Texan916
ArboristSite Lurker
Recently my step dad took his Stihl 026 into the dealer due to it not cranking or popping off. The dealer told him it has an internal issue and it cannot be repaired. I went to visit them last week, he told me about it and I told him it can be fixed. Parts are still available. He said I could have it and would like to see if I can get it running. After first inspections and several pulls with nothing, I pulled the muffler and plug and inspected the cylinder. It was bone dry with no fuel reaching the cylinder. The plug was dry also. Initial thought is fuel delivery issue. Upon further inspection, I found the fuel line was nearly broke in half. I pulled the air filter and carb. I disassembled carb to find it dry as well. However, the filter and carb were very clean, not clogged and no debris. I went to my local dealer to get a fuel line. Of course they didn't have one but had the fuel line to a ms260 I believe. It was slightly longer. I got 2 of them. A little trim and it fit perfectly. Reassembled, added fresh fuel and was able to get it to pop off on full choke. Moved to half choke, got it to run for a rew seconds then die. Not able to get it to run for more than a few seconds at half choke and will not run at all with no choke. Checked spark and it is very strong. Checked and cleaned fuel tank, checked tank filter and vent. Filter was great but vent definitely needs to be replaced. It has the felt-like cone vent but I'm struggling to find one. I noticed there are a few different tank vents for this saw ( I assume due to the different years it was manufactured and slight upgrades) so is it possible to replace with a different style from the 026 saw line? My next part to replace will be the impulse line as it seems to be expanded and worn at the carb. Looks like fuel is leaking slightly at that connection. Have that on the way plus a carb rebuild kit, all from Saw Again Parts. I believe she still has a lot of life in her but am a little stumped at the moment. Any ideas or suggestions to get this fine dime back in working order? Also, thinking about ordering several extra parts ( fuel lines, flywheel, meteor head/piston and ring kit, new plastics, pull cord and spring, bumpers, etc..) for this saw to have on hand down the road as it seems they are getting more and more difficult to find certain parts.