Stihl 029 clutch replacement

[mike0000]

Looking for some direction, I need to replace the clutch (under drive sprocket) on my old 029, it’s close to thirty years old. My attempts to break it free have not worked so far, it is really stuck. Is it a bad idea to remove the spark plug and insert some rope to lock the crankshaft in place? I’m concerned I could damage the rod or piston trying this. It’s currently soaking w/ acetone/transmission fluid. Thanks for any recommendations.

Mike

 

[mike0000]

Scratch that, I just hit it with the impact driver after the acetone transmission fluid soak and it broke free!

Mike

 

[zzvyb6]

Our local Rural King has a full time Stihl rep there in the Saw section. He can get parts.

 

[ruffdog]

The impact method has been known to shear the key for the flywheel on the other end. Stihl makes a simple tool that acts as a piston stop.

OEM STIHL PISTON STOP TOOL 0000-893-5903 USED | eBay

Thread explaining the tool and procedure:

Removing an Inboard Clutch on a STIHL Chain Saw

 

[mike0000]

The impact method has been known to shear the key for the flywheel on the other end. Stihl makes a simple tool that acts as a piston stop.

OEM STIHL PISTON STOP TOOL 0000-893-5903 USED | eBay

Good to know, hopefully that didn’t happen.

Mike

 

[mike0000]

Our local Rural King has a full time Stihl rep there in the Saw section. He can get parts.

Thanks, I’m headed to our RK in the morning in search of parts, hopefully they can help me out.

Mike

 

[ericm979]

I use the rope method most of the time. The stops can get broken off inside the cylinder if they don't fit right. I compress the piston against the rope or stop and loosen the clutch with an air impact set on low. Works fine.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I've used a rope as a piston stop on an 029 (and many others) many times. Then I bought the plastic piston stop and have yet to use it in the 10+ years.

 

[xyz123]

Depends on your RK for parts. One north of me sells stihl and one south of me husqvarna.

 

[mike0000]

I ended up stopping by a local store (PC Lumber) they sell and service Stihl saws. They had the parts I needed.
I borrowed my brothers new Stihl MS 261C while my 029 was down. I was amazed at the difference in power, I decided to pick one up for myself. I went with the same bar length so chains will work for both saws.

Mike

 

[dodge man]

Make sure the chains are compatible. I have a Stihl ms250 and a ms261, both are 18 inch bars but the chains and bars are different. I think the 261 has a couple more links but I’m kind of ignorant on the exact difference.

 

[mike0000]

Make sure the chains are compatible. I have a Stihl ms250 and a ms261, both are 18 inch bars but the chains and bars are different. I think the 261 has a couple more links but I’m kind of ignorant on the exact difference.

I appreciate that Dave, I took an old chain with me and had them install it on the new saw to make sure they were compatible.

Mike

 

[Birdhunter1]

I actually sold my old 029 after I bought a 261. On my 261 I am running a 3/8 pitch full chisel 18" bar and I have found i is the right length and enough power for it in hardwoods and locust.

 

[thclimer]

My MS-261C-M is my favorite saw for felling and bucking, it's power to weight ratio is very good.

 

[MaxLee]

029 is a hell of a good saw. Bought mine back 93, I would say since 2000 I have cut up 6-7 cord a year. Replace spark plug coupled times.
Up till last year it would cold start 3 pulls, then it was 7 to 8 and local dealer said its probably seals so i replace them. Use rope in cylinder to remove clutch/fly wheel. Still starts 7 to 8 pulls. Before next load of logs shows up I will replace the carb. Still has great compression. Saw is a beast. Father in law gave me a old 040, probably made in the 80's. Very heavy and loud. That sits in the work shop

 

[zzvyb6]

I have an MS-029 Super, which they tell me is now the same as the newer MS-290. They moved the zero that was before the model numerals to after the numerals. Maybe that helps with all model's parts availability.

 

[MaxLee]

I have an MS-029 Super, which they tell me is now the same as the newer MS-290. They moved the zero that was before the model numerals to after the numerals. Maybe that helps with all model's parts availability.

I am pretty sure the MS 029/ MS-290 is the same exact as the 029. I looked up carb and it list them all for same carb.
Take care of them, clean filter, sharp chains , they will last forever. I also only use stihl oil in it.

 

[mike0000]

029 is a hell of a good saw. Bought mine back 93, I would say since 2000 I have cut up 6-7 cord a year. Replace spark plug coupled times.
Up till last year it would cold start 3 pulls, then it was 7 to 8 and local dealer said its probably seals so i replace them. Use rope in cylinder to remove clutch/fly wheel. Still starts 7 to 8 pulls. Before next load of logs shows up I will replace the carb. Still has great compression. Saw is a beast. Father in law gave me a old 040, probably made in the 80's. Very heavy and loud. That sits in the work shop

Mine is about as old as yours, it’s seen pretty heavy use. I’m on the original carb. and it needs adjustment. It didn’t want to idle the day the clutch let go, along with taking quite a few pulls to start. I have it back together but haven’t started it.

Mike

 

[MaxLee]

Mine is about as old as yours, it’s seen pretty heavy use. I’m on the original carb. and it needs adjustment. It didn’t want to idle the day the clutch let go, along with taking quite a few pulls to start. I have it back together but haven’t started it.

Mike

I usually have to adjust my carb depending on the time of year, lean it out richen it up. I can tell when she is running strong by the sound.
Like I said a new carb in the near future. I used it this past weekend to cut up some down tree limbs, 8 pulls ,. fire up and run like a charm.
Guess I just miss the old day of 3 pulls to start LOL