026 worth $100?

[Wood Doctor]

One thing I have found out is that when you rebuild an 024, 026, and other saws in this size league, don't just add a new piston and rings. Usually the jug has to be changed out as well. I suppose it could be honed internally as Mastermind has shown, but I've tried that without success. The only way you can be sure that you are getting the original power back is to get a new piston and cylinder kit.

 

[Stihlsmoking]

One thing I have found out is that when you rebuild an 024, 026, and other saws in this size league, don't just add a new piston and rings. Usually the jug has to be changed out as well. I suppose it could be honed internally as Mastermind has shown, but I've tried that without success. The only way you can be sure that you are getting the original power back is to get a new piston and cylinder kit.

I'd have to disagree ? I haven't done to many but the ones I've done the cylinders weren't to bad ? Cleaned up great I only use oem Stihl pistons and on one I did thin gasket on an comp went from 130(old piston) to 170 with new piston & thin gasket on first tank ?

 

[Al Smith]

I have kind of been looking for an 026 but as yet never found one for a decent price .I did however find an 024 complete at a Stihl dealers for 50 bucks .Wasn't really anything wrong with it,a

little scuff on the exhaust side from a highly restrictive muffler .I never even tore it down,just gutted the muffler .It does just fine
If I were a betting man I'd bet somebody took that thing to a dealer who popped the muffler and told the guy it needed a rebuild then sold him a 290 or something and kept the 024 as payment for the service .Which took all of 5 minutes ,the BS story was free .On the other hand I get a lot of saws from peoples lack of knowledge .

 

[czar800]

I believe the AVS stands for the AV super (if not mistaken). A very nice addition to anyone's stable. I have owned one and regret selling it.
Presently have the parts for an 024 (non super). May bring it together this year.

That saw is just a 024av it's got the covers from a 024avs on it. The 024avs is in a box with a bad main bearing.

I wish the crank was good... it also is a west Germany saw.

 

[dall]

czar is the 024super the same crank as a 026 ?

 

[czar800]

czar is the 024super the same crank as a 026 ?

Yeah a 024s is the same crank as a 026

 

[dall]

ill send you a crank if you want

 

[stihl_head1982]

ill send you a crank if you want

Just one of the things that makes this place -- the place to be!

 

[czar800]

ill send you a crank if you want

Wow! I'll PM you!

 

[Wood Doctor]

I'd have to disagree ? I haven't done too many but the ones I've done the cylinders weren't too bad ? Cleaned up great I only use oem Stihl pistons and on one I did thin gasket on an comp went from 130(old piston) to 170 with new piston & thin gasket on first tank ?

That's good news. I've not had that kind of luck in quite some time. There is also one other consideration -- your time. Changing out both the cylinder and the piston/rings can be done in the same length of time as the piston/rings only. Also, if the cylinder is bad and you don't change it out, you have wasted a bunch. It's a gamble.

 

[czar800]

Just one of the things that makes this place -- the place to be!

Well said!

Three cheers for @dall

 

[Czed]

One thing I have found out is that when you rebuild an 024, 026, and other saws in this size league, don't just add a new piston and rings. Usually the jug has to be changed out as well. I suppose it could be honed internally as Mastermind has shown, but I've tried that without success. The only way you can be sure that you are getting the original power back is to get a new piston and cylinder kit.

You guys probably won't like it but after cleaning transfer with my slit ink pen and sandpaper with a drill . i bought some flex hone brake cylinder kit sets and if the cylinder is circular enough i gently hone with the longest stones I've been doing this since the mid 80s on two stroke dirtbikes and saws saved many cylinders but we all have our own way lol

 

[Al Smith]

On an iron cylinder it would probably work to a point .On a plated cylinder it's a crap shoot but if it's out of round you can't save it much since the plating is at best 5 thou thick .

The only method to get a true round cylinder with a portable hone is with a micrometer adjust precision hone of which I have a Lisle.Not to worry even if eccentric given enough run time the rings will seat . Just flog it like a rented mule.It will either come or bleed .Works for me .

