034 Recondition

[homeheater]

This is my first time actually working on a chainsaw in 24 years of cutting. I have Dolmars so have never needed to . ( oh just kidding.) I picked up an 034AV for free. Said it took 30 or more pulls to get it running but seemed to be fine when it started. Not sure about that but hey. I didn't have time to mess with it for him, and didn't want to take it to the shop and have more into it than it is worth. Talked him into just getting a 251 to finish the 30 or so 6 inch trees he needed to take down. I know it's not a "pro" saw, but he really likes it and will be used just for occasional storm cleanup if ever.

So after a much needed cleaning, I am trying to figure out where to go from here. So far I try has great spark, and pulled the muffler to look inside. Looks perfect. I was thinking a complete recondition but didn't know what all to do. Any suggestions? I have no problem putting money into new parts to make sure things only come apart once since I got it at such a fair price.

Also, would there be any real noticeable gains by upsizing to the 48mm? I would ideally like to have something that would handle a 20" bar so I could just leave the 24" on the 6400.

 

[Backtroller]

If the cylinder and piston are in good condition, a 18-20” bar with a good 3/8” chain would be perfect on a 034.

I’ve had good luck with the Chinese Zama carbs on this series.

 

[Backtroller]

Pictures would be nice to see

 

[Wood Doctor]

A Stihl 034AV will easily handle a 20" bar. My 034AV Super does this without breathing hard:


I may have installed the 48 mm P/C kit and several other parts. This saw arrived in my shop as a box of parts. Today it will almost stay even with my MS361 that cost me over $700 ten years ago. Good luck!

 

[BuckthornBonnie]

Carb rebuild, new hoses, check clutch drum and needle bearing, air filter, etc.

Great saws with 46mm p/c, don’t upgrade unless you need to.

Thoroughly clean behind the brake area and check the oil hose for nicks.

 

[Northwet]

Check the choke linkage, if it's not pushing the choke all the way shut it will cause hard cold starting.

 

[Al Smith]

Just as a reminder the 034 super is the same an 036 as far as displacement and is a cut above an 034 av .The difference is noticeable .Either one is a nice saw,enough power and relatively light weight .

 

[homeheater]

Carb rebuild, new hoses, check clutch drum and needle bearing, air filter, etc.

Great saws with 46mm p/c, don’t upgrade unless you need to.

Thoroughly clean behind the brake area and check the oil hose for nicks.

Ok that's what I was thinking. Replace everything so it's good to go. I see the clutch has had some heat so thought I just might replace that all too. Not trying to do it cheap to sell. Want a good solid one to use and don't mind replacing lots of parts to freshen up. Cheaper than a new one. Didn't know if there was anything else in particular to look for.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Today I cut with my 034AV Super that I rebuilt with the 036 top end as shown in post #4. The saw performed flawlessly in big oak. The tree was so big that I had to cut three rounds into quarters and three more into halves. This noodle cutting was done already after I had used the saw to buck the rounds to 18" lengths.

I doubt my MS361 could have performed better. I left it in the shop and let the 034 AV Super do the work. I wish the camera was there, but I was working my butt off cutting with a sharp chain and a good saw, not taking Pics.

 

[homeheater]

Check the choke linkage, if it's not pushing the choke all the way shut it will cause hard cold starting.

Looks like that may be the case. I never tried to fire it before tearing down to clean up and inspect/replace a bunch of parts. Took fresh mix down the hole to run, but runs super. Next time around a bear to start, but runs great. Noticed as you said, there is a small opening at the top and bottom of the carb opening when the choke lever set. Tried adjusting the choke linkage and have screwed it up and won't even work now. Waiting for a new one, and will try to find someone who has one of this series I can take a look at and get it right. Appears will be a great deal for $60 investment when sorted out.

 

[Backtroller]

Does it have an OEM filter?

Did you bend the linkage so far out of alignment that it’s goofed up?

 

[Northwet]

It can also be the control lever spring doesn't have enough spring any more to hold the choke on.

 

[Backtroller]

Not sure if these help? Top no choke. picture 2 choked

 

[homeheater]

Does it have an OEM filter?

Did you bend the linkage so far out of alignment that it’s goofed up?

Yup I did. Can't get it to work any way I adjust it. Hits the choke shaft and binds up. Going to start new and found a good 036 I can inspect and compare to.

 

[homeheater]

Not sure if these help? Top no choke. picture 2 choked View attachment 144448View attachment 144449View attachment 144450View attachment 144451

Thanks for the pics. I think the shaft may have been bent out of whack before I even started. I can't get it to not hit the end of the choke shaft and bind up.

 

[Backtroller]

Good plan. Both 036 saws I’ve had, I had to adjust the shaft to close all of the way.

 

[homeheater]

Ok can anyone shed some light for me I'm feeling dumb again. So I got this 034 for free, put about $75 into it and a very major cleaning. Clutch drum and bearing, carb kit, both lines, p&c look excellent. As per suggestions before, I found the choke not closing properly and causing a no start. Tried adjusting and messed up the arm, so I got a new one and with adjusting, got the choke so it closes all the way consistently. It still will not even fire cold. I didn't think too much about it until I could get some wood time, but still no go. Saw runs very strong for what it is and only needed a 1/4 turn richer after some run time. Found a stupid screw in tree step I couldn't see over o. The neighbors and stopped the cutting for today. The odd thing is, if you pull off the air filter cover, fires 1 or 2 pulls no problem. Blip throttle a couple times, put the cover back on and all is well. Air filter is brand new, and pre screen is clean. Done this 4 or five times since I have gotten it done. I just don't get it.

 

[Northwet]

I would look at the control lever and make sure the cover isn't blocking it from full travel.