Stihl 029 Refresh

[Dolmarvarna]

Hey guys,
I have never rebuilt a saw before but I want to try.
My dad gifted me an old Stihl 029 many years ago. I have a Dolkita 6100 and the Stihl just sits.
Would like to do a cylinder, refresh bearings, and whatever else you guys tell me to do to make it "like new"
It doesn't necessarily need any of this, I just want to learn more about working on saws.

Besides what is in this kit, should I grab any other parts?

 

[GMB74]

This kit will upgrade your 029 to a 039/MS390, which is commonly done when rebuilding this model.
There are tons of threads about this rebuild/conversion on this forum and other forums- read up on them.
You may or may not need the crankshaft, need to tear it down to tell.
For the price, why not get it anyways.
Rebuild the carburetor.
Replace the fuel line, filter and impulse line with OEM parts and you should be good to go.
Check the intake boot carefully for damage and hardening. Replace it with OEM if needed.
These make a nice powerful firewood saw, especially if you do a muffler mod.
Consider upgrading to 3/8 chain and a 20" bar if it suits your needs.
I have one like this and like it a lot.

 

[Czed]

I'd just reuse the original 029 cylinder if possible and put a new piston kit,seals and fuel line line in it.
Unless you can find a used oem 390 cylinder.

 

[Dolmarvarna]

@GMB74
Great info. Thank you for that. I'll try to do it as you say. Thanks again!

@Czed
Not a fan of aftermarket cylinders?
I've heard not to mess with aftermarket carbs - but I've heard cylinders are generally ok.

 

[Dolmarvarna]

@GMB74
039 carb rebuild kit? Or will the 029 jetted as-is from the factory supply the 039 cylinder ok?

 

[Czed]

@GMB74
Great info. Thank you for that. I'll try to do it as you say. Thanks again!

@Czed
Not a fan of aftermarket cylinders?
I've heard not to mess with aftermarket carbs - but I've heard cylinders are generally ok.

I've rebuilt several 029/290/310/390s
With 390 am cylinder kits
Some were strong some were better left as 290s
The am kits are hit or miss
Duke's sells a nice popup piston for these
Seems to give them a good bump in compression.

 

[GMB74]

Both MS290 and MS390 used Walbro HD-18A carbs, and that is what I assume you have.
Many people have just used the carb that came on their 029/MS290 when doing the big bore upgrade and it seems to work well.
If you look in the parts catalog, a larger main jet is specified for MS390. Item #33,34 in the diagram.
It wouldn't hurt to replace or open up the jet to insure you don't go lean at full throttle/ full load, especially if you are doing a muffler mod.
There are discussions about this on multiple forums.
Czed has given you some very good info. AM Chinese parts are definitely hit or miss.
Pop-up pistons are available for both the MS290 and MS390 cylinders.
I have a toasted MS290 I am going to play with this winter with a Hyway MS390 cylinder and a pop-up piston.

 

[thompsoncustom]

Indeed the Brazilian model of the ms390 had a larger main jet I assume because of a less choked up muffler. When I converted mine from a 290 to a 390 I just drilled the jet out which is super easy to do by hand you just need a micro drill set.

Would be helpful to have a degree wheel so you could check timing on a aftermarket jug before putting it all together, I just sent one back that had a high exhaust and huge squish.