My Stihl 031AV is a dog

[Mark71gtx]

I put together a Stihl 031AV out of a 5 gallon bucket a while back. I started it and put it on the shelf. I went to go "exercise" some saws last weekend and grabbed it to put in wood. It got it's turn - but it did not perform well. When I first put the saw together the points were bad so installed a Nova2 module. I read somewhere once that you may need to advance the timing to get it to run right. I would like to get the saw to run well. I don't think I could feel good about even selling it off with the current performance it gives. I am open to suggestions.

 

[tree monkey]

advance it nearly the hole key

 

[Mark71gtx]

So ditch the key altogether, or file the crap out of it?

 

[Deets066]

So ditch the key altogether, or file the crap out of it?

I would ditch it and run it. Move the flywheel until your happy with how it runs. If there's room for a partial key when you find its happy spot then file the key to fit

 

[tree monkey]

file the key down to about .010"

 

[redtractor]

Were fresh rings put in?

 

[Mark71gtx]

I never had the cylinder off. Next time I grab it I will check compression. I put this one together before I had a reliable compression gauge.

 

[Mark71gtx]

I know it is an older saw and it will not turn the RPM of the newer saws, but I have read a lot of good (and some bad) things about this series. I know it should have more power than it currently has. I will check the comp and if it is low, I will get some Cabers. I will advance the timing as well.

 

[Carbine]

I cut a lot of wood with a 031 when I started burning. Like you said, they dont make a ton of RPMS, but make a ton of torque. One of my all time favs, I would love to build a fast one, one of these days.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Interested in seeing how this turns out. We need some pics!!! And maybe a video to!!!

 

[sefh3]

Is your nova a two wire system or one wire?

 

[Mark71gtx]

Two

 

[sefh3]

Make sure you have a good ground.