 

[Dustin4185]

Okay, I picked up the 026 today, actually 2 of them! He gave me both for $100 so I didn't try to talk him down. One is pretty good condition considering the age. The other is rough! Both run pretty good. Compression on #1 is 190 and 185 on #2. #2 just looks like it has been rolling around in a truck since it was purchased! I have a few issues to figure out.

1. On the better one, someone has rigged the brake flag with a 1/4-20 bolt. I pulled the bolt out and the case was cracked and had been half heartedly tapped. It works, but not well. What are my options other than a new/used case? I would use #2, but it looks pretty bad. I tried a "nutsert" but it wouldn't hold for me to re-tap. I thought of JB weld or some other epoxy type stuff then redrill where the starter cover hole is and tap to a 4mm x .070. I can rob the good brake flag, bolt, inserts, etc from saw #2 for now. Last resort, I but a 1/4-20 socket head screw and put in it's place. They used a carriage bolt with the head ground square.

2. What holds the filter box/cover on? I can turn the black knob and it lock on one saw, but not the other. Is something wrong?

3. Saw #1 had a mesh filter with the nuts sticking out, #2 had a flocked filter and the nuts don't stick out. I went to my dealer today and he gave me filter supposedly for it, but it won't fit due to hitting the tank vent (?). Part number was 1121 120 1618. Is there something I have to do to make this filter work? Is the mesh filters ok to use? I don't like them, but if that is what fits, so be it.

4. What pitch chain would you all recommend? Both saws are currently set up for .325. Saw #2 had a .325 rim sprocket, bar, and 3/8 chain!!! The bars were no name Chinese junk, so I will trash them. One had 3/8 Oregon chain and the other had .325 Stihl chain. I have heard the 3/8 Picco was good on the saws, but I am just going to be using it for limbing and small firewood. Should I stay with .325?

Overall, I am pretty happy with the purchase. One is the dark orange and the rough one is the bright orange plastic. I will post some pics as soon as I can.

Thanks

 

[Dustin4185]

Serial numbers (I think) are #1: 228838331, #2: 230120235 Maybe someone can help me out on when they were made. This number was located on the case below the brake flag. Is the correct?

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Yes, the first digit is the country of manufacture and not part of serial number. They made about 9.75 bajillion 026's

 

[Stihlsmoking]

3. Saw #1 had a mesh filter with the nuts sticking out, #2 had a flocked filter and the nuts don't stick out. I went to my dealer today and he gave me filter supposedly for it, but it won't fit due to hitting the tank vent (?). Part number was 1121 120 1618. Is there something I have to do to make this filter work? Is the mesh filters ok to use? I don't like them, but if that is what fits, so be it.

Pics of the filter and tank vent on saw 2 would help ? They had different styles of vents. And type of cover on saw.

 

[Dustin4185]

Pics of the filter and tank vent on saw 2 would help ? They had different styles of vents. And type of cover on saw.

I called the dealer back and gave him the SN. I need a 1612 not 1618. He has some in stock so I will swap next week.

 

[stihl saws]

One thing I have found out is that when you rebuild an 024, 026, and other saws in this size league, don't just add a new piston and rings. Usually the jug has to be changed out as well. I suppose it could be honed internally as Mastermind has shown, but I've tried that without success. The only way you can be sure that you are getting the original power back is to get a new piston and cylinder kit.

I'd have to disagree with this. I've cleaned up several cylinders that run great. If they make good compression, why buy new parts? With that logic, you would have more $ into almost any saw than what it's worth.

 

[Stihlsmoking]

I called the dealer back and gave him the SN. I need a 1612 not 1618. He has some in stock so I will swap next week.

And as far as fleece/flocked vs nylon mesh vs metal mesh
Worst. Better. Best.
If you can find metal mesh they are the best air flow but don't run flocked with the flocking removed ( large metal screen ) you will suck fines into carb lean out saw score piston.

Picture for reference. This is what I found in one I picked up.