OneStaple
ArboristSite Operative
tl;dr version - Should I bother restoring this or just buy a new(er) saw?
I got this Stihl 032 saw used years ago. If I remember right, the previous owner was almost giving it away because it wasn't running. I think it had a bad fuel line or something that quickly solved the problem (it's been a while, so I don't remember all the details). It never went through a full overhaul, but has been solid and powerful. It always struggled a little with holding idle.
Well, life got busy (two kids born) and the saw has sat for the past ~4 years. Unfortunately, I stupidly left fuel in it, not realizing that it would sit like it did. So, since life is still busy, I took it to a Stihl dealer to have them clean it up. They looked it over and decided that the piston and cylinder need replacing, so they wouldn't do any work on it. Based on some of my more recent tear-down since I got it back, I think they only looked at the piston through the exhaust port.
I'd love to get opinions on whether you all agree with the need for a new piston and cylinder. I'm including a few pictures of the piston from the exhaust side (at top, middle, and bottom of stroke). There appears to be a decent amount of scoring on the left side toward the bottom. I'm not enough of an expert on these to decide if it's severe enough for replacement, but that wouldn't surprise me. And, if it needs a new P&C, is it worth the time/energy/money?
I imagine that if I replace the P&C, it might be worth going after some other internal components (bearings? seals?) while I'm in there. Other known items I'd need to fix/replace:
For what it's worth, I have an 051 that I plan to rebuild (perhaps put a 075/076 cylinder and piston on it?) when I find time. Someday.
Thanks,
Tyler
I got this Stihl 032 saw used years ago. If I remember right, the previous owner was almost giving it away because it wasn't running. I think it had a bad fuel line or something that quickly solved the problem (it's been a while, so I don't remember all the details). It never went through a full overhaul, but has been solid and powerful. It always struggled a little with holding idle.
Well, life got busy (two kids born) and the saw has sat for the past ~4 years. Unfortunately, I stupidly left fuel in it, not realizing that it would sit like it did. So, since life is still busy, I took it to a Stihl dealer to have them clean it up. They looked it over and decided that the piston and cylinder need replacing, so they wouldn't do any work on it. Based on some of my more recent tear-down since I got it back, I think they only looked at the piston through the exhaust port.
I'd love to get opinions on whether you all agree with the need for a new piston and cylinder. I'm including a few pictures of the piston from the exhaust side (at top, middle, and bottom of stroke). There appears to be a decent amount of scoring on the left side toward the bottom. I'm not enough of an expert on these to decide if it's severe enough for replacement, but that wouldn't surprise me. And, if it needs a new P&C, is it worth the time/energy/money?
I imagine that if I replace the P&C, it might be worth going after some other internal components (bearings? seals?) while I'm in there. Other known items I'd need to fix/replace:
- All AV points (they've rotted out). One requires a helicoil.
- Some new bolts on the muffler. Two were missing (including one next to the port), and the other next to the port was only 1/2 screwed in. I think the shop just didn't bother putting this back together tightly, as I don't remember the muffler being loose.
- Rebuild or replace carb. The shop noted that it needs a new metering diaphragm. I've seen comments on here about going to aftermarket carbs, but I'd want to look into that more if it's worth it.
- Probably replace some items like the rubber carb boot, fuel line, etc.
- Replace air and fuel filters. Good practice.
- The saw has always slowly leaked bar oil since I got it. Not the end of the world, but it'd be nice to fix that if I have it torn apart.
For what it's worth, I have an 051 that I plan to rebuild (perhaps put a 075/076 cylinder and piston on it?) when I find time. Someday.
Thanks,
Tyler