031AV Stihl for Sale (Rebuilt Carb & Fuel Lines – Grab It Fast!)
In the world of wood processing, one challenge consistently rears its head: the hunt for reliable, affordable equipment. The phrase “031AV Stihl for Sale (Rebuilt Carb & Fuel Lines – Grab It Fast!)” instantly brings that challenge to mind. It’s a siren call to anyone who’s ever wrestled with a balky chainsaw mid-cut, especially when the woodpile is growing and winter’s knocking on the door. Let’s dive deep into what makes an 031AV Stihl a worthwhile investment, what to look for in a rebuilt model, and how to ensure you’re getting a saw that’s ready to work, not just ready to be worked on.
The Allure of the 031AV: A Chainsaw Classic
The Stihl 031AV holds a special place in the hearts of many woodcutters, myself included. I remember my grandfather swearing by his, a machine he used for decades to heat his home. It wasn’t the newest or the flashiest, but it was reliable. That reliability, combined with its manageable size and power, is precisely why these saws remain sought after, even decades after they ceased production. This classic saw, known for its robust design and straightforward mechanics, offers a sweet spot between power and maneuverability that many modern saws struggle to match.
Understanding the 031AV’s Technical Specifications
Before jumping into the specifics of a rebuilt model, let’s establish a baseline understanding of the 031AV’s original specifications. These specs are crucial for evaluating whether a rebuilt saw meets the original performance standards or exceeds them with upgraded components.
- Engine Displacement: 51 cc (3.1 cu in)
- Engine Power: Approximately 3.4 bhp (2.5 kW)
- Weight (Powerhead Only): Around 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.9 oz (0.53 liters)
- Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 oz (0.25 liters)
- Recommended Bar Length: 16″ – 20″ (40 cm – 50 cm)
- Chain Pitch: .325″
- Chain Gauge: .063″
These figures paint a picture of a mid-sized saw capable of handling a variety of tasks, from felling smaller trees to bucking firewood. The key is ensuring that the rebuilt model maintains these specifications or, ideally, improves upon them.
Decoding the Rebuild: Carburetor and Fuel Lines
The phrase “Rebuilt Carb & Fuel Lines” is music to the ears of anyone who’s dealt with chainsaw starting issues. Let’s break down why these components are so critical and what to look for in a rebuild.
The Carburetor: Heart of the Fuel System
The carburetor is the heart of any gasoline engine, responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct ratio for combustion. A poorly functioning carburetor can lead to a host of problems, including:
- Hard starting
- Rough idling
- Stalling under load
- Poor fuel economy
A proper rebuild of the 031AV’s carburetor should involve:
- Complete Disassembly: The carburetor is carefully taken apart, noting the location of each component.
- Thorough Cleaning: All parts are cleaned using carburetor cleaner and compressed air to remove dirt, varnish, and fuel residue. Ultrasonic cleaning is preferable.
- Inspection: Each component is inspected for wear or damage. This includes the float needle, jets, diaphragms, and gaskets.
- Replacement of Worn Parts: Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with new ones. This typically includes the diaphragms, gaskets, and fuel filter screen.
- Reassembly: The carburetor is reassembled according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring all parts are properly seated and tightened.
- Adjustment: The carburetor is adjusted to the correct settings for optimal performance. This typically involves adjusting the high and low speed mixture screws.
Technical Insight: Carburetor adjustments are crucial for optimal performance. A too-lean mixture (too much air, not enough fuel) can cause the engine to overheat and potentially seize. A too-rich mixture (too much fuel, not enough air) can cause the engine to run poorly and produce excessive smoke. I always use a tachometer to ensure the engine’s RPMs are within the manufacturer’s specified range during adjustment. For the 031AV, the maximum RPM should be around 12,500.
Fuel Lines: The Lifeline of Fuel Delivery
The fuel lines are responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the carburetor. Over time, these lines can become brittle, cracked, or clogged, leading to fuel starvation and engine problems. A proper fuel line replacement should involve:
- Removal of Old Lines: The old fuel lines are carefully removed, noting their routing.
- Inspection of Fuel Filter: The fuel filter, located inside the fuel tank, is inspected for debris and replaced if necessary.
- Installation of New Lines: New fuel lines are installed, ensuring they are the correct size and length. Fuel lines should be fuel resistant and rated for outdoor use. Viton fuel lines are preferable.
