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028WB - Need Advice, Please

Started by High_Noon, September 16, 2015, 11:57:58 PM

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High_Noon

Hello Forestry Forum Members.  New Member and first time poster here, but I have lurked for quite a while and I have learned a great deal from many of the very knowledgeable members here.  I am hopeful the forum members here can help me with a repair issue regarding my 028 WB.  I recently took it to the local Sthil dealer due to a severe oil leak and starting issues.  I was floored with the $472.96 repair estimate they gave me.  For less than that I can get an excellent used MS 261 or MS261C, which I desperately want, but I can’t really justify the cost right now – or maybe I can…  According to the Sthil service center, I need the following parts:

Module - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         000-400-1300   $114.14
Points - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   1118-400-2000   $29.08
Condenser - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   1118-404-3400   $29.71
Oil Pump - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   1118-640-3210   $89.00
Pin Sprocket, .325, Set 7-Tooth - - - -           1118-007-1029   $39.99
Rim Sprocket, .325, 7-Tooth - - - - - -           1118-007-1003   $49.99

I have found the following parts on fleabay or elsewhere on the internet:
1)   “ignition chip,” which apparently replaces the points and condenser: $20.00 (Good idea?)
2)   NOS Oil Pump Kit w/ worm gear: $85.00
3)   sprocket & bearing: $29.00
4)   aftermarket ignition coil: $14.00
5)   Crankshaft Oil Vacuum Seal Set (Flywheel & Clutch): $13.00 (needed?)

The parts I have found total about $160.00.  I am pretty handy, so I could try to install the parts, but I’d rather have a professional do the work due to my current time limitations.  I also asked the dealer to give me a quote on retrofitting a chain brake, as I read on the Sthil website that this can be done for many older saws, but they neglected to get me this information – is this possible and if so, how much would this cost?

So, for around $240.00 I can fix up my old 028 WB (+ the cost of retrofitting a chain brake, if possible).  My 028WB ran great the last time I used it – it has always been very a powerful saw, which has served me well, but it is a bit heavy…  If a chain brake can indeed be retrofitted, I am probably looking at about $350.00 to repair my 028WB.  I just don’t think it’s worth the cost to repair, considering I can get a MS261C or MS261 for just a bit more or I could get a MS260 or MS026 for a bit less. 

Questions:
1)   What say you?
2)   Where is a good source for discount parts?
3)   Where can I find an excellent used MS261C/MS261?
4)   Would it be possible to trade-in my 028 WB (as is) on a MS261/MS261C somewhere – if so, where?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and thank for your advice!

- High_Noon

ZeroJunk

Item 1 and 2-3 are either or.  Still, the only reason to spend a lot of money on it would be sentimental.
You can buy a good 026 which is a more modern design on ebay which this day and time is totally slanted to the buyer to the point if you find anything amiss with it in 45 days you can send it back for a refund. Also check your Craigslist which has saws coming up all the time.

I would also say that the starting issue could be a lot of things besides the ignition, just a SWAG by the dealer. Carb, impulse line, or just low compression. So, if it is a labor of love that is fine. But, you might chase your tail a bit.

High_Noon

ZeroJunk, Thanks for the reply.  I don't really attach any sentimental value to my 028WB, other than it was my first great saw and always was able to do the job, and do it well, but I agree that it is probably time to move on.  Perhaps I will sell it or trade it in, but I do like the idea of rebuilding it one day as a back-up saw.

You mentioned the 026, which I agree would be a good choice.  Of the saws I'm interested in (in my current order of preference: MS261C, MS261, MS260, or MS026) which would be the best, most reliable choice?  I like the idea of purchasing a quality, professional grade saw, that will probably last the rest of my life.

My intended usage will be for firewood, property maintenance, general ranch work, etc...  I'd like to stay in the under $400.00 range (including shipping) for a used saw in good to excellent condition.  I understand the basic differences between the models, but I am having a hard time choosing.  I think I will likely end up purchasing a saw in the condition I am looking for based upon availability - and I am not in a hurry, so I have some time to find a nice one.  I sure do like the newer MS261 & MS261C, but I'm sure a 026 or a 260 would be a good choice as well.

nitehawk55

There are a lot of 028 WB saws out there for parts or a member here may have one . I've had 2 give to me this past year and both would have fixed yours with parts to spare .

The 028 in my avatar is one I bought a few months ago  . The son was selling it for his father who had purchased it new and is now 90 . It's in almost new condition with maybe an hour of running time . Price was $120 so there are some deals out there if you look :)
I AM NOT BRAND LOYAL !

BradMarks

$400+ into a used saw? Ouch.  They probably had an equivalent used saw in the back for $200 ;D.   I have an old (90's) 026. It runs good and started after 17 years without use.  Nitehawk got a good deal, you can too.

High_Noon

Yes, nitehawk got quite a deal on that one.  Unfortunately, deals like that are few and far between.  The MS261s are going for close to $400.00 (or more w/ shipping) on fleabay.  Locally, I don't have much of a chance to find a good saw b/c I live in the desert (but I am moving within about 9 months).  Today, I found a Stihl specialist, who agreed to go completely through my 028WB, including new rings, gaskets, seals, new cylinder & piston, if necessary, decarbonizing, carb rebuild, if necessary, and any small parts replaced as necessary for $190.00, including shipping both ways.  He also quoted me $60.00 extra on all the parts I listed above! (if, in fact, they are all needed.)  So for $190.00 - $250.00, I can have my saw completely rebuilt, but I'm not sure it's worth spending that much on a 30 year old saw...  What do you think?

nitehawk55

If this fellow does a good job of it I would think that's not too bad but is he using OEM or aftermarket parts ?, sounds like cheap aftermarket and that would be my concern .

I'd still lean to being patient and finding a parts saw . Sorry I can't give you mine , my youngest son is an 028 nut and has 3 or 4 good runners so they were donated to him .
I AM NOT BRAND LOYAL !

High_Noon

OEM/Stihl genuine parts.

If I decide to get the 028WB repaired, I'll use it as a spare/backup saw, as I'd rather put the $ towards a MS261 right now.

If anyone knows of a used, clean/excellent MS261 for sale please let me know.  Thanks.

ZeroJunk

You can't even buy the cylinder OEM new for $190 . Could be he has a bunch of 028 parts saws that he can use.

High_Noon

Yes, I saw photos of his shop - it looks like he has a great deal of Stihl saws he uses as parts saws.  I like the fact that he goes through the entire saw rather than simply replacing parts that "need" to be replaced - like my local dealer.  I am reasonably sure my local Stihl dealer inflated the estimate by including parts that don't need replacement. 

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