New to me Stihl 038AV Super, photos and a few questions

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I would block it with a piece of cloth (or I used a gun cleaning patch) and a rubber band. Don't want that silicon to come undone and get sucked into your carb.

I know you need 3/8, but there are either .050 or .063 thick drive links. The sprocket handle either size, but the bar must match the chain.

Saws in the Eastern US generally have .050, out in the Western US .063. Don't ask how I know this, but a .050 chain on a .063 bar makes a mess real fast!

It's better than an 063 chain on an 050 bar! I unknowingly had this combination once, couldn't figure out why my saw lost power when it got warmed up...the bar apparently was pretty well worn to even accept the 063 chain..
 
It's better than an 063 chain on an 050 bar! I unknowingly had this combination once, couldn't figure out why my saw lost power when it got warmed up...the bar apparently was pretty well worn to even accept the 063 chain..
I've been successful in lightly machining a worn 050 bar to accept 057 chain. However, I've never gotten a worn 057 bar to accept 063 chain. Trying to widen narrow bar grooves for wider chain is not exactly my cup of tea. Some say you will never get the groove or its shoulders shaped right.
 
I've been successful in lightly machining a worn 050 bar to accept 057 chain. However, I've never gotten a worn 057 bar to accept 063 chain. Trying to widen narrow bar grooves for wider chain is not exactly my cup of tea. Some say you will never get the groove or its shoulders shaped right.
I sure wasn't trying to do that, I got it mixed up with another bar I guess. I took it out to cut and it worked fine for a few minutes. Glad I had an extra saw with me.
 
Can't see any of the pics, but glad you are working the problems out. Unless I missed it, replace the fuel filter and air filter, just good practice.

They don't last forever, even if you clean them.
i.m not a big fan of aftermarket parts after working on some other guys saws that bought some of that stuff. just worked on a ms 271 that had a AM air filter on it and it was junk.we did put an AM carb on my buddies 044 just to see how it holds up. if you have a good stihl shop check them out first. just my 2 pence.:rolleyes:
 
Yes I've a very good stihl and husky dealer just 4 or so miles away, others have said the same as you Steve so if I get 5 minutes tomorrow I'll call and get prices for the filer caps, filters and clutch drum/drive sprocket. If the OEM parts are a decent price I will get at least some of them.
 
Yes I've a very good stihl and husky dealer just 4 or so miles away, others have said the same as you Steve so if I get 5 minutes tomorrow I'll call and get prices for the filer caps, filters and clutch drum/drive sprocket. If the OEM parts are a decent price I will get at least some of them.
ask them if they have any old parts saw that you might be able to get some good used parts like gas and oil caps. maybe even an old saw that has a good sprocket on it. never know. here's my dealers "graveyard". iv.e gotten a few good used parts for 1/2 of new price.
20170620_103032_resized.jpg 20170620_103039_resized.jpg
 
Good idea, but I've just seen it after coming off the phone to them so too late. All ordered as they are reasonably priced. After VAT (Value Added Tax, its our sales tax, 20%) the clutch drum, flock/fleece air filter, fuel filter and the 2 filler caps is a few pence under £40 so it didn't seem worth faffing with Chinese AM stuff.
 
Oh carp. I've found farther trouble. I'm starting to fear this 'saw could become money pit. Not the saw's fault, but my lack of knowledge means I find a fault, buy a part and fix that fault then find the next fault, and so on. Oh well. The current fault I need opinions on how to proceed please. I got a new plug, took the old one out and happened to look at the plug port more carefully than I did the other day, and instantly spotted why the plug wasn't sealing before. The cylinder's plug port has been helicoiled and badly, the helicoil isn't right in and half a turn or so is sticking out the top of the threads in the cylinder, clearly preventing the plug's sealing washer from sealing. I'm embarrassed I didn't spot this before, and of course when I spot it today my dad is stood next to me so yep, I get that look from him and feel about 4 years old. So I'm now considering options ranging from:
1. my bodger dad's suggestion of just cut off the protruding bit of helicoil and tighten the plug down tight then cross my fingers; through
2. remove the helicoil and get another fitted; to
3. lets not faff with helicoils, let's take a look at a new piston and cylinder.

Now I suspect i know what you guys will say (3), but against that is the growing feeling that I'm out my depth and could fix this problem only to find another, so I want to fix this problem as cheaply as possible. As for cost, a quick google and a 52mm farmertec piston and cylinder kit comes up on ebay uk for just under £18, so parts aren't much more than a helicoil, but... hmm, is the helicoil easier? That depends how well the cylinder was threaded and if a new 'coil will go in or if it needs threading more deeply.

Lots of questions, not many answers, a bit of frustration and a big helping of extra embarrassment. Your comments are welcome, but please be nice, I'm feeling tender!
 
Maybe we should start a post about our money pit saws, I think I could come up with a couple...Seriously, I think I'd opt for a new piston and cylinder for the 038, which is what I did recently. I couldn't quite afford OEM for this old saw so I went aftermarket...
i'll be the second to post in the money pit thread.:dumb2:
 

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