Stihl 030AV - What to do with it?

[Dewaynep]

Hello all. This is my first new thread, lots of great reading over the past few months though. I puchased a Stihl 030AV at an auction and was wondering what to do with it. I started taking it apart last night and found the following: Top handle casing cracked (is the case aluminum or magnesium?), top AV mount busted (probably caused the case crack), spur sprocket shot - was using a 3/8LP .050 chain on a .058 hard nosed bar, Piston and Cylinder look great, no scoring. This thing runs great and since I only have an occasional use for a chainsaw I thought about putting it back together with a new AV mount and running it the way it is. This thing is in nice shape other than the crack. Should I even think about using it seeing as it has no chain brake? Should I part it out and continue using my safety laden Crapsman (I MIGHT cut 1 tree every 2 years)? Thanks.

 

[jeeptj19992001]

sell it on e-bay and hope you make your money back

 

[blsnelling]

sell it on e-bay and hope you make your money back

You're so full of help it's pathetic . If you don't have anything to contribute, don't post.

The top is magnesium. You might be able to patch it on the bottom side with stainless screen and JBWeld. We'd need a pic to know if a new AV mount would be sufficient.

You need the bar and chain to match. Otherwise it's liable to cut crooked and quit cutting once the chain binds.

 

[Dewaynep]

There's not much chance I'd get my money back on it, but it might be nice to have to use for my occasional cutting. I think I'm going to get the top AV mount, a bar and chain and use it until it dies. I did see a few closed E-bay auctions with the top covers for cheap. In searching e-bay, it appears as though these aren't real desirable? Is that because they are a poor performer or because it doesn't have a chain brake?

 

[blsnelling]

In searching e-bay, it appears as though these aren't real desirable? Is that because they are a poor performer or because it doesn't have a chain brake?

They're just older saws is all.

Any chance you can post a pic of the crack?

 

[Jredsjeep]

I have an 031 which i believe is about the same saw just the consumer grade. they are good saws but you cant really get much in parts for them from the dealer.

my saw needs a coil and the dealer told me i am basically out of luck.