[Path-list] PATH's Stihl 026 Chainsaws

[steve lund]

Steve,

Your dealer is not being truthful, possibly lazy or uninformed or just
wants to sell new equipment. The 026 shares a LOT of its parts with the
successor model MS260 and these parts are still available. I have the
various parts lists for the 1121 series (026/MS260) so can check on
relatively recent availability. To my knowledge most of the rubber parts
that rot out are still available. The only parts that are not available may
be plastics (tank and covers) that are specific to the earlier 026s.
However, these are readily available used if needed.

Bars and chains are no problem. The narrow air filter should still be
available but you might have to order each half separately. About 1996 with
the introduction of the 026 Pro model the fuel line was upgraded (along
with the tank). The old fuel line required an 8mm hole in the tank while
the new one needs 10mm. The old tank can be easily drilled out to take the
newer line. Carburetors and kits are still available direct from Walbro.

So, if these saws are in otherwise good condition it might be worthwhile to
start collecting the rubber wear parts and replacing them before the old
ones can cause issues. This way if properly cared for they should last
another 25 years!

The only negative I have with these saws is that the chain olier oils
whenever the engine is running. ThHis puts a significant percentage of
excess oil all over the saw. The newer saws (and older pro saws) only oil
when the chain is actually moving. When Stihl added the chain driven oiler
to the 026 Pro it obviated the need for the 028 which was discontinued.

What PATH may want to consider doing is to purchase some new MS261s for
current use and then rebuild the 026s and keep them in reserve for
occasions when one of the newer saws needs service or if the trail gets hit
with an ice storm or hurricane and you need extra saws. You can store a saw
nearly indefinitely if done properly with the fuel drained and carb run
dry.  I have done this multiple times and the saw always starts right up
and runs fine after years of storage.

Thanks,
Steve



On Mon, Oct 11, 2021 at 10:28 PM <mrzachsdad at aol.com> wrote:

> Steve all good info, as usual. My Stihl dealer buddy told me a couple
> years ago that PATH's 026 saws are no longer supported by Stihl. Basic wear
> parts like filters and chain line parts willl be available for a while and
> perhaps in the after market, but engine and other major parts will not be.
> If you have a source for these parts please let us know.
>
> Steve
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: steve lund via Path-list <path-list at path-at.org>
> To: PATH List <path-list at path-at.org>
> Sent: Mon, Oct 11, 2021 9:35 pm
> Subject: [Path-list] PATH's Stihl 026 Chainsaws
>
> Hello,
>
> The Stihl 026 chainsaws are good, relatively light and powerful chainsaws.
> I have rebuilt / reincarnated quite a few of these for FMST.
>
> However, the ones that PATH has with the round air filter cover knob
> pre-date1996. At 25+ years old they are geriatric in age. At this age
> rubber pieces tend to decompose / rot over time and exposure to gas, oil,
> and atmospheric ozone. When one of these critical rubber components fails
> it creates a crankcase air leak which causes an over lean condition and
> will burn the saw up in short order.
>
> The critical pieces that fail are the rubber crankshaft seals, impulse
> hose, and cylinder manifold. While these saws can still be used it is
> prudent to keep an eye on them during operation for any quirky / abnormal
> behavior as follows:
>
> Stalls at idle
> Over-revs at idle / won't idle down
> Idle changes when saw is turned to either side (bad crank seal(s))
> Idle / running behavior changes when the AV mounts are flexed (torn
> manifold, cracked impulse hose)
> Suddenly running better than it has / should - As heat engines, 2-strokes
> run their best right before they burn up!
> Carb mixture adjustment set richer than nominal to compensate for an air
> leak (usually crank seals)
>
> All of these symptoms indicate a crankcase air leak of some sort, which if
> not caught and fixed can cause the saw to burn up. So if any users notice
> any of these symptoms, which may be intermittent they should take the saw
> out of service and get it fixed before they burn it up.
>
> My $.02,
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
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