Replacing scored piston and cylinder on a Stihl Chainsaw (Stihl 026 / MS260)

***Had audio glitch - volume will need to be turned up***
Hey guys!!!
Welcome to another Friday night out in the shop! In this video, I disassemble and replace the piston and cylinder on my Stihl 026 chainsaw (same as MS260).
I fix A LOT more small engine equipment than I film, and as you can imagine, the editing and filming takes a long time.
I will still film the step by step diagnoses and repair videos like I do, but if you guys would like to see more videos even if they aren’t as explanatory or finely edited, let me know!
Thanks for watching, and sorry about the audio glitch!
-Dave

[@robertmailhos8159]

You are being taught by one of the best in small engine repair keep up the great work young man

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Robert!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@DavesSmallEngines you are welcome young man oh by check out the sound on your video it's low volume

[@stellarproductions8888]

@@robertmailhos8159 Agreed, lower then the titanic sank.

[@markmckeen5705]

Great job its easier than I expected thanks for showing us. I've learned a lot .

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You’re welcome!

[@donyboy73]

good job buddy!

[@2THPWR]

Ahhahhhh I beat you by 1 minute.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Don!!!

[@TheStihl211]

I’ve followed donyboy73 for about 8 years now maybe more, I’m super happy watching you now also and you are one lucky duck being taught by him! Great video man, maybe a little higher with the volume at times though thank you!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey TheStihl!!! Sorry about that. I had a glitch with the audio. I should have made that more apparent. Cheers!

[@TheStihl211]

@@DavesSmallEngines no need to apologize! As always a great video 💪

[@Bungi81]

Hey Dave, good job 😉👍 A sharp chain would be nice 🤣 I do have a 026 in stock - the contition is realy disastrous- missing parts, blown up engine and so on. But I´ll rebuild it, because the 026 is a nice "everyday saw". Here in germany an old 026 in a good working condition is about 250€, that´s something like 370 CAD. Over here the prices for defective Stihl devices "are going through the ceiling" (so we would say it in german 🤣🤣). A blown up 026 could be 220 - 250 CAD 🙄 Everyone want´s to fix saws like this on their own... The go on youtube, watch all our content and then they start their new chainsaw-wrenching-hobby... But that´s awesome! Especially the Stihl 0XX - Series is build for a "never ending life", and parts are cheap (aftermarket) an available! Greetings from germany, Stefan

[@jarondragoje2796]

Warum labberst du ihn ständig voll? Wen es ihn interessieren würde, hätte er schon längst geantwortet!!!

[@tc3603]

Great comment Stefan. The o series Stihl are valuable in any condition. You tube has given people the confidence to indulge in the fun of saw rebuilding. It sure is rewarding when they fire up again. Thanks to those who share their knowledge.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Stefan! Good to see you back. Let me know if you fix it!!

[@johnclarke6647]

I always move the piston to BDC before tightening the cylinder bolts. This helps to center the piston inthe cylinder.

[@themowerman]

Good one mate

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers Mick!

[@johnclarke6647]

I don’t think you did to bad at $150. I restored a 026 last year that I got from my local Stihl dealer. It had crush damage. I brought it up to 026 Pro specs in the restoration. It was made in ‘99. It cranks and runs good. I just picked up a MS 260, which I will also bring up to MS 260 Pro specifications. I also have a beautiful 025 that I restored this past winter, as well as two MS 250’s. I got tired of beating myself to death cranking big thumpers. These little saws will do just about everything the bigger saws will do with a little more effort on your part.

[@johnclarke6647]

I now have a ms 260 that I have updated to ms 260 Pro specs. It got a new Nikasil cylinder with a deco valve, adjustable carb and adjustable oiler. I am running it with a 16 inch bar with R.s chain. I did not want to put a 3/8” chain on it and stuck with the .325 chain. It is a good running saw.

