Nice to know and glad you had success with your experiences with your 026's, Pioneer. This message will relate to my Original 026, not the running one I got yesterday with the piston issue.
I tried to remember how I actually got the 026 as my first saw ever. I know where I got it, and I know when. I just can't remember how I actually chose the 026 or was recommended it by the man at the dealer. I grew up near the hardware store that eventually grew to also be an equipment rental place and Stihl dealer. I trusted shopping there for tools as it was like a mom and pop place on steroids with nice staff.
Anyway, I am just glad I decided to get the 026 as it served me well for 20+ years until recently when it became hard to start and also poor running at high speed/bog/stalling when brought back to idle, etc.
Anyway, short of a vacuum pump, I have just about all I need to diagnose and fix the running issues. New fuel line, I got the short early version and the longer S version in case I want to get a different tank or enlarge the hole in my tank. Also the impulse line and a new carb, a carb rebuild kit for my original WT 194, and finally a backup 026 I know was running.
I won't make this much longer wording wise,,,, just will say I should be systematic in diagnosing and to follow the advice and procedures I have learned so far.
My first test should be the simplest. I will pull my exhaust again and look even closer at my piston and cylinder before proceeding any other step. I looked once and it was plenty wet in there, and I did not see scoring and my saw has real good compression. If all looks good, I will then be about trying to restart it after I replace the fuel line and impulse line and try to start with the old plug and old carb left unchanged. I know my fuel line was gummy and thus potentially starving the saw for fuel and or leaking vac so this is definitely my first part to replace.
Results of this test to follow.
PS. I just bought a Mityvac MV8500 Pressure Vac kit and will be set for all future saws, cars, mowers, weed wackers etc. Can't wait for delivery.