I have an elderly friend with a Stihl 290 Farm Boss that recently stopped oiling and wanted to know whether to buy a new saw or fix old? I told him I would ask on FHC and see how much of a job it would be? Any help out there would be appreciated! Thanks
It could be something as simple as a plugged/dirty oiler hole in the saw or bar. Possibly a dirty filter in the oil tank. You can take the bar off and start the saw a give it a few revs and see if any oil comes out the hole. If not try LOW pressure air in the oiler hole and see if air comes back to the tank. My MS250 stopped oiling and it turned out to be a small wood chip in the line. If it needs a new pump it would be cheaper than a new saw.
Probably worst case is replacing the pump and or worm gear. Not worth replacing the saw for. Check to see if the clutch drum has been off lately. Worm gear drives off a wire that needs to set in a groove in the drum when re-assembled. If the wire isn’t in the groove, worm gear won’t drive the pump.
I picked up the saw today took off bar started saw revved a few times no oil blew a little air thru and tried again still no oil. Pulled the clutch hub and tried to remove clutch without success. It should turn clockwise to loosen correct? I ran out of daylight so will continue tomorrow.
Ok Thank you all for the great info. I was able to pull the clutch and pull the pump off this morning the pump had a glob of gunk in the pick up hole at the end of the drive gear. I was able to blow it out and also checked the line into the tank put it all back together and started the saw a few rev's later out poured the oil form the oiler hole. I brought the saw back to him he wanted to pay me I said No but he stuck some money in my pocket I was happy to help him out. Again thank you all that gave advice, this is FHC at it's best!
