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Stihl 038AV Advice


jARBy
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Alright chaps, been looking for a decent used saw to be used 3-4 days a week on a sweet chestnut coppicing job, as I'm on a budget.

 

Friend of a friend offered me a fairly battered looking 038 18" bar for £250ish

 

Says it runs sweet, and pulls well.

 

Never used one, but iv heard they are bomb proof..

 

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers

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The 038 is a VERY old saw, if it has seen a bit off life, I would personally steer clear and get something a little newer.

 

Look at the bottom of the saw and if it is missing a lot of paint and the metal has been worn, it has had much use. The plastics will also give a fair indication of use. If it is in good clean condition then it starts to look OK.

 

These saws have a relatively long stroke and the pistons can get a bit slappy at the bottom of the stroke - let the saw idle and if it is rattling like a bad un then it has piston wear or the clutch has wear - reasonably typical on these saws.

 

Check the saw idles with a very even speed, not hunting up and down and leave it 2-3 mins on idle. Pick it up and grab at the throttle, make sure it spools up to flat out cleanly without loads of smoke. Make sure it revs out OK with no hessitation. Make sure the chain isn't spinning at idle, if it is suspect worn cllutch springs.

 

All these issues are fixable but at extra cost.

 

It is always worth checking that the cylinder is the original so look at it and make sure it has a dull grey colour, if it looks almost white in colour, it is probably aftermarket - ask your mate if it is original.

 

Hold the saw up by the starter handle and see how long it takes to extend, 10s + is good, if compression seems bad then walk!

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The 038 is a VERY old saw, if it has seen a bit off life, I would personally steer clear and get something a little newer.

 

Look at the bottom of the saw and if it is missing a lot of paint and the metal has been worn, it has had much use. The plastics will also give a fair indication of use. If it is in good clean condition then it starts to look OK.

 

These saws have a relatively long stroke and the pistons can get a bit slappy at the bottom of the stroke - let the saw idle and if it is rattling like a bad un then it has piston wear or the clutch has wear - reasonably typical on these saws.

 

Check the saw idles with a very even speed, not hunting up and down and leave it 2-3 mins on idle. Pick it up and grab at the throttle, make sure it spools up to flat out cleanly without loads of smoke. Make sure it revs out OK with no hessitation. Make sure the chain isn't spinning at idle, if it is suspect worn cllutch springs.

 

All these issues are fixable but at extra cost.

 

It is always worth checking that the cylinder is the original so look at it and make sure it has a dull grey colour, if it looks almost white in colour, it is probably aftermarket - ask your mate if it is original.

 

Hold the saw up by the starter handle and see how long it takes to extend, 10s + is good, if compression seems bad then walk!

 

Hi Spud,

 

Thats some very good advice there, should be on a stickie for 'buying a second hand saw' ?

 

 

N

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Cheers spud thats great!

 

Its the 72cc magnum version

 

just found out that the saw has good compression and plenty of power, recently had clutch drum and drive sprocket all OEM, still has original cylinder. but definitely had a fair bit of use.

 

Not sure what to think now really?

 

What would you suggest is the best equivalent (modern) saw that will run a 20" bar easily and handle hard use 3-4 days a week?

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Cheers spud thats great!

 

Its the 72cc magnum version

 

just found out that the saw has good compression and plenty of power, recently had clutch drum and drive sprocket all OEM, still has original cylinder. but definitely had a fair bit of use.

 

Not sure what to think now really?

 

What would you suggest is the best equivalent (modern) saw that will run a 20" bar easily and handle hard use 3-4 days a week?

 

Husqvarna 356......

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There is a Dolmar 120 (68cc) on ebay that could probably be had for around £100 and would be similar weight/power for less money.

 

Doesn't seem like anybody is buying it.

 

(not my saw, just like the old Dolmars so vaguely watch them)

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