If it's a magnum it Will measure at 52 mm
Is a stihl 038 a good saw and what's it worth?
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I have one and it's probably one of the best saws stihl made. Only downside is it's a bit heavy. But they are built like a tank. And in my opinion that's why they last so long. They're overbuilt.
That is super clean saw
drf255
BAD CAD
Shoulda went meteor.
Reuse the oem pin and clips. Don’t use those Tecomec clips.
Reuse the oem pin and clips. Don’t use those Tecomec clips.
I hope this better than famertec ?
Meteor was $60 and didn't have caber rings. So I got this instead. I dont trust the jug so I got this for now. Rather oem stihl .
drf255
BAD CAD
Meteor makes caber rings, every piston comes stock with them. I didn’t know that either, but it’s true-same company.
Tecomec is worlds beyond Farmertech. You will likely be ok.
Usually meteor pistons are sub-$50, closer to $40. The 038M 52mm slug may be becoming a rare bird, I’m not sure.
I just go OEM or Meteor if I can help it. Cheap insurance.
drf255
BAD CAD
Looks like someone swapped your starter.
Off a newer unit?
No way to know for sure. Magnum's were made in Germany from 85-97. Brazil plant opened in 73 but I have no idea when they started making 038's. Brazil produced them up until 2003 when they were re-designated MS380.
Is it a good or bad thing? With a 3 something serial its Brazilian
Some just won't listen......
Meteor piston kits should be ~ $45 USD delivered, OEM is $60.49 you pick it up and pay state taxes. That is piston, pin, rings, and clips that won't fall out.
Tecomec? Well used be one of the best when made in ITALY. Total was the USA distributor. I talked with the former Total USA rep, he was disappointed with Tecomec and the fact they now are Chi-Com........ I did a search on the Italian Tecomec and no longer see links to cylinders, pistons, etc. Not sure where you'd find a $15 Tecomec piston kit? Country of origin? If you found an Italian one you did well. If it's a Chi-Com and it pukes a circlip and trashes the Cyl , oh well.....you save $45 sort of
This is a NOS OEM Tecomec P/C assy, from ITALY! Piston pics are NOS OEM Stihl (038S) vs Tecomec (038M). 038S piston is shopworn but NOS OEM
Here are some measurements I did with NOS Stihl and Tecomec.
Those Italian Tecomec were OEM quality.
Let's see what your $15 got? Piston is marked A/B, that's good, check your skirt clearance any way. Those circlips are JUNK, get OEM and make sure they fit well, put the gap at top or bottom of pin bore.
Meteor piston kits should be ~ $45 USD delivered, OEM is $60.49 you pick it up and pay state taxes. That is piston, pin, rings, and clips that won't fall out.
Tecomec? Well used be one of the best when made in ITALY. Total was the USA distributor. I talked with the former Total USA rep, he was disappointed with Tecomec and the fact they now are Chi-Com........ I did a search on the Italian Tecomec and no longer see links to cylinders, pistons, etc. Not sure where you'd find a $15 Tecomec piston kit? Country of origin? If you found an Italian one you did well. If it's a Chi-Com and it pukes a circlip and trashes the Cyl , oh well.....you save $45 sort of
This is a NOS OEM Tecomec P/C assy, from ITALY! Piston pics are NOS OEM Stihl (038S) vs Tecomec (038M). 038S piston is shopworn but NOS OEM
Here are some measurements I did with NOS Stihl and Tecomec.
Those Italian Tecomec were OEM quality.
Let's see what your $15 got? Piston is marked A/B, that's good, check your skirt clearance any way. Those circlips are JUNK, get OEM and make sure they fit well, put the gap at top or bottom of pin bore.
I just ordered off Ebay. I sell on Ebay so easit's easier. I saw a really old looking oem for sale and the meteor for like 60
I don't want to spend a bunch of money on this side when I think the jug is bad anyway so I'll put a cheap piston in it and see what happens and then if that doesn't last or work then I'll go and get the entire assembly.
like I said I don't trust this cylinder.
I've never done one of these before but I wouldn't want one like this in a car.
But I suspect that it's better than using a Chinese one I just want to get this saw going and see if I like it or not I can always experiment with this saw it makes a good basis for a learning point realistically I think I want a 044
So so you saved $30-45. But what is YOUR TIME worth? If that cheapo piston spits a clip you won't have a OEM cylinder anymore, whats that worth? Then you will be back to step 1 and need more parts........and MORE TIME spent.
Ever hear of pissing into the wind? Good luck.
P.S. At this point I'll just suggest a OEM P/C at $240. If the rest of the saw is right it will cut more wood than you ever will.
looking at the ad it looks like a old stock tecomec piston. it's the very last one they had for sale so I think it's old stock.
anyway it's a $14 Gamble I've already put the saw completely back together I'm not going to use the new circlips I will use the old circlip and the old pin.
I told you I was going to get that one when you said no way on the famertec entire jug n piston set for $25
I'm surprised there's not like a 80cc Big Bore Kit for these
I sold a Stihl 038 a few years back for $300 plus the ride. The owner still uses the saw -- a lot. He eventually saved up his dough and bought a 460, but he says he still can't help picking up that 038 and letting her rip.
