Fixing An Antique Chainsaw. Stihl 028 Wood Boss. 

Yep, this was a tricky one, which for me makes it more enjoyable in the end. Though it did take me awhile, I'd take this over just rebuilding the carb any day. Ignition tester: amzn.to/48SdqEG. Electronic ignition module: amzn.to/3v3pNQo. Have an awesome weekend everybody!

Jon, if you were not a teacher in your previous worklife, you really missed your calling. I learn more from your informative and well presented podcasts than I did in most of my high school and college classes. Your tenacity is amazing, your videos are technically superb and your presentations are well paced and mixed with a nice blend of humor. I hope you keep up the great work for many years to come and I wish more presenters on RU-vid could take lessons from you. 👍👍👍

I bought my Stihl 028 Wood Boss in 1987 to clear off an area for our new house. It has always been a great saw. After watching your video, I discovered the manual says it has an electronic ignition, so that should be good. Over the years though, I have rebuilt the carburetor with new kits and never had real good luck with them. In the end, I replaced the whole carburetor with a cheap China one from Amazon and it has worked like new ever since! It is the only chainsaw I have ever owned and definitely don't consider it an antique!

Sounds like it's crank seals John. Put a cap on the exhaust and pump it up. If it leaks, pull the engine apart and reseal it. A couple of hours will make a dandy saw.

John Do a leak down test on that motor to make sure you do not have crank case leak. The 028 is known for bad crank seals/ impulse line/ intake manifold boot. Also the coil you bought is a electronic ignition coil. Just hook the kill switch to it and it will work. Do away with electronic ignition module if you want to put that new coil in that saw.

That grinder on the lathe... It's both hilarious and genius.

That saw had multi-system organ failure and you revived it! Great job!

I have a Still 041AV chain saw I got in 1970 so it is 54 years old now. I still works perfect although I did put a new carb on it several years ago. I also replaced the spark plug and air filter and gas line and filter because ethanol gas rots gas lines. Great saw with minimal maintenance. I did not use some aftermarket Chinese carb but rather bought a proper Stihl carb for $60. Love my old Stihl.

I bought this exact saw around1980. I have cut many cords of wood with it since then and it is still going strong. One of my favorite saws and I have several. This was considered to be a PRO saw by old timey repair guys as it was manufactured before STIHL started making three levels of quality. I refuse to look at it as an antique cause then I must be old {77}.

I have a Stihl 028AV that I bought new around 1984 but have not used it for a decade after moving to a bigger saw. My wife says I have too many saws so have been working on it to get it running to sell. I feel like I'm watching myself while viewing your video so I'm taking the electronic step...that's all I have left for options. LOL. Thank you very much for the video. Excellent narrative and editing.

This is what I love about old mechanical tools, they're fixable! I like the electric stuff but man when they fail, they're not easily repairable and I guarantee they won't be lasting 40 years like this saw!

I have an 028wb just like thar one from virginia beach. Went thru that same repair about 3 years ago. Ive had this saw since it was brand new around 81 or 82. The only saw ive eber owned. Im now 71. Great saw

I have an old 028 myself. Watching I was having flashbacks from about 7 years ago. I pulled points out and added module. starts everytime and runs great. One of my favorite mid range saws

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I typically just throw away my older machines because it costs a lot to repair them at my local repair shop. Perhaps with a little more knowledge I may attempt to tackle some repairs in the future.

The high speed jet should be adjusted at wide open on the trigger while under load in a cut. This is why saw shops used to have a big hardwood log out back before government took away the adjustment screws. There are screwdrivers that lock onto the jet to make this easier. Same thing, find where it starts stumbling in both directions and put it in the middle. You'll be amazed how much more power you can dial in.

43 years makes something antique? Man, I feel old this morning.

Hands of a surgeon…brains to match , a man that can do everything and I mean everything deserves respect , well done as always !

Nice.....Love how you stick with it until the end.....very satisfying to watch you troubleshoot, and to solve the problem(s) in the end.....

