Ryobi Carburetor Adjustment Tool

Carburetor adjustment is a critical component of small engine repair and maintenance – be it a chainsaw, or a weedwacker. Every engine, from your car to your lawnmower, uses a carburetor to regulate the mixture of gasoline and air that enters the engine. Over time the carburetor can become clogged with dirt, grass, and other debris and generally wear down, causing the air/fuel ratio to become out of sync. When this happens, the engine will not run optimally – or at all. A damaged carburetor or one in need of maintenance can cause the engine to overheat and over-consume, which can lead to permanent engine damage.

At HL Supply, we offer a full range of tools to keep your engine in top form. Each carburetor has a corresponding tool based on the type of socket it uses. One of the most popular choices is our Ryobi carburetor adjustment tool. Featuring a “pac-man” socket, this tool allows for the adjustment of the carburetor on most Ryobi, Homelite, and select brands of chainsaws and trimmers. You can determine your carburetor type simply by looking at the screws found at the top of your carburetor and choosing the appropriate tool – in this case, there is a small divot into the socket which makes it unique. This tool is intended for dealers and repair shops with proper training in making adjustments to carburetors. Adjusting a carburetor requires some knowledge and experience with small engines – if you’re an individual, there are alternative options available for home use.

No matter what tools you need to get the job done, from a new carburetor adjustment tool for a Ryobi weedeater to full engine block replacements, HL Supply delivers what you need. Visit our online store today or call us at 855-456-4299 for assistance in choosing the right products for your needs. 

Stihl vs. Husqvarna – The Right Brand for You

Ford or Chevy? Coke or Pepsi? No matter what you’re buying, there’s always at least two stand-out brands – brands which dominate the market and create divisions between consumers. Gather a room filled with Ford and Chevy owners, and they can easily spend all day debating amongst themselves which brand of trucks are superior. Coke and Pepsi drinkers will attest that their cola product is the superior one. While the products are similar, there are small differences between each product and brand which creates these alligances.

In the world of chainsaws, the two dominant brands are Husqvarna and Stihl. Gather a room for forresters and landscapers, and chances are that most of them will prefer one of these two brands. Fans of each brands have a legitimate case as to why their brand is better and why they prefer their Stihl or “Husky” over other saws. There’s really no way to tell which brand you’ll prefer, and which model you’ll prefer, then to try them out yourself – even within the Husqvarna and Stihl product families, there is debate as to which models have the best performance. However, there are some general guidelines to each brand that might help in assessing which brand will suit your needs best

• Stihl chainsaws tend to operate at a lower RPM with most of the power and torque delivered in the lower end of the RPM band. This makes for the most consistent cutting performance through tough pieces of wood. Husqvarna tends to use a turning pattern which runs at a higher RPM and allows for a quicker final cut, allowing them to cut out of the way fast.

• In general, Husqvarna has been more active in the consumer market – offering several models for professionals and homeowners alike. Husqvarna chainsaw parts tend to be easier to get on short notice because Husqvarna saws are commonly sold through retailers such as Sears. Stihl is limited to authorized dealers which may cause some inconvenience, but ensures a high level of service.

• Both brands have robust communities surrounding them, and there are many sources for Husqvarna and Stihl replacement parts – and there are some common issues to be aware of on each. Many Stihl models have an issue with rubber engine mounts corroding, while many Husqvarna models will eat through chains quicker than their Sithl equivalent.

Our best advice is to find a power equipment rental store, and try a few different models out before determining which product is right for you. There’s no right or wrong – it’s all personal preference. Be sure to visit us at HL Supply for small engine repair parts no matter which brand you choose!

OEM Chainsaw Parts vs. Aftermarket

When it comes to small engine repair, craftsmen have many options for sourcing the parts they need to get the job done. They can choose from two main ways of getting the parts they need – by ordering them directly from the original equipment manufacturer, i.e. from Stihl or Poulan directly; or from an aftermarket retailer. Aftermarket retailers run the gamut from general parts – simple things like gas caps and accessories that can be found at a big box retailer such as Home Depot, to very specific parts for a very specific machine – a replacement bar for a Stihl 026 chainsaw, for example. Which should you order from?

Aftermarket Suppliers vs. OEM Supplier

• Cost – Many times, aftermarket parts are cheaper than the OEM equivalent. This can be observed in the automobile parts market, too – because of the competition in the aftermarket industry, prices are often lower than if you were to order from Stihl or Poulan. Advantage: Aftermarket
• Quality – Aftermarket parts meet or exceed OEM quality standards, using the same materials as their OEM equivalents. For example, all the Stihl replacement parts offered at HL Supply are guaranteed to fit the specific Stihl equipment they are designed for. Of course, the OEM manufacturer knows the machine best, and the parts from the OEM manufacturer are going to be a 100% true replica of what originally came in the machine. Advantage: Draw
• Speed – If you need a part quickly, you’re most likely better off working with an aftermarket supplier. For example, HL Supply carries thousands of Stihl chainsaw parts and offers next-day overnight shipping. For smaller items you need to maintain your small engine equipment, it’s easier to walk into the Home Depot and buy a new gasket ring or gas cap than to order online. While the OEM company will do everything they can to get you the part quickly, their main business isn’t focused on sending replacement parts quickly – whereas at HL Supply, that’s our sole focus. Advantage: Aftermarket
   
• Selection – While HL Supply carries thousands of parts to help in your small engine repair project, nobody can match the range of the OEM manufacturer. There are specific parts and specific models that it doesn’t make sense for an aftermarket supplier to carry – they might be too specific, or parts for models that are exceptionally rare. When you order direct from Stihl or another supplier, they can provide you with basically every part that has ever existed. Advantage: OEM

No matter what the small engine repair project, HL Supply is here to help. Visit us today for a full selection of small engine replacement parts from Poulan, Stihl, Husqvarna and more; or call 855-456-4299 for help in selecting the right parts for your needs.

Top YouTube Chainsaw Repair Resources

When it comes to small engine repair, sometimes a video can be more helpful then a manual. Rather than reading the pages of a book with text instructions and a simple diagram,  videos allow you to see how it’s done on an actual machine while walking you through each step.

There are thousands of videos on YouTube, more than just funny cats and music videos – there are entire collections of videos on how to repair just about anything, including small engine repair ranging from lawnmowers to chainsaws. Here are a few helpful YouTube user channels which specialize in chainsaw and power equipment repair.

Don The Small Engine Doctor - https://www.youtube.com/user/donyboy73  

“DonyBoy73”, known as “Don The Small Engine Doctor” already has hundreds of videos about small engine repair, and adds new content every Friday! Don’s channel is dedicated to small engine repair, with the goal of enabling ANYONE to repair their small engine machines – both experts and beginners. Don’s small engine repair video channel includes dozens on chainsaw repair, as well as repairs on lawnmowers, trimmers, generators, and more. Other videos include general small engine advice (with Q&A sessions where he answers users’ questions) and reviews of small engine repair tools.

Jeremy Fountain - https://www.youtube.com/user/backwoodsctryboy

Want your small engine repair advice with a hefty dash of southern hospitality? Jeremy Fountain’s YouTube Channel is the place for you. Jeremy walks through small engine repairs, including everything from mower maintenance to a complete rebuild of the Stihl 026, guiding you through each project with a friendly voice and slow pace so you can keep up as he goes – even stopping to ask the audience how their holidays are going.
 
STIHL USA - https://www.youtube.com/user/stihlusa

The official STIHL USA YouTube Channel is an excellent resource for chainsaw repair advice, featuring videos on many common maintenance tasks such as chain sharpening and replacement, trimmer line replacement, and more. Other videos include previews of new Stihl products, general information like selecting the right firewood, and some cool stuff including chainsaws playing the national anthem and stories from Stihl owners!

We hope these channels provide you with all the information you need for your small engine repairs – be sure to visit HL Supply for the largest selection of chainsaw parts anywhere to make your project complete! 

Install a New Cylinder and Piston Kit

For all of “DIY” people, there is satisfaction in doing a job yourself. You save time, money, and there is also the satisfaction gained when accomplishing a difficult task. Remember Tim Allen on “Home Improvement” when he would grunt loudly when working on a project? That's his “I am a man working with tools” grunt.

But as we all recall from watching the show, many times Tim didn’t quite know what he was doing. He knew just enough to get himself into trouble. That’s when the comedy ensued. Many times folks fixing their own equipment run into the same problem. They may be able to take the old part off and put the new one on, but usually there is more to it than that.

Installing a new cylinder and piston kit on a chainsaw for example is one of those times where you really need to know what you are doing, or you can easily ruin $200.00 worth of parts. The store where you purchased them is not going to be too cheerful about issuing a refund if they suspect malfunction was because of improper installation. If you broke it, the store cannot resell it. That means they must “eat it” to give you another one. If you do the same thing to the replacement, well, you can do the math.

Here is a good video explaining what you should do when installing a new cylinder and piston kit into a saw.

Andrew has many helpful videos on YouTube for you chainsaw enthusiasts to watch. They are informative and many times also entertaining.

YouTube is an excellent source for videos showing how to do things yourself. There is nothing wrong with learning how to fix your own equipment as opposed to paying someone else or worse yet, pitching a perfectly good saw in the trash. Just make sure you know the proper installation and break-in procedures when you tackle the job. If you have any doubts, it is always a good idea to go online and consult the owner’s manual.

Here are helpful hints when installing the parts. Check the packaging to make sure the part number and description matches what is on your packing list. Mistakes can happen, especially when pulling parts for hundreds of orders each day. Also check to see if the new part looks like the old part before you damage it trying to “make it fit”.

Clean the parts before installing them. Some parts can be cleaned with an air hose such as the lines. Others can be cleaned with soap and water (cylinder and piston). Some may need to be oiled first (some air filters). Do your “pre-installation” work before installing.