- Secure Connections: All connections are secured with clamps to prevent leaks.
Technical Insight: When replacing fuel lines, it’s crucial to use the correct type of fuel line. Standard rubber fuel lines can deteriorate quickly when exposed to gasoline, especially gasoline containing ethanol. Ethanol can degrade rubber fuel lines, leading to leaks and engine problems. I recommend using fuel lines specifically designed for use with ethanol-blended fuels.
Assessing the Overall Condition: Beyond the Carb and Fuel Lines
While a rebuilt carburetor and fuel lines are a great start, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. A thorough evaluation of the saw’s overall condition is essential before making a purchase.
Compression Test: Gauging Engine Health
A compression test is a quick and easy way to assess the overall health of the engine. It measures the amount of pressure the piston is able to generate inside the cylinder. Low compression can indicate worn piston rings, a damaged cylinder, or leaky valves.
- Remove the Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.
- Insert Compression Tester: Insert a compression tester into the spark plug hole.
- Pull the Starter Rope: Pull the starter rope several times, noting the maximum pressure reading on the tester.
Acceptable Compression: For the 031AV, a healthy engine should have a compression reading of at least 120 PSI (8.3 bar). Anything significantly lower than that indicates a problem.
Personal Experience: I once bought an 031AV that was advertised as “running great.” However, when I performed a compression test, the reading was only 90 PSI. I knew immediately that the engine had serious problems, likely worn piston rings. I was able to negotiate a lower price based on this information.
Visual Inspection: Spotting Potential Problems
A careful visual inspection can reveal potential problems that might not be immediately apparent.
- Cylinder Condition: Remove the muffler and inspect the cylinder for scoring or damage. Scoring can indicate a lack of lubrication or overheating.
- Piston Condition: Inspect the piston through the exhaust port for signs of wear or damage.
- Spark Plug Condition: Examine the spark plug for signs of fouling or damage. The spark plug can provide valuable clues about the engine’s overall health. A black, sooty spark plug can indicate a too-rich mixture, while a white, ashy spark plug can indicate a too-lean mixture.
- Fuel Tank Condition: Check the fuel tank for cracks or leaks.
- Oil Tank Condition: Check the oil tank for cracks or leaks.
- Chain Brake Function: Test the chain brake to ensure it functions properly. The chain brake is a critical safety feature.
- AV Mounts: Inspect the anti-vibration (AV) mounts for wear or damage. Worn AV mounts can lead to excessive vibration and operator fatigue.
Safety First: Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or inspection on a chainsaw. This will prevent accidental starting.
Bar and Chain: Assessing Cutting Performance
The bar and chain are the business end of the chainsaw, and their condition directly affects cutting performance.
- Bar Condition: Check the bar for wear, damage, or bending. A worn bar can cause the chain to bind and cut poorly.
- Chain Condition: Inspect the chain for sharpness, damage, or missing teeth. A dull or damaged chain can be dangerous and inefficient.
- Chain Tension: Check the chain tension to ensure it is properly adjusted. A loose chain can derail and cause injury.
Chain Sharpening is Key: A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. I prefer to sharpen my chains by hand using a file and guide. This allows me to maintain a consistent cutting angle and depth. The correct file size for a .325″ chain is typically 5/32″.
Data-Backed Insights: Wood Properties and Cutting Techniques
Understanding wood properties and employing proper cutting techniques are crucial for safe and efficient wood processing.
Wood Density: A Measure of Strength
Wood density is a measure of its mass per unit volume and is a key indicator of its strength and hardness. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, generally have higher densities than softwoods, such as pine and fir.
| Wood Type | Density (lbs/ft³) |
|---|---|
| Oak | 45-55 |
| Maple | 40-50 |
| Birch | 35-45 |
| Pine | 25-35 |
| Fir | 20-30 |
Technical Insight: Higher density woods require more power to cut. When cutting hardwoods, it’s important to use a sharp chain and maintain a steady cutting pressure.
Wood Moisture Content: Impact on Cutting and Burning
Wood moisture content (MC) is the amount of water present in the wood, expressed as a percentage of its dry weight. MC significantly affects cutting performance and burning efficiency.
- Freshly Cut Wood: MC can range from 30% to over 100%, depending on the species and time of year.
- Air-Dried Wood: MC typically ranges from 15% to 20% after several months of air drying.
- Kiln-Dried Wood: MC is typically reduced to 6% to 8% through kiln drying.