[@docteur-stihl]

Hello where did u buy cylinder please

[@stoolie10]

Baileys sells an inexpensive kit to hold the piston in place plus plastic different sized piston ring compressor clamps. Also a pressure/vacuum tool is a must.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I’ll check it out! Thanks Brad

[@chrispappas6188]

Just wanted you to know.Good job on the chain saw

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Chris!!!

[@fillslawncare]

Great video Dave. Have a great day 👍🏻

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Fill! Cheers!

[@vincentylukas7837]

Super! But speak more clearly. I'm foreigner. Thanks.

[@chuckuu9294]

Great job Dave. Good video. You made it easy to follow what you were doing.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Chuck!

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

I'm surprised that you haven't covered your bench with some cardboard to help with keeping small items from slipping thru the cracks. I wish my work space was so clean.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Sean - I used to do most of my work on cars, so the parts were a bit bigger. I have some plans for a different shop space so when that happens I'll be doing a steel sheet top. Cheers!

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Dave, as you know by now i love your channel! I would never give that much for a non running saw. I dont do that much work on saws as i flip mowers mostly since my retirement. I don't really know the value of saws like you and Dony do. Did you ever talk to Dony about lightly honing OEM nikasil coated cylinders like we had talked about in a previous video? That would be a great question for one of you and Donys Q & A videos! 🇨🇦🇺🇸👍Roger

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Roger! I did pay too much but around here the 026 is a coveted saw. In good shape they fetch 350$ or so. We haven’t chatted about it yet - we will though. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@drexlersinger2840]

I got one too, on eBay lol can’t wait to tear it down and get it fixed! You and Don make great videos!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Nice Drexler! Let me know how it goes. Cheers!

[@davesage9190]

Dave. Check your audio levels. I use headphones and had to turn everything full up to hear you. The wrench was about as loud a your voice. Then came the commercials and blew me out of the chair. Maybe check your final levels compared to another KZbin channel. I got the idea just watching you though. Thanks for the video. Keep at it.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Dave sorry - I put in the description that I had a glitch.

[@davesage9190]

@@DavesSmallEngines Sorry. I didn't see it. No problem. Keep up the good work.

[@daneilroth5652]

Hey Dave you have a good video but there's something wrong with the audio it seems to have stopped.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Daneil I had an issue with the audio. If you turn it up you can hear it. Sorry about that!

[@cbk-te7ru]

Dave Where do you get your piston/ cylinder kits?? Or which brand is good quality replacement?

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Meteor is what I like. I’ve heard good about Hyway being good from Tinman. I prefer OEM but they are very expensive. I use sawparts in Canada or wherever is cheaper from the states

[@w4baham]

Good video! 1) Piston scoring caused by gasoline only, no oil mix? 2) Piston marked with arrow to front (I could not pick up your comment on that)? 3) New gaskets?

[@sethhaun4440]

Wish I bought that t tool?another corporate sheem,,. Stil cant get that bolt out.broke the extractor kit bit inside it?the struggle continues lol

[@DavesSmallEngines]

That’s the journey!

[@vivanhuy]

Can you sell me the 026 machine that is 95% new?

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Huy! I'm keeping it!!!

[@michaelchilders1658]

Wish I could see up close what you are doing step by step.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Michael - check out a few videos back - I did a full step by step up close walk through!

[@michaelchilders1658]

@@DavesSmallEngines Yeah, great I will do that. Thank you Dave!!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@michaelchilders1658 you’re very welcome!

[@anthonyjohnson4731]

Thanks for the invaluable video doing the same job to my 026 tonight…

[@fatkorn]

Dave's not here

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

Great video ... could you zoom in a little closer next time .. Thanks ..just hand tools..nice.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Sean - I’ve done a few similar videos that are much closer step by step videos. This was more a quicker overview of a repair! Thank you for watching!!!

