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

[ChrisNewport]

If you ever knacker the first couple of threads on a plug hole these are one of the best tools to have for a quick fix

14mm Reverse Action Spark Plug Thread Chaser - Repair Damaged Spark Plug Threads | eBay

 

ive repaired a few where a cack handed owner has realised they are going in cross threaded and then stopped after a few turns.

[neiln]

Perhaps spud can advise but my thought was, if the OPs cylinder can be salvaged, my B piston and the ops cylinder (both are av super) and rebuild the other saw with an AM magnum p+c. (I understand they fit after a little elongation of the bolt holes)

[Just_Alex]

Evening all. Torx key arrived, first evening with a bit of time, hold onto your braces!

 

@spudulike and others I might need your advice- dare I pull off the head before I clean this whole machine down somehow? Or just flush out the case with petrol later if several buckets of carbon solids make their way in there? What’s a good solvent to use - I have a big load of WD40 here, and a toothbrush? Or am I over or under thinking what feels to me like open heart surgery? 
 

As always, much obliged for your input, team. 😊

[Dan Maynard]

Better to clean it first, yes. White spirit and toothbrush, WD40 will probably work but obviously more expensive.

 

Ideally an airline to blow the crud out too.

[Just_Alex]

I’ll blow it somehow or other, the bets are gonna be on how. 😂 thanks Dan!

[openspaceman]

39 minutes ago, Just_Alex said:

dare I pull off the head before I clean this whole machine down somehow?

Clean all the loose muck off before you take anything apart.

 

Saw has been seized so will need at least a new piston.

[Wonky]

I’ve got 3 038 there old 85/87s  there are things wrong with all them. 2 have pto bearings gone 🤦‍♂️

i"m hoping to make 2 out of the 3, I will need some ch8nse parts but the bearings are simply 6202 & 6203, so for less than £9 for a pair from simply bearings .co.uk and choose the free delivery 👍 

these are Touquey saws that need to be kept running 😉 

the seals are up to you what you choose oem or farmatec they are all good. You need to fit them correctly 🤦‍♂️ 
ask me how I know 🙄

 

anyhow I saw one of the cylinders has been reduced at the base 

, I think it’s gonna run a bit better than the other stock ones

 

edit… if you order the bearings, they are C3 bearings. It’s the tolerances due to the heat and everything else in a chainsaw

Edited March 29, 2022 by Wonky
Edit c3 and all data

[Just_Alex]

@Wonky you fill me full of hope 😂 

thanks I need all the advice I can get. 

[Just_Alex]

Ok kids before I upload lots of detailed shots of the cylinder and piston outside and in - is the crank supposed to have as much wiggle as this? Hoping videos are allowed here. More pics to come. Cheers

[Just_Alex]

This is as far as I got @spudulike et al - the cylinder to my untrained eye looks like it may have some deposits but to me it does not look very scored. What should I be looking for when taking in the heady sights and smells of a head assembly soaked in oil and WD40? I’m gonna take a break until the brain trust has spoken (please remember I know nothing, in fact, less than nothing, and any advice is mega welcome!).

cheers all 🙂