After installing, be sure not to over rev the engine. You may think it is an old saw and therefore it is “broken in” but if you just put a new cylinder and piston on it, it is now a new saw.

As always, when in doubt, call somebody before you make a mistake.

9 Best Chainsaw Repair Resources

It’s impossible to know everything about every single part and chainsaw model on the market (or off the market for that matter). Everyone needs some help once in a while to determine if their chainsaw is in need of a simple repair, or something more serious is going on. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional logger, or a master technician, these sites are great resources for asking questions about malfunctioning chainsaws.

#1 - ArboristSite.com Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://www.arboristsite.com/community/forums/chainsaw.9/

Arborists that finish up their day and need to keep talking about their jobs find their home at ArboristSite.com. The chainsaw forum is a great resource to find answers to questions about chainsaw repairs, suggestions on a new saw, or just talk about your favorite models. Check out their antique saw thread for some awesome pictures of chainsaws from the early days (and of course, you can add your own).

#2 - ArbTalk.co.uk Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/chainsaws/

If you’re an arborist in the UK, this is your online headquarters. While it’s also a great resource internationally, the repair advice on ArbTalk.co.uk is geared towards the chainsaw models and parts available in Europe.

#3 - Reddit.com r/mechanicadvice Subreddit 
URL: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/

While this isn’t solely a chainsaw repair resource, there are threads about small engine repair, and questions about lawn mowers, chainsaws, and gas powered tools are well received.

#4 - The Chainsaw Guy YouTube Channel 
URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/radougan120955

The Chainsaw Guy has one of the most impressive chainsaw collections we’ve ever seen and he has been showing off his collection on YouTube for years. With hundreds of videos featuring Stihls, Husqvarnas and more, you could spend hours just watching his videos and descriptions.

#5 - AcresInternet.com – Chainsaw Collectors Corner
URL: http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/673d78ec01557aea88256b00005457e6/d8d083a8d741e3db88256c9b00780d89?OpenDocument

Most chainsaw owners have been in a situation when they are repairing or purchasing a particular saw, but can’t find information on the chainsaw’s specifications. The Chainsaw Collectors Corner has thousands of chainsaws on file from various years, and while the site isn’t always 100% accurate, it’s a great starting point to figuring out what you’re dealing with.

#6 - The Forestry Forum Chainsaw Forum
URL: http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?board=9.0

The Chainsaw Forum on ForestryForum.com has over a hundred pages worth of chainsaw information that foresters will love. There are a lot of questions about large displacement, pro-grade chainsaws. If you’re a professional dealing with big cuts, this is the place for you.

#7 - ChainsawRepair.createaforum.com
URL: http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=d104fe48859ff406ec39cabee8f72658

This forum is specifically for chainsaw repair and is broken down by brand. Husqvarna, Stihl, Poulan, Jonsered, Echo, and Homelite are just a few of the sections on the forum, with many other brands represented as well. Check this site out and see if you’re brand has a section if you need a repair question answered.

#8 - Lawn Mower Forum Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small-engine-mower-repair/

Yes, this is a lawn mower forum, but there is a small engine repair section that’s a good resource for chainsaw owners, and you can ask a question about your lawn mower or other lawn equipment while you’re at it.

#9 - Hobby Talk Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/forumdisplay.php?s=d68f4a924b0188ee70dd7ad165e032d2&f=107

The Small Engine Repair forum on HobbyTalk.com includes sections for 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and swapping and selling. The forum benefits from being a subsection of one of the most popular hobby websites online, and has a long history of threads that offer answers to questions about hundreds of different saws.

Do you have any websites that you visit to get your small engine repair advice? Let us know in the comments!

The Legendary Stihl 028 Chainsaw

Let’s face it: most of us don’t need a chainsaw with a 70+ cc displacement and a 36” bar. What we do need is a reliable saw with enough power to take on tough jobs and stand the test of time. That’s the reason serious chainsaw users regard the Stihl 028 AV Super Wood Boss as one of the best saws ever made, and many chainsaw enthusiasts have one in their arsenal today.

Though Stihl released an updated (and now discontinued) Stihl MS280 for the 028, they were two different saws and many chainsaw users consider the 028 to be the superior model. Check out the specifications for the 028 and the more powerful 028 Super below.





Stihl 028 Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 are:

Displacement: 2.86 cubic inches (47 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.73 inches (44 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

Stihl 028 Super Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 Super are:

Displacement: 3.14 cubic inches (51.5 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.81 inches (46 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 13,000 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

As with any discontinued chainsaw, finding factory OEM parts is nearly impossible, but luckily there are aftermarket options available. At HLSProParts.com, we carry a wide selection of Stihl 028 parts  that will allow you to refurbish an old saw, or simply tune up your trusty 028.

Some of the brands we carry include Hyway, Meteor, and Tecomec. Whether you need cylinder kits, piston kits, bearing cases, or just piston rings, we have parts that will have your saw running at full performance. Visit our store or contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to help you find the Stihl 028 parts you need.