New Saw: Stihl 026

So I’ve been kicking around getting a second saw for awhile now. I have an MS250 that I picked up new about 16 years ago. It’s been a wonderful saw, I could just use more power at some times.

I saw this 026 on Marketplace for $180. It had been up for weeks as well. Seemed like it was priced lower than the other ones in the area. I took a ride over today, met up with the seller(he showed up a bit late) and went to start it. Unfortunately, it flooded out. Long story short, pulling the plug, pulling it over and reinstalling the plug got it running. Ran good, offered $150 and we settled on $160.

Got it home, fired it up and went after this Ash that fell on the fence. (Yep! Another Ash on the fence! Luckily, no damage to the fence.) This saw rips! Holds a good steady RPM, less bogging than the 250 in the bigger rounds. It’s also really light! Feels the same as the MS250. Overall, I’m really happy. Felt it was a good score for the price.

Two small issues to take care of:
It will die on occasion when idling. Guess this is a common 026 issue. I’ll add Seafoam to the tank and see if that helps before adjust the carb.

Strong gas smell when off and sitting. I’ll give the lines a check.

Pics below! (Sorry for the quality, had to resize for the forum software.

Welcome any feedback you all have.

 

026 is a great saw. I used one exclusively from 1993 to 2010. Still have it as a matter of fact. The 261 is what it evolved into so its a pro level saw.

From the looks of it the hours are on the lower side if that's the original bar. Hope it treats you well.

Bought mine from Yalesville Lawn & Garden center as a Christmas present to myself in 1992!

 

Nice 50 cc there you got a deal

 

Tank vent is probably leaking. They had about 3 different types over the years. Good score.

 

You got that for a great deal IMO.
Getting a used saw with unknown maintenance history, I’d plan to put a carb rebuild kit on the list, also new fuel line and both gas & air filters. Cheap and easy to do.

 

Thanks guys! I’ll take a look at the tank vent. Hopefully and easy replacement. Seller said he did lines and a fuel filter. I’ll have to give it a close once over.

 

Ok, here’s the vent. Oddly, it didn’t smell too much today. But certainly something I want to address.

 

That style pulls straight up and off. I was able to rig an Echo vent on and it didn’t leak. There is a nipple underneath that black thing. I put a stub of fuel hose on the Echo vent and forced it into the bore of nipple. (not outside as most conventional hose connections). Presto! They made about nine quadrillion of those, so not really worried about originality. I know of people who will suffer with a fuel leak to stay original. I’m not that guy

 

Yes, good deal on that saw. Now get it on huskihl list for some Xtra Sausage...you will be amazed.

 

^^ this is better idea then he realizes

 

Thanks guys! I’ll pull the vent off and have a closer look. I really need to pull the covers off and give everything a good once over.

 

Most, if not all, have a pretty restrictive muffler. Pretty easy to rectify without much effort.

 

Had a little time today to dig into the saw. Over all, seems to be in really good shape.

Some pics:








So the vent is the source of the leak. I tipped the saw on its side and saw the leak. Duane(Pa) What are the specs for the hose/line you used? Also, which Echo vent did you use? That route makes sense to me.







OEM breather





Random note: These battery powered blowers are awesome. If you don’t feel like charging up the compressor, they really move some air! The tip I have here worked well. There are others to choose from that come with it.




Couple shots of it all cleaned up and next to the MS250.





Pulled the muffler and had a look at the piston. Sorry for the quality here as my phone focused on the inside of the muffler and not the piston. It was in really good shape; no scoring at all.

 

I just messed around with different diameters and length tygon hose looking for a force fit that would not vibrate loose.

 

I just put one of those Echo vents on my old edition 346xp. They work well.

 

I’m pretty sure huskihl turned me on to these vents. I have them on a bunch of saws. Did I just incriminate myself? I have not tried anything but OEM.

 

He turned me on to them as well. For use outside of echo products that is.

 

Awesome! Thanks guys! Seems like a really easy fit. Anyone know what diameter line you used for this?

 

Wish I could be more specific. Find something that is snug in the bore. That is important. The vent has a barb shape that will squeeze into different size hose.