The weathers picked up here so seemed like a good time to service the few machines I have .
I had been running an electric chainsaw in the garden a few years , it wouldnt have seen much use really , wasnt worth the trouble in the end as it was prone to loosening and throwing off the chain .
I had an older Stihl 026 given to me by a family friend about 20 years ago but never used , I decided to dig it out . I made the usual 50:1 mix of petrol/oil , added some chain lube to the reservoir , would you believe in two or three pulls of the cord she started right up , and happily idled with a small adjustment of the 'L' screw on the carb . Even the chain lube pump was doing its thing , I traced a small petrol leakage to a broken seal on the fuel filler cap, luckily a Lidl selection box of washers provided the perfect replacement .Gave the whole thing a good clean , including the air box and filter which was completely choked with debris , at that stage I could return the 'L' screw to its original position . Despite sitting caked in oil and saw dust nearly 20 years ,this thing is running like new . I didnt actually cut anything with it yet , as Im still cleaning and checking it over .
It seems like the Chinese are producing spares for many small engines now , an entire range of aftermarket parts are available for many small engines , it makes repairs feasible , where oem parts wouldnt be economic . A new carb for my honda weed eater would be 40-50 euros easily , about 5 euros gets me a brand new knock off .
Even major surgery like engine rebuilds, new piston rings and cylnder might cost less than 50 in parts for small two stroke or lawn mower motor .
I had been running an electric chainsaw in the garden a few years , it wouldnt have seen much use really , wasnt worth the trouble in the end as it was prone to loosening and throwing off the chain .
I had an older Stihl 026 given to me by a family friend about 20 years ago but never used , I decided to dig it out . I made the usual 50:1 mix of petrol/oil , added some chain lube to the reservoir , would you believe in two or three pulls of the cord she started right up , and happily idled with a small adjustment of the 'L' screw on the carb . Even the chain lube pump was doing its thing , I traced a small petrol leakage to a broken seal on the fuel filler cap, luckily a Lidl selection box of washers provided the perfect replacement .Gave the whole thing a good clean , including the air box and filter which was completely choked with debris , at that stage I could return the 'L' screw to its original position . Despite sitting caked in oil and saw dust nearly 20 years ,this thing is running like new . I didnt actually cut anything with it yet , as Im still cleaning and checking it over .
It seems like the Chinese are producing spares for many small engines now , an entire range of aftermarket parts are available for many small engines , it makes repairs feasible , where oem parts wouldnt be economic . A new carb for my honda weed eater would be 40-50 euros easily , about 5 euros gets me a brand new knock off .
Even major surgery like engine rebuilds, new piston rings and cylnder might cost less than 50 in parts for small two stroke or lawn mower motor .
