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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Stihl Mix History Question

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Bill VA

12-24-2007 14:16:01




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I have an old Stihl 038 AVS Farm Boss and a 034 AV chainsaw.

It seems to me that the above saws use a 40:1 mix like the old McCulloch"s did, but I notice that newer Stihl saws use 50:1 mix.

Anyone remember Stihl saws (even the ones above) using a 40:1 mix?

Thanks!
Bill




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Lee in Iowa

12-26-2007 08:30:16




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
I have a stihl saw, a weed eater, and a post hole digger that all call for different mixes. For at least the last five years I have used the little plastic packets of oil that mix with one gallon of gas and work for all ratios. I have had no trouble with any of the tools and the oil is also supposed to stabilize the gas. Case/IH dealer where I got the saw sells one kind, aonther is made by Oregon that makes chains etc.

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jdemaris

12-25-2007 16:04:25




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
The mix has nothing to do with the way the saw is built. Stihl saws built in the 1960s are just as durable as the best saws Stihl builds today. The newer leaner mixes are to meet EPA air-quality regs, that's all.

Two things have changed. #1 the EPA regs calling for less oil-smoke, and #2 the quality of two-stroke-cycle engine oil. Back in the 60s, even early 70s, conventional 30 W engine oil was often used for the mix (and allowed) instead of any TCW rated special oil.

The richer you can make your mix, the better it is for your saw up to the point you start fouling exhaust ports and spark-plugs. I've been using 25 to 1 since the late 60s and I still have a few Stihls that were built then (and O40, 030, and S10). I've never had an exhaust port fould on any of my Stihls.

Can't say the same for some of my old Homelites run at 16 to 1.

Here's what the 1969 Stihl owner's manual says. If using SAE 30 engine oil, mix at a ratio of 25 to 1. If using special two-stroke engine oil, 40 to 1 is sufficient.

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TomTex

12-25-2007 07:10:48




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
I try to keep it simple. I only buy the little one-shot Stihl 50:1 oil. Just add it to 8/10 gallon of gas and you have 40:1. Add 9/10 gallon and you have 45:1. I keep one gas can at 40:1 and another gas can at 45:1. I run 2 chain saws, leaf blower, string trimmer, etc all using the Stihl oil. When mix is 2 months old, pour in my pickup. Keeping a fresh mix only costs the oil, since I burn the gas in pickup. Tom

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glennster

12-25-2007 06:43:24




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
i have a 20 some year old 028 wood boss, 20 in bar, a husky and a small stihl cant remember the number. i run 32:1 in em all, plus the weed eaters, lawn blower, and a couple of lawn boy mowers. never had any problems, for some of the machines , its a little rich on oil, but that way i dont have 4 or 5 cans of different premix laying around. they have synthetic oil that supposedly you run 50:1 for all the motors, but i havent tried it. makes me nervous.

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JT

12-25-2007 07:08:06




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to glennster, 12-25-2007 06:43:24  
Glenn, I do the same thing on everything that comes out of my shop. It will work fine, even great, some people will say you will carbon up your engine, foul plugs and such, well a 2 cycle engine is like a wood stove, you keep heat in it, it will not carbon up, meaning do not let it run at half speed, keep it running full bore ALL the time, it keeps heat in it so the carbon does not build up, and it keeps the engine cool, because at low speeds, the flywheel cannot move enough air to cool the engine.

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jack12345

12-24-2007 20:28:57




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
I talked to my local dealer and he said use 40-1.We are in a logging area and when saws are used hard daily stay with 40-1. He said that he's seen too many lub related problems with 50-1.
I've used both and see no advantage in power/smoke/cost in using 50-1 over 40-1.



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Mike M

12-24-2007 15:28:37




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
I think it is due to an improvements in the oil and not the saw. My old one was 40:1 then I went to 50:1 when they changes to oil. I have only used Stihl oil too. Other brand of oil you may want to go richer.



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farrviewsouth

12-24-2007 14:32:58




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bill VA, 12-24-2007 14:16:01  
I sure you will get some more replies but I have been running my 028 with 50:1 mix for the past six or seven years with no ill effect....



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Bud in WV

12-24-2007 18:11:39




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to farrviewsouth, 12-24-2007 14:32:58  
Me, too and my 028 puked a couple of weeks ago - after 30 years of 50:1�..wonder if there's a warranty....

I posted my situation here a couple of weeks ago - I'm still weighing options - a lot depends on how BAD my old 028 puked.

The local dealer said $400 for OPENERS - IF the crank is still OK. According to him, what usually happens is one of the crank bearings slings a needle or the cage. I talked to the guy I bought it from about 30 years ago and he said he could replace the cylinder & piston for about $225. He's not a Stihl dealer anymore but he still has a rental shop. It's all gonna be determined when they open it. If the crankshaft & other stuff is trashed, too I guess if it's not cost effective, he'll have a "carcass" to strip for parts. It'll be a sad end for an old friend!

