Stihl 026 Chain Saw -Won't Start

[csutton88]

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I am going to check the spark tonight. If I get no spark then I know it is the ignition control module. I am suspecting it is the carb though. Looks a little tricky to get to but, I will give it a shot.

I'll keep everyone updated if I need further assistance.

 

[brianMO]

Go to arboristsite.com and registor. Search the chainsaw thread. These guys are great. They will help you.

Brian

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Yep if you have a bit of spark at all that is half the battle. I wouldn't start twisting the carb adjustments yet. If it sat that long pull the fuel line that feeds the carb with some fresh fuel in the tank. Tip the saw at what ever angle to see if you get fuel flowing out of the gas line by the carb.
Next step is to remove the diaphram cover where the fuel line came in. The diaphram may have junk or hardened fuel in there. Be really careful with the diaphram as it will rip easily. Look for any microscopic bits of debris in there. Also look to see if it looks like hardened honey in there. Fresh gas might clean that out.
Just in case there is no spark make sure your start switch is working for the contacts. I think they ground the module to shut them off by flipping the choke and run lever cam to ground out the module to shut it off. I have run lot's of chainsaws and only seen 2 modules failed that I can think of in 40 years of playing with chainsaws.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

there is a real good thread somewhere.....

once in the carb, if there is any blueish scale (or the color of you two stroke oil) then the gas has dried out and left behind this scale........good carb cleaner will usually take this out...

make sure you check the little filter screen inside the carb......sometimes it looks white and like it's supposed to be that way.....almost like calcium or lime build up you'd see in plumbing........you can take a pocket knife and pop it out.....to put it back in, flatten it on the table with your finger and then press it back in with a small socket or something........if it's in question, leave it out and try to run the chainsaw......some people leave them out totally, some clean their old one and some insist on putting it back in as new.....

i hope this makes sense

 

[thl]

Chris,

I have a model 29 and had a similar problem. I removed the plug and sprayed a bit of fuel in the chamber. It fired but did not stay running. I traced it back to a faulty pickup tube that delivers the fuel to the carb form the the fuel tank. The tube had become comprimised over time. New pickup tube and filter and it's running great.

Terry

 

[studor]

I know this may sound like a wimpey way out but how about going to the dealer that sold the saw and having them check it over anyway? I have found that the Stihl dealer network tries to live up to the ads about why you can't buy their products in big box stores and in most cases are very good at helping out. Not only that they are usally very good at giving basic instruction on how not to screw up the saw . Besides it gives you an opportunity to buy new chains and look at other toys (I mean tools )

 

[csutton88]

Studor,

I thought about doing this however, the saw was given to me by my grandfather who lives 30 miles a way. I may just take it to a local dealer or at least give them a call to see what I can do. My grandfather purchased a smaller saw as he is now in his 80's and this was getting too hard for him to pull.

I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

 

[djradz]

The 026 is a great saw. Let me know if you decide to not pursue getting it fixed. That said, once you confirm you have spark, I'm going to guess the old fuel left in the carb has gone bad and either gummed up the ports or caused some deterioration of internal parts such as the diaphram, or both. Also, some deterioration of the fuel line may have occured, which could be letting in air and not supplying good fuel to the carb. As I said though, start with the carb if all else looks well.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

take him to the dealer and let him try one of the new stihl ez starts (or whatever the name is).......they really do work unlike most gimmicks......you pull the rope and that winds a spring, after a certain about of force is built up, it automatically releases and starts.....poor description, i know..

anyway, it makes it much easier....

Studor,

I thought about doing this however, the saw was given to me by my grandfather who lives 30 miles a way. I may just take it to a local dealer or at least give them a call to see what I can do. My grandfather purchased a smaller saw as he is now in his 80's and this was getting too hard for him to pull.

I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

 

[csutton88]

Ok some good news....I did put gas in the cylinder and it fired right up. It quit shortly after. It seems as though it definetly is not getting gas though. At least I was able to rule out a few things. I am going to investigate a little more when I have some free time.

Thanks for the information.