Need Advice - Feels like I lost a family member

[PiedPiper]

Hi All. I'm new here and need some advice. I have a Stihl 034 which i bought new in 1991. Have never had a problem with this saw in all those years but the other day, the saw quit on me while I was cutting logs for firewood. Afterward, it was hard starting, the compression didn't feel the same and when I finally did get it to start again, it wouldn't stay running if I didn't keep on the trigger. I took the muffler off and saw that the piston is toast, scored pretty bad. I talked to a local dealer and they said it was caused by heat (running lean). I'm baffled because I always try to mix my fuel on the rich sikde for this very reason and use the same fuel to run 2 weedwackers, one being 18 years old also with no problems ever. So, I know I at least need new piston, rings and cylinder. I guess I need advice as to how prudent it is to try and save this saw (feels like an old friend died) and if you think it is worth saving, where can i get parts as cheaply as possible? Also, any idea what might have caused this? I can't see anyway it was sucking in air either.
Thanx for any insight.

 

[wood4heat]

I would take running lean as air/fuel, not fuel/ oil and also suspect an air leak. Have you priced a top end yet? If it were me I would want to fix it but have no idea what that might cost. I would replace the main seals while I was at it. I'd also take a look at the fuel and impulse lines.

 

[jamie101]

As above, Air leak some where. I know things are built to last but after 18 years of use i would assume a seal or impulse line has gone bad.

 

[blsnelling]

I would take running lean as air/fuel, not fuel/ oil and also suspect an air leak. Have you priced a top end yet? If it were me I would want to fix it but have no idea what that might cost. I would replace the main seals while I was at it. I'd also take a look at the fuel and impulse lines.

+1. The engine starved for fuel/oil and then got hot and seized. You likely either have an air leak in the engine, or the carb was not adjusted properly.

 

[PiedPiper]

I would take running lean as air/fuel, not fuel/ oil and also suspect an air leak. Have you priced a top end yet? If it were me I would want to fix it but have no idea what that might cost. I would replace the main seals while I was at it. I'd also take a look at the fuel and impulse lines.

The dealer said it would cost somewhere in $300-$350 range to repair. Probably not a smart thing to pursue at that price. If it were almost anything else, I wouldn't even be considering rebuilding it, but I'm going to try, within reason of course. have a buddy looking into getting the parts.

 

[blsnelling]

Here is what I would do. Tear the entire saw down and clean everything. Except, do not split the crankcase unless the crank or bearings are bad. Replace both crank seals. Disassemble and clean the carb. Replace gaskets and diaphragms with a rebuilt kit.

You very well may be able to save the cylinder. Do a search on "acid" or "muratic acid". If it the NiSi lining is significantly damaged above the exhaust port, buy a used cylinder from eBay. Get a new piston from Baileys, preferable a Meteor if they have them.

Carefully inspect all rubber parts, such as the fuel hose, impulse hose, and intake elbow.

Do the above and you'll basically have a new saw good for many years of service.

 

[Mad Professor]

If you can't save the cylinder look for a good used 034 super/036 and put the meteor piston in that.

If you can't find a good used OEM a tecomec (italian made) assy is close to OEM quality and ~ 1/2 the price.

 

[rusty shackel]

save it ,
these guys here will guide you throught step by step
and tell you where to get the best parts the cheapest!

rusty s

 

[Mad Professor]

I did a rebuild on a 036 a few months ago and followed the process as a post with pictures. Do a search for it. The saw had the same problem as yours.

 

[PiedPiper]

Here is what I would do. Tear the entire saw down and clean everything. Except, do not split the crankcase unless the crank or bearings are bad. Replace both crank seals. Disassemble and clean the carb. Replace gaskets and diaphragms with a rebuilt kit.

You very well may be able to save the cylinder. Do a search on "acid" or "muratic acid". If it the NiSi lining is significantly damaged above the exhaust port, buy a used cylinder from eBay. Get a new piston from Baileys, preferable a Meteor if they have them.

Carefully inspect all rubber parts, such as the fuel hose, impulse hose, and intake elbow.

Do the above and you'll basically have a new saw good for many years of service.

Thanx for all the info Brad/everyone. I have to admit, I'm not a meachanic by any means, which is why I've enlisted the help of a friend who is. I will pass on the information. I really hope we can save it.

 

[PiedPiper]

I did a rebuild on a 036 a few months ago and followed the process as a post with pictures. Do a search for it. The saw had the same problem as yours.

can you tell me what to search for? (thread title, etc)

 

[blsnelling]

can you tell me what to search for? (thread title, etc)

Click on his name, open his profile, click the Statistics tab, click on find all threads started by user, search for the specific thread in the resulting list.

 

[PiedPiper]

Click on his name, open his profile, click the Statistics tab, click on find all threads started by user, search for the specific thread in the resulting list.

thanx

 

[outdoorlivin247]

Here is the link...

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=96696&highlight=036

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

If you're anywhere near Honeoye Falls stop into the shop and I have a good used Piston and cylynder off a 034 Super.

 

[PiedPiper]

If you're anywhere near Honeoye Falls stop into the shop and I have a good used Piston and cylynder off a 034 Super.

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