Every Friday when i sit down to chill, i load up RU-vid and immediately look for a FarmCraft101 or DieselCreek video. Love you guys! Keep up the good work, fantastic entertainment.

Man always looking forward to this wholesome dude fixing sh... !

Love your videos! My Daddy taught me something very valuable for memorization in these situations. "I'm not a fig plucker, I'm a fig pluckers son, but I'll pluck figs til the fig plucker comes!" When you encounter a troublesome machine like this, repeat this phrase three times. Things will become crystal clear!

Right now there's hundreds of guys in there garage fixing this exact problem. Great vid ..Great edit..

Thanks for this video! I have one of these saws that was purchased in Dec, 1980. My side plate says it was made in Germany. I've replaced the carburetor once about 5 years ago and it ran great for awhile but started bogging down when trying to give it gas. I may try that electronic ignition module. I had no idea this saw had points! Great job troubleshooting from start to finish!

School is in session...loved the trip down the rabbit hole with you! thanks for taking us along.

That was an invaluable invite into chainsaw repair , I have experienced all of thease symptoms in the past, I will now use your method to diagnose and repair , thank you for sharing your knowledge and time

I love the little details of these small combustion engines. Thank goodness for brilliant engineers and inventors that came before us!

I still own an 028 that my father bought when I was 15 y/o. I'm now 61! Still a damn good saw, which I've cut a lot of winter firewood with. Never have torn it down. I've just serviced it over the years, and replaced the bar once

I rebuilt my Dads old 041 from 1978. You would be amazed at the amount of parts Stihl still has kicking around for factory parts including carb rebuild kits, bearings, etc. I did have to go aftermarket for some stuff, but I expected as much. The saw runs pretty well now.

My first saw was from that vintage. I got it well used in the early 90's while attending college and still have it. It is a Stihl 009L and thank dog the chain oiler still works.

First thing I do with a non running saw is check compression with a tester. If someone puts the wrong gas or mixture in (it happens a lot) or another issue leads people to turning jets….. making a lean mixture. Both will burn up the piston and cylinder very quickly. With a saw that runs but not great, pull off the muffler and look into the cylinder. Then rotate the engine slowly and look at the piston. Exhaust side is the one that gets burned up from excessive heat. Just a small amount of scoring will drop compressing causing it to run or start poorly.

Love the grinder on the lathe. I have an old 024 I need to work on. Thanks for the video

I had a Stihl 051 with a 36 inch bar from the same era as your 028. Thing was a beast.

I wonder if a neurosurgeon has as much patience and determination as you! Good job and thank you for taking the time to film this for us! Someone gifted me one the these things so I feel prepared to attempt to turn it on now that I’ve watched this. 😂

a great in-depth tutorial. thanks for magnifying the carb rebuild . sure makes it easier to understand .

I don´t have to maintain machines due to working in an office, but watching your vids is always the start of my weekend...interesting, sometimes sarcastic and always self-critic...thank you for sharing your work with us!!

Our .o32 takes two pulls with choke on, fires, chole off & it's ready to crank and cut wood. It was this way when new and today about 15 years old. Stihl is hard to beat. I am amazed at your patience and the few bleeps necessary to complete a project. Good info & video.

I got that exact same saw from my dad too! Mine runs like a top, just had to give the carb a good run through. It’s a workhorse and does an awesome job. Thanks for showing me the air filter splits apart, I had no idea.

Wow, thanks for reviving the old 028 Wood Boss. I purchased mine in 1984 and ran it hard for 30 plus years before giving it to my younger brother. It still lives on at the farm cutting fire wood. Brother tells me it runs better than his 2 newer 025's. Besides chanes, bars, drive sprockets, spark plugs and some other small maintenance items, still starts on the 3rd pull after sitting for a week and 1 pull after running and shut off for a break. Dont make them like they used to.

