Just picked up an 028 and an 029 today. Paid $350 cash for both. Both started and ran but the 028 seems like the carb needs some cleaning. 028 came with a bar and a crusty old chain. That will be replaced. Powerhead only on the 029. I think I got a pretty good deal. Guy was asking $450 for both and after looking at the saws I said $300. He countered with $375 and we settled on $350. Looking forward to fixing these up. Sprockets on both need to be replaced, 2 new bars and chains (I should have chains that work and I think I have one extra 18" bar already from my existing 028), new fuel filters, air filters, new gas and oil caps, clean the carb out...... The chain brake on the 028 is not working as it is missing a spring so I will fix that as well.
Exciting times indeed! Thanks. I am looking forward to the journey. I sharpened up the my 028 (not this one I'm rebuilding) the other day after realizing I had forgotten to sharpen it (i.e. it wasn't cutting well) and used it to trim up some black oak rounds. That was pretty satisfying to see it back in action. I'm excited to see try out the 029 as I've never used one before.
I can't tell. I haven't looked at it yet. But when I sent the serial number to Stihl even they couldn't find any info on it. It was a metal sticker near the front of the saw on the clutch side. They did confirm the 029 as being manufactured in 1993 but that serial number was etched into the plastic body.
Took off the clutch cover so I could have a look see as well as to take a picture of the sprocket. I don't recall the needle bearing being this long on my 1993 028 WB AV but maybe I'm just getting senile. The spur sprocket needs to be replaced for sure. Needs a new air filter and probably a new spark plug (forgot to check that). I also took off the muffler and the cylinder looks pristine! I think I got lucky there. Spark arrestor was super clean. Muffler a little rusted. I could wire wheel it and clean it up a little. Fuel cap was leaking so I will order a replacement. Anyone recognize this old chain? What's with all the fancy curls and stuff? Is that the old version of the RM chain?
that’s anti kickback / safety chain I haven’t seen that bearing either, but it makes sense for the length of that spur and how cantilevered it is.
That must be an older version of an anti-kickback safety chain, no? Nowadays they just have that second raker, no?
Well then.......the trigger mechanism for the 028 is a bit off. You can squeeze the throttle and bypass the top spring loaded safety lever. They both look pretty beat up so I ordered a set NOS oem for $18. Then I got my Oregon 18" .325" .063" bar and chain (went with the Versacut model#183VXLGD025) and then realized that the chain brake spring (the main one) was not present. I'm not sure how I missed this before.....but always a good thing to double check thy work indeed. So far the list of things done to the 028: Swapped out my slightly used spur sprocket to replace the one that the saw came with New Oregon 18" bar and (2) Powercut pro chains (model 22LGX074G) New am flocked air filter NOS throttle trigger and safety lever NOS chain catch New NGK spark plug New AM inner plate (at the studs) NOS chain brake spring Lubed the clutch needle bearing I still have to test it in the cut and adjust the carb.
So I ordered a replacement oil pump washer....and the one that was on the saw.....I think was the wrong one. it's quite a bit taller....and the clutch had made an indentation onto the top of the washer....and it was also smaller in diameter...... I'm pretty sure this is the reason why the saw was not oiling properly - because the gear on the sprocket was too high and wasn't catching the the gear for the oil pump. I'm still waiting for the clutch springs before I can test.
The 029 started yesterday, did some cuts with my 20" stihl bar and rs chain that was on the 034 Super. Was very hard to adjust the carb. The oiler was not working properly as the bar was bone dry even though I had seen oil come out of the oiler hole. I forgot I had already figured out it was missing the washer plate between the worm gear and the clutch.......which luckily I had already ordered. Then the saw wouldn't start and I figured the carb needed cleaning and/or a rebuild kit.....and a Walbor K10-HD rebuild kit is what I ended up ordering for $8 shipped. I'd say that diaphragm was certainly shot. 99% of the saws I'm working on have all been sitting in crappy fuel for a long time....and basically have come to know I almost always need a carb rebuild kit. Washed the carb in the parts cleaner and kept all the old bits to make sure the new kit is the proper one. The 029 cut through that 32" diameter hickory and was making some nice chips on a freshly sharpened chain. My neighbor wants to buy the saw so I'm going to recommend an 18" bar with an RS chain.
We have an 029, when it started getting weak, had Kevin put some xtra sausage in it with 039 top end. It is a beast with 20" b/c
Nice! My neighbor wants a saw basically for emergency purposes in case a tree falls down he said. He has a toy atm - an Echo CS-305. I picked that thing up and was like "Uh.....no." hahahaha.
Well after doing the gasket kit the saw still didn't start....And it turns out the fuel line was shot. There was a crack in it. Replaced that and it started right up. Then it wasn't idling properly - chain would continue to move at 2500rpm - so I ordered a set of clutch springs. Here's before and after. Sometimes you can't tell by just looking at it as they look about the same to me. If it's not behaving properly at the right rpm then in this case it was the clutch springs. Slapped the new ones in today and the saw is working 100%.
I always take the carbs apart and give them a bath in my heated ultrasonic cleaner filled with Berrymans Chem Tool. In fact every carb I take apart goes for a swim. I much prefer the older saws, they actually have alloy parts, not plastic.
I agree on older saws....except this 029 is mostly plastic. Which is why I'm selling it to my neighbor for cost. $175 + all the parts I spent on it + $0 for my time. It will suit his needs perfectly and I have the satisfaction of bringing a saw back from the dead. One of these days I'll consider an ultrasonic cleaner....but for now the parts washer + carb cleaner + rebuild kits seems to be working knock on wood.
I actually use mine to clean my handguns, especially the difficult to take down early Ruger 22's. I have a number of them I use for 50 foot indoor comp and it's much easier to just give them a swim than try to take them apart. Good for carbs and small parts and assemblies too. remove the optics and the furniture and in they go.
Update on the 029. Had it ready to go but when I checked for proper oiling function it did not oil at all. I checked the worm gear, manually spun the pump and saw it was working, checked the pickup line, cleaned the reservoir, sprayed brake cleaner through the pump, the plastic arm, the output hole, even bent up the little arm on the metal piece of the worm gear that clicks into the notch for the spur sprocket. Intermittent oiling which seemed super strange to me. When it was not oiling I could see oil in the pump. Well it turns out I saw a video by Donyboy talking about how the metal ring around the worm gear spins freely and lo and behold that was it. That's why it would catch once in a while and then all of a sudden just not work at all. Went to the dealer and spent $20 and got a new one and now the saw is off to be a Christmas present. Glad I was able to bring this saw back to life. The new owner is going to put an Oregon Versacut 20" bar on it, 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge. He left with a 33RS72 Stihl chain so it will cut nice. Here's the video.
