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.
Post a picture of this area and we can possibly recommend a fix. More than any other area (for some reason) these screws and their accompany holes are messed up on these saws. You can use an insert. When we see the area and crack we can better recommend.
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?
The filter box is held on by a lever on the back of the nob. The round nobs only need be turned a 1/4 turn. The lever catches on the back of the aluminum nuts which hold the filter on the carb stud. For some it seems to be a challenge to get filter aligned so that it seats properly at the bottom. Then push the nob in and turn 1/4 turn -- it should lock there.
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.
The 026 or 1121 series saws used two different types of filters. The old style is slender and taller -- this one will not interfere with the old "black-stack" tank vent. Sounds like he may have given you the newer style which will fit the 026 pro style tank with the low profile tank vent. The MS260 uses the same filter.
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?
The Picco chain is a good set up. The most common for these saws is the .063 x .325. My 026's run a 16" bar with the yellow label chain -- .063 x .325 chain. With a muffler mod they perform quite well.
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.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU DID WELL! CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks
