Stihl 015 - front cover removal help

[blacksunshine]

I have an old 015 I would like to get back running but this one needs the fuel tank gasket replaced. It has flat head screws on the front case/handle that I need to remove to get to the fuel tank gasket but the screws don't want to budge. I just put some penetrating oil on them to let sit overnight. Are there any other tricks to removing those screws and if I do get them out, any suggestions on allen/torx head screw replacement part numbers that would be a direct replacement?

Thank you

 

[atpchas]

See if this YT vid sheds any light. It shows access to that gasket. The screws are all M5 in various lengths (18mm, 29mm, and 95mm).

 

[blacksunshine]

See if this YT vid sheds any light. It shows access to that gasket. The screws are all M5 in various lengths (18mm, 29mm, and 95mm).

Thank you!

Hopefully the front cover screws will relent tomorrow after soaking in penetrating oil.

Now the question is, with the video in play...do I just want to replace that gasket or do I want to do my own full rebuild? Decisions, decisions.

Thanks again!

 

[AoxoMoxoA]

I have an old 015 I would like to get back running but this one needs the fuel tank gasket replaced. It has flat head screws on the front case/handle that I need to remove to get to the fuel tank gasket but the screws don't want to budge. I just put some penetrating oil on them to let sit overnight. Are there any other tricks to removing those screws and if I do get them out, any suggestions on allen/torx head screw replacement part numbers that would be a direct replacement?

Thank you

Use a properly fitting, hollow ground slotted screwdriver bit, such as those found in a gunsmith screwdriver kit. Regular screwdrivers will gall out the slots of those screws in short order.

Keep in mind, the four upper screws in the front cover run all the way through the case into the cylinder head, and the two case halves of the saw will likely separate, thus requiring cleaning/resealing. The two bottom screws in the front cover just hold the bottom of the tank cover to the case.

FWIW, having the saw completely apart affords you the opportunity to replace crank seals, piston rings, gaskets, etc.

 

[ZeroJunk]

An impact screw driver set has saved me a time or two.

 

[stihltech]

Same as above. A little valve grinding compound on the screwdriver tip is an old mechanic's trick to help grab the screws. And I am an old mechanic.

 

[pioneerguy600]

A few taps on a impact bit helps jar loose slotted screws for me, I have the Snap On impact setup and that has loosened countless screws especially when I am working on marine mechanical, stuff that has been in saltwater for years.

 

[blacksunshine]

Hand impact driver was the trick!

but this is what I found



won't buff out unfortunately...

Guessing it was dropped and someone helicoiled the bar stud.

 

[pioneerguy600]

Hand impact driver was the trick!

but this is what I found

View attachment 1058775

won't buff out unfortunately...

Guessing it was dropped and someone helicoiled the bar stud.

That sucks, only real feasible repair would be a swap out.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Not sure if this will help, but this is still one of my favorite small saws:

Ran it last month and it stihl hums.

 

[blacksunshine]

Still haven't found a suitable white replacement block but I did luck in to a 015L this week. Poured in a little mix, third pull it fired right up and cut a log like butta. Pics tomorrow.

Still need a white 015 block though

 

[singinwoodwackr]

I repaired one of these a while back. Cool old saw!! Mine just needed cleaning and a new starter coil spring. Amazing tech for mid 70"s, IMO. Easier to work on than the 020 that replaced it.

 

[AoxoMoxoA]

Still haven't found a suitable white replacement block but I did luck in to a 015L this week. Poured in a little mix, third pull it fired right up and cut a log like butta. Pics tomorrow.

Still need a white 015 block though

Isn’t this what you’re looking for?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363697847804
And another…
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363393976001

 

[blacksunshine]

Pics of the 015L find. Runs like a champ, only issue is kill switch not working (choke works for now until I fix)

 

[scut207]

Pics of the 015L find. Runs like a champ, only issue is kill switch not working (choke works for now until I fix)

Same exact problem... I use the choke to kill it =)

 

[pioneerguy600]

Pics of the 015L find. Runs like a champ, only issue is kill switch not working (choke works for now until I fix)

You will find an exposed slide type switch just under the off /on button, it makes contact with metal under the shroud and that completes the grounding out to kill spark to the plug. I f the grounding tab gets dirty or covered in corrosion, same for the grounding area the switch will not ground out and kill the spark, other times I have found the tab has gotten bent and no longer makes contact thus not working .

 

[Wood Doctor]

As I recall, the handle housing has to be removed in order to get to that switch and the contact spring that makes it work. Not an easy job, unfortunately. Rather poor design and easy to get gummed up as PioneerGuy600 reports.