I found one! Almost..

[dav2no1]

Been looking for a little homeowner saw to chop my branch pile up and do clean up work around the yard. I have a Milwaukee M18 pole saw setup..works great up to 2 1/2" to 3" depending.. But need a real saw. So many junk and worn out ones for sale..or way too much money.

Been reading as much as I can on here to get information on the right saw. My buddy is a tree guy and has tons of saws from over the years. I told him I'm still looking for a saw after he called with Thanksgiving wishes. After a bit he called me back and said he had a Stihl 024 in decent shape..AND I could have it for free! Said it hasn't been started in awhile, but was stored in his dry shed. I'm excited to get it and play with it.

 

[Michael E]

Great "choice"!

There are few things I would check. A saw of this age, that hasn't been used in years, might have a few rubber parts gone bad/hard. If your fuel line is broken and your saw won't start, it's no big deal. But if your crankshaft seals are bad, you will burn up the engine in no time. If you don't know how to work on a saw, have a shop check it out. Or learn to do it yourself.

 

[dav2no1]

Great "choice"!

There are few things I would check. A saw of this age, that hasn't been used in years, might have a few rubber parts gone bad/hard. If your fuel line is broken and your saw won't start, it's no big deal. But if your crankshaft seals are bad, you will burn up the engine in no time. If you don't know how to work on a saw, have a shop check it out. Or learn to do it yourself.

Thanks for the tips. I plan on learning more about this saw. I've downloaded the manual and watched several videos. I already know the oil plug needs to be replaced. I plan on picking it up later today. I plan to look over the saw and inspect it the best I can.

So my next question is, what is the best place to buy parts? Is there fake Stihl parts being sold online? Are generic carbs as good as an oem? I assume the oem carbs are better? And what about carb rebuild kits..Stihl vs generic? I'm gonna have lots of questions moving forward

I am a super moderator on the c10 forum and own 2 classic trucks as well as a newer truck. I was also a Final Assembly Mechanic for the big B airplane company and now a composite fabricator for them..so I do have mechanical knowledge and tools. But this will be my first time messing with a gas saw. Doesn't look too difficult.

Is there a way to know if crankshaft seals are good without tearing it down?

 

[pioneerguy600]

Stick with OEM parts if you can afford them, much easier as they work most often as intended, can`t say that for the cheaper AM parts that may or my not work right out of the package. To check a saw for air tightness a pressure/vac tool is the best option, others cobble up a working option from blood pressure bulbs and some tubing. For myself I have 3 Mighty Vacs, the Mighty Vac 8500 is the better tool I use almost every saw I work on.You will need some occluders and or block off devices for the exhaust port and intake opening.