Stihl 038 AVS Farm Boss (late ‘80s) worth saving?

[Just_Alex]

Dear Chainsaw Gods,

I’ve been lurking for a bit so now taking the plunge with my first post, hi everyone. 🙂
I foolishly acquired a kinda-sorta running 038 AVS Farm Boss Stihl, immediately gave it to an authorised Stihl repair place to take a look at, and have been returned the saw in parts in a cardboard box since in their minds it is not worth saving (I assume due to lack of OEM parts and labour cost). Their diagnosis is scored cylinder and a leaking crank case. Not great. 
 

I don’t want to throw good money after bad, but equally I’d hate to bin or flog such a reputable old saw model just because I have no clue on mechanics, so im asking the hive mind what the best approach is. Or would anyone with experience want to take this on for me? 
 

I had originally planned to convert it to a ripping saw for occasional hobbyist milling (at a tiny scale, mind) but clearly this saw is not yet ready for that challenge! Maybe a rebuild as a Magnum rather than the original Super would make the most sense? Or just bin it?

 

many thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

Alexander

[trigger_andy]

You can buy a good running 038 for under £250. How much will it cost to get this one running again? £500?

[Just_Alex]

Hi @trigger_andy, thanks for your reply. That’s the (hopefully not) million dollar question. Bought the saw for £175 and Stihl service folks said £300-£500 to get it done up “if we can get the parts” plus labour costs. 
Might be different for non-OEM parts but I am not a specialist so finding it hard to assess. 
On your point of buying a working 038 Super or similar, I am now obviously a burnt child so have some apprehension buying another oldie without knowing if it will actually run solidly, or start but turn out to be a mess inside. 🥲

 

[gary112]

4 minutes ago, Just_Alex said:

Hi @trigger_andy, thanks for your reply. That’s the (hopefully not) million dollar question. Bought the saw for £175 and Stihl service folks said £300-£500 to get it done up “if we can get the parts” plus labour costs. 
Might be different for non-OEM parts but I am not a specialist so finding it hard to assess. 
On your point of buying a working 038 Super or similar, I am now obviously a burnt child so have some apprehension buying another oldie without knowing if it will actually run solidly, or start but turn out to be a mess inside. 🥲

 

I got a nice original one for sale at the minute,runs nice

[Just_Alex]

I got a nice original one for sale at the minute,runs nice

Thank you, can’t believe folks have got these sitting around waiting for little old me to come along [emoji74] PM’d [emoji122]

[neiln]

Doesn't look like they've had the cylinder off.  They will have looked in the exhaust port and seen a scored piston, maybe the cylinder will just have transfer and could clean up.

 

The air leak is likely the carb boot thingy, or if not then it's a crank shaft seal i guess. Those parts are cheap.  An OEM jug and piston is not though.

 

I know, I have one in a similar condition!

[Ratman]

I got a nice original one for sale at the minute,runs nice

Oy! [emoji16]

[spudulike]

Has that cylinder got anything stamped on that flat near the spark plug and is there any identification near the bottom of the cylinder either side - like Stihl, Mahle, Gilardoni, Tecomec etc?

The cylinder looks a bit aftermarket to me.

As others have said, the leak may be the impulse line, inlet manifold or crank seals.....depending on your abilities decides the fate of the saw.

[Just_Alex]

1 hour ago, neiln said:

Doesn't look like they've had the cylinder off.  They will have looked in the exhaust port and seen a scored piston, maybe the cylinder will just have transfer and could clean up.

 

The air leak is likely the carb boot thingy, or if not then it's a crank shaft seal i guess. Those parts are cheap.  An OEM jug and piston is not though.

 

I know, I have one in a similar condition!

@neiln hmmm I’m hopeful you’re right! Really not a big fan of creating orange and white ornaments 😅

[Stubby]

2 minutes ago, Just_Alex said:

@neiln hmmm I’m hopeful you’re right! Really not a big fan of creating orange and white ornaments 😅

They already are 😁 Sorry could not resit . ( All paid up Husqvarna man )