Yep, this was a tricky one, which for me makes it more enjoyable in the end. Though it did take me awhile, I'd take this over just rebuilding the carb any day. Ignition tester: amzn.to/48SdqEG. Electronic ignition module: amzn.to/3v3pNQo. Have an awesome weekend everybody!
I've had many years ago (~2000) a similar problem with a 79 Ford Taunus (German made) carburetor that would not start the car in cold even if you asked it nicely... After a fewf clean-ups and some repair kits I ended up putting a flange and a carburetor for a different car with similar size engine. Went to a dealer, changed some jets and they tuned it and worked like I a charm. It still bugs me to this day what I didn't know that could help me fix it.... After a few years I drove the car for the last time. I've noticed that the car run perfectly and my father noticed this as well... It was a bitter sweet moment. That was the car I put my most work into and thought me a few things about rust and what one can fix and when one should let go.
Jon, if you were not a teacher in your previous worklife, you really missed your calling. I learn more from your informative and well presented podcasts than I did in most of my high school and college classes. Your tenacity is amazing, your videos are technically superb and your presentations are well paced and mixed with a nice blend of humor. I hope you keep up the great work for many years to come and I wish more presenters on UA-cam could take lessons from you. 👍👍👍
wonderfull explanations, I have the same saw, and have the same problem, thought it was chock issue, and now I believe I need to check the spark, great thanks.
The learning model....rote memorization, understanding, application, and correlation.... Memorization is useless for this, but understanding the functionality, applying the concepts, and correlating the lessons learned to future problems is great. And to integrate those while working through "failures" is where he shines.
I bought my Stihl 028 Wood Boss in 1987 to clear off an area for our new house. It has always been a great saw. After watching your video, I discovered the manual says it has an electronic ignition, so that should be good. Over the years though, I have rebuilt the carburetor with new kits and never had real good luck with them. In the end, I replaced the whole carburetor with a cheap China one from Amazon and it has worked like new ever since! It is the only chainsaw I have ever owned and definitely don't consider it an antique!
I would try your hand at the original carb one more time. The original walbro/tillitson is superior to a chinese carb. Replace the gaskets, turn both low speed and high speed needles out 1 1/4 turns. Make sure it's getting gas and it's cleaned out really good and it should work great. It's a fairly simple carb so as long as it's getting fuel and air it should work. I had an issue with mine not getting fuel after rebuild, but it's good now. Warm it up and it idles like my ms170 even though it's 30 years older.
@skoparweaver7692 Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I probably didn't keep the old carb. I've used it with the cheap replacement for probably 3-4 years without a problem. I changed to a premium fuel mix at that time, so maybe that has helped too.
Sounds like it's crank seals John. Put a cap on the exhaust and pump it up. If it leaks, pull the engine apart and reseal it. A couple of hours will make a dandy saw.
John Do a leak down test on that motor to make sure you do not have crank case leak. The 028 is known for bad crank seals/ impulse line/ intake manifold boot. Also the coil you bought is a electronic ignition coil. Just hook the kill switch to it and it will work. Do away with electronic ignition module if you want to put that new coil in that saw.
This is what I love about old mechanical tools, they're fixable! I like the electric stuff but man when they fail, they're not easily repairable and I guarantee they won't be lasting 40 years like this saw!
@@watcherofwatchers that’s a good point and great perspective. I’ve soldered connectors back to Bluetooth speakers and resisters back to boards but the new tools seem so cheaply made, sometimes it’s better to replace than to fix. Love the content on this channel, though. Fixing things and bringing life back to stuff is cool regardless of what it is.
I am working on 2 Stihl 028 AV SUPER chainsaws right now. Both belong to a subscriber. One he has owned since new and has sentimental value to him. It ran great until he let a friend borrow it. He straight gased it and burned it up. Well build saws, definitely worth saving.
Also have 028 bought new in early 80's, and a MS460. 028 still runs great. Great UA-cam fan, but your video is standout for its quality in many respects. Excellent.
I bought this exact saw around1980. I have cut many cords of wood with it since then and it is still going strong. One of my favorite saws and I have several. This was considered to be a PRO saw by old timey repair guys as it was manufactured before STIHL started making three levels of quality. I refuse to look at it as an antique cause then I must be old {77}.
I inherited this model saw from my grandfather, it runs better than my four year old husky Rancher 455. It's my new go to saw and my Husky now collects dust.
Every Friday when i sit down to chill, i load up UA-cam and immediately look for a FarmCraft101 or DieselCreek video. Love you guys! Keep up the good work, fantastic entertainment.
I have an old 028 myself. Watching I was having flashbacks from about 7 years ago. I pulled points out and added module. starts everytime and runs great. One of my favorite mid range saws
Love your videos! My Daddy taught me something very valuable for memorization in these situations. "I'm not a fig plucker, I'm a fig pluckers son, but I'll pluck figs til the fig plucker comes!" When you encounter a troublesome machine like this, repeat this phrase three times. Things will become crystal clear!
Jon, good job on your stick to it mentality. When I was having a problem with my Stihl bogging down I talked to my Factory Stihl Repairman and he told me to only run 92 octane fuel with the 2 stroke oil in it. If you can get it without Ethanol it is even better. I changed the 89 octane fuel to the 92 and wow, that really fixed my bogging down. I am sure you already know it but this was news to me and I thought I would share it with you. Great video. Oh and the flower grinder was priceless. You think a lot like me. hahaha
The high speed jet should be adjusted at wide open on the trigger while under load in a cut. This is why saw shops used to have a big hardwood log out back before government took away the adjustment screws. There are screwdrivers that lock onto the jet to make this easier. Same thing, find where it starts stumbling in both directions and put it in the middle. You'll be amazed how much more power you can dial in.
100% wrong. There is a spec in every Stihl Tech Manual for a top no load speed setting. The high is adjusted 500rpm under that spec for a saw that is broken in and 1000 for a brand new saw. It should be adjusted using a digital tachometer.
I have 1 just like it I'm so blessed It was my father's now mine Never been in the shop yet When I need to if anyone can ever fix it I love my saw. Thank you thank you for the video.
I love that this is your Dad's saw that you are keeping fit. I too have my Dad's McCulloch saw that is also at least 40 years old. It is one of the only things I have of his since he passed away.
I don´t have to maintain machines due to working in an office, but watching your vids is always the start of my weekend...interesting, sometimes sarcastic and always self-critic...thank you for sharing your work with us!!
That was an invaluable invite into chainsaw repair , I have experienced all of thease symptoms in the past, I will now use your method to diagnose and repair , thank you for sharing your knowledge and time
Ive inherited this exact saw from my grandpa and it has the same issue. I can't wait to try this fix and cant thank you enough for the valuable information and trouble shooting.
I have a Stihl 028AV that I bought new around 1984 but have not used it for a decade after moving to a bigger saw. My wife says I have too many saws so have been working on it to get it running to sell. I feel like I'm watching myself while viewing your video so I'm taking the electronic step...that's all I have left for options. LOL. Thank you very much for the video. Excellent narrative and editing.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I typically just throw away my older machines because it costs a lot to repair them at my local repair shop. Perhaps with a little more knowledge I may attempt to tackle some repairs in the future.
Wow, thanks for reviving the old 028 Wood Boss. I purchased mine in 1984 and ran it hard for 30 plus years before giving it to my younger brother. It still lives on at the farm cutting fire wood. Brother tells me it runs better than his 2 newer 025's. Besides chanes, bars, drive sprockets, spark plugs and some other small maintenance items, still starts on the 3rd pull after sitting for a week and 1 pull after running and shut off for a break. Dont make them like they used to.
I got that exact same saw from my dad too! Mine runs like a top, just had to give the carb a good run through. It’s a workhorse and does an awesome job. Thanks for showing me the air filter splits apart, I had no idea.
I still own an 028 that my father bought when I was 15 y/o. I'm now 61! Still a damn good saw, which I've cut a lot of winter firewood with. Never have torn it down. I've just serviced it over the years, and replaced the bar once
First thing I do with a non running saw is check compression with a tester. If someone puts the wrong gas or mixture in (it happens a lot) or another issue leads people to turning jets….. making a lean mixture. Both will burn up the piston and cylinder very quickly. With a saw that runs but not great, pull off the muffler and look into the cylinder. Then rotate the engine slowly and look at the piston. Exhaust side is the one that gets burned up from excessive heat. Just a small amount of scoring will drop compressing causing it to run or start poorly.
I have an 028wb just like thar one from virginia beach. Went thru that same repair about 3 years ago. Ive had this saw since it was brand new around 81 or 82. The only saw ive eber owned. Im now 71. Great saw
I came acrost this channel about 1 year back and I have enjoyed it immensely since. I have even gone back and watched some of the past posts. You have never failed to entertained with your content. Please keep up the great work. I must tell you some times you just plane crack me you with some of the things you say ! 👍 👍 👍🤣
My first saw was from that vintage. I got it well used in the early 90's while attending college and still have it. It is a Stihl 009L and thank dog the chain oiler still works.
I have the same exact chainsaw and it was also my father’s. I also have the booklet that came with it. Manufactured in 1985. Mine is the 028AV Wood Boss I have also been having the same exact problems with mine. Went to three different dealers and they all try to tell me that the parts are now obsolete and any carburetor rebuild kits are aftermarket junk. Sounds like their way of trying to sell me a new saw instead of trying to help. I’m glad I found this video!
I learned a valuable lesson years ago when I loaned some hydraulic jacks to my brother: never loan out your things. And then I did it again; I loaned out a very nice gas-powered water pump to neighbors who needed water on their off-grid place. You guessed it: they ran it flat out every day for hours, never changed the oil, regularly ran the oil low. At the end of the summer, when I saw what they had done to it, I told them to keep it. Again, never loan out your things. Most people just won't appreciate your generosity.
This was one of your best videos. You covered all of the “mysteries” of small engine repair that we all can use to better diagnose and fix a variety of issues. I feel much more confident tackling problems that arise with these engines now. Makes me want to revisit an issue I’ve been having with my tiller! Many thanks to you Jon!!
Weak spark always shows up when the throttle is opened because the compression is much higher than at idle. It is much harder for the spark to jump at higher compression. Adjust high speed jet under load. Will get rid of bog down while cutting. Nice video John. Thanks
I rebuilt my Dads old 041 from 1978. You would be amazed at the amount of parts Stihl still has kicking around for factory parts including carb rebuild kits, bearings, etc. I did have to go aftermarket for some stuff, but I expected as much. The saw runs pretty well now.
My ‘87 high school graduation gift from dad was a used 056 Stihl, I’ve been running chainsaws ever since. Have to admit, I learned a lot from this video that I probably should have known thirty years ago! Thanks Jon
I have a Stihl 08 that my dad bought in the 60s. Folks around here gave him a lot of flack for buying a "foreign" chainsaw! I reckon he had the last laugh as it's still in good condition.after almost 60 years. Last time I tried to use it, I could not get it started. I took it to the local Stihl dealer and they fixed it for free and thanked my for allowing them to work on it! I was astounded, to say the least.
I absolutely LOVE your grain mill drive! Creative solution. As for the saw, your methodical approach to fixing it may have taken a little longer, but you know everything else is good. Ditching the mechanical points is something I may not ever have thought of. Really appreciate what you do and share with is all. THANK YOU!
I have replaced the mechanical ignition on both of my Suzuki cars. And I instantly gotten stronger spark and like 5HP extra instantly. (which is a lot in a car with only 50 factory HP to begin with)
I fixed my brother in laws bg65 Stihl blower. My final fix after new plug, air filter, gas filter and air valve for gas tank was 4 small zip ties on the vent hose and gas hose. Blower kept bogging down give it throttle and died just like urs. Zip ties has the blower running fantastic now. Good video!!!
This was great! Thank you for leading us through your process and improvements you'd make. Really glad you didn't give up on it! This will definitely help me when I'm troubleshooting old equipment
I’ve got one just like it that my dad had and used a lot. It sat in my shop since he passed away in January 2012. I purchased 90 acres in Lincolnton Ga. in 2021. I decided to try it out and after putting new gas in it, it fired up on the 9th pull. I put a knew plug in it and it starts on the second pull every time. I cut several loads of firewood with it and I love it!
Ah farm life, who'd of thought it would be so interesting, what with all the equipment and tools one needs to run one, but of course nothing would work without the skills one develops along the way, needless to say Jon being mechanically inlined really helps, and you have been blessed.....I'm a fan....Javi G.
John (Jon SP?) that was awesome! I learned more about small 2-cycles in this one video than I have in ten years of fighting with them! I was watching intently to the end for the punchline, because those were exactly the symptoms I experienced with my first chainsaw, an old Homelite that someone had donated to the family. I tried *everything*, up to the ignition testing and replacement that you did, and with exactly the same lack of results. After a couple of years of using the POS to cut firewood, my mom back in California shipped me a new 14" Echo for my birthday, which probably saved me from death via head trauma from beating it against a brick wall. The worthless Homelite got stuck away in the water heater closet while that Echo blew my mind with the differences! Now for my own punchline... That paperweight sat until, on some whim, I went looking for it and discovered it'd been stolen by a certain tweaker . Here's to getting one's just desserts when he tried to trade it off for dope!
Our .o32 takes two pulls with choke on, fires, chole off & it's ready to crank and cut wood. It was this way when new and today about 15 years old. Stihl is hard to beat. I am amazed at your patience and the few bleeps necessary to complete a project. Good info & video.
I have a Still 041AV chain saw I got in 1970 so it is 54 years old now. I still works perfect although I did put a new carb on it several years ago. I also replaced the spark plug and air filter and gas line and filter because ethanol gas rots gas lines. Great saw with minimal maintenance. I did not use some aftermarket Chinese carb but rather bought a proper Stihl carb for $60. Love my old Stihl.
lesson learned, diagnose first- compression test and spark jump, then look at fueling. I just ordered the same spark tester straight after watching your post, thank you so much for forging the path for us like minded people.
Thanks for this video! I have one of these saws that was purchased in Dec, 1980. My side plate says it was made in Germany. I've replaced the carburetor once about 5 years ago and it ran great for awhile but started bogging down when trying to give it gas. I may try that electronic ignition module. I had no idea this saw had points! Great job troubleshooting from start to finish!
LOL.... I walked out just before you found the points the last time I watched this, watching it again and I was thinking I bet theirs points in that thing ! and sure enough... the way it was running just pointed to me the points/condenser the condenser in particular in this case ...my hats off to you as I bought one of those little electronic ignition module a long time ago and I fought it for a week trying to get the thing to work and finally gave up and put the points back in it ! (on an old B&S 3.5 hp).... I never seen any of those things work ! I've had friends tell me nah they are junk, they don't work ! yet You got one to work WOW ! I've had several saws with points in fact I think I still have 2 ! it would have been really interesting to see if just replacing the condenser cured the problem.... but I guess we'll never know now ! HA ! Thanks Jon for the great videos !
I have (had) the same saw. It belonged to my grandfather, then my dad had it, then me. Then I lent it to someone and never saw it again. Thanks Jerk! I think it was a 1983 or 84.
Usual great video. I like how you show when you discover a better way to solve a problem. Your videos are very informative and clear, the sound is very good. Keep up the good work.
I purchased my 036 new in 1994. We heated with wood exclusively for 10 years and every bit of it was cut with it. When we purchased 20 acres of wooded land it’s bee used constantly to keep the land cleared of damaged trees. It’s never had ethanol blended gas in it and it’s ran on Amsoil Sabre oil exclusively. If I went out to the barn right now it’d start on the third or fourth pull. I’ve put numerous bars, chains, gas filters and clutch sprockets on it but the engine remains untouched. Stihl built a great saw back then.
I sure enjoyed this. The one minor detail, but could be major is: (has nothing to do with fixing the saw) when actually cutting with the saw, ALWAYS wrap your thumb around the saw handle when cutting. This gives you much more stability if and when there is kickback or any other unexpected movement of the saw. This may not be “textbook”, but it was what I was taught. Thanks for your videos!
1981? That was only 20 years ago!😅 When I saw those points, I instantly thought about Chickanic's channel where she replaced points with electronic ignition. Great job!
I own one of these, my first chainsaw bought it when I was about 14 still got it am now 52.I remember I got it at discounted price because it was discontinued then, lovely saw.
My 028 starts and runs whenever I need it. Its amazing. I've had it 15 years or more and maybe changed the plug. Chickanic recently did a video on how to flex the diaphram to get it working - once its running.
I rebuilt the same saw just over a year ago, it had a cracked piston. Stihl wanted unbelievable $ for a piston and rings but found them on Amazingzon for under $30. Just like your saw it was my fathers saw and I used it as a early teen up till i left the house. It then sat from sometime shortly after 1986 when it quit until late 2022. I don't use it much as I have several newer saws but I pull it out to use occasionally to use on 12"-14" diameter and smaller trees or limbs. It was mated with a 20" bar and chain but I use a 16" on it now. They were a super popular back in the day and were really stout for their era. Great content and I really enjoy all your videos.
One of the best saw stihl ever made i sold over a 100 of this model went i was in the small engin business back in the1980s sold them through i believe1984 into 1988 they replace the 032 i was in business from 1972 to 1989 i am 78 years old now
Have one since new! 1990. Only thing I’ve done is new carb from the Hipa Store and new plug probably 3 years ago. Runs like it did new. Cold starts on third pull, first pull when warmed up. A little heavy for a 47cc saw with 16” bar, but all metal! 👍🏻 Thanks for the video!
Thanks for a great video! I have a 028 super that was giving me the same issue but I stopped after getting a new carb and had the same results... You've given me the motivation to pull it off the shelf and give it another go!
Stihl dealer Had a sale back in the 80s in my home town crosby minn. For 028 wood boss. They sold out so he sold me the 028 supper for same price and two free chains. Still runs great today. Can cut ten cord white oak split and stack one day 3 people by hand . Always mixed rich 2.5 gallon mix to 2.4 gallons never seemed to hunt it. Also let it warm up before cutting with it. Summer or winter. 😊
Been watching your channel for a very long time, and cannot wait to be at the point in my life where I’m fully self sustainable and able to work on my own things all of the time. Love the videos! I have an older husqvarna chainsaw that I cannot get running and even had the saw shop tell me they couldn’t fix it! I would love to ship it to you and see what you could figure out!
Great video. Enjoyed your patience and determination. Ive had an old 028 Wood Boss sitting on the shelf for a fsw years. This inspires me to get it out and see whats going on with it. You earned a new subscriber.
The spark strength required to jump the gap increases when the plug is in the cylinder and under compression. It takes more voltage to jump the gap due to the higher air density. But, fuel will conduct electricity so that helps get the spark across the gap. A low compression rich mixture takes much less voltage that a high compression lean mixture. That "S" on the spark test tool is the minimum spark length required in free air to get a consistent spark in a cylinder.
I have had very good service from the 20V Dewalt electric chainsaw. It routinely bites off and chews a lot more than I thought it could. Even though I would say that it is really just a limbing or pruning saw, I have made some very big cuts with it. And no small engine temperament to deal with. Just charge a battery and pull the trigger. Though, it is entertaining to watch you trying to get that thing to run right.
John, I own a Stihl 028-WB similar to the one you repaired. I believe I purchased it in the mid 1980's My saw has always been a difficult starter but once I pour a little fuel in the spark plug chamber it takes right off. Switching to Tru-Fuel has made a big difference in starting and I no longer need to pour fuel in the cylinder. I always clean the saw and dump the fuel after use. Your tutorial is timely as I need to do my annual maintenance on my saw. Great videos as always.
Yep, this was a tricky one, which for me makes it more enjoyable in the end. Though it did take me awhile, I'd take this over just rebuilding the carb any day. Ignition tester: amzn.to/48SdqEG. Electronic ignition module: amzn.to/3v3pNQo. Have an awesome weekend everybody!
Curious if original carb ran the saw after ignition repair?
I only watch for the seals
I've had many years ago (~2000) a similar problem with a 79 Ford Taunus (German made) carburetor that would not start the car in cold even if you asked it nicely... After a fewf clean-ups and some repair kits I ended up putting a flange and a carburetor for a different car with similar size engine. Went to a dealer, changed some jets and they tuned it and worked like I a charm. It still bugs me to this day what I didn't know that could help me fix it.... After a few years I drove the car for the last time. I've noticed that the car run perfectly and my father noticed this as well... It was a bitter sweet moment. That was the car I put my most work into and thought me a few things about rust and what one can fix and when one should let go.
98.
I have an Old 41 Farm Boss I'd like to have rebuilt that's about 45 or 50 years old. Is something you can successfully work on?
Jon, if you were not a teacher in your previous worklife, you really missed your calling. I learn more from your informative and well presented podcasts than I did in most of my high school and college classes. Your tenacity is amazing, your videos are technically superb and your presentations are well paced and mixed with a nice blend of humor. I hope you keep up the great work for many years to come and I wish more presenters on UA-cam could take lessons from you. 👍👍👍
The kind of teacher we all wish we'd had
Agreed.
wonderfull explanations, I have the same saw, and have the same problem, thought it was chock issue, and now I believe I need to check the spark, great thanks.
Truth!
The learning model....rote memorization, understanding, application, and correlation....
Memorization is useless for this, but understanding the functionality, applying the concepts, and correlating the lessons learned to future problems is great.
And to integrate those while working through "failures" is where he shines.
I bought my Stihl 028 Wood Boss in 1987 to clear off an area for our new house. It has always been a great saw. After watching your video, I discovered the manual says it has an electronic ignition, so that should be good. Over the years though, I have rebuilt the carburetor with new kits and never had real good luck with them. In the end, I replaced the whole carburetor with a cheap China one from Amazon and it has worked like new ever since! It is the only chainsaw I have ever owned and definitely don't consider it an antique!
I bought mine in 1986 and use it regularly. I burn 4-5 cords per year. Along with an 036 they run great and still going strong.
I would try your hand at the original carb one more time. The original walbro/tillitson is superior to a chinese carb. Replace the gaskets, turn both low speed and high speed needles out 1 1/4 turns. Make sure it's getting gas and it's cleaned out really good and it should work great. It's a fairly simple carb so as long as it's getting fuel and air it should work. I had an issue with mine not getting fuel after rebuild, but it's good now. Warm it up and it idles like my ms170 even though it's 30 years older.
@skoparweaver7692
Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I probably didn't keep the old carb. I've used it with the cheap replacement for probably 3-4 years without a problem. I changed to a premium fuel mix at that time, so maybe that has helped too.
That grinder on the lathe... It's both hilarious and genius.
As soon as I seen the grain grinder on the wood lathe I started to laugh.
@@DB-yj3qc Same. I sent the screenshot to some of my friends. Still laughing.
haha i had to share that too with my friends @@saxus
You said grinder, I thought you meant abrasive. Maybe a flap disk. THAT did NOT even register as a possibility!
48:27 caution lazy man at work beware of spilt beer"
Sounds like it's crank seals John. Put a cap on the exhaust and pump it up. If it leaks, pull the engine apart and reseal it. A couple of hours will make a dandy saw.
John Do a leak down test on that motor to make sure you do not have crank case leak. The 028 is known for bad crank seals/ impulse line/ intake manifold boot. Also the coil you bought is a electronic ignition coil. Just hook the kill switch to it and it will work. Do away with electronic ignition module if you want to put that new coil in that saw.
Well that is some incrowd knowledge, really nice
That was I thinking Leak test it.
Lots of hard issue come from Leak test
Thank you for these tips! I'm never too old to learn new things.
Hands of a surgeon…brains to match , a man that can do everything and I mean everything deserves respect , well done as always !
This is what I love about old mechanical tools, they're fixable! I like the electric stuff but man when they fail, they're not easily repairable and I guarantee they won't be lasting 40 years like this saw!
I haven't found too many modern tools that can't be repaired; they just need different skills and sometimes a creative method of sourcing parts.
@@watcherofwatchers that’s a good point and great perspective. I’ve soldered connectors back to Bluetooth speakers and resisters back to boards but the new tools seem so cheaply made, sometimes it’s better to replace than to fix. Love the content on this channel, though. Fixing things and bringing life back to stuff is cool regardless of what it is.
Right now there's hundreds of guys in there garage fixing this exact problem. Great vid ..Great edit..
Two strokes with multiple issues can be a real challenge to sort out. It sounded great in the end. Always worth the effort to save a Stihl saw.
good to see u here lol
I am working on 2 Stihl 028 AV SUPER chainsaws right now. Both belong to a subscriber. One he has owned since new and has sentimental value to him. It ran great until he let a friend borrow it. He straight gased it and burned it up. Well build saws, definitely worth saving.
Also have 028 bought new in early 80's, and a MS460. 028 still runs great. Great UA-cam fan, but your video is standout for its quality in many respects. Excellent.
I bought this exact saw around1980. I have cut many cords of wood with it since then and it is still going strong. One of my favorite saws and I have several. This was considered to be a PRO saw by old timey repair guys as it was manufactured before STIHL started making three levels of quality. I refuse to look at it as an antique cause then I must be old {77}.
I inherited this model saw from my grandfather, it runs better than my four year old husky Rancher 455. It's my new go to saw and my Husky now collects dust.
Most guys would have chucked it in the garbage, your persistence has paid off . good repair video.🤠
Every Friday when i sit down to chill, i load up UA-cam and immediately look for a FarmCraft101 or DieselCreek video. Love you guys! Keep up the good work, fantastic entertainment.
School is in session...loved the trip down the rabbit hole with you! thanks for taking us along.
I have an old 028 myself. Watching I was having flashbacks from about 7 years ago. I pulled points out and added module. starts everytime and runs great. One of my favorite mid range saws
Love your videos!
My Daddy taught me something very valuable for memorization in these situations. "I'm not a fig plucker, I'm a fig pluckers son, but I'll pluck figs til the fig plucker comes!" When you encounter a troublesome machine like this, repeat this phrase three times. Things will become crystal clear!
I’ve a similar one. “I’m not a pheasant plucker, I’m a pheasant plucker’s son, I’m only plucking pheasants til the pheasant plucker comes”
Man always looking forward to this wholesome dude fixing sh... !
It? For $1000 Bob.
Your films are always very interesting whenever you're fixing stuff. Please keep making this kind of movies.
Great video, thanks grand master chief for the depth of your knowledge and unlimited set of skills.
Once again, without fail, you prove that you are a genius!
I would have given up in the first 2 minutes.
Jon, good job on your stick to it mentality. When I was having a problem with my Stihl bogging down I talked to my Factory Stihl Repairman and he told me to only run 92 octane fuel with the 2 stroke oil in it. If you can get it without Ethanol it is even better. I changed the 89 octane fuel to the 92 and wow, that really fixed my bogging down. I am sure you already know it but this was news to me and I thought I would share it with you. Great video. Oh and the flower grinder was priceless. You think a lot like me. hahaha
The high speed jet should be adjusted at wide open on the trigger while under load in a cut. This is why saw shops used to have a big hardwood log out back before government took away the adjustment screws. There are screwdrivers that lock onto the jet to make this easier. Same thing, find where it starts stumbling in both directions and put it in the middle. You'll be amazed how much more power you can dial in.
Turning the high screw on full throttle with no load until rpm is the highest then backing it off until it '4 stroke's also works
Great video John, very enjoyable. Small engines can be very temperamental hey! 🇦🇺🍺🍺
The official Stihl way is to adjust no-load RPM at full throttle (with an electronic RPM meter), but I also usually use your method.
100% wrong. There is a spec in every Stihl Tech Manual for a top no load speed setting. The high is adjusted 500rpm under that spec for a saw that is broken in and 1000 for a brand new saw. It should be adjusted using a digital tachometer.
I have 1 just like it I'm so blessed It was my father's now mine Never been in the shop yet When I need to if anyone can ever fix it I love my saw. Thank you thank you for the video.
This is educational clean entertainment that should have at least 5 million subscribers.
I love that this is your Dad's saw that you are keeping fit. I too have my Dad's McCulloch saw that is also at least 40 years old. It is one of the only things I have of his since he passed away.
I don´t have to maintain machines due to working in an office, but watching your vids is always the start of my weekend...interesting, sometimes sarcastic and always self-critic...thank you for sharing your work with us!!
Congratulations you have more patience than I do
That was an invaluable invite into chainsaw repair , I have experienced all of thease symptoms in the past, I will now use your method to diagnose and repair , thank you for sharing your knowledge and time
43 years makes something antique? Man, I feel old this morning.
Agreed, that's my main saw and I got it as a wedding gift brand new from my father-in-law.
man, i love these videos, i never would have guessed there were points under that flywheel, always learning something new
Ive inherited this exact saw from my grandpa and it has the same issue. I can't wait to try this fix and cant thank you enough for the valuable information and trouble shooting.
I have a Stihl 028AV that I bought new around 1984 but have not used it for a decade after moving to a bigger saw. My wife says I have too many saws so have been working on it to get it running to sell. I feel like I'm watching myself while viewing your video so I'm taking the electronic step...that's all I have left for options. LOL. Thank you very much for the video. Excellent narrative and editing.
My old 038 magnum is by far my favourite saw. Takes a minute to warm up but once it does it'll run all day
It's easy to have a love hate relationship with chain saws. Its cool you got that one working.
Thank you from Sydney Australia. Fantastic instruction video. I've got a small saw that's 'more than likely' the same issues. 🇦🇺🌏
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I typically just throw away my older machines because it costs a lot to repair them at my local repair shop. Perhaps with a little more knowledge I may attempt to tackle some repairs in the future.
Wow, thanks for reviving the old 028 Wood Boss. I purchased mine in 1984 and ran it hard for 30 plus years before giving it to my younger brother. It still lives on at the farm cutting fire wood. Brother tells me it runs better than his 2 newer 025's. Besides chanes, bars, drive sprockets, spark plugs and some other small maintenance items, still starts on the 3rd pull after sitting for a week and 1 pull after running and shut off for a break. Dont make them like they used to.
The weekend always starts nice, when there is a Fridays video from John.
I got that exact same saw from my dad too! Mine runs like a top, just had to give the carb a good run through. It’s a workhorse and does an awesome job. Thanks for showing me the air filter splits apart, I had no idea.
Another great one! I learn so much more and enjoy watching your complete and very detailed video repairs! 💯
I still own an 028 that my father bought when I was 15 y/o. I'm now 61! Still a damn good saw, which I've cut a lot of winter firewood with. Never have torn it down. I've just serviced it over the years, and replaced the bar once
Always like Stihl equipment, high and consistent quality 👍🏼
I love the little details of these small combustion engines. Thank goodness for brilliant engineers and inventors that came before us!
First thing I do with a non running saw is check compression with a tester. If someone puts the wrong gas or mixture in (it happens a lot) or another issue leads people to turning jets….. making a lean mixture. Both will burn up the piston and cylinder very quickly. With a saw that runs but not great, pull off the muffler and look into the cylinder. Then rotate the engine slowly and look at the piston. Exhaust side is the one that gets burned up from excessive heat. Just a small amount of scoring will drop compressing causing it to run or start poorly.
I had a Stihl 051 with a 36 inch bar from the same era as your 028. Thing was a beast.
I ordered both PC-7 & PC-11 as I needed some good epoxy and this stuff seems really good.
I also have them and they are great, BUT they are slow to cure (hours). If you need something fixed quick, get JB Weld KwikWeld or similar.
I have an 028wb just like thar one from virginia beach. Went thru that same repair about 3 years ago. Ive had this saw since it was brand new around 81 or 82. The only saw ive eber owned. Im now 71. Great saw
I came acrost this channel about 1 year back and I have enjoyed it immensely since. I have even gone back and watched some of the past posts. You have never failed to entertained with your content. Please keep up the great work. I must tell you some times you just plane crack me you with some of the things you say ! 👍 👍 👍🤣
Love the grinder on the lathe. I have an old 024 I need to work on. Thanks for the video
My first saw was from that vintage. I got it well used in the early 90's while attending college and still have it. It is a Stihl 009L and thank dog the chain oiler still works.
Yer tenacity is an example for us all, my good man, thanks for sharing!
John seeing that saw brought up memories of me teenager years, cutting and loading firewood.
I have the same exact chainsaw and it was also my father’s. I also have the booklet that came with it. Manufactured in 1985.
Mine is the 028AV Wood Boss
I have also been having the same exact problems with mine. Went to three different dealers and they all try to tell me that the parts are now obsolete and any carburetor rebuild kits are aftermarket junk. Sounds like their way of trying to sell me a new saw instead of trying to help.
I’m glad I found this video!
And taking your old one to fix and sell
Been watching for a couple of years now. My favorite channel. I have learned so much. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, John. Love the vids. My ‘80 chainsaw ran great until the brother-in-law left it out in the snow last year. Keep up the great posts.
I learned a valuable lesson years ago when I loaned some hydraulic jacks to my brother: never loan out your things. And then I did it again; I loaned out a very nice gas-powered water pump to neighbors who needed water on their off-grid place. You guessed it: they ran it flat out every day for hours, never changed the oil, regularly ran the oil low. At the end of the summer, when I saw what they had done to it, I told them to keep it. Again, never loan out your things. Most people just won't appreciate your generosity.
