Stihl 031av chain saw points setting/cleaning

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TCMII

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Hi all,

I'm new to this site and have a Stihl 031av chain saw that I just aquired and would like to know how to clean the points / timing? I have no idea how to take this chain saw apart but do have mechanical ability. Also is replacement fuel line still being made for this model? And why does the recoil make a noise when retracting?

Thanks,
Steve
 
You need to remove the 2-3 screws holding on the starter and see what is going
on, while off, you will see the flywheel top, which has 2 whitish plugs with screws
in them which will allow access to the points.

They should be set at @ .016..

The fuel line should still be available.
 
Is there two versions of the 031? I just got into one and it didnt have points. Got a coil. Just wondering.
 
Someone more than likely took the points out. Is there a Nova or Atom installed on it?

Would that be a little silver box with a couple wires hanging out of it?? If yes, then i guess so. Where do i get those? Will they work on the older saws like a David Bradley and so forth?
 
I can set the points through the cap holes? Also how do I replace the fuel line?

Yes that is what the caps are for. Unscrew the screw about 1/4 or 1/2 turn and pull the caps out. If you unscrew them too much they will fall through and you will need to pull your flywheel then. What part of the fuel line needs replacing? The line in the tank or the line from your tank fitting to your carb?
 
It looks like the line from the tank to the carb.

I cleaned the points and checked the gap, then put on a new Bosch plug and when I pull the starter rope I have a nice blue small spark.

Also whats a good way to clean out varnish from bottom of tank?

What size bar and chain did these 031av come with?
 
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There are a few ways to clean out the tank. You could put some fuel, or lacquer thinner in the tank with some small nuts and shake it. I don't think lacquer thinner would hurt the gasket on the tank, but I would remove the gas line first though. Oh, how about using carb cleaner?

The 031 usually was sold with a 16" 3/8 pitch bar and chain.

Hope I have been a little help.

Bob
 
Would that be a little silver box with a couple wires hanging out of it?? If yes, then i guess so. Where do i get those? Will they work on the older saws like a David Bradley and so forth?

Yes that would be one. You can find those at your local Napa parts store. I'll get a number later tonight and PM you with that.
 
What do I need to remove to replace fuel line?

You should have a white elbow sticking out of your tank. Remove that first. Becareful not to break it. Then you should have a black groment that connects to the fuel line that goes to your filter. Remove those. I think you still can get those parts from Stihl.
 
Do I need to remove the orange top of the chain saw?

What about the line from the tank to carburetor.

Hmmm, well it has been over thirty years since I have looked at an 031, but I don't believe you have to remove the handle parts at all. The "orange top" is part of the handle,,,,but what ever you do, you will want to remove the gas tank/starter from the saw. There are 4 screws to remove. Then as you are removing the tank, you will see the gasline connection on the top of the tank. Just pull the line to the carb off and you will be left with the white elbow on the tank. Pull the elbow off, and then the black gas line can be pulled through the hole. The filter should come through the hole with the line, but you may have to fish the filter out through the filler hole with a bent wire.

If it were me I would go to a Stihl dealer and get all the gas lines and the impulse line and replace them. You can still get the funny line that goes in the tank, but I am not sure how long they will be available. I am about to get a new one for my 041, as they used the same gasline setup as the 031AV.

Bob
 
I have all the numbers for the fuel lines and will be going to the Stihl dealer tomorrow. How do I get to the line at the carb without taking it apart? If I take it down like you said dont i need the fuel tank gasket. Should I be able to blow through the line from the tank to the carb? The line in the tank looks like its been replaced and it has a mesh material not the usual filter.
 
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031 fuel line

Remove the two nut from the carb & the metal c-clip on the side of carb. Then slide the carb back toward you until it is removed.
Have you had this saw running yet? If not carb may need a kit installed also.
 
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