Repairing Stihl 031

[wscofield]

I just found this forum today, and have spent a fascinating afternoon browsing these messages. I see many comments about the Stihl 031. I have one that needs repair, and am having trouble finding the parts.

This is a saw my father bought over 25 years ago, for cutting firewood. He and I used it many times over the years. It was always very reliable. Now it has become mine. I confess I have not maintained it properly (judging by what I have read today) out of ignorance and the usual neglect. That being said, I would like to get it working, which it isn't.

The local dealer/repair shop says he couldn't fix it because the parts aren't available. His list includes condenser, points, coil, spring, boot, spark plug and carb kit (I have the part #'s from his work order, which jibe with the #'s in the manual, which I have). He can only find the spark plug and carb kit.

I can't be sure at this point what it really needs, as it is apart in a box at the dealer. I was close to abandoning this saw until I started reading here. Now I want to get it back and see if I can get it running again, with your help. Or get the parts I need and ask the shop to put it back together.

I welcome your comments and input.

William

 

[cbfarmall]

For spark, check out the post on the Atom module and search the rest of this site for the same. I posted instructions (which I got from another poster) on converting an 031 just a couple of days ago(has to have points, no go on electronic). For the rest, you'd probably be well off buying a good parts saw. Shouldn't be hard to come by.

The plug boot and spring will work off an 045/056. Don't get the carb kit from Stihl. They'll charge twice what it's worth. Go to a small engine repair shop and give them the carb model#.

Chris B.

 

[Fish]

Stens and Sunbelt still carry the parts you need, they are aftermarket suppliers. Ignition modules work fine, but where
to mount them is the problem, but this question has been answered here before, so do a search. This is a great saw and parts "stihl" are around.
Sorry about the pun, but I am "stihl" sober, as I am trying to
dry out a little, so corny Communication major jibberish might
surface, that was one of my majors at one time, I think,
but my hard drive has been a tad scrambled for the last
couple of decades.
My new rule is "No beer until dark". So my Sunday morning
rants may vanish for a while.

 

[tree monkey]

i have what you need.
715-286-2741

later scott

 

[wscofield]

Thank you all for the several replies. I will follow-up. This is very encouraging.

One question I would be interested in your response. Would you think that this repair, including the possible Atom module conversion you mention, is something I could reasonably tackle myself - being reasonably adept with things mechanical, but not experienced in working on saws specifically? Or would I be better off taking the conservative route and paying someone who has been working on saws for 30 years?

Thanks again.

William

 

[bighead]

buy a repair manual on EBAY, that will help u tremendously! I did and mine is almost done. I just stripped the threading on a hole near the vibration dampener. Like a duma55 I inserted a standard bolt into a metric hole! Didn't look pretty......Now i gotta figure out how to fix it. ANyone heard of a helicoil?

 

[Mike mandry]

Bighead: Yes, I use heli coils all the time at work. Nothing to it as long as you follow the directions. What is the thread size ??

I use all SAE sizes, but metric would be no different as far as installing them goes.

Would it be possible to just tap the hole out to the next larger size ?? Heli coil kits are not cheap.

Shoot me a PM if you need any help, or advice.

Mike

 

[bighead]

that's what i was thinking, but of course the repair shop recommended a helicoil. Where do they sell the tap kits? How much is a helicoil repair kit. Can u describe to me how the helicoil works?

 

[Mike mandry]

You should be able to buy a tap at any decent hardware store for a few $$

With a heli-coil kit, you drill out the damaged threads, tap the hole with a special size tap & then screw in the insert (AKA "Helicoil")

The insert will have external threads that match the hole you tapped out, & internal threads that match the old original threads that were damaged.

they are actually stronger than the original threads because they are made of steel (the inserts)

I cant remember what a kit cost (probably around $25-$35 for a small thread. Say 10-24, or 1/4-20)

Let me know what thread size you have to repair. I might have some old taps around that I can send you.

Mike

 

[glens]

Bighead, <a href="http://www.arboristsite.com/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=117829">these three threads</a> all mention "timesert" which can be a better alternative than helicoil in some cases.&nbsp; The middle thread has a description with pictures using the helicoils.

Glen