Stihl 034

[Ombesb]

Hello everyone. Another new guy to the site. Name is Eric. I've been evesdropping for a few days here and already feel slightly smarter than a brick about saws. I have an older 034 saw from my Dad that I don't use often because it is so hard to start. When I did look into it a bit I see that compression release was an option for it, but this one obviously doesn't have it. It runs fine, quite well in fact. Full chisel chain and with all the carbon out of the exhaust and using snythetic oil now, it cuts pretty fast. But it feels like I am trying to pull over a diesel to get started. That can't be good for all the starter parts either. Yes I did pull the plug and it spins just fine, so it is not a mechanical issue. Are there any known ways to help this?? Live with it.... buy a new one?? I have a ton of questions for everyone but don't want to wear out my welcome all at once. Thank you for any help.

 

[046]

welcome to AS.. 034 is great saw!

when you say "hard to start" do you mean you have to pull it for several minutes before it starts. or do you mean it too hard to pull period?

don't know about anyone else, bu for larger saws (034 is med) without compression release. what I try to do is pull gently on cord to set piston to compression stroke position.

then yank cord for a full stroke. for other problem I'll let someone else chime in..

 

[Ombesb]

That was a quick reply. Maybe I wasn't clear on what I meant. Hard to pull is the problem. You have a 046 Mag, as do I. Picture trying to start it without setting the compression release and at times it feels even harder than that.

 

[v8titan]

Welcome to the AS forums.

I have my 034 for about 16 years now and I am very pleased with it. My saw is "somewhat" difficult to pull as a result of compression but as 046 said, if you set the piston to the beginning of a compression cycle and then hit it with a sharp pull, you will find it easier to overcome. I don't think there was ever an option for compression release on the 034. If you are so inclined, you can purchase an after-market 036 jug and piston set with the compression release option, which will fit on an 034 saw. You will however have to modify the top cover of the saw.

The fact that it is hard to turn over is actually a good thing, it tells me that your cylinder/piston ring set is in good shape.

Tom

 

[SmokinDodge]

My 036 is pretty similar to what you describe. How many pulls does it take to start it? If it is over three there is little work needing to be done. And anything over three pulls really gets the old shoulder and back muscles talkin'.


WELCOME TO AS!

 

[Ombesb]

Thanks for all the replies. It actually starts quite well, just so hard to pull over. This would not be a saw that you could ever drop/start, ie; hold in one hand and pull with the other while dropping the saw away from you. Not good practice anyway. This is firm on the ground with a boot and a real determined pull. It will start , usually in one or two pulls. I just worry about it being such a strain on the starting parts. I have heard of a laymans way of checking compression by hanging the saw by the starter handle and see how long it takes for the compresion to leak off. I tried this and got tired of holding it up , it just wouldn't leak off and go around to the next cycle. Maybe I should be really happy that it is so tight??

 

[Lakeside53]

What oil mix are you using? excessive oil rations combined with a tight (good) engine can do this.

The compression release was never an option for the 034 - just the later 036

I never have much problem pulling over saws, but it is a matter of advancing the piston until it's nearly the top of the stroke and then pulling.

Do one quick thing - take out the spark plug. Does it now pull over really fast and freely?

 

[Lakeside53]

make sure your clutch isn't dragging or the brake band messed up.

 

[Ombesb]

Trying to get things in order.... If I pull the plug it freewheels just fine, which leaves out the clutch as being a problem. The reason I mentioned the compression is because the original book with it has a section refering to the optional compression release. My Dad only had the one saw so I just sort of trusted it belonged to this saw. Certainly is a 034. No matter, it doesn't have one. But you brought up oil. Now that has me wondering. The last I ran the saw was on gas my Dad had. He always used regular chain saw oil. I have been using syn oil for some time now. I'l fight the mosquitos another way. The one thing that I do remember is that after it was warm it would at times pull over just like you would expect a mid sized saw to, firm but not white knuckle hard. Are you suggesting that with a heavier oil that the whole piston is acting like a seal, much like a refrigeration compressor does?? Some of them run VERY tight piston to cylinder clearances/ no rings at all. In all my other saws and trimmers I run a mix very close to 50:1. But I dont' think this saw has ever had a drink of that. I just shelved it because it was so hard to pull over. You think maybe a tank or two of a newer mix??

 

[Lakeside53]

Definitely try a few tanks of 50:1 mix. The 034 is usually a very easy saw to pull over and start.

If it makes you really mad, throw it in the mail and I'll give you $50 for it

 

[Brushwacker]

I have run several 034's and 036 without compression releases and that sounds typical of all of them. They have a lot of compression for that light of a saw. You just need to pin them down secure when you start them which in some situations results in some inconveniance. I agree a compression release a real asset for this model. Recently I bought an 034 that has an large rope handle like many of the newer stihls that gives some when your pulling.It feels like a very notable improvement for this saw to me. I bought an after market handle of this style that I haven't used,I don't think it is made as well as the oem Stihl rope handle. Also I believe the newer models went from 1 pawl in the starter to 2 which can easily be converted for improved starter reliability.

 

[Lakeside53]

You can add the Elastostart system - it realy helps the saws without decomp. About $18 first time, but the ripe inserts are only $2-$3 each.

 

[alderman]

I had a Shindaiwa 500 that was hard to pull and would snap back on occasion. I had an old soft handle that I put on it and it made it a lot easier on the hands.