Rebuilding my Stihl 026

[Pawpaw5656]

I recently was given an 026 less bar and chain-seemed to be locked up but finally got it free with some wd40 and coaxing-it was not seized. After I tore it down found the piston and rings will need replaced but also the cylinder has a little scoring above and below the intake port. I’m wondering if I should replace the cylinder also or would it be ok? Also good aftermarket kit recommendations or which to avoid?? Bottom end seems ok but is there anything I should check to see if anything down there needs replaced? All your advice is appreciated! BLESSINGS!!

 

[Ozhoo]

Welcome to AS ... saving the oem jug is your best option. Post up some pics so we can see what you got.

 

[Mad Professor]

Welcome to AS.

Crank seals are a weak spot on 026s. As mentioned see if you can save the OEM cyl, there was 44mm OEM pistons on ebay cheap. I'd avoid Chi-Com stuff

 

[pioneerguy600]

There is so much good used parts around for the 026`s that I would not consider using an aftermarket P&C on these saws. Many 026`s have been converted from 44 mm up to the 44.7 mm sets that there are lots of good used 44mm sets setting on shelves.

 

[Pawpaw5656]

C

I recently was given an 026 less bar and chain-seemed to be locked up but finally got it free with some wd40 and coaxing-it was not seized. After I tore it down found the piston and rings will need replaced but also the cylinder has a little scoring above and below the intake port. I’m wondering if I should replace the cylinder also or would it be ok? Also good aftermarket kit recommendations or which to avoid?? Bottom end seems ok but is there anything I should check to see if anything down there needs replaced? All your advice is appreciated! BLESSINGS!!

I recently was given an 026 less bar and chain-seemed to be locked up but finally got it free with some wd40 and coaxing-it was not seized. After I tore it down found the piston and rings will need replaced but also the cylinder has a little scoring above and below the intake port. I’m wondering if I should replace the cylinder also or would it be ok? Also good aftermarket kit recommendations or which to avoid?? Bottom end seems ok but is there anything I should check to see if anything down there needs replaced? All your advice is appreciated! BLESSINGS!!

 

[Pawpaw5656]

I can put up crown molding, I run a Woodmizer sawmill, I can build a house from the ground up, you'd think I'd know how to post pics correctly !!! OMG. The first big pic inside the jug is of the "scoring"

 

[Mad Professor]

I can put up crown molding, I run a Woodmizer sawmill, I can build a house from the ground up, you'd think I'd know how to post pics correctly !!! OMG. The first big pic inside the jug is of the "scoring"

PC or a Mac? We can help........

Click on upload a file. Choose the file from your computer. You can display as a full image or thumbnail....

 

[pioneerguy600]

I can put up crown molding, I run a Woodmizer sawmill, I can build a house from the ground up, you'd think I'd know how to post pics correctly !!! OMG. The first big pic inside the jug is of the "scoring"

fixed for your viewing pleasure

 

[pioneerguy600]

CView attachment 611361

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There is mostly aluminum smear buildup on that cylinder, I doubt there is much actual scoring in there.

 

[Ozhoo]

Agreed... I don't see anything that can't be cleaned up.

 

[Mad Professor]

As Pioneerguy said that's just aluminum transfer. But it looks like someone has been in there before with sandpaper or a hone.

 

[pioneerguy600]

As Pioneerguy said that's just aluminum transfer. But it looks like someone has been in there before with sandpaper or a hone.

That cross hatch does look kind of fresh, doesn`t it.

 

[redunshee]

That cross hatch does look kind of fresh, doesn`t it.

I'd give a shot a cleaning it up.

 

[Wood Doctor]

One of my favorite saws:

I've probably cut 50 cords of firewood with it. Definitely worth fixing.

 

[Pawpaw5656]

I actually took some 240 grit wet dry Emory paper and cleaned it up a little. Should I use a cylinder hone to finish cleaning it up?? I really love these stihl saws. I've got a stihl 041 farmboss that I bought in the late 70s ( no AV system) It has cut mountains of wood and though it is in need of a few parts right now, is stihl running strong!

 

[pioneerguy600]

I actually took some 240 grit wet dry Emory paper and cleaned it up a little. Should I use a cylinder hone to finish cleaning it up??

Do you have a ball hone?

 

[Pawpaw5656]

Don't know what a ball hone is , I do have a cyl hone with 3 springloaded stones on it.

 

[Pawpaw5656]

I looked up a ball hone and no I don't have one but can get one . Should I use some kind of compound or oil or water or anything when I hone it?

 

[pioneerguy600]

I looked up a ball hone and no I don't have one but can get one . Should I use some kind of compound or oil or water or anything when I hone it?

The three arm hones will often get caught in the ports and break, the ball hone can be used carefully, slow speed and only 10 to 12 revolutions to just clean off the glaze, they can and do tear the plating off the edges of the ports. Use kerosene or diesel fuel as a cutting compound.

 

[Mad Professor]

I still use muriatic acid to get off the aluminum transfer (don't put it anywhere besides in the plating use a Q-tip), then hand sand with wet/dry paper and detergent solution. 240 only to start with then finer grades as it cleans up