Rebuild old saw or buy new

[mike031]

Rebuild old saw or buy new REVISED

Need opinion on whether to spend 190 dollars rebuilding an old stihl 031av saw.It runs now but am going to take it apart to check it before i put it into use. Just got it off of ebay. How often does cranks go bad? How often should they be replaced? Would it be worth spending money for a crank and cylinder/piston or just buy a whole new saw. What kind of special tools will i need to remove crankshaft from cases. Thanks this is on a stihl 031av non electronic. very good physical apperance.

 

[JimR]

What you need to weigh in here is your time to do the job. Also the fact that a new saw has a warranty.

 

[mike031]

Im not even sure if the saw needs anything, Im just going to take off the cylinder to check things. Something don't seem quite right, I tried to adjust carb and it wont rev past 11,000 rpms. Compression is at 145psi any ideas

 

[begleytree]

If I remember, your first post said you tach'd it with bar and chain on. Seems I remember reading a stihl repair manual, and it said set by tach without bar and chain.
But I can be wrong. Maybe someone else knows more about it, I set by ear myself.
-Ralph

 

[k650vt]

You can buy a whole 031 in nice shape for $100 give or take a little on ebay. You should be able to get any parts you want there also and their cheap. I sold an 031 crankcase in great shape with clutch,ignition(working),cylinder and pistion(160 PSI), and threw in the muffler all for $45 plus shipping.

 

[sedanman]

You can learn everything you need to know about the condition of that saw without taking it apart. Wiggle the crankshaft and look for the tiniest amount of play, there should be none, do a compression test, leak test the crankcase, pull the muffler off and look at the piston, peer down the spark plug hole. And put a new set of points or an Atom module in it and it will probably be fine. I'd be more concerned over the ignition system than the cylinder.

 

[mike031]

Thanks, I will do that,
I keep hearing about those atom modules, what the heck are they and were can I get them. Ive heard i can even get them at automotive parts stores? What does atom stand for? brand name?

 

[sedanman]

Mike, I answered you on the other thread you started about ignition modules. Sometimes it's better to ramble on in one thread than to start multiple threads on the same subject or related to the same saw. BTW, Welcome to the forum.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I'd be more concerned over the ignition system than the cylinder.

I agree. See my other reply to your other thread.

Take care all,
Jeff