Stihl 038

[upstateny]

Looking at possibly getting a Stihl 038 for a spare/play saw in addition to the 372 and 2065.

Searched around and couldnt seem to find a definite answer to a few things.

1) Is there a 3/4 wrap handle available for it? and the appropriate clutch cover for a "west coast" set up.

2) Will it handle a 22/24" bar successfully with say and 8pin on it?

Saw runs good, I had just serviced it for an older gentleman that almost certainly cannot pull it over fast enough to start the saw. Has a 20" Stihl B&C on it. Seems like a low hour saw, muffler didnt have to much carbon in it but definitely needs to be modded.

Does this seem like a decent set up for a spare/backup saw that will mostly set on the truck?

Thanks-Upstate.

 

[StihlyinEly]

Which version of the 038 are you talking about? Big power/grunt span between the 038, 038S and 038M.

 

[JJuday]

Any of those versions will pull a 22/22'' b&c just fine. Sometimes what you are cutting and the condition of your chain are just as important as the displacement of the saw. I have had a 24'' on my 041AV and it did fine with a sharp chain, won't outcut the 038mag though, but it did a comendable job. Even if it's the 60cc 038 and it runs good and is priced right then grab it up they are a great saw, though some might say they are a tad outdated and heavy! JJuday

 

[JJuday]

Looking at possibly getting a Stihl 038 for a spare/play saw in addition to the 372 and 2065.

Searched around and couldnt seem to find a definite answer to a few things.

1) Is there a 3/4 wrap handle available for it? and the appropriate clutch cover for a "west coast" set up.

2) Will it handle a 22/24" bar successfully with say and 8pin on it?

Saw runs good, I had just serviced it for an older gentleman that almost certainly cannot pull it over fast enough to start the saw. Has a 20" Stihl B&C on it. Seems like a low hour saw, muffler didnt have to much carbon in it but definitely needs to be modded.

Does this seem like a decent set up for a spare/backup saw that will mostly set on the truck?

Thanks-Upstate.

Sorry, I didn't quite answer those questions.

1. Yes, I think there is a 3/4 wrap set up. Check ebay, that's your best bet.

2. I think that an 8 pin and 24'' will be a bit much if it's the 60cc version, a 7 would be better, but all in all it depends on how you cut and if your chain is good and sharp. Bailey's should have different sprockets to chose from.

Hope that helps. JJuday

 

[upstateny]

Offhand all I can remember is that it was a Magnum saw. I'm not a Stihl guy, but if the price is right I'm willing to try it.

It had a Magnesium Recoil on it and the exhaust has three "ports" instead of one like I thought it would have.

I'll take a closer look the next time I'm near it.

 

[JJuday]

The 038 Mag will fit you set up just fine then. I did notice on mine that a 24/25'' b&c made it nose heavy so I just keep a 20'' set up on it for the sake of good balance and handling. Should make a good saw for you. They are torque monsters for sure. JJuday

 

[upstateny]

Dont really care how it handles, cant handle any worse than the 395 with full wrap, spikes, etc with a 20" bar. :greenchainsaw:

More or less just want a west coast style saw haha

 

[JJuday]

At least you're honset!

 

[StihlyinEly]

An 038M is a 72cc saw and will handle a 25-inch B&C buried in hardwood just fine. Not a screamer, but lots of muscle in the cut. It's the saw that feels best in my hands out of my whole lineup. Mine's got a full-wrap handle, which I really like.

 

[upstateny]

Try to be.

Cutting hardwood (hard and soft maple, some oak, ash, pin cherry, ash) and some softwood (white and red pine, spruce, balsam, hemlock), I am thinking 24" b/c would be too much on the saw. But in strictly softwood 22" would be fine, am I overthinking this?

 

[madhatte]

You're definitely overthinking it. 038 Mag is a great saw. It'll pull whatever you hang off of it, though not as fast as more modern saws.

Also -- I do not know of a 3/4 wrap for the 038 series, only a full-wrap. Mine sports the full-wrap, and I like it lots. I suspect that you would too.

 

[upstateny]

Anyone care to post up their 038's?

I'd like to see all variations. Gives me something to look at and think about with this saw.

 

[bcorradi]

If I recall right...andy aka lakeside53 said the mag II's were the only ones that come with the triple ported muffler.

Also all 038's virtually look the same except for the idenfication tag and a few other model progressions such as.
1) An all mag tank found on most AV's
2) Early Av's with a solid handguard type chainbrake handle.
3) Muffler differences
4) Some came with a bing vs a tilly carb
5) etc

 

[Rounder]

Offhand all I can remember is that it was a Magnum saw. I'm not a Stihl guy, but if the price is right I'm willing to try it.

It had a Magnesium Recoil on it and the exhaust has three "ports" instead of one like I thought it would have.

I'll take a closer look the next time I'm near it.

Magnum, 3 ports, you're ready to have some fun, try a 28" with a 7 tooth - Sam

 

[madhatte]

Mine: German-built Mag II, single but LARGE port, Bing carb. I think it was built around 1988.

 

[wigglesworth]

Here is the one I used to have, that belongs to another member now. I had it "west coast'ized" with the big clutch cover, full wrap and the big dawgs. They are a hoot to run, and as dependable as gravity. I ran a 25" with an 8 pin on it.

The big clutch cover is the same as the 044/046/066 cover, and the dawgs are the same as the 044 dawgs. The full wraps are somewhat scarce to come by, but I have seen quite a few here lately.

 

[StihlyinEly]

Here is the one I used to have, that belongs to another member now. I had it "west coast'ized" with the big clutch cover, full wrap and the big dawgs. They are a hoot to run, and as dependable as gravity. I ran a 25" with an 8 pin on it.

That is the horse currently snorting and pawing in its stall in my garage.

I run an 8-pin 20 inch B&C in full comp 3/8 on it, and it cuts mighty fast and with lots of muscle. I could easily run a 28-inch B&C with full comp on it, and have, with a 7-pin. Thanks wiggs!

 

[upstateny]

I looked at that saw and had thought about how nice it would be to own that one when it came up in the Trading Post awhile back.

 

[madhatte]

Looks just like mine, only shinier.

 

[redsquirel]

Grab it

I would definatley pick up that 038. I had a 038 FarmBoss given to me as a junk saw that only needed a little TLC, guy didn't know crap about em. I am very impressed with the thing now that it's running good. I run a 20" Bar with RM chain and the thing cuts great. If you get into some big hardwoods you can't just hog on her ,but she'll do the job well. As far as the long bar though, a friend of mine has the 038 Mag with a 26" on it and he still keeps rite up, and you don't have to bend over as far( BOUNUS).