This was one of your best videos. You covered all of the “mysteries” of small engine repair that we all can use to better diagnose and fix a variety of issues. I feel much more confident tackling problems that arise with these engines now. Makes me want to revisit an issue I’ve been having with my tiller! Many thanks to you Jon!!
Weak spark always shows up when the throttle is opened because the compression is much higher than at idle. It is much harder for the spark to jump at higher compression. Adjust high speed jet under load. Will get rid of bog down while cutting. Nice video John. Thanks
I rebuilt my Dads old 041 from 1978. You would be amazed at the amount of parts Stihl still has kicking around for factory parts including carb rebuild kits, bearings, etc. I did have to go aftermarket for some stuff, but I expected as much. The saw runs pretty well now.
Oh that special, fuzzy feeling when you diagnose and fix something that's broken 👍
How addictive!!
My ‘87 high school graduation gift from dad was a used 056 Stihl, I’ve been running chainsaws ever since. Have to admit, I learned a lot from this video that I probably should have known thirty years ago! Thanks Jon
I have a Stihl 08 that my dad bought in the 60s. Folks around here gave him a lot of flack for buying a "foreign" chainsaw! I reckon he had the last laugh as it's still in good condition.after almost 60 years. Last time I tried to use it, I could not get it started. I took it to the local Stihl dealer and they fixed it for free and thanked my for allowing them to work on it! I was astounded, to say the least.
Enjoyed the video. I have an old Farm Boss. You are persistent.
I absolutely LOVE your grain mill drive! Creative solution. As for the saw, your methodical approach to fixing it may have taken a little longer, but you know everything else is good. Ditching the mechanical points is something I may not ever have thought of. Really appreciate what you do and share with is all. THANK YOU!
I have replaced the mechanical ignition on both of my Suzuki cars. And I instantly gotten stronger spark and like 5HP extra instantly. (which is a lot in a car with only 50 factory HP to begin with)
I fixed my brother in laws bg65 Stihl blower. My final fix after new plug, air filter, gas filter and air valve for gas tank was 4 small zip ties on the vent hose and gas hose. Blower kept bogging down give it throttle and died just like urs. Zip ties has the blower running fantastic now.
Good video!!!
This was great! Thank you for leading us through your process and improvements you'd make. Really glad you didn't give up on it! This will definitely help me when I'm troubleshooting old equipment
I’ve got one just like it that my dad had and used a lot. It sat in my shop since he passed away in January 2012. I purchased 90 acres in Lincolnton Ga. in 2021. I decided to try it out and after putting new gas in it, it fired up on the 9th pull. I put a knew plug in it and it starts on the second pull every time. I cut several loads of firewood with it and I love it!
Ah farm life, who'd of thought it would be so interesting, what with all the equipment and tools one needs to run one, but of course nothing would work without the skills one develops along the way, needless to say Jon being mechanically inlined really helps, and you have been blessed.....I'm a fan....Javi G.
Saw is two years older than me and still kicks ass! Great video!
Nice.....Love how you stick with it until the end.....very satisfying to watch you troubleshoot, and to solve the problem(s) in the end.....
I put a conversion kit on an early seventies Jonsred saw of the same size, it did the trick. My son is still running it today. Good stuff.
John (Jon SP?) that was awesome! I learned more about small 2-cycles in this one video than I have in ten years of fighting with them! I was watching intently to the end for the punchline, because those were exactly the symptoms I experienced with my first chainsaw, an old Homelite that someone had donated to the family. I tried *everything*, up to the ignition testing and replacement that you did, and with exactly the same lack of results. After a couple of years of using the POS to cut firewood, my mom back in California shipped me a new 14" Echo for my birthday, which probably saved me from death via head trauma from beating it against a brick wall. The worthless Homelite got stuck away in the water heater closet while that Echo blew my mind with the differences!
Now for my own punchline... That paperweight sat until, on some whim, I went looking for it and discovered it'd been stolen by a certain tweaker . Here's to getting one's just desserts when he tried to trade it off for dope!
Our .o32 takes two pulls with choke on, fires, chole off & it's ready to crank and cut wood. It was this way when new and today about 15 years old. Stihl is hard to beat. I am amazed at your patience and the few bleeps necessary to complete a project. Good info & video.
I have a Still 041AV chain saw I got in 1970 so it is 54 years old now. I still works perfect although I did put a new carb on it several years ago. I also replaced the spark plug and air filter and gas line and filter because ethanol gas rots gas lines. Great saw with minimal maintenance. I did not use some aftermarket Chinese carb but rather bought a proper Stihl carb for $60. Love my old Stihl.
lesson learned, diagnose first- compression test and spark jump, then look at fueling. I just ordered the same spark tester straight after watching your post, thank you so much for forging the path for us like minded people.
Thanks for this video! I have one of these saws that was purchased in Dec, 1980. My side plate says it was made in Germany. I've replaced the carburetor once about 5 years ago and it ran great for awhile but started bogging down when trying to give it gas. I may try that electronic ignition module. I had no idea this saw had points! Great job troubleshooting from start to finish!
LOL.... I walked out just before you found the points the last time I watched this, watching it again and I was thinking I bet theirs points in that thing ! and sure enough... the way it was running just pointed to me the points/condenser the condenser in particular in this case
...my hats off to you as I bought one of those little electronic ignition module a long time ago and I fought it for a week trying to get the thing to work and finally gave up and put the points back in it ! (on an old B&S 3.5 hp).... I never seen any of those things work !
