Stihl wood boss 028 av - replacement bar and chain?

What are compatible guide bars and chains? I will try and read the current bar model and post.
I tried to tension the chain and found that at the limit the chain was still too loose. I'm not sure if this means the chain is worn.

 

Look at the bar and see how many links it should have , count the links on your chain and make sure it has the correct number.
I never had a chain run out of adjustment no matter how much it was used.

Here is a picture of what ID's what you have Showing .325 pitch , .063 gauge and 74 drive links. This is an 18 inch bar that could very easily be what you have on your 028

 

Stihl 325 63 guage chain
SELLING - Stihl 325 63 guage chain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Some pictures of bar, chain, tensioner position.

 

The bar is 21" long as marked. Does that make it an 18" bar?

 

I can't find anything with that part number on the bar to identify what it is. I don't believe stihl makes a 21 inch bar but I am not an expert.

It does look like it has had it's use that's for sure ,
If it was me I would be shopping for a new bar & chain. If you are trying to save money you could look into an aftermarket bar such as a Carlton or Oregon instead of one from Stihl.

Also check to see how many teeth are on the driver , that also plays a part as far as how many links on the chain.
Stihl has a chart on this that you can find online.

 

028s run best with a 16” bar and .325 chain for NY hardwoods. They’ll pull a longer/barn chain combo (18”, .325) but we like the 16” for most cutting situations.
They’re over-built with solid bottom ends (mag split case design) but don’t have the torque or rpm that the 1125 or more modern series saws have. Still, one could cut a lifetime of firewood with it if the saw is treated right.

 

I'm learning. That is an 18" guide bar that came on the 028. 21" is the over all length.

So I plan to replace with: gauge .050" pitch .0325" drive links 74

I'm looking at 18" bar/chain from hlsproparts.com. I'm impressed with the hlsproparts site.

 

Note 21" is the overall length of the bar, I'm pretty sure that makes it an 18" bar.
hlsproparts.com has a nice parts list for the 028 wood boss av. I will replace the bar & chain. I'll check with the local Stihl dealer and hlsproparts.
What I found at hlsproparts was .050" gauge .325" pitch 74 drive links for an 18" bar.
Edit - buZZsaw BRAD points out the Stihl bar is .063 gauge. .050 gauge is a guide bar I found at hlsproparts.

 

Should be .325 pitch, .063 guage. 67 drive links for 16", 74 for 18", and 81 for 20" chains
Chain may be stretched which is normal when breaking in a new chain

 

Thanks, I corrected my post. .050 gauge was for a bar/chain combo at hlsproparts.

 

My original 028 had a 16" bar. I could cut through a 14" diameter log in one swath so whatever the listed bar length is i deduct a couple inches to determine that. Larger saws with longer bucking dawgs/spikes even more. My current one came with an 18" which i keep on it.

 

My old 028 had an 18 inch .325 , newer MS290 also runs the same combination. Seems to work well on both of those saws.

 

I just talked to my local Stihl dealer. All these parts are available.

18" bar 3003 008 6817
matching chain 3689 005 0074
air filter 1118 120 1611
Tank vent - 1117 350 5800
Vent insert - 1120 358 8105

 

I got the carb tuned up some so it runs pretty well unloaded (first time I've done this). The chain is so loose, it's not safe to use on wood. That's when I called the Stihl dealer. The guide bar and chain are very worn, so I'll get the new bar and chain before I go on, can't wait.

 

Another thing to look at - the sprocket. When it wears, a trough is dug where the drivers run. If drivers are in a DEEP trough, the chain becomes long. Look at "tensioner at end" pic and move 90* toward bar and look over sprocket.

 

A REAL BAD sprocket:

 

Very good. That would explain things. I'll check in the morning. How tough is it to replace the sprocket?

Edit - I found a video on sprocket replacement for MS260. If it's similar on 028 that looks manageable.

Edit - In the manual - Replacing the chain sprocket p.41(pdf p.44) p.42(pdf p.45)

Edit - I looked up the parts.
5-sprocket 0.325" 7T - 1118 640 2001
6-needle cage 10x13x23 - 9512 933 2370
37-E-clip 8x1.3 (B) - 9460 624 0801

 

Not to hard at all. Getting the E-clip off and back on is probably the hardest part. Buy an extra one or two because if they fly off they disappear to never be found again. Make sure you put a dab of grease on the needle cage when installing. The video you linked pretty much covers it. Once you have it off use some air and blow out the area behind the drum. Side note. As an option you could opt for installing a rim sprocket setup. 1118 007 1004 looks like it might be the complete kit to do that switch. Double check that # with your dealer.

 

Is there a benefit to the rim sprocket setup?