the stihl 038 magnum thread

[Mad Professor]

I see its been some years since this thread used.

I am wondering if anyone knows what the differences are between the red master control lever and the black master control lever saws?I'v noticed the 038s iv seen with white decal saying 038 magnum have had the black lever and the aluminum plate decal with two pop rivets have the red lever.
What other differences are there?external internal?does anybody know the years each where made?
Id really like a detailed history of the magnums.
Cheers.

Never seen a red lever on a 038. I've got 038S (converted to 038M), 038M, and an old 038 metal tank parts carcass

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

I have two 038 mags one black lever one red lever. besides the color being different they're both exactly the same. Whether or not it came from the factory that way I couldn't say.

 

[Jason Pitcher]

Great saw, but heavy. I have cut a lot of wood with mine. It is giving me some trouble right now, though, so I have some work to do to get it right again. I recently put new rings and seals in it, and that helped a lot. It is now shutting off on idle and bogs down when giving gas. This saw is over 20 years old, so I guess it is time for some trouble, as it has been problem free until recently. It was very dependable and very powerful. Cuts fast with a sharp chain, slow with a dull chain.

Sounds like you may have an air leak. Check the intake boot.

 

[Jeffrey F.]

I’ve got a question my 038 Mag2 runs like it’s stolen but never can get a cold start out of it. My others saws not any issues but the whole choke on air filter thing just doesn’t work on mine. Is there a trick to it. I’ve got OEM filter. If I squirt a little gas or starter fluid off she goes but never with the choke. I thought maybe lever that pushes it closed and put a new one on but nope. Filter sits good inside that backing plate? Any help or ideas thanks

 

[rocketnorton]

dont overtighten af screws
mine takes few extra pulls if it sits for months

 

[babaoriley]

I have two 038 mags one black lever one red lever. besides the color being different they're both exactly the same. Whether or not it came from the factory that way I couldn't say.

The red lever feature could mean it’s a late 038 mag production. The red lever must be a 1993 thing, cuz I have a 025 red lever and 025 was introduced in 1993 and the 038 mag discontinued in 1993. One stranger (he claims he has 30 years in the chainsaw business and dealing with Stihl reps) randomly told me that red lever means it’s the first year of production which is very unlikely true to me.

 

[babaoriley]

Here is my 038 mag serial number and it’s likely the first year of production but no red lever … so his theory (mentioned right above this) has flaws. Also some pictures of the 025 with red lever. Would love some red lever owners to jump in to clarify this red lever thing once and for all. My theory is that it’s only for one year 1993.

 

[Mad Professor]

I wonder if any of the other red lever saws , levers, will fit a 038? Not likely but a hypothesis.

 

[babaoriley]

I wonder if any of the other red lever saws , levers, will fit a 038? Not likely but a hypothesis.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3755068583...dP6JrxYiHsHhsJQI3xnQVsWKNNgPwF3hoCwvEQAvD_BwE

 

[babaoriley]

Here are some pics of 038 with red lever. I’m contacting the owner, hopefully he will help me to find out what it is.

 

[babaoriley]

This is the pic of the one on eBay in case the link disappeared.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Red lever was a OSHA thing in the early 90’s, not sure of exact range of years but I suspect 91-93 give or take a year. I believe 038 mag was available in the US until mid 90’s my “newest” 038 mag shows purchase date of 1995. 038 became MS380, MS381, and now MS382 still in production (to my knowledge) just not available in the US.

 

[babaoriley]

Red lever was a OSHA thing in the early 90’s, not sure of exact range of years but I suspect 91-93 give or take a year. I believe 038 mag was available in the US until mid 90’s my “newest” 038 mag shows purchase date of 1995. 038 became MS380, MS381, and now MS382 still in production (to my knowledge) just not available in the US.

Purchase date is not technically production date unless you still have the serial number to confirm. It couldn’t been a NOS. Everywhere I look, 038 discontinued in 1993.

 

[babaoriley]

Mine has dual port muffler for sure right?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Mine has dual port muffler for sure right?

It sure does.

 

[Jeffrey F.]

I was told the red lever means made in Brazil ?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

I was told the red lever means made in Brazil ?

First digit of serial number indicates country of manufacture. 1 is Germany, 2 is USA, 3 is Brazil. Color of “lever” doesn’t mean much other than indication of age. Red lever Stihl saws are generally 91 to 93 date of manufacture.

 

[babaoriley]

I was told the red lever means made in Brazil ?

That’s very wrong and you can scratch that theory already. The 025 with red lever in the picture has a loud and clear Made in USA side label.

 

[babaoriley]

Owner of that 038 magnum with red lever hasn’t replied to me so I don’t know. I can’t buy another 038 magnum just to clarify this. My mag 2 will be here this weekend. Will update info about it as well.

 

[babaoriley]

Can someone look up and find out what year this saw was made? I have the serial number but year is unknown.