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

@@DavesSmallEngines Great video I was just wishing to see a little closer.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@seanmcgillicuddy956 hey Sean! Go check out my video from a couple weeks back. I had another 026 and I went a lot more in depth! Cheers!

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

@@DavesSmallEngines OK that is a closer shot of the whole operation. Nice

[@columbusjuju5500]

I've been in school 4couple of days wit yo lessons. Thanks like whole bunch

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Columbus! Are you watching my videos in your school class?

[@columbusjuju5500]

I'm watch yo video's in my living room, in my saw fixing room, in my boiler room...u 👍 I use to cut trees 4living broke or have misused equipment cause speed and next job. But after repair guy kept saying 2much 2fix I put in a pile go 2the store, same guy repair. Did that with weed whackers and blowers roofing guns compressors hoses. Covid retired me so I'm fixing everything to stay busy and give my kids some working stuff. So, u been in my 👂 writing on my mind..thank u again

[@DavesSmallEngines]

@@columbusjuju5500 any time !!! Cheers!

[@emilmaki3001]

Great job but your audio is terrible.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hi Emil - sorry - I put in the description that I had a glitch.

[@chapsmaketory3960]

How'd it score the p/c...press/vac testing is a necessity for it not to happen again..good luck..good stuff dave..i like those 026 myself!!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I think it was ran without oil in the fuel. They are great!

[@brianking1138]

Good job Dave . I like the format and I think your channel could benefit from having some short videos. I like all your videos though Do you only work on Stihl products?

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Brian! I appreciate the feedback. I work on all of the pro level brands I would say. Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Jonsered, etc. Seems as though Stihl has a large chunk of the market share so that’s probably why I have mostly Stihl stuff!

[@henerker]

I liked the music in the background! I also wear a forehead light similar to yours to help with seeing intricate details while getting fingers into tight spaces. Really great video!! Excellent!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you kindly!

[@benbeagle3045]

Nice video Dave, was looking for the video for the fix on the chainsaw that they didn't add oil in the mix, dodgy cylinder.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Ben! Still waiting on those parts. Hopefully soon!

[@Gary67242]

video saved !!...thanks Dave for the great job you do making videos....thumbs up

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Skid! I was thinking of you when I had the idea to make this one. Sorry about the audio!

[@sethhaun4440]

Coudnt, here, volume ..but nice

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Have to turn it up. Had an audio issue.

[@sethhaun4440]

@@DavesSmallEngines no worries can see it .just fine.they didn't have any of this knowledge shareing 20 years ago ..all we had was pagers and little floppy phones lol.I don't even know how to use this internet apps and crap ..funny I used to install cell towers.and 4 g....shows how they manipulate us...bless you for helping a regular working man out.got my littke climbing saw echo back.from dealer after 2 months they charged me 50 bucks for tuneing it???because it has the blockers on it'.2511t ....I payed 450.00 .for it and broke it in or tryed to I asked them from day one to tune it?company's are scamming people?I've was raised from age 12 in tree service" my brother had.so I know they were scamming me i asked the old guy he said oh no you don't mess with that .they wouldnt return it.?because I started it with gas in it.that was November??I've bought 4 375 dollar weed eaters shindiawa 235,242 from them and he lied saying they didn't sell me those????yea rite i stop have one ??bought another last season .now echo bought them and they sit up there lieing to people.they wouldn't sell me the tool to tune the carb ..bunch of lies.DO YOU KNOW WERE TO ORDER ONE???A CARB TUNER..FOR THE BLOCKED CARBS...?THANKS

[@carlmiller1034]

Excellent tear-down and repair/replacement of the piston on the Stihl 026. Very methodical and well organized. Glad the saw ran well after the fix. Congrats Dave on a job well done!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you Carl! Appreciate the kind words.

[@tc3603]

Nice vid Dave. You are like a surgeon the way you lay everything out on blue paper. Very nice saw. Cool having case too

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks TC!

[@timbrown2637]

Can't hear you.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I’ll make an adjustment!