I think I'll let the guy I bought it from check it first. He's 4 states away now but it may be worth it. He's never steered me wrong yet. I've said in other posts that my eyes and fingers just don't work on stuff that small anymore so it�s gotta go to a real shop.

A new 260 Pro is about $500. A new 280 is about $450. A new Husky 460 is $410. Both dealers are local.

I'm going to check the local Dalmar dealer when they open after the CHRISTmas Holidays, too. I've never even seen one of them but it sounds like they're pretty good, too.

It's looking more and more like repairing my old 028 won't be cost effective - but I'm gonna try to save it. (Yeah � I try to find homes for stray dogs and cat, too!) If I can't, it'll be kinda like having to "put down" my dog!

I'm leaning hard toward the 260 Pro - I'll be glad to get any input!

Ya'll have a very merry CHRISTmas!

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georgeky

12-25-2007 18:37:28




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-24-2007 18:11:39  
Just had my 031 rebuilt by a Stihl dealer for 275.00. New jug, piston, rings, bearings and seals. New MS 310 is 420.00 Bought a new MS 310 last year for 365.00. I guess inflation hit saws as well.



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JT

12-25-2007 07:00:40




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-24-2007 18:11:39  
Brad,
You are being told worse case on the amount to fix your old saw. I rebiuld a lot of saws, with cylinder and piston, and itwill have a lot of years of service left in it. If you don't fix your old 028, let me know, I would not mind having it.
Jim



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Bud in WV

12-25-2007 09:53:23




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to JT, 12-25-2007 07:00:40  
That's what I'm hoping! The first option is try to rebuild it! IF it becomes necessary to replace it, I'm about decided on the 260 Pro but I REALLY hope it doesn't come to that!
It says something for the 028 - SWMBO has already decided that we need a good chain saw. She agrees on the 260 Pro for $500+ but I'd rather repair that old 028 than get a new saw! Money doesn't have that much to do with it - I just like my old 028!

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JT

12-25-2007 17:16:51




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-25-2007 09:53:23  
Bud,
If you do decide on a new Stihl, be very careful about what gas you use, my son used to work for a Stihl dealer, and he said he seen a lot of scored cylinders and Stihl used the excuse that it was caused from using too low octane fuel or gasahol, In my opinion, if you do not fix your 028, look at a PS510 Dolmar, about the same price ands seem to be a good saw, also. And you can get them with 3/8 chain or .325. I will check on price of piston and cylinder and see what they actually will cost to get one and they can be changed out in a hour or so.
Jim
Sorry about name confusion in previous post.

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Bud in WV

12-26-2007 03:44:45




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to JT, 12-25-2007 17:16:51  
Thanks for the info! The local Dalmar dealer was closed Maonday so I was planning to check with them this morning to start getting some info on them. Never even seen one, but I've heard they're good!



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JT

12-26-2007 13:57:00




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-26-2007 03:44:45  
Bud, did a little checking, the cylinder, piston, and gasket is about $245.00, then if you are going to do the cylinder and piston thing, please replace the intake boot, they are suspect at best and will get little cracks in them and that could be what caused you to score the cylinder to start with, they start sucking air and lean out the mixture and it does damage. the boot is between the carb and the engine, so carb cannot add fuel to compensate for the extra air. They are 28.20. I am not a Stihl dealer, but a friend is, I called him to get these prices for you, so these should be close to being right.
Jim

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Bud in WV

12-26-2007 17:36:39




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to JT, 12-26-2007 13:57:00  
I'd planned to replace the drive sprocket, too. I used to work for a large power company in NC & SC. I spent my last 15 years as a Turbine Outage Planner. I learned - if there's ANYTHING that might be a problem later, change it out while you're in the machine now! Any chance you're in the Southeast? Shoot me an email. The guy I bought the saw from (who's not a dealer now) gave me a "ballpark" number of $225 off the top of his head so it's right in line.
THANKS for the info!

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Pajamafied John

12-25-2007 06:36:28




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-24-2007 18:11:39  
I've had a MS260 Pro for about 2 years and love it. Very smooth and powerful for it's weight. When walking through the brush over all manner of downed branches etc. the lighter weight is welcomed. This is my first Stihl and I am a believer.



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Pajamafied John

12-25-2007 06:36:22




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 Re: Stihl Mix History Question in reply to Bud in WV, 12-24-2007 18:11:39  
I've had a MS260 Pro for about 2 years and love it. Very smooth and powerful for it's weight. When walking through the brush over all manner of downed branches etc. the lighter weight is welcomed. This is my first Stihl and I am a believer.



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