Stihl 026 query - purchased 2nd hand

[EastCoastGreg]

Initiated a return, it’s going back tomorrow
Feel relieved
I’ll keep an eye out for a nice 026 in original condition. Thanks for your input all.

Did you get the other saw returned without any issue?

 

[Mad Professor]

Bad buffer(s) is a good call.

Saw also seems to have an AM recoil cover (no stihl badge). Maybe the AF cover is AM? Both orange covers look newish as does the tank.

 

[macmurdo]

Yes thanks got the refund through today.

Have just bought this other saw, was collected from seller by courier today, these are the listing photos. The guy gets trade-ins and I did ask about the recoil cover as no badge and looks very clean, he said he checked it and it seems original and that the saw seems to have very little use. Although the bar would suggest otherwise.

I’ve not seen an aftermarket air filter cover that didn’t have the raised rounded centre like the MS260?

Typical the day I buy it I spot that in the pictures though. Fingers crossed a buffer mount issue. Otherwise the saw looks to be in fair condition, front of the crank case looks to be pretty clean too.

He had another 026 for a tenner less that had a feature I’m not familiar with
4 carb adjustment holes ??
Anyone shed any light on the extra hole

 

[EastCoastGreg]

The extra holes are unique…can’t shed any light on that one hopefully someone with more knowledge with chime in. I did notice on both the saw you returned and this one they don’t have a transparent fuel tank or any labels like any of my stihl saws. Is the transparent fuel tank just a thing here in the USA. It makes me think they are both aftermarket.

 

[macmurdo]

As far as I know UK Stihl fuel tanks are opaque same as the rear handle. I may be wrong though?

 

[EastCoastGreg]

If that is true the misaligned tank/handle assembly could be due to aftermarket quality issue regarding the misaligned rear handle assembly. Am I correct in my observation about the tank not being opaque?

 

[macmurdo]

I really hope not but will confirm when it arrives
The 4 photos I have seem to show the tank as opaque, but as I said I’m not sure either if that’s a US UK difference?

 

[EastCoastGreg]

just thoughts on my part with some speculation. I had a hard time determining whether it was opaque in the pictures. I hope it turns out to be a good saw for you. I love running my 026.

 

[macmurdo]

Thanks mate. If it’s not up to scratch and has non original external parts then I’ll try and source good used oem and make good on it. It would be nice to see the saw before buying but I’m rural and chances of coming across one in the flesh are rare so have to take a punt on online ads etc. I think theres some positives I see in it; front of the crank case looks to be in decent condition, clutch cover is fair, orange covers look to be original and in good condition which I’m hoping all mean it’s either had little use or a well looked after saw or both. I’ll update when it arrives

 

[Mad Professor]

Looks kind of fishy to me.

Besides recoil cover, tank, AF/Cyl covers, case assy looks new too. Compare that with what seems to be a used genuine OEM bar cover, and very worn bar.

Hope I'm wrong........

 

[stihltech]

Check all buffers first. Air filter cover in grooves. After that it is a bent handle bar.
However if it has aftermarket parts, good luck.

 

[Tobystihl]

Yeah. Most likely culprit is an anti vibration/isolator mount that needs replaced. They are the only connection between the crankcase and handle/tank assembly

Yep it's usually the one on the lower front, they can pop in and out when worn and oily

 

[macmurdo]

Not opened it up yet but lower rear buffer seems to be apart and likely upper buffer broken too. Have a buffer set so will have a crack at it tomorrow

Transparent fuel tank
Starter looks ok to be honest
I’m happy with what I’m seeing so far
Not fired it up yet
Ordered a tank breather

 

[EastCoastGreg]

If you’re happy with it that’s what matters. The bottom of the saw shows plenty of use for sure, so I’d definitely pull the muffler and look at piston/cylinder, just to be safe. I have saws that look terrible cosmetically but run great so I don’t gauge by overall looks. The buffers are gonna go bad on a saw of that age. The buffer on my top handle Stihl is worn out after 8 years of use but it gets abused. Flew out of the tree a few times due to my own stupidity.
Weird that the breather is just missing.
I see it has the cutout for an adjustable clutch driven oiler if it doesn’t already have it.

Again as long as the engine is good and you’re happy with it that’s what matters. My 026 has provided 2 and 1/2 decades of service, only major part was a new carburetor which I stuck a wt-194 on it and it likes it.

 

[macmurdo]

Thanks
Buffers changed out today, lined everything up nicely. It was in fact the front lower buffer that had popped out having become worn and deformed over the years.

Pulled the muffler as you suggested and happy to find the cylinder and piston looking nice and shiny/smooth with a lustre of clear oil.

There is in fact a screw on the underside for the adjustable oiler.
New starter badge on order
Fitted a new .325 18” bar and chain.
Might get her fired up this week

 

[EastCoastGreg]

Awesome. Glad this one worked out for you! Cheers

 

[SteveSr]

Thanks
Buffers changed out today, lined everything up nicely. It was in fact the front lower buffer that had popped out having become worn and deformed over the years.

Pulled the muffler as you suggested and happy to find the cylinder and piston looking nice and shiny/smooth with a lustre of clear oil.

There is in fact a screw on the underside for the adjustable oiler.
New starter badge on order
Fitted a new .325 18” bar and chain.
Might get her fired up this week

This one is missing a serial number so the right half crankcase has either been replaced or it is AM. The muffler also looks AM.

It looks to be mostly 026Pro since it has the decomp, adjustable oiler, new style tank vent, etc. The recoil is probably NOS OEM as I don't think that the AM versions ever had the square name badges.

 

[macmurdo]

There’s a serial here

 

[ZeroJunk]

FWIW. A gent bought a Chinese tank /handle for 026 and wanted me to put it on. Only takes a few minutes so why not.
Everything fit just right until I tried to put the air filter cover on. They did not quite get that part.
I'm sure you could take a little Dremel and grind it to fit. But, he bought it, so he can deal with that.

 

[SteveSr]

There’s a serial hereView attachment 1209640

Good call. I couldn't see it in the photo. Muffler does look odd, especially for USA machines that I have seen