old stihl oiler dilemma

larchlaborer · Aug 30, 2006

Hi, first post-- but I've spent a good deal of time learning from y'all; thanks, so far!! Also, new to digging around inside chainsaws, so I'm not proficient in your lingo (yet!). I recently acquired an older stihl 031av. Seems to run great, however, no oil coming out of port hole to lubricate chain.

I removed the sprocket/clutch to expose pump. Gear on pump turns w/ gear attached to sprocket-- no problem there. Removed pump. Injected solvent down exit port hole so that it flushed line to pump (pump is removed, mind you). On the flipside, I examined oil filter attached to line; appeared very clear. Put small amount of gas in oil tank, swished around till gas came out pump opening (again, pump is still removed). I figure I've covered my bases, something must have been lodged in one of those two areas. Pumps rarely go bad right?? Well, I assembled everything, put some oil in the tank, and fire it up. Still dry! :bang:
My questions: Was my approach flawed somewhere; something I missed?? How can I test the pump?? Can they be fixed/flushed?? Parts are rare for this saw and I want to be sure it's broken before I spend money on a part. Sorry, this is long, but wanted to give accurate details. Thanks for any and all help y'all can provide. Waiting in anticipation....

larchlaborer · Sep 9, 2006

Bump,
No takers??

Justsaws · Sep 10, 2006

Not positive but the 031 might be a Stihl that requires a little tiny pin from the sprocket to the oil pump in order to drive it. The pin looks like a single needle bearing.

Try priming the pump by slightly pressurizing the tank or squirting oil in from the bar oiler hole. Good luck.

Lakeside53 · Sep 10, 2006

Yes, make sure the pin is in place - it's in the big "washer/cover "and sticks out into the sprocket. The pump rarely goes bad.

larchlaborer · Sep 14, 2006

Hi, thanks for the replies. It turns out the pump was bad. I took it out and showed it a local dealer. There was something going on inside that made the pump gear shaft almost stop turning. By a miracle, he happened to have a new one on hand which I promptly 'stole' for a great price!! He said this particular saw model is from early 70's-- perhaps 71-72. Engine still runs like a champ and should run even better w/ a new oiler. thanks again,
ben