Impact on Cutting: High MC wood is more difficult to cut and can dull the chain more quickly.
Impact on Burning: High MC wood burns inefficiently, producing less heat and more smoke. Firewood should have an MC of 20% or less for optimal burning.
Measuring Moisture Content: I use a moisture meter to accurately measure the MC of my firewood. This ensures that I’m burning wood that is properly seasoned.
Felling Techniques: Safety and Efficiency
Proper felling techniques are essential for safe and efficient tree removal.
- Assess the Tree: Evaluate the tree for lean, wind direction, and any potential hazards, such as dead limbs or power lines.
- Plan the Escape Route: Plan a clear escape route away from the direction of the fall.
- Make the Notch: Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
- Make the Back Cut: Cut the back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
- Wedge if Necessary: If the tree doesn’t start to fall on its own, use a wedge to help push it over.
Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear when felling trees, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.
Case Study: Rebuilding an 031AV for a Community Project
I once led a project to rebuild several 031AV Stihl chainsaws for a local community garden. The gardens used the wood for raised beds and compost. These saws had been sitting unused for years, but they were mechanically sound.
Project Steps:
- Disassembly and Cleaning: We completely disassembled each saw, cleaning all parts thoroughly.
- Carburetor Rebuild: We rebuilt the carburetors using new kits, paying close attention to the adjustment settings.
- Fuel Line Replacement: We replaced all fuel lines and filters.
- Spark Plug Replacement: We replaced the spark plugs with new ones.
- Bar and Chain Sharpening: We sharpened the bars and chains.
- Testing and Adjustment: We tested each saw and made any necessary adjustments.
Results:
The rebuilt saws performed like new, providing reliable service for the community garden. The project not only provided valuable tools for the garden but also taught valuable skills to the volunteers involved.
Technical Challenges:
One of the biggest challenges was sourcing replacement parts. Some parts were no longer available from Stihl, so we had to rely on aftermarket suppliers. It’s important to research the quality and reliability of aftermarket parts before using them.
Lessons Learned:
This project reinforced the importance of proper maintenance and repair. With a little care and attention, even old chainsaws can be brought back to life and provide years of reliable service.
Precautions and Safety Protocols
Operating a chainsaw safely is paramount, regardless of the saw’s age or condition.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including:
- Hard hat
- Eye protection (safety glasses or face shield)
- Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs)
- Chainsaw chaps
- Gloves
- Steel-toed boots
- Safe Operating Practices:
- Read and understand the chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
- Never operate a chainsaw when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Keep a firm grip on the chainsaw with both hands.
- Maintain a stable stance and avoid overreaching.
- Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
- Never cut above shoulder height.
- Never allow anyone to stand in the cutting path.
- Use caution when cutting small limbs or branches, as they can kick back.
- Stop the engine and engage the chain brake before setting the chainsaw down.
- Never carry a running chainsaw.
- Store the chainsaw in a safe place, out of reach of children.
- Kickback Awareness: Kickback is a sudden, uncontrolled upward or backward movement of the chainsaw bar. It is a major cause of chainsaw injuries.
- Be aware of the kickback zone, which is the upper quadrant of the bar tip.
- Avoid cutting with the kickback zone.
- Maintain a firm grip on the chainsaw to control kickback.
- Use a chainsaw with a chain brake and anti-kickback features.
- First Aid:
- Keep a well-stocked first aid kit nearby.
- Know how to treat chainsaw injuries.
- Seek medical attention immediately for any serious injury.
Data Point: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, chainsaws cause approximately 30,000 injuries each year in the United States. Most of these injuries are preventable with proper safety precautions.
Making the Decision: Is That 031AV Worth It?
So, you’ve found an 031AV Stihl for sale with a rebuilt carb and fuel lines. Now what? Here’s a checklist to help you make an informed decision:
- Inspect the Saw Thoroughly: Don’t rely solely on the seller’s description. Perform a visual inspection and compression test.
- Ask Questions: Ask the seller about the rebuild process, the parts used, and any other known issues.
- Negotiate the Price: Be prepared to negotiate based on the saw’s condition and your assessment.
- Consider the Cost of Repairs: Factor in the cost of any additional repairs that may be needed.
- Evaluate Your Needs: Is the 031AV the right saw for your needs? Consider the size and type of wood you’ll be cutting.
Final Thoughts:
