I was given a 1979 028 AV by my co-worker. His dad bought it new and used it to cut one tri-axle load of logs. He used an old blue Vermont Castings stove to heat his home in Philadelphia for many years. The saw was loaned out to family members from time to time and the last time it came back it wouldn't start. It also leaks bar oil while sitting collecting dust. I have two saws in the same class as this one, but I want to make this one a runner to honor the previous owners. Are parts still easy to come by for this saw? Depending on time and depth of work I may do the work myself or take it to a professional. I also considered porting or a muffler mod to help the power to weight ratio.
They’re fairly simple to work on , and parts are relatively easy to find . Going from memory ,the oil pump,and clutch drive was done a couple of different ways on those . So, pay close attention to the ipl when ordering parts . Stihl 028 Chainsaw (028WB) Parts Diagram The ipl is from the UK . So, the prices are not the same as they will be here . They tend to be a lot more expensive in Europe .
Don’t drop it from a height of seven feet. That’s why I have an 032 now. I had no issues with mine, running wise. Always started. I think the clutch wore out after a few years.
Thanks Nixon. Is it possible the oil pump is "stuck" open and that's why it leaks like a sieve whether running or sitting?
They’re good saws. Air filters are usually toasted on heavily used ones... oem is the best for filters, fuel line, etc. The oil leak could be several things. Can you see where it’s leaking from?
Likely the oil tank check valve . Some times the get a bit of grunge in them and stick open .Causing the tank to gravity flow . Go to the ipl for the crankcase . It’s item # 6 in the drawing . Generally it can be clear with a shop of low pressure air . It’s basically a small ball bearing held closed with a spring . It could also be where the pump connects to the oil tank .
I have the Stihl 028 Wood Boss I bought from our neighbor about 5 or six years ago for 60 bucks, I did have it checked over before running it and we haven't had any problems with it. Ours came with a 14 or 15 inch bar so I purchased a 18 inch bar, it's been problem free. I wish mine had a chain brake but it doesn't, it's a nice saw made in West Germany.
