Hi all.
I’m new here. Just thought I would drop in with some questions on my Pioneer 1073.
I got the saw from my dad some time ago. He bought it brand new, I don’t know what year, but it’s been around. I pull it out a couple times a year to trim some branches, take a small tree down, or cut up some brush. It’s been working pretty good but I really don’t do anything to it at all, and feel like I should. I like properly taking care of tools but for me this is one of those that’s out of sight so much of the time it doesn’t get any attention.
On to a bunch of questions. Like I said, it’s running, but since I don’t use it all that much and never had it when new I don’t know if it could be running even better with some TLC. Looking for general maintenance suggestions.
- Most importantly, does anyone have a scan of a parts or maintenance manual or know where I can get one?
- Should I either replace or sand the points? Any reason to replace the condenser? Is it possible to adjust the points?
- My gas cap is really, really tight. I have to use a plier to install and remove it. I’m wondering if it has swelled up a little due to the “better” (right) gas we’re getting these days. Where do I find a replacement?
- Right now the saw pulls a little bit. Not sure if that’s the right term or not. I have to cut somewhat of an arc to keep it cutting. If I try to just cut straight through, it just won’t cut but doesn’t seem to really bind and slow down either. I’m guessing a new chain and probably a bar due to its age/use would help that.
- Any recommendations on a good chain/bar combo. I believe I’ve got a 16” bar right now. Seems to be sufficient for everything I do.
- From the info I found, I need a 3/8” pitch.
- If I choose to purchase both a new chain and bar I can pick the gauge, correct?
- Why choose one gauge over another?
- Do the roller tip bars make a noticeable difference or why choose one? Reduced friction seems like a good idea.
I’ve cleaned the carb in my ultrasonic cleaner a time or two and it’s working well. Are rebuild kits with gaskets, diaphragm’s, ect. Available should I never need them?
Any suggested places to order parts from? I've called some local shops in the past asking about the gas cap and it was like they had never heard of Pioneer before. No luck locally unfortunately.
Now on to the choice of a future saw. The pioneer is lacking some of the safety features I wouldn’t mind having, especially if/when I get my kids started on helping and using a saw. The specs on the Pioneer are 51.4CC, the hp is not rated, and the weight is 9lb 10oz for the powerhead only. I was looking at the Stihl MS251 C-BE. It’s specs are 45.6cc, 2.95hp, and 11.9lb powerhead weight. Without knowing how many hp the Pioneer is, it’s hard to determine how it compares to newer saws. Any thoughts or recommendations on saws of similar size/weight to look at. I'm also a Husqvarna fan as well but don't know much about their, or Stihl for that matter, lineup. The new Husqvarna 450 looks pretty nice.....
Thank you for any help!
