I have you all to thank for saving my Dad's Stihl 021 that he gave to me years ago (and that I used for years), and I can now add it back to my signature. Yesterday, my oldest son and I took some of the basic steps that many of you had suggested over the last week as I am working on fixing my Stihl MS250, and we got the 021 humming. Several years ago, I had brought the 021 to my original Stihl dealer for evaluation by the mechanic, because it would start and run for 10-20 seconds and then stall, and not re-start. Several days later, the dealer reported that the 021 was so badly damaged that it would cost more to fix than buy a new one, and convinced me to buy the 250, which he described as a "commercial, not homeowner's" saw. (Unfortunately, I trusted him to give me a straight story, did not independently research the Stihl lineup, and did not know about places like FHC. I now know better.) I held on to the 021, thinking that one day my sons and I might take it apart and try to fix it ourselves as a learning project. Yesterday, we removed the muffler and found an 85% clogged spark screen. We cleaned it and the rest of the muffler out, including opening back up a somewhat closed vent on the diverter. We confirmed the functionality of the clutch drum and sprocket (will need to replace soon, but still functional), needle bearing (good), and clutch (good). After that, the saw ran great. We did not have time to cut wood yesterday, so I still need to verify that it will cut well. My son and I had a great time working together, and it looks like we got a great result fairly quickly. Thanks again to everyone who has helped me with the 250 project and, by extension, this project. My Dad loved hearing the story yesterday. Needless to say, I have left the original Stihl dealer. My dad had a 16" bar on the 021, which is what I have on the 250, so I want to go to a reduced bar length on the 021. What bar length would you recommend for the 021 so that it really flies?
I understand how you feel about your Dad's 021.. Like the 023 it's a great saw that will last for decades with minimal maintenance.. I run my 023 with a 16" bar and it's works well with a sharp chain.. Sharpen that chain and try it out.. I will also add to check the bar as mine was pretty worn and the saw cut poorly even with a sharp chain.. New Stihl bar took care of this.. Found Stihl bar and chains on Ebay..
Glad you got it fixed up with your son I think a 14 or 16 inch bar would be great on the 023 Steer very clear of that dealer
021 I would say 14-16" is fine as long as you're running 3/8" Picco (Low-Pro) chain. The larger 1123 series saws were commonly sold with .325 chain and that will work them a bit harder.
LOL OK yes that's what it runs and came with.. That sprocket I replaced last year.. Found a new one on Ebay also new Stihl chains too..
