STIHL 038 Specs (AV, Super, Magnum): Power, Weight, Bars

Review Information

• Reviewed by: Jack Beurge
• Review type: Research-based review
• Testing status: Not personally tested by SAWOFF — based on manufacturer documentation, reputable sources, and documented owner-reported patterns
• Published: October 19, 2026
• Sources: STIHL 038 AV, 038 Super and 038 Magnum owner's manuals and illustrated parts lists · Motorsaegen-Portal STIHL model archive (production dates, bore, stroke, and factory settings) · Fire and Saw STIHL 038 version reference

Information in this review is labeled as one of four types: 🧪 SAWOFF hands-on test, 🏭 manufacturer specification, 📚 research from reputable sources (including documented owner-reported patterns), or 🧠 editorial assessment. See our testing methodology and editorial policy.

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QUICK ANSWER

The STIHL 038 came in three displacements: the 038 AV at 61.5cc and 3.0 kW (4.0 hp), the 038 Super at 66.6cc and 3.3 kW (4.4 hp), and the 038 Magnum at 72.2cc and 3.6 kW (4.8 hp). All three use a 34mm stroke, weigh about 6.4 to 6.8 kg (14 to 15 lb) as a powerhead, and run 3/8-inch chain on factory bars from 15 to 20 inches. The 038 was built from 1980 to 2003, so everything on the used market today is a vintage saw.

The Three 038 Versions at a Glance

Version	Production	Displacement	Bore x stroke	Rated power	Powerhead weight
038 AV / Farm Boss	1980-1985	61.5 cc	48 x 34 mm	3.0 kW (4.0 hp)	6.4-6.8 kg (14-15 lb)
038 AV Super	mid-1980s	66.6 cc	50 x 34 mm	3.3 kW (4.4 hp)	about 6.6 kg (14.6 lb)
038 Magnum	1985-2003	72.2 cc	52 x 34 mm	3.6 kW (4.8 hp)	about 6.6 kg (14.6 lb)

The naming is messier than the table suggests. STIHL sold the base saw as the 038 AV, and in North America it often wore a “Farm Boss” badge. The 66.6cc version appears as “038 Super,” “038 AV Super,” or just “038 S” depending on market and year. The Magnum is the 72.2cc saw, and plenty of them are stamped only “038 Magnum” with no AV marking even though they use the anti-vibration system.

Which 038 Do You Have?

Start with the badge on the starter cover or the side of the powerhead. It usually reads 038 AV, 038 AV SUPER, or 038 MAGNUM. Then check the serial plate, typically under the rear handle or on the crankcase near the bar mount.

If the badge is missing or repainted, displacement is the tell:

• 61.5cc, 48mm bore: base 038 AV.
• 66.6cc, 50mm bore: 038 Super.
• 72.2cc, 52mm bore: 038 Magnum.

A saw tagged only “STIHL 038” with a 52mm bore is almost certainly a Magnum that lost its sticker. And if the saw says MS 380, MS 381, or MS 382, it is the later Brazilian-built derivative of the same 1119 series - not a 038, but close enough that many parts interchange.

STIHL 038 Full Specifications

Specification	038 AV	038 Super	038 Magnum
Displacement	61.5 cc	66.6 cc	72.2 cc
Bore	48 mm	50 mm	52 mm
Stroke	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm
Rated power	3.0 kW (4.0 hp)	3.3 kW (4.4 hp)	3.6 kW (4.8 hp)
Idle speed	2,500 rpm	2,500 rpm	2,500 rpm
Max speed with bar and chain	about 12,000 rpm	about 13,500 rpm	about 12,000 rpm
Fuel tank	0.68 L (680 cc)	0.68 L	0.68 L
Oil tank	0.36 L (360 cc)	0.36 L	0.36 L
Factory bar range	37-50 cm (15-20 in)	37-50 cm	37-50 cm
Chain pitch	3/8 in	3/8 in	3/8 in
Chain gauge	.063 in (1.6 mm) Euro spec	.063 in	.063 in
Drive sprocket	7-tooth	7-tooth	7-tooth
Fuel mix	1:40 (STIHL oil)	1:40	1:40
Spark plug	Bosch WSR 6 F / Champion RCJ 6 Y / NGK BPMR 7 A	same	same
Plug gap	0.5 mm (0.020 in)	0.5 mm	0.5 mm
Weight (powerhead)	6.4-6.8 kg (14-15 lb)	about 6.6 kg (14.6 lb)	about 6.6 kg (14.6 lb)

Two notes on that table. First, the .063 gauge figure comes from European manuals; US-market 038s were commonly fitted with 3/8 .050 bars, so trust the stamp on your bar over any spec sheet. Second, power ratings from this era were not measured the way modern bhp figures are, which is why an old 61.5cc saw claiming 4.0 hp does not feel stronger than a current 50cc pro saw.