I came acrost this channel about 1 year back and I have enjoyed it immensely since. I have even gone back and watched some of the past posts. You have never failed to entertained with your content. Please keep up the great work. I must tell you some times you just plane crack me you with some of the things you say ! 👍 👍 👍🤣

This was one of your best videos. You covered all of the “mysteries” of small engine repair that we all can use to better diagnose and fix a variety of issues. I feel much more confident tackling problems that arise with these engines now. Makes me want to revisit an issue I’ve been having with my tiller! Many thanks to you Jon!!

I have a Stihl 08 that my dad bought in the 60s. Folks around here gave him a lot of flack for buying a "foreign" chainsaw! I reckon he had the last laugh as it's still in good condition.after almost 60 years. Last time I tried to use it, I could not get it started. I took it to the local Stihl dealer and they fixed it for free and thanked my for allowing them to work on it! I was astounded, to say the least.

Thank you from Sydney Australia. Fantastic instruction video. I've got a small saw that's 'more than likely' the same issues. 🇦🇺🌏

Oh that special, fuzzy feeling when you diagnose and fix something that's broken 👍 How addictive!!

I ordered both PC-7 & PC-11 as I needed some good epoxy and this stuff seems really good.

My old 038 magnum is by far my favourite saw. Takes a minute to warm up but once it does it'll run all day

John seeing that saw brought up memories of me teenager years, cutting and loading firewood.

Most guys would have chucked it in the garbage, your persistence has paid off . good repair video.🤠

Two strokes with multiple issues can be a real challenge to sort out. It sounded great in the end. Always worth the effort to save a Stihl saw.

I absolutely LOVE your grain mill drive! Creative solution. As for the saw, your methodical approach to fixing it may have taken a little longer, but you know everything else is good. Ditching the mechanical points is something I may not ever have thought of. Really appreciate what you do and share with is all. THANK YOU!

I have 1 just like it I'm so blessed It was my father's now mine Never been in the shop yet When I need to if anyone can ever fix it I love my saw. Thank you thank you for the video.

Jon, good job on your stick to it mentality. When I was having a problem with my Stihl bogging down I talked to my Factory Stihl Repairman and he told me to only run 92 octane fuel with the 2 stroke oil in it. If you can get it without Ethanol it is even better. I changed the 89 octane fuel to the 92 and wow, that really fixed my bogging down. I am sure you already know it but this was news to me and I thought I would share it with you. Great video. Oh and the flower grinder was priceless. You think a lot like me. hahaha

I put a conversion kit on an early seventies Jonsred saw of the same size, it did the trick. My son is still running it today. Good stuff.

Great diagnosis video for the old Stihl chainsaw! I would not have guessed that a chainsaw made in 1981 would still have had non solid-state (points & condenser) ignition, & since electronic ignition is usually very reliable (& durable), I didn't suspect bad ignition as a likely cause of the engine's non acceleration issue (I imagined the issue was almost certainly carburetor related). When you decided to replace the condenser with an electronic ignition module, I thought that theoretically (& ideally), that should be a big improvement (over points & condenser ignition), but practically, I thought the fit & quality of the aftermarket electronic ignition module might be questionable, & so I thought it might have been better to obtain Stihl OEM replacement points & condenser (to insure proper fit & quality). After all your diagnosis, I'm sure you would have wanted to determine the cause of the engine's non acceleration issue, without additional uncertainies of replacement part quality (such as the new aftermarket coil, which was bad "right out of the box). Regardless of the aftermarket electronic ignition module issues, I think you did a thorough & meticulous job fitting all the ignition module parts & wiring, & did great work overall! The old chainsaw sound great!

Great video, thanks grand master chief for the depth of your knowledge and unlimited set of skills.

LOL.... I walked out just before you found the points the last time I watched this, watching it again and I was thinking I bet theirs points in that thing ! and sure enough... the way it was running just pointed to me the points/condenser the condenser in particular in this case ...my hats off to you as I bought one of those little electronic ignition module a long time ago and I fought it for a week trying to get the thing to work and finally gave up and put the points back in it ! (on an old B&S 3.5 hp).... I never seen any of those things work ! I've had friends tell me nah they are junk, they don't work ! yet You got one to work WOW ! I've had several saws with points in fact I think I still have 2 ! it would have been really interesting to see if just replacing the condenser cured the problem.... but I guess we'll never know now ! HA ! Thanks Jon for the great videos !

