Rim or Spur for 041???

[dhoganjr]

Hi all, I have a Stihl 041 AV. The spur needs replaced, should I go with a spur or rim sprocket? I run 3/8 chain on an 18" bar, both are new.

It is my only saw for all around use, mostly for storm-downed trees on my 5 acres and eventually for firewood. Also should I go with 7 or 8 spline? The saw is in great running shape, just tuned-up, carb rebuilt and I replaced all fuel lines and filter.

If I convert to the rim sprocket, what all do I need to replace? Thanks for any advice and help.

I have searched through over a thousand past threads on these related topics and most dealt with smaller saws, could find nothing for the 041 as for as the best set-up with keeping in the power band, thanks again.

AS is great, have spent several sleepless nights on here since finding it, I think I have found another new hobby!!!

 

[HiOctane]

Better use a rim sprocket than a spur and go with the 7 .If you buy an Oregon sprocket kit,it comes with the bearing and i dont think you will need anything else to make the swap.

 

[turnkey4099]

Rim sprocket. I just did mine last year.

That is one heavy saw for an 18" bar. I think mine adds a pound everytime I pick it up. I have a 24" bar on it and just use it for the bigger stuff I work on.

I found a pretty cherry Husky 51 with 16" in a junk shop. Great saw for the smaller stuff and doesn't wear me out boosting it around.

Harry K

 

[dhoganjr]

Yes it is a little hefty, I got it from my dad. He backed over it around '02 and he went and bought an 044. He said I could have it if I wanted to try and fix it. The only thing really wrong with it was the air cleaner hold down plate was broke, found it at an old shop for $10. Replaced all fuel lines and filter and rebuilt the carb. Cleaned out about an inch of gum, varnish and junk out of the bottom of the tank from it sitting so long.

He had a 16" bar on it, it never lacked power while he had it.

Thanks for the help, I am going to go buy a rim sprocket and learn something new. I don't use it everyday, so for occasional use the weight don't bother me that much and it runs great for what I have in it.

 

[Indiana John]

Yeah, I've got two of the 041's and they are great old saws. And yes they are on the heavy side and getting pretty long in the tooth now, but still have plenty of power and are pretty much bullet-proof. I run a 20" on the Farm Boss, and a 16" on the AV. Both mine run 3/8" .050 chain. I've never been a believer in under-barring a saw, but the AV is pretty much unstoppable with the 16", and has become one of my favorite saws. In fact I'm putting the Farm Boss up for sale, but I think the AV is going to be a keeper. Nice to know there is a rim sprocket set-up available!

 

[olyman]

rim--why--because you can just replace the small drive piece--not the whole thing--course--if you have a tendicy to slip the clutch a lot--otherwise--much cheaper replacing just the little drive piece---which stihl doesnt make them anymore for some of the saws--just spur ones--can you say--make money!!!!!

 

[dhoganjr]

The Stihl dealer tells me the rim sprocket conversion kit is no longer available for the 041, but I have found them in left over old stock online. If I get one, does anybody know if they still make replacement rims. I do want to convert it over, but not if I can't get replacements when they wear out.

I know the conversions are available through Oregon, but I was trying to keep everything Stihl. Bar, chain, replacement parts, etc.

If I use the Oregon conversion, will the chain and everything be compatible?

Thanks again for all the help and replies.

 

[Lakeside53]

Yes... your chain and bar will be fine.