I just got the oppourtunity to buy a non-working 034 AV for $50. It has not been run for years because pull start barely pulls. Very hard to pull and hardly turns over. Question is what do you think the problem may be, how much do you think it would cost to repair and tune the saw and would it be worth it? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Stihl 034 AV won't start
- Thread starter GGP9909
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
Whiskers
Addicted to ArboristSite
Why don't you start by doing 2 things, pull off the recoil and see if it's getting hung up and causing the hard to pull difficulties, and pull off the muffler to see what kind of shape the piston and cylinder are in. You be able to see it through the exhaust once the muffler is pulled off. Then you can go from there and people can give you a lot better advice on what to do with it.
old-cat
Fir Man
^^ What he said^^ Yes it is worth the effort, that's a really nice saw, when it's working proper.
I took it to a local repair shop at lunch. The head guy looked at it quickly and said it looks like the main problem is that I need a new clutch bearing. He also said that because it has been sitting so long it would most likely need a new carborator (if you can get it...takes one of 4 but will not know which one with out getting the part # off it), but would not know for sure until he really took it apart. Estimated carb would be worst case $120, labor and other parts and tax probably $250 worst case. So all in I would be at $300... $50 for the saw plus repairs. Does diagnosis and repair cost sound reasonable? They said it was a kick ass saw and definitely worth the investment... what do you think? Thanks
A carb kit and cleaning would be about $12. and replace the bearing for less than$10. if you could do the work yourself. It seldom pays to buy an older non running saw and then take it to a dealer to get it running again. Good running 034`s could be bought for less but at $300. you would be around average.
Adirondackstihl
Flyz, Fuel & Fotos
Like stated before, rebuild the carb yourself for under $15. Plenty of info here and YouTube to help you with that.
Sprocket bearing replacement is easier than changing your underwear.
034 is definitely worth fixing......just do it yourself.
Sprocket bearing replacement is easier than changing your underwear.
034 is definitely worth fixing......just do it yourself.
Stihlofadeal64
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yeah what he said.
With that being said if the saw has been sitting a good while its very probable that the fuel line
and impulse line need to be replaced. If the line is rotten it will not allow the carb to pump fuel from the tank. Pour out the old fuel (you probably already have) and look at where it comes out of the tank and into the carb, then look at it where it hangs in the tank. One I fixed recently had been sitting in a hot shed and the line inside the tank turned to a gooey tar like substance. It was a real challenge to get all that out of the tank. Congrats on the find. Nice model saw for 50 smackers.
old-cat
Fir Man
Pro saws are EASY! If you can't handle easy, go buy a new saw!
You gots to have the STIHL Service manual and Parts manuals.
In your PM
You gots to have the STIHL Service manual and Parts manuals.
In your PM
jhbergeron
New Member
You bought a great saw for an exceptional price. Congrats! Suggest two things: one easy and one not so easy but very worth while. First, the easy thing is to pull the top off the carburetor and make sure it's clean and not clogged. Spray some carb cleaner in all the holes you see. Second: While I love the power of this saw but it's near impossible to start when cold. The problem is that you are fighting its compression which wants to pull your fingers off your hand. So, I did some research and found that the next saw up the line has a compression release to help you at start up. Also, I noticed that on the left side of the 034 AV cylinder has a flat spot where Stihl must have contemplated putting a compression release button. So, I ordered from Stihl the compression release button for the next saw up, drilled and tapped the cylinder wall of my saw and installed the compression release button. BINGO!!! The saw pulls effortlessly and starts right up. No more fighting the saw. Going to post a video of what I did to help all those guys who are suffering with their 034.
James Sawyer
ArboristSite Operative
I have two 034 saw. The carb is easy to pull and clean up . But check the needle and seat height before you take it a part as reference. Count the turns on needle valves so you can put them back. The carb cleaner can curl the reeds in carb or the already in question. If you don't have any test equipment. I would pull the muffler check the piston if it looks good clean out the tank, replace the fuel line, filter , and impulse line. Visually check the rubber boot between the cylinder and were the carburetor mounts. Pull the carb apart...clean it and install new reeds and gaskets. Check the float height. Set the needle values back and try it.
To start an 034 AV Super I usually pull the starter handle a number of times with the switch in OFF position until the engine rotates easier and does a couple or more rotations per pull. Then, I engage the choke, make sure the choke butterfly is closed fully (air filter removed) and start the saw (usually with a few drops of fuel or WD 40 down the carb bore). To avoid flooding, I disengage choke after 3-4 pulls and repeat the procedure, if necessary... Once started, the 034 will usually start on the first pull the rest of the day.
You guys know this was almost 6 years ago? Probably got it going, traded it off, threw it away or died by now.
Don`t read post # 11,
Necroposting, it’s what we do. [emoji1787]
My CUZZEKEN loves his 034 super but at 77 yrs he might love it more with a compression release. I will watch for your video and Read any comments from other members before attempting this.
