Are these carbs the same?

[Soundside]

Hi all, newb here. I bought a replacement carburetor for my old Stihl 026. The replacement appears identical outwardly to the old one except it’s missing the connector to the filter. See picture. Can I just swap the old cover to the new one, or are there internal differences ?

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Was you 026 a PRO model?
If so, it had the WT-394 or 426 compensating carb.
The "flat" cover carb you show is a WT-194 or copy there of.

I believe the 194 can be made to run in a saw requiring the 394 carb with a simple cover swap and indeed is one way of getting past limiters on the adjustment screws.
However, in my experience- the 194 can be very touchy and exacting in the tuning, compared to the 426.

 

[Soundside]

Bob thanks for this info. Yes, it’s a pro. Sounds like I better return it and get the right one.

 

[Soundside]

Also I see the wt-403b marketed for this saw. Is it a good option? They seem to be more available and quicker to get.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Also I see the wt-403b marketed for this saw. Is it a good option? They seem to be more available and quicker to get.

No past experience with that particular one- we are fairly limited as to what can be found here on the other side of the World.