Stihl 026 Fuel Line Problems?

[CrystalRiver1]

Hey Guys,

I've got two 026's one is I just replaced the fuel filter, yet it sits about a half inch from lying flush on the bottom of the tank.
The other saw's fuel is line is rotted off at the connection at the top of the tank.
What size fuel line will allow the filters to lay flat on the bottom of the tanks?

Thanks,
Reg

 

[drf256]

I don't know if they will ever lay flat, but the MS260 line is S shaped and longer than the 026 line. Makes changing fuel filters a pleasure compared to an 026 line.

You'll have to drill the tank opening to make it fit though, if you have the old style straight line.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I don't know if they will ever lay flat, but the MS260 line is S shaped and longer than the 026 line. Makes changing fuel filters a pleasure compared to an 026 line.

You'll have to drill the tank opening to make it fit though, if you have the old style straight line.

How much of an adjustment do you have to make for it to fit...so the circumference is that much bigger?

 

[super3]

Is the line too short or is just not getting to the bottom of the tank?

Several of the newer S lines I have put in lately are stiffer and hover the filter above the tank bottom.
Switch to the large filter solved the problem.

 

[Rob Stafari]

The original OEM 026 fuel line is too short from the factory. The best option is the newer ms260 line like the doc said above.

 

[Adirondackstihl]

I have yet to see a fuel filter lay flat in any modern STIHL saw.
Yet they still burn 99.9% of the fuel in the tank.
Strange but true.

 

[RI Chevy]

Those diaphragm carbs must really make good suction.
I noticed the same thing. If you run the saw til the motor stops, nothing is left in the tank.
I personally only run til I hear it leaning out a little, along with being conscious of how long saw has run and stop early. Usually its the first stumble on acceleration.

 

[Wood Doctor]

How much of an adjustment do you have to make for it to fit...so the circumference is that much bigger?

Not much. I usually step it up gradually using several drills, slightly increasing the hole size until I get a fit. Be careful and drill slowly. If the hole gets too big and/or too far out of round, you will have a leak.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Most of the newer models I have seen have long fuel lines that allow the filters to lay flat or darn close to it on the tank. I've installed the 1121 358 7700 upgrade line on 026's. They are longer and much easier to change filters with. Still can't get them tuned right though. lol Seems that ALL have factory air leaks.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Again my dealer is helping me become a better Chainsaw repairman. He wants $50 to install a fuel line! NOT!!
I bought the line for $8.10...time to try my fat mitts on this!

 

[Adirondackstihl]

I will say.....changing the fuel line on an 026/260 is probably the biggest PITA of all the modern Stihl saws.
(Except 441 & 200/201)

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Hmmm...wish ya hadn't said that!!
Cause it proved to be freaking Prophetic!

 

[drf256]

That's the new style line.

Should be simple. Pull the carb, enlarge the hole. Pop it in.

Can also put a guide wire through the line, push it up though the tank, grab and pull it through, all after you put fuel filter on already.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Again my dealer is helping me become a better Chainsaw repairman. He wants $50 to install a fuel line! NOT!!
I bought the line for $8.10...time to try my fat mitts on this!

That's a fricken rip off. I charge 15 minutes plus the parts for a repair like that.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

That's the new style line.

Should be simple. Pull the carb, enlarge the hole. Pop it in.

Can also put a guide wire through the line, push it up though the tank, grab and pull it through, all after you put fuel filter on already.

Er, er, yeah well it shoulda been, but me and the carb had a personality conflict!!

 

[Simondo]

View attachment 56880 Hmmm...wish ya hadn't said that!!

Silicone grease (wont attack the rubber)...just a little bit , it helps .

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Silicone grease (wont attack the rubber)...just a little bit , it helps .

Yep
I do the same thing

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Yep
I do the same thing

Hmm...ze many attributes of silicone grease...hmm!
LOL

 

[CrystalRiver1]

That's a fricken rip off. I charge 15 minutes plus the parts for a repair like that.

TJ, I have a card for our regional Stihl Rep...one hella va nice guy.
I met him a few months back while getting my wife's car serviced at a local dealership.
I sent him a rather detailed text concerning the matter...he had recommended these guys as 2nd best...so now I'll ferret out his #1 dealer!
In the meantime...I'm getting somewhat handy at minor repairs!!

 

[drf256]

Er, er, yeah well it shoulda been, but me and the carb had a personality conflict!!

You know the handle needs to come apart to get the linkage off the carb. That is, unless, I'm not aware of another method.