[@malikrameez703]

Voice is very low

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Sorry Malik! I had a glitch in the sound.

[@sergioszczuczko6958]

Good work no sound

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Sergio - the sound is low. Sorry. I put in the description that I had a glitch with it. It won’t happen again!

[@robertwaid2965]

Good job Dave!!!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Robert!

[@alliumlandscaping8356]

Great job 👏

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thank you!!!

[@pm270100]

that would buff oooouuuut

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Maybe!

[@pm270100]

@@DavesSmallEngines big buff lol

[@kaynecustoza3365]

Nice job actually u got a good deal for that maybe port the muffler😏

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Kayne! Thanks! I’d like to learn how to port mufflers one day.

[@timberray9572]

I just pulled out my 260 for some trail work on my property, it runs fine for a few minutes but then it leans out at which point I shut it down. I replaced the fuel line and filter and still the same. I rebuilt the carb last night but I wont have time till the weekend to see if that solves the problem, its sucking air somewhere, could it be the tank vent? Thanks for any advice.

[@stellarproductions8888]

Double check the spark arrester screen as well, make sure its clear.

[@timberray9572]

@@stellarproductions8888 I dont use spark arrestors on my saws, I installed my rebuilt carb and it seems to have solved the problem. I will put it into some wood this weekend and then I will know for sure, it might have just been the needle valve.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Ray... sounds like the tank vent is plugged. Does it die on you when you use it after a while? When it dies, undo the fuel cap and see if there is a hissing/vacuum noise. That will tell you if the tank vent is plugged. Let me know!

[@timberray9572]

@@DavesSmallEngines I just rebuilt the carb and it seems to have solved the problem, this saw was in storage for a few years because I have bigger saws for cutting firewood, it was always stored without fuel and the carb ran dry.

[@chrispappas6188]

I loved the video but the sound was to low could not here you that well

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Chris! I put a note in the description - I had a glitch in the sound. Sorry about that!

[@2THPWR]

First. dang bro.

[@donyboy73]

dang I thought I was first!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Donyboy first by 1 min. Step up your game Mikey!!!

[@2THPWR]

@@DavesSmallEngines nope. I was 21 minutes ago he was 19. I rule.

[@stellarproductions8888]

@@2THPWR OK, everybody thought they were first when they met Rose in James Camrons Titanic, sorry, Leo was first on that one, the rest of ya get seconds. :P

[@stellarproductions8888]

Well, your video is as quite as an imaginary friend, but you did a great job fixing that saw! Sure, she smokes like my chain smoking father did, but she runs good! I could be wrong, but I think that chain is a bit dull, sharpen her up Dave. Your video gets a B- on the account the volume is far too low, but A+ for fixing the saw.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Stellar - sorry - I put in the description that I had a glitch with the audio. Should I be removing it?

[@stellarproductions8888]

@@DavesSmallEngines Dang, I usually read People's descriptions too, even though it's not common for most to. But this time I failed to read it, apologies buddy. Keep your video up, we can all just put some music on while watching your video. Thank you for uploading, and proving to Don, your good at showing your work hehe.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

No prob Stellar! Cheers!

[@raynaldgodin3314]

Well explained, easy to follow, thanks Dave!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Raynald!

[@nashguy207]

Dave your becoming the chainsaw guru for sure. Nice job buddy!

[@stellarproductions8888]

Some guys like beer, some guys like foooking ladies, or the combination of the two at once. And some guys are like our pal Dave, he likes chainsaws. When you hear the vroom vroom of a chainsaw being reved up at Dave's place, you know he means serious business.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Nash!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Nice work Dave

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Henry!

[@thomaslindroos1667]

Have to say after opening a couple saws this stihl looks like a pain to work on. Might this be the case with all stihls? Edit: commented for the algorithm

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I find them easier than some, to be honest. I’m working on a Rancher 455 now and it’s a massive headache in comparison!