Stihl 031???

[Justin Garrison]

I purchased a stihl 031 that has spark and compression. However the gas in it was so old it rotted out the fuel line and made a real mess of the tank. I took the tank off and split it. It was in such bad shape it was my only choice. I need a gasket or suggestion on how to reseal it, and where to come across a, in tank fuel line. My Stihl dealer wont even look because its a 30 year old saw! I know they probably dont have it but they act like I should throw it out. I have bought a new saw from them also. I bought the saw to have something cool not like I dont have a better new one, the point was to have a 30 year old saw.

 

[Lawn Masters]

Is this the one with the 32" bar?

 

[Justin Garrison]

Yes it is I cant actually believe it would run that. We will see

 

[Lawn Masters]

It probably wont, but it just might. if not, it would make a pretty cool display piece.
Also, I think your dealer is an butthead. If you're gonna sell saws and parts, you should at least be willing to help with a saw regardless of age.

 

[jimbo1490]

I have an old 031 and it struggles through 12" oak logs. It's in great shape, piston/cylinder look like new, great compression. Starts easily, runs great. Just not all that much power. I guess if you get used to more capable saws, you can't expect to be happy with less. I don't think a 031 could run a 32" bar through stryofoam, based on how mine runs. It goes up on ebay tomorrow.

Jimbo

 

[stihltech]

031

32 inch would be for display purposes only.I may have the parts you need. the gasket could be made, nothing real fancy.

 

[Fish]

I should have the fuel line, but the gasket I'll have to check. Indian head
gasket shellac might work for that.

 

[chainsawworld]

32" on a 031? doubt it. i started my business a long time ago with 031's. great saws than!!! i have had a few since. if i remember correctly, the longest i ran on those saws was 24" and they didn't really like it much. i think i my have some tanks and other parts for them. if anyone is interested let me know and i'll have the mrs. look. i'm out with a bad knee again
marty

 

[TonyM]

I wonder if Seal All would seal the tank joint. It is resistant to gas, and I have read to use it to seal welch plugs in carburetors. Seems like you could buy some bulk fuel line and a standard tank filter, and use the Seal All to seal where the line comes through the tank wall. Just a thought.

 

[Justin Garrison]

Yes old saw my dealer is a butthead. There is a good chance he has the parts with all the inventory he has. He just acts like it is no good because it is old. The only other stihl dealer around is a rental country and they dont have much in the way of parts. I have a 1964 john deere garden tractor and almost every part is available. According to my mom 1970 is not old, thats as young as it gets. Ha Ha!

 

[Fish]

The hole where the fuel line goes in is 3/4 of an inch, it would be easier to
get the right fuel line.

 

[Fish]

I looked in the back and we have both the fuel hose and the gasket. I will put it on
e-bay for $1 for both, with $2 shipping.

 

[Justin Garrison]

Thank you fish much apreciated I will make sure to get them

 

[TonyM]

Oh, I didn't realize the hole was so large. If the fuel line is available, that's the way to go.

 

[CbaileyBG]

Didnt read fish's post. wasted post here...lol.

Curt

 

[Fish]

It's all good baby.

 

[Bill G]

I have a 1964 john deere garden tractor and almost every part is available. According to my mom 1970 is not old, thats as young as it gets. Ha Ha!

Stihl has a much different opinion of what is old. I ordered a model plate for a 046 over 6 months ago. It never showed up. I reordered it again last week with some 066 plates, same thing. It backordered and will not show up. I know a good majority of the 031/032 parts are NLA and only found in old stock. It all depends on the part. I have had good luck on parts that you would think would be hard to find and bad luck with parts that should be easily accessible.

Bill

 

[Justin Garrison]

I dont know why they cant stock parts for their old saws. Whats the point in buying a saw that will last a lifetime if you cant get parts for it in 20 years. The 031 is still a relatively modern saw with chainbrake lightweight anti vibe I think it is still competitive against saws like my 290. The attached file is a picture of my collection with the monster 031!

 

[Fish]

The one on the ground is suffering from "bar envy".

What's all that white stuff?

The sad reality is that Stihl, as well as all of them do not want to sell a saw
that lasts a lifetime. The newer saws are not as well made, harder to work
on, and on the older saws, if they still have the parts, they make the price
way high. The starter pulley for an 031 used to sell for over $65, I do not
know about now.

 

[Justin Garrison]

I think it is incredible how cheap the saws are made. I purchased my 290 on ebay for 60.00 with a broken airfilter cover bar cover and top handle and punctured gas tank. JB welded the tank not a drop leaked out since. new air filter cover and handle same bar cover. With a saw that was made right out of metal it would not have been nearly that bad. The 180c is my carving saw with a runt 12 inch. My 290 is rough carving/general purpose cutting. Dont know about the 031,once it runs it will do a little of everything. The carving you see is my third carving of a log cabin and pine trees. Not to bad for starting out. Just another way to praise the chainsaw.