ribertgropius
ArboristSite Member
So I finally took the leap and bought a used 029 with a 20" bar and a leaky gas tank. The saw was running and seemed to function fine, but it is VERY dirty...sawdust and oil build-up.
The seller, trying to be helpful in locating the leak, partially disassembled the saw to confirm that, unfortunately, the leak is at the top seam right at the back of the tank and not at the fuel hose, and he had earlier (also unfortunately) tried to glop jb-weld on the seam so that I don't think I can clean it off well enough to use an appropriate sealant. To make things a little more challenging, when I got home with my "new" saw, now partially disassembled, I discovered that it is missing the circlip for the clutch drum, and more importantly, the air filter cover! I am sure he has it but now will have to make arrangements to get the cover.
I knew the saw was not immaculate so I didn't expect much, but it is the original bar, and the muffler looked pretty clean, the chain was sharp, and it ran well. When I got home I decided to inspect the saw a little more to see what else needs attention. This is what I have found so far:
1. Cleaning. What do people recommend to clean both the metal and plastic parts? I think I read somewhere about someone using Simple Green, a brush, and a hose to wash it off. Sawdust is caked everywhere, and when I replace the tank I can get at the cylinder.
2. Leaking tank. Has anyone had any luck using a product like Seal-all to fix a leak in the top seam like this? I think most likely I will just look for a new "used" tank on ebay. Can I / should I replace it with one from an MS 290 instead of the 029?
3. The top orange handle piece has a crack in the plastic just above where the handle connects on the clutch side, in front of it. Looks like it could be glued but I don't know how long it would last. Doesn't look like it would really affect anything since the handle itself and the orange plastic extending from the steel loop is all in one piece. Perhaps someone tried to force it off without removing enough parts.
4. I pulled of the muffler to look at the piston. The piston looks like new from the rings down. Just above the rings, at one corner of the exhaust port I can see a little brown discoloration on the piston. Is this normal?
5. Since I have never owned a Stihl and don't have a parts diagram for this, I wondered about the connection of the air cleaner to the face of the carb: should there be a gasket there? There isn't one on mine.
6. Did I mention there is caked sawdust everywhere?
7. Are parts lists and diagrams available other than for purchase for this saw?
I suppose I could buy a repair manual but it seems like the diagrams alone would be pretty handy. I downloaded the user manual from Stihl for the 029.
To be honest I am kind of happy that the saw has a few issues just so that it justifies my taking it apart, cleaning it up, and really knowing the saw.
Thanks for your answers to my questions and your advice.
Robert
The seller, trying to be helpful in locating the leak, partially disassembled the saw to confirm that, unfortunately, the leak is at the top seam right at the back of the tank and not at the fuel hose, and he had earlier (also unfortunately) tried to glop jb-weld on the seam so that I don't think I can clean it off well enough to use an appropriate sealant. To make things a little more challenging, when I got home with my "new" saw, now partially disassembled, I discovered that it is missing the circlip for the clutch drum, and more importantly, the air filter cover! I am sure he has it but now will have to make arrangements to get the cover.
I knew the saw was not immaculate so I didn't expect much, but it is the original bar, and the muffler looked pretty clean, the chain was sharp, and it ran well. When I got home I decided to inspect the saw a little more to see what else needs attention. This is what I have found so far:
1. Cleaning. What do people recommend to clean both the metal and plastic parts? I think I read somewhere about someone using Simple Green, a brush, and a hose to wash it off. Sawdust is caked everywhere, and when I replace the tank I can get at the cylinder.
2. Leaking tank. Has anyone had any luck using a product like Seal-all to fix a leak in the top seam like this? I think most likely I will just look for a new "used" tank on ebay. Can I / should I replace it with one from an MS 290 instead of the 029?
3. The top orange handle piece has a crack in the plastic just above where the handle connects on the clutch side, in front of it. Looks like it could be glued but I don't know how long it would last. Doesn't look like it would really affect anything since the handle itself and the orange plastic extending from the steel loop is all in one piece. Perhaps someone tried to force it off without removing enough parts.
4. I pulled of the muffler to look at the piston. The piston looks like new from the rings down. Just above the rings, at one corner of the exhaust port I can see a little brown discoloration on the piston. Is this normal?
5. Since I have never owned a Stihl and don't have a parts diagram for this, I wondered about the connection of the air cleaner to the face of the carb: should there be a gasket there? There isn't one on mine.
6. Did I mention there is caked sawdust everywhere?
7. Are parts lists and diagrams available other than for purchase for this saw?
I suppose I could buy a repair manual but it seems like the diagrams alone would be pretty handy. I downloaded the user manual from Stihl for the 029.
To be honest I am kind of happy that the saw has a few issues just so that it justifies my taking it apart, cleaning it up, and really knowing the saw.
Thanks for your answers to my questions and your advice.
Robert
