Stihl 034av

[Kingbilly68]

I have a chance to buy an 034av with a pretty new 20” stihl bar that runs and cuts good for $200. The guy says it isn’t oiling but the chain had oil on it. It has “made in West Germany” on the logo. What do you think? Good price?

 

[Mad Professor]

I have a chance to buy an 034av with a pretty new 20” stihl bar that runs and cuts good for $200. The guy says it isn’t oiling but the chain had oil on it. It has “made in

West Germany” on the logo. What do you think? Good price?

Welcome to AS.

Would help to see some pictures for condition of saw. If you can, pull the muffler and inspect the piston and cylinder.

There are a number of reason the saw might not oil. Could be simple as a clogged oil pickup filter, or problems with the oil pump itself. Have a look in the oil tank for debris/clogged filter/bad pickup hose. Does it leak oil? No oil at all?

 

[Kingbilly68]

I didn’t take any pics unfortunately. I’ll pull the muffler before I buy it for sure. It seemed to oil when I ran it for a few minutes. The guy said he just had the pump replaced but it stopped oiling again. I figured I would pull the pickup line and replace the filter and clean the oil tank. All that being said, if the piston looks good, is $200 a good price for the saw?

 

[Kingbilly68]

Welcome to AS.

Would help to see some pictures for condition of saw. If you can, pull the muffler and inspect the piston and cylinder.

There are a number of reason the saw might not oil. Could be simple as a clogged oil pickup filter, or problems with the oil pump itself. Have a look in the oil tank for debris/clogged filter/bad pickup hose. Does it leak oil? No oil at all?

And thanks for the welcome

 

[Mad Professor]

I didn’t take any pics unfortunately. I’ll pull the muffler before I buy it for sure. It seemed to oil when I ran it for a few minutes. The guy said he just had the pump replaced but it stopped oiling again. I figured I would pull the pickup line and replace the filter and clean the oil tank. All that being said, if the piston looks good, is $200 a good price for the saw?

In good condition those are nice saws. Who replaced the pump? Stihl dealer with OEM pump?

The pump drives off the clutch drum. Could be the spring popped out of the notch in the drum.

$200 in nice shape is not out of line

 

[Kingbilly68]

In good condition those are nice saws. Who replaced the pump? Stihl dealer with OEM pump?

The pump drives off the clutch drum. Could be the spring popped out of the notch in the drum.

$200 in nice shape is not out of line

A dealer did the work with stihl parts. It’s dirty but it started easy and pulled the 20” chain through dry walnut with ease. I’m thinking of replacing my 310 with it

 

[Tobystihl]

Hi King Billy, very good workhorse the 034 I have used one professionally for years, my top tip is to add an elastostart pullcord as they do have high compression. The oil issue won't be anything major!

 

[Wood Doctor]

Eight years ago I rebuilt this 034AV with an 036 top end. It runs today:

I have always liked using this saw. Great power-to-weight ratio.

 

[OM617YOTA]

$200 in decent condition other than the oiler would be a STEAL around here. I'd jump on it and I already have two 034's.

 

[Kingbilly68]

Other than being filthy I think it’s good to go.

 

[Kingbilly68]

 

[Kingbilly68]

 

[OM617YOTA]

An 034 Super was my one saw plan for over a decade. 40+ cords cut, still going strong. Great saw.

 

[Kingbilly68]

An 034 Super was my one saw plan for over a decade. 40+ cords cut, still going strong. Great saw.

I haven’t researched yet, what makes it a “super”?

 

[OM617YOTA]

Slightly larger bore. There are some specific differences which vary with exact age and version, but it's basically an 036.

 

[Kingbilly68]

Slightly larger bore. There are some specific differences which vary with exact age and version, but it's basically an 036.

Thanks

 

[Mad Professor]

Good choice.

Lets see it after clean up. 034S people like better than the 036. I've got two that are my go to saws unless big or small wood

 

[SteveSr]

The main concerns for a saw this old are the deteriorated condition of all of the seals, hoses, and other rubber parts. If you can't find any obvious oiler issues the pump mat be full of sawdust debris which will limmit the stroke and hence the output. I am pretty sure that this one can be disassembled and cleaned.

 

[Totembear]

With a little elbow grease it should be a nice saw. Make it alot easier to diagnose without alot of oily sawdust on it. The 034S is my favorite saw for mid sized wood. If you get it ported it will spoil ya....

 

[dmb2613]

The 34S is a better saw than the 036 , it has better ports