Stihl 031AV questions

[agreb12]

Looking for some assistance in narrowing down some details on the saw I've recently purchased. The saw runs great and I believe the seller is an AS member as well. He is a small engine mechanic and got this saw in good running order. Hoping to use the saw a little, but mostly have some garage art, always loved the look and the old Stihl logo.

The bar is definitely a Stihl original from a similar time period but was wondering if the model number may tell me chain length, pitch, and gauge. 3003 003 8913 Any help here? I can probably measure..
The clutch cover appears to be a Stihl unit but any reason there is no logo on the cover?
Can anyone tell me roughly what year this saw would be? I have an inquiry to Stihl to find this out but curious if the white handle/non chain brake gives it away?
The kill switch is not functional, the choke will kill the engine, but was wondering if this is typically a connection issue or the switch has failed? Can this switch be purchased from Stihl?
The exhaust is in great condition, no dings or dents, but would like to know if painting it black is a good idea to improve aesthetics?

Of course, pictures for the group.

 

[HarleyT]

The 2 screw style starter means that it is older. It is usually a 3/8 .050 gauge

 

[cookies]

Back when Stihl did not put childrens stickers all over their saws. You will need to pull it apart some to check the kill wire/switch. Find the beg for manuals thread to get a pdf copy of the service manual.

 

[HarleyT]

Yeah, many times the wire just gets unplugged from the switch. Also the switch has to be grounded well.

 

[agreb12]

Back when Stihl did not put childrens stickers all over their saws. You will need to pull it apart some to check the kill wire/switch. Find the beg for manuals thread to get a pdf copy of the service manual.

I will try to get one and pull it apart to check grounding and connection...

 

[HarleyT]

It grounds where it mounts to the metal, but that part may need to be grounded to the crankcase, because of the rubber av mounts. Usually it is the switch, or more often unplugged.

 

[agreb12]

What do you guys think of my purchase? $145

 

[ning]

I have a Stihl 031AV Electronic which I'm pretty sure my mom bought between 1975-1977.

I see a reference that indicates yours is 1973 or previous:
"under the name "Stihl 031 AV electronic" with electr. Ignition 1974 the world's first saw with a quick-stop chain brake."

 

[agreb12]

I have a Stihl 031AV Electronic which I'm pretty sure my mom bought between 1975-1977.

I see a reference that indicates yours is 1973 or previous:
"under the name "Stihl 031 AV electronic" with electr. Ignition 1974 the world's first saw with a quick-stop chain brake."

Cool, so its between 1971 and 1973!

 

[agreb12]

Going to be doing some deep cleaning on it with gas to clear out the saw dust packed in under the covers.

 

[cookies]

use diesel not gasoline, noxious explosive vapors should be avoided

 

[KTM-DOn]

I still have (and occasionally use) an 031 EV with chain brake that I bought in 1974. I think you did well for $145.

 

[agreb12]

I still have (and occasionally use) an 031 EV with chain brake that I bought in 1974. I think you did well for $145.

That is awesome! Glad to hear. I'll give it some run time in the spring, its obviously not my primary unit.

 

[Kommandokenny]

I still have (and occasionally use) an 031 EV with chain brake that I bought in 1974. I think you did well for $145.

He did well!!!!Ya theres a guy in Windsor Ont asking $500c samolians for a running 031 on KIJI right now

 

[ning]

My Echo CS590 wouldn't start recently (and was spewing gas through the muffler) so I pulled out my 031 AVE and it started 3rd pull and wrecked the log I had to cut up. Gotta love old timer gear!