Convert 026 tank for 260 fuel line?

[stihl saws]

It's only about making the tank hole larger to fit the line, but what's the best way. You can't get a drill bit in there straight. Anyone ever done it?
The reason I'm asking is that the 260 line seems to drop into the tank further, allowing more run time.

 

[Stihlbro]

I used a uni bit or stepped bit.

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

I did it on mine. Took the next size up bit and hand spun it in the hole. Just taking off small shavings at a time. Tried fuel line,didn't fit. Went up one more size and it wiggled in.

 

[Basher]

Step drill/bit, turned by hand but my bit has a hex drive shaft so a 5/16"open end wrench helped me some. I change over every 026 I build these days, I like the bigger fuel line.

 

[RI Chevy]

Any photos of the 2 different fuel lines?

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

Factory one is straight and about 3" long. 260 is like an S shape and a bit longer.

026
https://www.discountonlineparts.com/images//chainsaws/DOP18038ST026.jpg
260
http://www.hlsproparts.com/v/vspfiles/photos/H19024-2.jpg

 

[RI Chevy]

OK. TY
The 260 S fuel line needs a bigger hole?

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

OK. TY
The 260 S fuel line needs a bigger hole?

Yes. But just a hair bigger,otherwise the tank will leak.

Pics added above.

 

[RI Chevy]

Thanks for the pics and links. [emoji106]

 

[stihl saws]

Thanks fellows. Hand turning a uni-bit was my first thought. I just didn't want to screw it up.
I never did understand why they used a line that wasn't long enough to reach the bottom of the tank.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Thanks fellows. Hand turning a uni-bit was my first thought. I just didn't want to screw it up.
I never did understand why they used a line that wasn't long enough to reach the bottom of the tank.

I don't know either. The non-adjustable oil pump oils like crazy. May have been to keep people from running the oil tank dry before the fuel supply was exhausted?

 

[RI Chevy]

My stock 026 runs dry for fuel, and I always have oil in the tank. I believe they are designed like that. I'll have to check and see what fuel line I have. Pretty sure its the stock OEM line. Straight line. Thinner one.

 

[stihl saws]

I don't know either. The non-adjustable oil pump oils like crazy. May have been to keep people from running the oil tank dry before the fuel supply was exhausted?

I'm not a fan of oil on my leg, but they do oil very well.

 

[Basher]

Due to the work done on the ports of my saws they are thirsty and always have a bit of oil left in the tank when the fuel runs out.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Might be easier to modify the fuel line rather than the tank...You can just use the grommet in the line and run a Tygon line through it...

 

[huskyboy]

I forced the newer style to work on a older 024 I had. PITA, but it gets in there with a dull screwdriver and some swearing lol. Next time I think I'll use the correct piece.

 

[stihl saws]

Seems like that would choke off the flow. The holes are quite a bit different in size.

 

[Dustin4185]

I may have to do this on the 026s I just got. I was planning on new lines, didn't know there was a difference.

 

[RI Chevy]

If possible, could you snap a few photos of the smaller hole please?
Or if someone has already done this upgrade and has a "how to," could you please post photos? Thanks.

 

[stihl saws]

If possible, could you snap a few photos of the smaller hole please?
Or if someone has already done this upgrade and has a "how to," could you please post photos? Thanks.

I have both tanks on my bench now, but I'm out of town till tomorrow. If no one chimes in, I'll get pics and measure the holes then.
My guess is the hole for the 260 line is about 1/8" larger. It's a very visible difference.