Stihl 038 AV Horsepower & CC (Power Specs)
The standard Stihl 038 AV has about 61.0 cm³ of displacement and a rated output near 3.3 kW, or 4.5 hp. Those figures do not apply to the 038 Super or 038 Magnum. Bar length and cutting ability depend on the saw’s exact setup and condition, so confirm the model and fitted parts before buying or cutting.
If you have several listings open, start with the model name stamped on the saw, not a seller’s headline. “038” may refer to more than one version, and the larger versions have different power figures. On a used saw, wear, repairs, and mismatched parts can also affect how it runs. The ratings below identify the standard 038 AV; they do not certify the condition of a particular machine.
Standard 038 AV power and displacement
Displacement is the total volume swept by the piston as it moves through the cylinder. Kilowatts and horsepower describe engine output. For the standard 038 AV, the commonly cited figures are about 61.0 cm³ and 3.3 kW, equivalent to roughly 4.5 hp.
Treat these as model specifications, not a promise about the output of an older saw today. A worn engine, poor compression, a dirty air filter, or an incorrect fuel mix may reduce performance. A sharp chain and suitable bar also affect how much of the engine’s power reaches the cut.
| Specification | Standard 038 AV |
|---|---|
| Displacement | About 61.0 cm³ |
| Rated output | About 3.3 kW |
| Horsepower equivalent | About 4.5 hp |
| Fuel type | Two-stroke gasoline and oil mix |
| Common chain pitch | 3/8 in., subject to the fitted sprocket and bar |
| Common bar range | Roughly 16–25 in., subject to approved setup |
The horsepower conversion is rounded. The main buying point is that the standard model is a substantial 61 cm³ saw, but its age and condition matter as much as the published rating.
038 AV, 038 Super, and 038 Magnum: check the model
The 038 AV, 038 Super, and 038 Magnum are related models, but they are not the same specification. Displacement is the clearest quick check: the standard AV is about 61 cm³, while the Super is about 67 cm³ and the Magnum about 72 cm³.
Listings may use the family name loosely, or sellers may rely on a cover or badge that has been replaced. Check the model marking on the saw and compare it with its identification information and applicable manual. Do not assume that a larger engine figure belongs to every saw labeled “038.”
| Model name | Approximate displacement | Commonly cited output |
|---|---|---|
| 038 AV | 61 cm³ | 3.3 kW / about 4.5 hp |
| 038 Super | 67 cm³ | Higher than standard AV; confirm by exact model |
| 038 Magnum | 72 cm³ | Higher than standard AV; confirm by exact model |
The supplied figures for the Super and Magnum distinguish them by size; they are not a substitute for a verified output rating for a specific version. If a seller advertises 67 or 72 cm³ as the standard 038 AV specification, ask for a clear model identification photo before treating the listing as accurate.
Bar, chain, and cutting capacity
Bar length is the usable length of the guide bar, not a direct measure of engine power. A sound 61 cm³ 038 AV is commonly set up with bars in the 16–25 in. range, but the right choice depends on the approved combination of bar, chain, sprocket, and oiling system.
A longer bar can add cutting reach, but it also increases load and kickback exposure. Do not pick a bar based on displacement alone. For hardwood, large-diameter wood, or sustained work, a conservative bar choice and a sharp chain reduce strain and help the saw cut as intended.
| Setup consideration | What to check |
|---|---|
| Bar length | Use a length approved for the exact saw and intended work |
| Chain pitch | Commonly 3/8 in.; must match the sprocket and bar |
| Chain gauge | Read the bar stamp; .050 in. and .063 in. are not interchangeable |
| Drive links | Match the exact bar length and chain specification |
| Depth gauges | Follow the chain maker’s specification; 0.025 in. (0.65 mm) is common, not universal |
Pitch is the spacing between chain drive links. Gauge is the thickness of the drive link that sits in the bar groove. A chain can have the right pitch and still be wrong for the bar if its gauge or drive-link count does not match. Check the bar stamp and chain maker’s details rather than guessing from appearance.
A practical selection starts with the work, then checks compatibility. For routine firewood cutting, a shorter approved bar may be easier to control. For larger wood, use only a setup approved for the saw and suitable for the operator’s skill. Never force a dull chain through a cut.
Equipment Setup and Safety Preparation
Setup means confirming that the saw, cutting attachment, fuel, and safety parts are ready to work together. This is especially important on an older 038 AV, where bars, chains, and repairs may have changed over time. Confirm fitment and safe operation before relying on the engine’s rated power.
Before starting, read the applicable operator’s manual and inspect the saw. Wear a helmet, eye and face protection, hearing protection, chainsaw leg protection, gloves, and suitable boots. Check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain tension, and oiling system. Set an escape route and keep other people outside the work zone. Follow ANSI Z133 and applicable OSHA requirements.
Use the fuel and oil ratio specified for that saw and oil. A 50:1 mix applies when using suitable Stihl two-stroke oil under the matching Stihl instructions; it should not be assumed correct for every historic manual or oil. Use purpose-made bar-and-chain oil. Bar-oil flow is adjustable or service-dependent, so there is no reliable universal flow-rate figure for every setup.
