Stihl 025 - To Reuse the Old Cylinder or Not?

[ClassicTinkerer]

Good Evening Y'all,

I have been slowly amassing parts and doing research on rebuilding my Stihl 025. So this all started where I was attempting some diagnosing and wanted to pull the cylinder from the frame and unintentionally separated the case halves. I was thinking since I had it split I should go ahead and replace the piston cylinder with the saw being so old, though now I'm second guessing it all. I was planning on replacing the cylinder/piston with a Meteor Nikasil cylinder/piston kit from Wolf Creek Saw Shop (link below), which I have already purchased. I also debated an OEM cylinder/piston kit as I realized they can be had for $140-ish from the local Stihl dealer, though now after reviewing my current piston/cylinder I am debating running what was already in it. What are y'alls thoughts on cleaning the OEM cylinder, applying new Dirko HT, and tossing it back together? If I go this route, should I at least replace the rings? Crank Seals? See pictures below of the original cylinder and piston.

Before y'all say that it's not worth repairing, my grandpa bought it new in '99 and I plan to keep it running as long as I can.

Meteor Cyl/Piston Kit
https://www.wolfcreeksawshop.com/pr...-for-stihl-025-ms250-ms230-023-42-5mm-italy/#

Have a great night y'all,
Brisco H

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Throw a set of rings in it and put it back together. Of course do crank seals as well. OEM parts.

 

[J D]

Make sure you vac/pressure test it once it's back together

 

[ClassicTinkerer]

Thank y'all,
I have requested some prices from the local dealer and hope to be picking up the rings, seals, and gaskets today if they have it all in stock! I've been putting off buying a MightyVac for a while, but I guess I should go ahead and grab one to save myself the future headaches, looking like I'd need the MV8510. Thanks again for y'alls advice!

On another note, this is why I will never use the local Stihl dealer for anything but parts. My dad had taken this chainsaw to them about 10 years ago and they said it was trash and needed a new cylinder and piston. My dad was ready to toss it in the trash, but luckily I was able to get my hands on it before that and got it running the same day with fresh gas. I also recently picked up a free MS180 from a buddy that the local dealer said had no compression...ended up being a broke EZ-Start spring. Funny thing is my buddy told them that it had a broke recoil spring and he would like it replaced lol.

Have a great day,
Brisco H