Stihl 026 New Bar Question

Looking to pick up a new 16" bar for my Stihl 026 and I noticed the part number on the bar itself is noted as 3003 000 6813, however, when I use the Stihl guide bar selector tool online it notes the part number as 3003 008 6813. I believe this is an older saw, has a riveted nameplate and model plate, not sure if the bar part number just was updated at some point and mine is now obsolete? Just wanted to ask the experts before placing an order. Thanks.

 

A competent parts person will know what you need for an 026.
16” .325 .63

 

What does the .63 refer to? I know I need a 16" length with a .325 pitch and 67 drive links to match my current bar/chain combination.

 

After further reading online I believe the .063 you are referring to is actually corresponding to the chain gauge which should be .063 or 1.6 mm as noted on the chain bar.

I guess my point with all of this was that I didn't want to order a 3003 008 6813 rather than the original part number 3003 000 6813 and run into some sort of issue. But sounds like they are all fairly universal and it's just a matter of matching the critical values (16" length, .325 pitch, 67 drive links, .063 gauge).

 

Calling M2theB He just put a new bar on my 026 he was working on. Im the original owner circa late 1992 and he gave it new life.

 

That sounds right. I dont usually go by the model number/part number.

 

i believe he meant .063 which is the thickness of the dive links.

 

I’ll get a pic this afternoon for 100% accuracy

 

NK designates narrow kerf. If that’s what’s on it, and you like it, make sure your new bar is the same. The nk chain won’t cut a wide enough path for a standard kerf bar. It may bind in the cut.

 

I am still just starting out in this whole chainsaw/firewood hobby, so I don't have much of a preference. As long as my new parts are compatible with the saw I probably won't notice much of a difference I'm guessing. I will just be sure to not use the narrow kerf chain with the new bar.

 

Definitely do if you get a nk bar. Not a bad thing, at all, it’s just not as wide. If you switch from nk to standard width, you’d notice a difference. Probably best to just stick with what’s on there.

 

Well I ended up ordering a 3003 008 6813 bar and 3689 005 0067 chain. If I end up hating it I'll eventually try to find a narrow kerf bar and chain, but these standard kerf were easily/quickly available as far as I could tell, and matched what Stihl recommends per the website.

 

That will work on you 026. Not sure when but Stihl changed bar #'s. The chain you ordered may be the low kick back version. If that matters.

 

Yeah I believe it is low kickback version from what I've read. As mentioned above, since I am just starting out, not sure I will gain much from using the yellow chain vs green chain - and in any case, I know that a low-kickback chain is not going to prevent that from happening altogether. Need to use proper technique and take safety precautions no matter what.

 

One thing not mentioned in any previous posts is to check your sprocket to make sure it is not worn. You don't want to bugger up a new chain.

 

Good call - I actually replaced the clutch recently and the sprocket appeared to look OK - I will definitely take a closer look before putting the new bar and chain on.

 

LOL , That's what they all say !!

It starts off as a hobby , then before you know it you have the un-curable diseases that can't be cured = " Stihl-itis " or " CAD ". If you are lucky you might only get one but from your current symptoms it sounds to me like you will probably catch both.

 

He said "HOBBY".

 

Lol - my wife literally called out the window to me the other day after work "true life, my husband is addicted to splitting firewood"

Already eyeballing some larger saws so I can get a ~20" bar and cut some larger diameter stuff. May be next year before I get approval from my better half to invest money in another saw, though.

Appreciate all the feedback everyone.