My ‘87 high school graduation gift from dad was a used 056 Stihl, I’ve been running chainsaws ever since. Have to admit, I learned a lot from this video that I probably should have known thirty years ago! Thanks Jon

Loving the fact you just never quit. Unfortunately it’s not very common quality

Have one since new! 1990. Only thing I’ve done is new carb from the Hipa Store and new plug probably 3 years ago. Runs like it did new. Cold starts on third pull, first pull when warmed up. A little heavy for a 47cc saw with 16” bar, but all metal! 👍🏻 Thanks for the video!

Yer tenacity is an example for us all, my good man, thanks for sharing!

I’ve got one just like it that my dad had and used a lot. It sat in my shop since he passed away in January 2012. I purchased 90 acres in Lincolnton Ga. in 2021. I decided to try it out and after putting new gas in it, it fired up on the 9th pull. I put a knew plug in it and it starts on the second pull every time. I cut several loads of firewood with it and I love it!

I had a 024 wood boss back in the day. It was an absolute tank! Lost it in a garage fire. Always wanted to do a resto on a beat 024

Congratulations you have more patience than I do

Great video! I have several saws and the latest addition is a 051 AV electronic. The spark died and the it’s the old Bosch module they fitted instead of points. I am hoping one of these aftermarket modules will work for this saw too. It’s amazing that they get the timing right.

Your films are always very interesting whenever you're fixing stuff. Please keep making this kind of movies.

man, i love these videos, i never would have guessed there were points under that flywheel, always learning something new

This was great! Thank you for leading us through your process and improvements you'd make. Really glad you didn't give up on it! This will definitely help me when I'm troubleshooting old equipment

lesson learned, diagnose first- compression test and spark jump, then look at fueling. I just ordered the same spark tester straight after watching your post, thank you so much for forging the path for us like minded people.

Weak spark always shows up when the throttle is opened because the compression is much higher than at idle. It is much harder for the spark to jump at higher compression. Adjust high speed jet under load. Will get rid of bog down while cutting. Nice video John. Thanks

I purchased my 036 new in 1994. We heated with wood exclusively for 10 years and every bit of it was cut with it. When we purchased 20 acres of wooded land it’s bee used constantly to keep the land cleared of damaged trees. It’s never had ethanol blended gas in it and it’s ran on Amsoil Sabre oil exclusively. If I went out to the barn right now it’d start on the third or fourth pull. I’ve put numerous bars, chains, gas filters and clutch sprockets on it but the engine remains untouched. Stihl built a great saw back then.

Another great one! I learn so much more and enjoy watching your complete and very detailed video repairs! 💯

Ive inherited this exact saw from my grandpa and it has the same issue. I can't wait to try this fix and cant thank you enough for the valuable information and trouble shooting.

Been watching for a couple of years now. My favorite channel. I have learned so much. Thank you for sharing!

I have that exact same saw. STIHL 028 WB. Was my Dad's. Good video.

Always like Stihl equipment, high and consistent quality 👍🏼

This video was great I bought 2 028 wood bosses last November and I’m still trying to get them running right

Great video. A few years ago I dismantled an 026 that belonged to my grandfather. It must also be from the 80s, it hadn't been running for 20 years and it had ignition problems. I think I have the same problem.

Great video. Enjoyed your patience and determination. Ive had an old 028 Wood Boss sitting on the shelf for a fsw years. This inspires me to get it out and see whats going on with it. You earned a new subscriber.

The weekend always starts nice, when there is a Fridays video from John.

And one more thing, that idle speed adjustment screw is supposed to have a little coil spring under it to keep it from backing out of the housing from the vibration. My saw doesn't have that rubber coating on the handle, mine is just smooth metal.

Another great video, just one thing I wanted to let you know. The gas can you used to fill up your saws actually had an auto stop with a check ball so you actually can’t over fill it as long as the nozzle is in the tank

Enjoyed the video. I have an old Farm Boss. You are persistent.

