fogelber
ArboristSite Lurker
A few years ago, I came across an older Stihl 015AV that I got for $50. I have been able to keep it running and replace most of the older, worn out parts. It's been a blast tinkering with it and I've learned a ton about engines. It's really the perfect saw for my needs. It does have some problems though. First off, the cut-off switch has never worked. I've heard that's pretty common. I just choke it out when I want to turn it off or pull the spark wire off. It's a bit of a pain. My saw has the old points and condenser. I've tried putting a new spring on the cut-off switch, but to no avail. To fix it, would I need to replace the points and condenser? Could I swap it out with an electronic ignition chip? It also doesn't like to idle too terribly long. I'm thinking it's the carb, since I've never cleaned it and don't know when it was last done. Is that hard to do? I guess I've been hesitant to try it out of fear of ruining the carb. Finally, the chain keeps spinning, slowly, even in idle. I've replace the spring around the clutch and that helped slow it down, but didn't fix the problem. Do I need new clutch shoes at this point, or is it just something I've got to live with? My last question is about porting the muffler. I've read that that is a way to get a little more horsepower out of the saw. Has anyone ever done that on an 015 av? How would I do that?