Stihl 026 Won't Start

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
I'm starting with some of the basics, fuel filter, lines, etc.
I emptied the fuel tank and I can't understand how you would ever replace the fuel filter. It doesn't even hang out of the tank so that you can get to it. How do you get the filter off and replace it?

Simple questions, lol
Bill
 
It doesn't even hang out of the tank so that you can get to it. How do you get the filter off and replace it?

Sorry I don't have an 026, wish I did, but I do have an 021 that had the same problem you do. In my case, Stihl has updated the fuel lines, so I got a replacement, probably needed it anyway after 15 years or so, and the new fuel line is plenty long enough to get to the outside. I'm sure Lake or someone on here will probably confirm the 026 fuel line has probably been lengthened, my guess. So you might just want to start with replacing the fuel line. If I recall, mine wasn't too expensive, maybe 10 dollars or so? Good luck.
 
Just grab it with a piece of bent wire (hook on end). It stretches. If it breaks, it was time for a new hose anyhow. There have been a couple of different style hoses, but which one depends on your tank.
 
Last edited:
OK dude. I was just trying to find one tiny bit of usefullness in that.




Maybe not. But, myself and a lot of people on this forum could fix his saw for him in short order regardless of what is wrong with it. Can you?

i read the post before he apparantly edited it. There was only a picture and no text. Could I fix it? Most likely.
 
Well, Thanks to the kind graces of a fellow AS member I've received the 026 manual and IPL via email.

I've been reading and just wanted to confirm that in order to pull the fuel line I need to pull the carbaretur. Is this what's first?

Just checking before I start with this. i have very little experience with saw repair.

Thanks for any help.
Bill
 
You don't have to pull the carb to replace the fuel line. Do as Lakeside said and pull it with a wire from the tank, stretch it a bit and inspect with a flashlight. If it seems trashed disconnect it from the carb and pull it all the way thru. Install in reverse order with carb removed to get better access.
If the hose looks ok, rebuild the carb. It's alot easier than it might seem now and usually helps a lot.
Once again heed Sir Lakeside's warnings and DON'T USE COMPRESSED AIR to clean the carb. I learned this the hard way.
:cheers:
 
I find it's easier to replace the fuel line if the carb is removed.

First... Tip ALL gas out of the tank.

Undo the screw under the rear of the handle that secures the black handle top. Disconnect the throttle rod. Undo the two nuts holding the carb. Disconnect the fuel line and slide the carb off. You might need to poke the impulse line end to free it from the carb nipple.
 
Take the carb apart and take out the H&L screws. Using a can of carb cleaner with a long nozzle, squirt up the H jet with your finger covering the H inlet in the metering chamber. You'll see fluid come out of the outlet valve in the venturi. Then the L - cover the L inlet hole, and you'll see fluid come out of the three progression jets in the venturi near the throttle plate. A quick squirt in the inlet valve hole and you're done. Air is not required..

Got a question. After taking the H&L screws out. how do you screw it back, does it have to be screwed all the way in? :monkey:

Read the manual but i can't get it :dizzy:
 
I did some disassembling earlier. I checked the fuel line and there are no blocakges in it I put a wire through it). It is flexible. I'm not sure how to check the impulse line. What are my next steps? :givebeer:
A reminder: the saw would start if I dripped some fuel in the carb, but quickly die out.

Fuel line/filter
100_1942.jpg


Rear of saw (carb removed)
100_1940.jpg


Carb
100_1938.jpg


Carb
100_1936.jpg


Carb
100_1935.jpg



Bill
 
Bill, to check the impulse: take off the starter recoil and look on the back side of the engine. The hose is short and runs from there to the lower part of the carb. Make sure it's attached well to the nipple on the engine and not cracked.
If it's ok your next step is clean and/or rebuild the carb. (like i said b4, its easy).
 
Before you get in deep... figure out how to do a vac test on the saw - flywheel side seals are a common failure point (once every decade or two).
 
Bill, go to an auto parts store and get a vacuum pump (mine is an Actron), and use it to vacuum test your case. Plenty of threads on thsi procedure, but I think the easiest way involves said pump attached to the impulse line, and the carb manifold and exhaust port securely taped shut with Gorilla brand duct tape. It actually works........:clap:
 
I'm working on it tonight. I'm having trouble seeing the impulse line (I don't know what I'm looking for). Do I have to take the flywheel off?

I just read your post Lakeside, can i do a vac test without specialized tools?

Thanks for the help,
Bill

This is where I am now: Starter cover is off and can't find other end of impulse line. :givebeer:




100_1946.jpg
 
The impuls line connects to the crankcase via a brass barb nipple just below the cylinder in back. look in there you can see it. It connects to the carb at the lower right part of the carb box, or carb area. It is a black hose with accordion pleats looks like a long black caterpillar. Consult your IPL you will see where it connects to the case.

You do NOT have to remove the flywheel to see it. Look from the right side you will see it!
 
Last edited:
OK, thanks teacherman. I snoticed it attached to the carb when I removed the carb. I did check the IPL (both sections) and I do not see the term "impulse line" listed anywhere. Is there a different term for this part?
On Section A of the IPL "crankcase" I see part #15 which is called a "hose". Is this the "impulse line"?
Additionaly, how do I check the line once I find it? I've foiund where the rubber black hose goes to the carb, can I check from here?
Thanks for all the help and patience, I'm trying to go step by step in the correct order for repairing this.

:givebeer:

Bill
 
Last edited:
Bill, the impulse is listed as 'hose'. You really can't check it from the carb side because if it came off from the cylinder thats where the problem is. If you shine a bright light at the backside of the engine you should see it, but I can relate,,,it is a pita. Just make sure it's attached and not cracked etc..
Then you're on to the next fun and exciting step.
 
I found the Impulse line and it's attached to the engine!

The rubber on the impulse line and fuel line is soft and flexible as I suspect it should be.


Now, is it on to a vacum test or carb cleaning?


Thanks so much for the replys, I'm enjoying this learning.

Bill
 
Nice one!
Now that you know that fuel can get to the carb and an impulse shot to the engine i'd say clean the carb. The vacuum test is important but cleaning the carb doesn't cost anything and is quick if the gaskets come off easily. If they don't then you'll need a kit definitly which will cost ya less than $10.
There's lots of info on the site about cleaning carbs. Ask if you need some details.
Go Go Go, you can Do it!:clap: :clap: :clap:
:cheers:
 

Latest posts

Back
Top