it, I went back to the 025. Then I realized I was way wrong! The 025 had a much better chain on it which I think may be part of the lack of performance of the 026, but aside from that It still didnt cut as fast as the 026. I didnt realize that the 026 needed to be reved out pretty high to get what I wanted out of it. The 025 just didnt really seem up to cutting nearly as well as the 026. It would bog down and bind a lot, which is a problem I never had with the 026. Overall Im very happy w/ it it just needs some work. 
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
Many possibilities, but it basically starved for fuel - either it couldn't pump it (pressure leak in crank case, boot or impulse line), or, could not suck it - fuel filter, fuel line, carb... tank vent. Where do you want to start? Do you feel comfortable removing and inspecting the carb inlet screen?.
Do a quick search on AS for these issues -many valuable posts out there...
I will look into those. I have a friend who is really good with carbs in general including chainsaws. I will talk to him and see if he can help me. I dont really know too much about all this but im learning and I have no problems with using this saw to practice on. It seems to really need an overhaul. Thanks for the tips again!
EDIT--- Ok I read another thread where it was mentioned that if the tank vent is "leaky" that an o-ring may have gone bad but is replaceable. I noticed when I filled the 026 that it was leaking(from the vent). I didnt think anything of it, I figured- if theres a little gas coming out I guess its venting. But I could be wrong. Unfortunately im at work so I wont get to it till late today or tomm. maybe
EDIT--- Ok I read another thread where it was mentioned that if the tank vent is "leaky" that an o-ring may have gone bad but is replaceable. I noticed when I filled the 026 that it was leaking(from the vent). I didnt think anything of it, I figured- if theres a little gas coming out I guess its venting. But I could be wrong. Unfortunately im at work so I wont get to it till late today or tomm. maybe
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Indiana John
ArboristSite Operative
If you really don't think you're getting oil to the bar, check the small holes in the rear of the bar and make sure they are clear. Sometimes they get plugged with sawdust and the oil doesn't get into the bar's chain groove. To check for oiling, start the saw with the bar and clutch cover off, give it just a little throttle (don't rev it way up!), and watch the opening just above the bar adjuster screw to see if you are getting oil. Of course, make sure the oil tank has oil in it. Everytime I take my chain off to sharpen it, I use my air hose to blow out the oil holes and chain groove in the bar, as well as blowing off the whole saw including a quick clean of the air filter.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
The vent on the older 026 will "leak - that's GOOD. If it's blocked - that's bad. The vent doesn't have an o-ring...
If it really is leaking oil from beneath the muffler, your case screws may be loose... But you have to take the clutch off to attempt to tighten them. Most oil I see beneath 026 mufflers is from the muffler - an excessively rich mixture from a faulty carb. If that's the case, check your spark arrester screen - it may be blocked.
will do. I talked to a friend of mine who was looking at the saw. He said it appeared that the oil was coming from the case(?) I havent looked at it myself since I was cutting w/ it.
Now I have 3 options. The more I looked at the saw the more I found wrong w/ it. I have the opportunity to bring it back to the guy I bought it from. He sold it to me privately but he works as the mechanic for my local stihl dealer. (the saw was his sons not his). I can have him fix a couple of the problems, or I can have him find me another 026, or I can learn how to fix it myself. What do you think?
Now I have 3 options. The more I looked at the saw the more I found wrong w/ it. I have the opportunity to bring it back to the guy I bought it from. He sold it to me privately but he works as the mechanic for my local stihl dealer. (the saw was his sons not his). I can have him fix a couple of the problems, or I can have him find me another 026, or I can learn how to fix it myself. What do you think?
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
If you are mechanically inclined, fix it yourself. The 026 is a GREAT machine to learn on, and is almost identical to all other stihl pro saws.
chances are I will do it myself. Like I said I know a couple of people who are great mechanically especially on small engines. But I really want to learn. If I run into problems I can bring it to them. I just have to get a manual and parts catalog maybe. But first I have to find out what 026 I have. I really appreciate the help lakeside!
well im bringing it back to the dealer tomm. to have the tech I bought it from fix the leak from the case. I would really like to learn how to do it I just dont have the time right now. I need it next week and I wont be able to have it done and back together. Hes also going to make sure everything is right fine, and hes doing it at no cost. He didnt realize it had so many problems and doesnt want to get a name for selling bad saws so he's gonna fix it up. I still plan on learning on it, modding it, etc. but for right now I dont have a cjoice buit to take it to him to get it fixed. Thanks for all the tips though as I am sure they will come in handy. Now I just need to get a new bar and chain.
RED-85-Z51
Addicted to ArboristSite
Well, 026 is 49cc's and an 034 is 56cc's...
SO you wouldnt see a major increase in power, unless the 026 was just running really bad, and the 034 is running really good.
It is likely heavier, and will use more fuel as well..
Sounds like the 026 had more wrong with it then he had planned on...
SO you wouldnt see a major increase in power, unless the 026 was just running really bad, and the 034 is running really good.
It is likely heavier, and will use more fuel as well..
Sounds like the 026 had more wrong with it then he had planned on...
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
You may not think so by just comparing the the CC, but both in equally good condition, the 034 will really kick the 026's butt!
Get the 034..
Get the 034..
will do!
Well I picked the 034 super av the other day. Have realy gotten a chance to use it but I will by next weekend at the latest. Its in almost perfect condition, a few scratches, but its in much better condition than the 026.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
The 34 Super is a great saw...
Bowtie
Gearhead
hey Lakeside, what is the difference between a 034 super av, and a 034 av?
