STIHL 034 Super vs 038 Super?

[Al Smith]

A lot of hoopla like my dog is better than your dog BS. Ignore that nonsense .An 034 Super/036 is a nice 60 cc saw and so goes an 038 AV .Neither is a boat anchor ,if you know how to tune a saw .Which by the comments it's obvious many do not . It's more so a Ford/Chevy thing if you cut to the chase .Good grief !

 

[PA Dan]

Another vote here for the 034 super.

And swap to side tensioner!

 

[PA Dan]

Yes, I definitely plan on maxing out the mods on either one!
I'm surprised nobody voted or talked much about the merits of the 038 Super!
Seemed like if it was ported right it wouldn't be far off the heels of a stock 038 Mag or an 044...

True but you have a 660 already. I bet the 038 is close to the 660 in weight.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

True but you have a 660 already. I bet the 038 is close to the 660 in weight.

You are correct on all accounts...so much so that a basket case 038 mag remains a basket case! lol
Although a new thermometer, arthritis, and laziness is making the 660 expendable...it's days are numbered...$$$$$

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Never seen a 34 super that didn't run like a scalded dog. 038s would be a little heavier,

I thought the 038 was a bit lower reving, although loads of torque, and a bit heavier than the 034.

Buy them both. Test both. Sell the one you dont want and get a free saw.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

this is a good idea.. but I’d just ask if I could test them both. And return the one I didn’t want.

 

[dmb2613]

A lot of hoopla like my dog is better than your dog BS. Ignore that nonsense .An 034 Super/036 is a nice 60 cc saw and so goes an 038 AV .Neither is a boat anchor ,if you know how to tune a saw .Which by the comments it's obvious many do not . It's more so a Ford/Chevy thing if you cut to the chase .Good grief !

O38s are not ez to get parts for and heavy, I work at a Stihl dealer and can tune a saw I still think it is a boat anchor.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

O38s are not ez to get parts for and heavy, I work at a Stihl dealer and can tune a saw I still think it is a boat anchor.

Both are incredibly easy to find parts for, in fact complete saws can be built with cheap parts for both saws. If your not limited to OEM ( thats another argument).
I am particularly fond of both these saws for the jobs that they're suited for , the 038 isn't gonna blow anybody's socks off with cut speed but noodling 25" rounds is a breeze with it. I built a 034 super thats a dream to run when dropping large pines and limbing so respectfully it is a great saw also.

 

[rainierrifleco]

Just an observation from a guy who owns both 34 super and 036 pro
Always assume reading the displacement is the same. So I figured they were the same saw
After owning the 34 super for a couple years one day I happened to set the 34 next to the 36 and 028 I hadn’t realized the 34 is the same phi cal size as the 28 with 036 size engine I have it set up with 325 chain and bar. It actually has become my go to saw I hardly ever reach for the 036 not that I don’t really like it just the 34 super is a hoot to run with the power and less drag from a smaller size chain

 

[Lightning Performance]

Have an 038 parked here. Never really ran it but once. Repaired several 038's and thought they were heavy and not my thing. Might be good ported on a mini mill or beam tool. Now the 034 I just got for chunking down trees. It seems fine. Going to mess with several cylinders on it with mild port work, no ignition advance and just widen the ports. Looking to gain area and tighten up the squish. Moving the transfer ports but not much. This saw runs good. Really like the front muffler outlet.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

O38s are not ez to get parts for and heavy, I work at a Stihl dealer and can tune a saw I still think it is a boat anchor.

The 038 was still sold in other countries and is a very durable and torquey saw. I had super and a mag regret getting rid of them both but can only use so many saws at a time. Plus had two tree guys bugging me to buy them so I sold them, they run 32” bars on them as a stumping saw. In stock form an 036 won’t touch a 038 super or mag with a long bar.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

For that price , buy both if they both run good . Can't lose at that money .

 

[Al Smith]

I think the 038 mag might have been around 12,500 RPM stock .One of mine is not stock and with 96 after port open hits around 14,500 .It's got a little bit more to it also .I got the old gal out yesterday after using an 024 on small stuff .It ate through that 18 " oak like hot knife through butter .It's never failed me yet .So it's a little heavy and I'm 74 years and can still handle without much effort .

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Just an observation from a guy who owns both 34 super and 036 pro
Always assume reading the displacement is the same. So I figured they were the same saw
After owning the 34 super for a couple years one day I happened to set the 34 next to the 36 and 028 I hadn’t realized the 34 is the same phi cal size as the 28 with 036 size engine I have it set up with 325 chain and bar. It actually has become my go to saw I hardly ever reach for the 036 not that I don’t really like it just the 34 super is a hoot to run with the power and less drag from a smaller size chain

Hmm...you just gave me a mighty fine idea!
I just nabbed another 034 Super on the cheap and it's already a good lil runner.
The previous owner had a 16-in bar & a 3/8 .50 chain.
I've got a few 16-18 inch bars & and several .325 chains hanging around doing nothing!

Is it much trouble changing out the sprocket?
What size bar & chain set-up is the sweet spot for the 034 Super...just fer firewood harvesting?

 

[5155]

My 034 with small jug handles 20" .325 just fine.
I have an 18" too but out of chain for it.
I do not know max bar length.

The drive sprocket change is easy for this shade tree mechanic.
Scooped two parts saws from on here. Next time mine acts up I'll be asking the mechanical questions.

I did read of an updated clutch bearing for these.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

 

[Maintenance Chief]

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Just an observation from a guy who owns both 34 super and 036 pro
Always assume reading the displacement is the same. So I figured they were the same saw
After owning the 34 super for a couple years one day I happened to set the 34 next to the 36 and 028 I hadn’t realized the 34 is the same phi cal size as the 28 with 036 size engine I have it set up with 325 chain and bar. It actually has become my go to saw I hardly ever reach for the 036 not that I don’t really like it just the 34 super is a hoot to run with the power and less drag from a smaller size chain

They are the same saw, cases they same displacement the same started out life as the standard 034 then grew

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Impressive indeed!

 

[CrystalRiver1]

What chain setup are you running "square chisel, semi-chisel...skip?
That thing cut like a LASER!!!

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Hey Studs,

I was talking with Steve (Stump Shot) last night about an open portal on my 034 Super.
I guess this little nub area seated right above the fuel tank, beneath the air filter cover on the lower
left is the "tank vent" ?
Well, guess what---my saw has no "vent plug or covering" over it yet still runs like a scalded dog!

Is there a particular plug or covering OEM or otherwise that is better than others and can I use something makeshift to work? I don't have the saw handy or would've attached a pic or two. I read that it's "No Biggie" to run without a vent covering, yet I'm opposed to that advice. Kinda partial to not replacing a cylinder & piston on the regular!

Any advice would be great.

Thanks,

Reg

PS, this link really helps, it shows two types of vent covers based on the serial number.
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/968285/Stihl-034-Series.html?page=67