Okay gang, what's the deal with my 028? Are they all like this? Can I fix it? I am assuming I don't even need to tell you guys what it does, or rather doesn't, do. It's a bit scary at times, but it has made me a dedicated chain brake setter, which I think is a good thing. I do it religiously now on either of my saws anytime I'm not cutting. So yeah, is there a fix for the 028, or just live with it?
Yep, chain pretty much always spins. I can easily stop it at idle by setting it on wood, but if it's not touching anything, it's usually spinning. I really haven't worked on saws at all, so I'm not clear on what or how they are stopped when at idle. That "electronic quick stop" badge made me think it had a brake or something. I'd like to fix it if possible.
I don't know what an electronic quick stop is? They have a clutch that is centrifugal in nature. The faster it spins the tighter it grabs the clutch drum. If your chain is too loose it will constantly spin as there is not enough friction to stop.
There are several braking systems on Stihl saws. All newer Stihl saws have a spring loaded paddle that sets the brake manually. Some saws also have a lever on the top of the back handle that will activate the brake if it is released. There is also a centrifugal activated brake system on some Stihl saws that will set the brake if the saw jerks up rapidly as it will in the case of kickback, which is the type that you have on your 028. To stop the chain from spinning at idle you need to set the brake manually, or you need to tune the carb L and L/A screws to lower the idle so that the chain does not spin. What happens is that when the saw's engine spins faster, the clutch engages and locks the crankshaft to the drive sprocket. If the chain still spins when the idle is set correctly, you likely need a new clutch spring (or springs, depending on the type of clutch you have in your 028). When the springs get weak, bent or loose, the clutch engages at lower idle speeds. Springs are cheap and easy to replace.
Okay, that makes sense, thanks StihlHead. It's an old saw, and the idle seems about right, so I'm guessing worn out springs. I use the manual chain brake religiously, mostly due to this problem, but I'd like to fix the clutch springs. Any recommended Youtube videos or tutorials on Stihl clutch work?
Stihl said what I should of said more eloquently and he can convey the way it works better than me. Some are just better teachers . I did not go into chain brakes but should have to make it all make clearer sense. Sorry.
The electronic is for the fact that the saw has an electronic ignition and not points. Has nothing to do with the chain brake.
Hey don't you guys think he could have a AIR LEAK, causing a lean condition which is contributing to the high idle?
Many different variations of the 028 WB.... As said above, if the chain is spinning at idle (and nothing has changed? Then it's time for new clutch springs as StihlHead suggested. Doesn't take much to swap them out. That saw is pretty old, so it's likely in need of them.
The 028 AVQ clutch is supposed to engage at 3100 RPM and above. The idle is supposed to be set at 2200 RPM. There is inconsistency between my 028 IPL and 028 workshop manual as to what type of springs are in the 028. The IPL shows 3 clutch shoes and springs between, which is the same as newer Stihl saws. The workshop manual shows one large spring that wraps around the clutches under a clutch cover. My guess is that there were earlier and later types of clutches used in them.