Power and Weight in Context

The 038 was a serious firewood and farm saw in its day, and the numbers explain why. At 61.5cc and 4.0 hp, the base AV had more displacement than a modern MS 311 (59cc) and roughly the same rated power as an MS 261 (50.2cc, 4.0 hp). The Magnum’s 72.2cc is the interesting one: it matches the displacement of today’s MS 462 C-M exactly, but makes 4.8 hp against the modern saw’s 5.9 hp.

That gap is 40 years of porting, ignition, and combustion-chamber development. The old saw is not weak - it is just heavier and thirstier for the same work:

038 version	Displacement	Rated power	Closest modern match
038 AV	61.5 cc	3.0 kW (4.0 hp)	MS 311 by size, MS 261 by power
038 Super	66.6 cc	3.3 kW (4.4 hp)	MS 362 C-M
038 Magnum	72.2 cc	3.6 kW (4.8 hp)	MS 462 C-M by size, not by power

Weight is the other context. A 6.6 kg powerhead is about 14.6 lb dry, and with a 20-inch bar, chain, fuel, and oil you are carrying close to 20 lb. A modern MS 261 with the same bar is roughly 3 lb lighter and vibrates far less. If you plan to cut all day, that difference is the whole argument for a new saw.

Bar and Chain Setup

The 038 ran 3/8-inch pitch chain on bars from 15 to 20 inches, with a 7-tooth sprocket. That is a standard, widely available combination today, which is one reason the saw remains usable: bars and chains are not rare.

A few practical fitment rules:

• Match the bar stamp first. A 3/8 .063 chain will not run on a .050 bar, and mixing gauges ruins the bar rails quickly.
• Count drive links when ordering. A 20-inch 038 bar commonly takes 72 links, but verify against the old chain or the bar stamp - see our bar and chain measuring guide.
• Do not over-bar it. The factory range stops at 20 inches for good reason. The Magnum will pull a 24-inch bar in softwood, but the oiler and the old anti-vibration system are not happy doing it all day in hardwood.
• Check the nose sprocket. A worn nose on a 40-year-old bar is common and will destroy a new chain. If the sprocket rocks or growls, replace the bar.

The saw uses standard 3/8 chain, so our chain size chart covers the pitch and gauge combinations directly.

Fuel Mix, Carb Settings and Ignition

The 038 is a conventional two-stroke with a membrane carburetor, and it is friendly to work on if you respect the baseline settings.

Fuel mix. The manual calls for 1:40 with STIHL two-stroke oil. Modern quality oils rated for 1:50 are fine, but do not stretch the ratio with generic oil. Use fresh gasoline; ethanol blends attract water and attack old fuel lines and carburetor diaphragms.

Carburetor baseline. Start from L = 1 turn and H = 1 turn out from lightly seated, then tune in small increments. A saw that bogs when you squeeze the trigger is usually lean on the L screw; one that four-strokes at full throttle in the cut is rich on H.

Ignition. Early 038 AV saws used points and condenser; later saws used an electronic module. This matters when a no-spark diagnosis sends you in the wrong direction:

Ignition type	Contact gap	Ignition timing before TDC
Points (early 038 AV)	0.35-0.4 mm	2.3-2.7 mm
Electronic (later saws)	not applicable	2.9 mm

Points conversion modules are widely available and are the usual fix when an early saw loses spark and cleaning the points does not hold. Set the plug gap to 0.5 mm (0.020 in) and use the plug types listed above; the correct reach matters on these old cylinders.

What the 038 Is Like to Run

The 038 has the character of its era: a deep, slow exhaust note, strong low-end torque, and a broad powerband that tolerates a dull chain better than a modern high-strung saw. It is also heavy, vibey, and loud. Early 038 AVs came with a hand guard but no chain brake, which is the single biggest safety difference between this saw and anything built in the last 30 years.

If you are buying one to use rather than collect, budget for a modern bar, a fresh chain, an air filter, fuel lines, and possibly an ignition module. Those parts are cheap and turn a tired saw into a reliable firewood tool. What you cannot cheaply fix is compression: a worn top end means a piston and cylinder, and while aftermarket kits exist, a rebuild only makes sense on a clean Magnum.

Buying a Used 038: Checklist

Prices are all over the map because condition matters more than the badge. As a rough guide, project saws turn up under $100, runners typically ask $150-$300, and clean low-hour Magnums can push $400. Verify these before you pay:

• Compression. A healthy two-stroke should show roughly 150 psi or more. Below about 120 psi, plan on a top end.
• Spark. Pull the plug, ground it, and check for a strong blue spark. Points saws that sat for years often need the points cleaned or converted.
• Chain brake. Confirm the early saw has one, and that it stops the chain. If it does not, factor the risk into the price.
• Anti-vibration mounts. Look for cracked or separated rubber. Worn mounts make the saw handle loosely and increase vibration.
• Oiler. Run the saw over cardboard and confirm oil reaches the bar tip.
• Bar and sprocket. A hooked drive sprocket or a worn nose sprocket will eat a new chain.
• Plastic and tank. Check the fuel tank seam and the handle for cracks; those parts are harder to source than engine internals.