Start the saw on stable ground, using the correct cold- or warm-start procedure. Keep the chain clear, and engage the chain brake as appropriate. Confirm that the engine idles steadily with the chain stationary, then verify bar-oil delivery before cutting. If a safety control or lubrication check fails, stop and fix the problem before use.
Field Cutting Operation
Field operation means using the saw in a way that matches its power, cutting attachment, and the work at hand. A 61 cm³ engine does not make every cut safe or suitable. Good control, a sharp chain, and a clear work plan matter more than choosing the longest bar that fits.
Hold the saw with both hands and keep a firm stance. Keep the upper quadrant of the bar nose out of contact with wood and other objects. Contact there can cause rotational kickback, which can turn the saw rapidly toward the operator. Use a working chain brake, keep the nose clear, and never cut above shoulder height.
Do not force the saw through wood. If a properly maintained saw bogs, check the chain sharpness, chain tension, bar condition, and air filter before assuming the engine lacks power. Stop the engine before adjusting or cleaning the saw. Felling and other high-risk tree work require competent planning, escape routes, and trained personnel under applicable standards.
Electrical hazards require special care. Stop work and obtain direction from qualified utility or tree-work personnel; do not rely on a general clearance figure. The saw’s horsepower does not reduce the risk from energized lines.
Maintenance, Sharpening, and Tuning
Maintenance helps preserve the performance the engine can deliver, but it cannot restore worn parts by itself. On an older saw, inspect the cutting system and safety controls as carefully as the engine. Use the applicable manual and chain maker’s instructions for settings.
Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned. Set depth gauges to the chain manufacturer’s specification; 0.025 in. (0.65 mm) is common, but not universal. Clean the bar groove and oil hole, and inspect the bar and chain for wear or damage. A mismatched or poorly maintained chain can cut badly even when the engine is sound.
Clean the air filter as directed and check that the chain brake and throttle lockout work. Idle and maximum no-load RPM must come from the applicable 038 manual or service data and should be checked with a tachometer. Do not tune by ear or apply a generic maximum-RPM figure across variants. If the engine runs poorly or the chain moves at idle, stop and have the cause checked.
Storage and Seasonal Care
Storage care means leaving the saw clean, safe, and prepared for its next use. Follow the instructions for the specific model and fuel used, since storage steps can vary. Do not make fuel or tuning choices based only on a general rule for newer saws.
After use, stop the engine and let it cool before cleaning or service. Remove debris from the bar, chain, and oil area, and inspect the chain brake and cutting parts. Refuel only after the saw has cooled, in a ventilated area away from ignition sources. Use the fuel-storage and seasonal-storage directions in the applicable manual.
Final buying check: does the 038 AV fit your needs?
The standard 038 AV’s headline figures are about 61 cm³ and 3.3 kW, or 4.5 hp. That is the right reference point when comparing it with other saws, but it is not enough to judge a used example. Ask for the exact model, fitted bar and chain details, and evidence that the saw starts, idles, oils, and passes its safety checks.
For a bar or chain replacement, match pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and sprocket to the saw and bar. For a power concern, inspect maintenance and engine condition before drawing a conclusion from the rating alone. Confirm every specification against the manual or service information for the exact saw.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover the most common checks when identifying a standard 038 AV and comparing its power with its setup. Where parts or service settings vary, use the manual for the exact model and the markings on the fitted bar and chain rather than relying on a broad rule.
How many cc is a Stihl 038 AV?
The standard 038 AV is about 61.0 cm³. The 038 Super and 038 Magnum have larger displacements.
How much horsepower does the standard 038 AV have?
Its commonly cited output is 3.3 kW, or about 4.5 hp.
Is the 038 AV the same as the 038 Super?
No. The standard AV is about 61 cm³; the Super is about 67 cm³. Verify the model marking.
Is the 038 AV the same as the 038 Magnum?
No. The Magnum is about 72 cm³, compared with about 61 cm³ for the standard AV.
What bar length can an 038 AV use?
Bars around 16–25 in. are common, but use only a combination approved for the exact saw and its oiling and sprocket setup.
What chain pitch does an 038 AV use?
A 3/8-in. pitch is common. Check the fitted sprocket and bar before buying a chain.
Can I use .050-in. and .063-in. gauge chains interchangeably?
No. The chain gauge must match the bar groove. Those two gauges are not interchangeable.
Is 50:1 the correct fuel mix?
Only when the applicable Stihl instructions for the saw and suitable Stihl two-stroke oil specify it. Check the manual and oil directions.
What depth-gauge setting should I use?
Follow the chain maker’s specification. A 0.025-in. (0.65-mm) setting is common, but it is not universal.
Does the horsepower rating prove a used saw is in good condition?
No. The rating describes the model, not the condition of an individual saw. Check its engine, chain, bar, lubrication, and safety controls.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