I've had friends tell me nah they are junk, they don't work ! yet You got one to work WOW !
I've had several saws with points in fact I think I still have 2 !
it would have been really interesting to see if just replacing the condenser cured the problem.... but I guess we'll never know now ! HA !
Thanks Jon for the great videos !
I have (had) the same saw. It belonged to my grandfather, then my dad had it, then me. Then I lent it to someone and never saw it again. Thanks Jerk! I think it was a 1983 or 84.
Usual great video. I like how you show when you discover a better way to solve a problem. Your videos are very informative and clear, the sound is very good. Keep up the good work.
That saw had multi-system organ failure and you revived it! Great job!
I purchased my 036 new in 1994. We heated with wood exclusively for 10 years and every bit of it was cut with it. When we purchased 20 acres of wooded land it’s bee used constantly to keep the land cleared of damaged trees. It’s never had ethanol blended gas in it and it’s ran on Amsoil Sabre oil exclusively. If I went out to the barn right now it’d start on the third or fourth pull. I’ve put numerous bars, chains, gas filters and clutch sprockets on it but the engine remains untouched.
Stihl built a great saw back then.
Great work, our MS230 has a similar issue this definetly helps, thanks. You know you got the good stuff when it says "Made in West-Germany" on it.
I sure enjoyed this. The one minor detail, but could be major is: (has nothing to do with fixing the saw) when actually cutting with the saw, ALWAYS wrap your thumb around the saw handle when cutting. This gives you much more stability if and when there is kickback or any other unexpected movement of the saw. This may not be “textbook”, but it was what I was taught. Thanks for your videos!
1981? That was only 20 years ago!😅 When I saw those points, I instantly thought about Chickanic's channel where she replaced points with electronic ignition. Great job!
I own one of these, my first chainsaw bought it when I was about 14 still got it am now 52.I remember I got it at discounted price because it was discontinued then, lovely saw.
My 028 starts and runs whenever I need it. Its amazing. I've had it 15 years or more and maybe changed the plug. Chickanic recently did a video on how to flex the diaphram to get it working - once its running.
I rebuilt the same saw just over a year ago, it had a cracked piston. Stihl wanted unbelievable $ for a piston and rings but found them on Amazingzon for under $30. Just like your saw it was my fathers saw and I used it as a early teen up till i left the house. It then sat from sometime shortly after 1986 when it quit until late 2022. I don't use it much as I have several newer saws but I pull it out to use occasionally to use on 12"-14" diameter and smaller trees or limbs. It was mated with a 20" bar and chain but I use a 16" on it now. They were a super popular back in the day and were really stout for their era. Great content and I really enjoy all your videos.
One of the best saw stihl ever made i sold over a 100 of this model went i was in the small engin business back in the1980s sold them through i believe1984 into 1988 they replace the 032 i was in business from 1972 to 1989 i am 78 years old now
Have one since new! 1990. Only thing I’ve done is new carb from the Hipa Store and new plug probably 3 years ago. Runs like it did new. Cold starts on third pull, first pull when warmed up. A little heavy for a 47cc saw with 16” bar, but all metal! 👍🏻 Thanks for the video!
Thanks for a great video! I have a 028 super that was giving me the same issue but I stopped after getting a new carb and had the same results... You've given me the motivation to pull it off the shelf and give it another go!
Stihl dealer Had a sale back in the 80s in my home town crosby minn. For 028 wood boss. They sold out so he sold me the 028 supper for same price and two free chains. Still runs great today. Can cut ten cord white oak split and stack one day 3 people by hand . Always mixed rich 2.5 gallon mix to 2.4 gallons never seemed to hunt it. Also let it warm up before cutting with it. Summer or winter. 😊
Been watching your channel for a very long time, and cannot wait to be at the point in my life where I’m fully self sustainable and able to work on my own things all of the time. Love the videos! I have an older husqvarna chainsaw that I cannot get running and even had the saw shop tell me they couldn’t fix it! I would love to ship it to you and see what you could figure out!
Have an old 029 that my grandfather bought back in 93 still starts and runs flawless .
Dude I just looove your narration and story telling process. Such a pleasure to watch.
Great video. Enjoyed your patience and determination. Ive had an old 028 Wood Boss sitting on the shelf for a fsw years.
This inspires me to get it out and see whats going on with it. You earned a new subscriber.
The spark strength required to jump the gap increases when the plug is in the cylinder and under compression. It takes more voltage to jump the gap due to the higher air density. But, fuel will conduct electricity so that helps get the spark across the gap. A low compression rich mixture takes much less voltage that a high compression lean mixture. That "S" on the spark test tool is the minimum spark length required in free air to get a consistent spark in a cylinder.
i love any repair that isnt just clean and rebuild a carb, good hunting.
I have had very good service from the 20V Dewalt electric chainsaw. It routinely bites off and chews a lot more than I thought it could. Even though I would say that it is really just a limbing or pruning saw, I have made some very big cuts with it. And no small engine temperament to deal with. Just charge a battery and pull the trigger. Though, it is entertaining to watch you trying to get that thing to run right.
Farmcraft, CEE and Dieselcreek were my favourite channels. They'd tempt my thumb to hit that like button even before the video start.
Funny thing: I follow the same channels 😂
John, I own a Stihl 028-WB similar to the one you repaired. I believe I purchased it in the mid 1980's My saw has always been a difficult starter but once I pour a little fuel in the spark plug chamber it takes right off. Switching to Tru-Fuel has made a big difference in starting and I no longer need to pour fuel in the cylinder. I always clean the saw and dump the fuel after use.
Your tutorial is timely as I need to do my annual maintenance on my saw. Great videos as always.