Stihl 028 annular buffer(s)

[Sidecarflip]

My ancient (over 40 years old) 028 Stihl was in pretty dire need of new annular ( vibration mitigating) buffers so I was intending to stop by the local Stihl dealer and buy a set but instead I went on Amascon and ordered a complete set for 15 bucks from a seller with excellent reviews and believe it or not, they went right in, everything lined right up (including the drilled holes in the metal locating plate on the rearmost buffer, 100% plug and play. Took all of 5 minutes to renew. I was impressed.

The rearmost top buffer has deteriorated to the point where it was ripped and really needed replaced plus I purchased a new aftermarket rear cover as well and it fit perfect as well. My stock rear cover had a crack in it so it got renewed as well. Only difference between the OEM cover and the replacement cover is, the replacement cover from Amascon don't have the molded in 'stop' words in it. Not sure if the new cover or the buffer set is Chinese or not but all fits well, was an easy upgrade so I'm happy and it was free shipping and came quickly.

 

[Mad Professor]

My ancient (over 40 years old) 028 Stihl was in pretty dire need of new annular ( vibration mitigating) buffers so I was intending to stop by the local Stihl dealer and buy a set but instead I went on Amascon and ordered a complete set for 15 bucks from a seller with excellent reviews and believe it or not, they went right in, everything lined right up (including the drilled holes in the metal locating plate on the rearmost buffer, 100% plug and play. Took all of 5 minutes to renew. I was impressed.

The rearmost top buffer has deteriorated to the point where it was ripped and really needed replaced plus I purchased a new aftermarket rear cover as well and it fit perfect as well. My stock rear cover had a crack in it so it got renewed as well. Only difference between the OEM cover and the replacement cover is, the replacement cover from Amascon don't have the molded in 'stop' words in it. Not sure if the new cover or the buffer set is Chinese or not but all fits well, was an easy upgrade so I'm happy and it was free shipping and came quickly.

Chances are the Chi-Com buffers won't last 40 years like the originals. Maybe take a chance on buffers or plastic covers. I know there is problems with air filters. I'd also worry about stuff like fuel/oil lines, carb kits, engine internals,.........

Look for a free parts saw for the 028. Not to reuse stuff like rubber materials but for important parts.

I have one for my 028. It came in a box of "parts" along with a 024S, when I bought a used 064. To my surprise, it has OEM 028S P/C and piston still has machine marks on it looking through the muffler.

 

[ZeroJunk]

You can still get the original straight OEM fuel line for an 028, but for whatever reason it comes with a fuel filter in the pack and has a different part number. FWIW

 

[Sidecarflip]

Just went to the Stihl dealer up town and bought a new NGK plug for it. I had the old plug with me when I got the new one and the owner remarked the old plug looked good, to which I replied it was the original plug and over 40+ years old. It does look good, light brown and not an excessive gap either. I do need the hard nylon guide that fastens to the outer cover as mine is missing a part of it but not in stock, though still listed so I had him order me one. He asked me what I used for fuel and I told him canned gas to which he replied... smart move.

Hopefully the new buffers last long enough as I'm not gonna last another 40 years anyway. Being 75, 40 years would put me well over a normal lifespan.

When I stopped in, he was grinding chains, IMO, a thankless job but then I do it as well.

What is with those 'funky' looking new Stihl guide bars? The paint job or the stenciling or whatever looks gross... Is that some DEI stuff or what?

 

[ZeroJunk]

Just went to the Stihl dealer up town and bought a new NGK plug for it. I had the old plug with me when I got the new one and the owner remarked the old plug looked good, to which I replied it was the original plug and over 40+ years old. It does look good, light brown and not an excessive gap either. I do need the hard nylon guide that fastens to the outer cover as mine is missing a part of it but not in stock, though still listed so I had him order me one. He asked me what I used for fuel and I told him canned gas to which he replied... smart move.

Hopefully the new buffers last long enough as I'm not gonna last another 40 years anyway. Being 75, 40 years would put me well over a normal lifespan.

When I stopped in, he was grinding chains, IMO, a thankless job but then I do it as well.

What is with those 'funky' looking new Stihl guide bars? The paint job or the stenciling or whatever looks gross... Is that some DEI stuff or what?

I hardly see new stuff. Fancy paint job for Light maybe ?

Only chains I sharpen are the ones with issues that want the chain sharpened if fixed. Marked CSS2 internal ticket code. I think they charge like $14 on the saw. It's crazy.
The full time guy may spend two hours some days just sharpening chains. I'd just as soon slam my privates in a car door.

 

[Sidecarflip]

I don't mind sharpening loops at all, just so long as I get a quantity at one time. One grinder is set up for teeth and the other is for rakers. Most of he loops I sharpen are either 325 or 404 anyway. I don't like fiddling with the lo pro stuff and most of my customers don't use that anyway.