Is the 038 Worth It in 2026?

For a collector, yes - it is one of the defining farm saws of the 1980s, and the three displacements make a satisfying set. For a firewood cutter on a budget, a healthy 038 Magnum is still a capable tool, provided you accept the weight and the vintage safety equipment. For a first saw or a daily work saw, a modern 50-60cc machine is lighter, safer, and easier to live with.

The honest summary: the 038 is a good saw from a different era, not a hidden bargain that beats a new MS 261. Buy it because you want a simple, repairable classic that will outlast you, not because the spec sheet looks impressive.

FAQ

What cc is a STIHL 038?

The 038 AV is 61.5cc, the 038 Super is 66.6cc, and the 038 Magnum is 72.2cc. All three share a 34mm stroke, with bores of 48mm, 50mm, and 52mm.

What is the difference between a 038 AV and a 038 Magnum?

The Magnum is the big-bore version at 72.2cc and 3.6 kW (4.8 hp), against 61.5cc and 3.0 kW (4.0 hp) for the AV. The Magnum was produced from 1985 to 2003, while the base AV ended around 1985.

What bar and chain does a STIHL 038 use?

Factory bars ran 37 to 50 cm (15 to 20 inches) with 3/8-inch pitch chain and a 7-tooth sprocket. European manuals list .063-inch gauge, while US-market bars commonly used 3/8 .050. Check the stamp on your bar before ordering.

What fuel mix does a STIHL 038 take?

The original specification is 1:40 with STIHL two-stroke oil. A modern quality oil rated for 1:50 is acceptable. Use fresh fuel and avoid ethanol where possible.

Is the STIHL 038 still made?

No. The 038 Magnum ended production in 2003. Brazilian derivatives continued as the MS 380, MS 381, and MS 382 for non-European markets, but no new 038 has been built since.

Is a STIHL 038 a good saw today?

It is a durable, simple vintage workhorse with decent parts support. It is also heavy, vibey, and early units lack a chain brake. It suits collectors and budget firewood cutters; it is not the best choice for a first saw.

What is the modern equivalent of a STIHL 038?

By displacement, the 038 AV sits near the MS 311 and the Magnum near the MS 462. By power, a modern MS 261 matches the 038 AV’s 4.0 hp from 50cc, which shows how far two-stroke efficiency has come.

Keep Reading

• STIHL Chainsaw Models and Prices 2026 - every current model in one chart.
• STIHL Chainsaw Price List and Value Analysis - what the used and new market looks like.
• Chainsaw Chain Size Chart - pitch, gauge, and drive links explained.
• How to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length - measure a bar and chain before you order parts.
• Best Chainsaws of 2026 - current picks across every class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cc is a STIHL 038?

It depends on the version. The 038 AV is 61.5cc, the 038 Super is 66.6cc, and the 038 Magnum is 72.2cc. All three share a 34mm stroke, with bore sizes of 48mm, 50mm, and 52mm respectively.

What is the difference between a 038 AV and a 038 Magnum?

The Magnum is the big-bore version: 72.2cc and 3.6 kW (4.8 hp) against the AV's 61.5cc and 3.0 kW (4.0 hp). The Magnum also has a wider bar range and stayed in production until 2003, roughly 18 years longer than the base AV.

What bar and chain does a STIHL 038 use?

Factory bars ran 37 to 50 cm (15 to 20 inches) with 3/8-inch pitch chain. European manuals list .063-inch gauge and a 7-tooth sprocket, while US-market bars commonly used 3/8 .050. Check the stamp on your bar before ordering a chain.

What fuel mix does a STIHL 038 take?

The original manual specifies 1:40 with STIHL two-stroke oil. With a modern quality two-stroke oil rated for it, 1:50 is acceptable. Never run straight gasoline, and avoid ethanol blends where you can.

Is the STIHL 038 still made?

No. The 038 Magnum ended production in 2003. Brazilian-built derivatives continued under the MS 380, MS 381, and MS 382 names for non-European markets, but a 038 today is a used or collector saw.

Is a STIHL 038 a good saw today?

It is a simple, durable vintage workhorse with good parts support, but it is heavy by modern standards and early units lack a chain brake. It makes a fine firewood or collector saw if you find a healthy example; it is not the best first saw.

What is the modern equivalent of a STIHL 038?

By displacement, the 038 AV sits near the MS 311 and the Magnum near the MS 462. By measured power, a modern MS 261 makes the same 4.0 hp from 50cc, which shows how much two-stroke efficiency improved in 40 years.