This is educational clean entertainment that should have at least 5 million subscribers.

My 028 starts and runs whenever I need it. Its amazing. I've had it 15 years or more and maybe changed the plug. Chickanic recently did a video on how to flex the diaphram to get it working - once its running.

At 33.29 he breaks out the Giant crows feet set but never tells why---Trade secret eh!!!!!!!!!!! Great video--Old Cat mechanic here--42 years-still love working on machinery--old vintage saws too!!!!!!!!!!

Great video thanks again for your video 📹 great help for me 😊

It's easy to have a love hate relationship with chain saws. Its cool you got that one working.

I sure enjoyed this. The one minor detail, but could be major is: (has nothing to do with fixing the saw) when actually cutting with the saw, ALWAYS wrap your thumb around the saw handle when cutting. This gives you much more stability if and when there is kickback or any other unexpected movement of the saw. This may not be “textbook”, but it was what I was taught. Thanks for your videos!

Thanks for the video John… I have one of these (maybe two?? 🤔) and it is doing exactly the same thing as yours. I put in a carb kit and it bogs down under throttle. Now I know where to look. I never would have expected these to have a set of points. Love the channel… love the videos… keep up the great work! 😃👍🏻

I own one of these, my first chainsaw bought it when I was about 14 still got it am now 52.I remember I got it at discounted price because it was discontinued then, lovely saw.

Fun fact: the factory that processes those carbs is based in Tralee, County Kerry Ireland.

I rebuilt the same saw just over a year ago, it had a cracked piston. Stihl wanted unbelievable $ for a piston and rings but found them on Amazingzon for under $30. Just like your saw it was my fathers saw and I used it as a early teen up till i left the house. It then sat from sometime shortly after 1986 when it quit until late 2022. I don't use it much as I have several newer saws but I pull it out to use occasionally to use on 12"-14" diameter and smaller trees or limbs. It was mated with a 20" bar and chain but I use a 16" on it now. They were a super popular back in the day and were really stout for their era. Great content and I really enjoy all your videos.

Interesting points ignition. I grew up mid 70's points ignition mini bikes. YZ 80 yamaha always playing with timing. 14 and 15 years old fun with mates similar bikes. Memories 61years old now.

Another great video , got to get me an ignition tester like that. Would save alot of headaches. Thanks

I love that this is your Dad's saw that you are keeping fit. I too have my Dad's McCulloch saw that is also at least 40 years old. It is one of the only things I have of his since he passed away.

Thanks for a great video! I have a 028 super that was giving me the same issue but I stopped after getting a new carb and had the same results... You've given me the motivation to pull it off the shelf and give it another go!

John, I own a Stihl 028-WB similar to the one you repaired. I believe I purchased it in the mid 1980's My saw has always been a difficult starter but once I pour a little fuel in the spark plug chamber it takes right off. Switching to Tru-Fuel has made a big difference in starting and I no longer need to pour fuel in the cylinder. I always clean the saw and dump the fuel after use. Your tutorial is timely as I need to do my annual maintenance on my saw. Great videos as always.

What an interesting trip. I love learning process, and outro was very cool. Also humor is spot on. 🙂

Awesome repair and a victory under your belt. At around halfway through the clip I was convinced it was a carb issue, but that was good diagnosis to look into the spark/ignition electronics. I have a Forester brand chainsaw that has not been run in 10 years, tried starting it last week, no go. Its the carb, a Walbro and will order a rebuild kit soon. 🌿

Ah farm life, who'd of thought it would be so interesting, what with all the equipment and tools one needs to run one, but of course nothing would work without the skills one develops along the way, needless to say Jon being mechanically inlined really helps, and you have been blessed.....I'm a fan....Javi G.

Main jet needs to be richer. If it hits max rpm without going "da da da da" (sounds like missing - some call it 4 stroking) it will be down on power. On those carbs the mixture leans out a bit on load, so you need to be ahead of it by being a bit rich without load. Very nice and infirmative video. This is one of my favorite channels and has been for a long time... :)