My new / old Stihl 026

TessiersFarm · March 29, 2009, 08:41:12 PM

I posted here before about an old 026 I have hed for years. I tried to trade it a few years ago and was told it had low compression and was not woth anything, at a dealer I know and trusted. Over the past year or two it has lost power and started to run a little rough. I was looking to replace it and a friend of my fathers suggested rebuilding it. Long story longer, I tore it down this weekend and found two things. The cylinder and piston were in great shape, the rings had a little too much end gap, otherwise great shape internally. The power loss and rough running was totally my fault (dirty Air Filter). I have ordered new gaskets and piston rings and for under $30.00 I have a great saw that I like. The other thing I found out is that the dealership was a little off base on their acessment of the saws condition. I have been less than happy the last few times I have dealt with them, maybe time to look elsewhere.

fishpharmer · March 29, 2009, 08:53:28 PM

Good for you TFarm. I just love it when I can fix something myself and save a little. You would like to think some dealers are tellin you strait. Always pays to get a second opinion if you can. Let us know how it runs when back together.

sawmilllawyer · March 31, 2009, 01:31:05 AM

Just remember they are "sales people" and want you to want that shiney new SAW. On the other hand I would have rebuilt the saw too or at least tore it down enough to determine if I wanted to rebuild or buy a new (maybe) better, saw. Seems like you took the right path for you and saved some coin. Good on you.

Ironmower · March 31, 2009, 07:07:58 AM

AIr filters are everything, ain't they eh eh Just rebuilt my 026 back in Dec. I went to our stihl dealer for my parts WOW!

The factory replacement rings are outa sight. I paid almost $40.00 for the rings & about that for an airfilter too! Wish I'd ordered some from baileys instead, the saw runs like new now ;)

................Why does the dealers or stihl sell their piston rings seperately >:(?........ I believe the "fancy" little boxes cost more to make than the rings :D. I don't think they like people repairin' their own stuff. That dealer ain't gettin' anymore of my money ;D Just like everything else you're payin' for the name :

>:( ............Good luck with your rebuild & happy sawin' ;D

TessiersFarm · March 31, 2009, 08:10:40 PM

The worse part of the deal was I bought the new 036 anyway, I never did regret that. I just kept the 026 as a "backup". 5 years later its still running and after this rebuild I will more than likely use it as much as the new one. Interestingly enough the 036 was supposed to replace the 026, it only made me realize I needed 4 saws instead of 1. Since I have bought a 180 which my father loves and I do for certain things and I am currently trying to buy a used 440. Oh yeah I bought another 361 somewhere in there too. Just like guns though I tell my wife its an investment, it would be crazy to get rid of them now.

Adam_MA · April 01, 2009, 08:16:57 AM

Quote from: TessiersFarm on March 31, 2009, 08:10:40 PM
Just like guns though I tell my wife its an investment, it would be crazy to get rid of them now.

When someone asks me how many guns I own, I tell them 1 more than I need but 2 less than I want. Those numbers never change!

Nice to see someone from Skowhegan, most of my family is from there.

John Woodworth · April 02, 2009, 12:14:34 PM

I have a 026 that I use for small tasks and mainly carry in the back of the skidder to bump knots, have had it for at least 8 years now with no problems at all, a wonderful saw.