Stihl 044

[babaoriley]

Hey guys, I’m new to chainsaw and arborist stuff but I’m passionate about it. I just picked up a 044 with a scored cylinder and a bad piston. Not sure what options I have here. I prefer oem, used is okay. I’ve found a ms460 with perfect top end, is the top end swap possible? Thank you! Also I attach some pics of the saw and the serial number. If you can look it up and tell me a bit about it, I would be greatly appreciate it!

 

[Mad Professor]

The 044 w/12mm wrist pin, to 046/460 can be done but not a bolt on. Lots of info here on the swap. Do a search.

Pull the muffler off and post some pictures of the piston/cylinder. You might be able to save the cylinder.

Welcome to AS.

 

[babaoriley]

The 044 w/12mm wrist pin, to 046/460 can be done but not a bolt on. Lots of info here on the swap. Do a search.

Pull the muffler off and post some pictures of the piston/cylinder. You might be able to save the cylinder.

Welcome to AS.

Thank you! I have some mechanic background so it won’t be a problem. I’ll do it as soon as I have time. I’ve got my climbing gear and have been learning some knots so that’s my priority for now.

 

[babaoriley]

Everything appears to be stock. And fuel was mixed. I’ll take the cylinder off soon. 1128 B what does it mean? I saw someone on eBay selling the same cylinder claiming it’s “rare” I have no clue.

 

[huskydave]

Hey guys, I’m new to chainsaw and arborist stuff but I’m passionate about it. I just picked up a 044 with a scored cylinder and a bad piston. Not sure what options I have here. I prefer oem, used is okay. I’ve found a ms460 with perfect top end, is the top end swap possible? Thank you! Also I attach some pics of the saw and the serial number. If you can look it up and tell me a bit about it, I would be greatly appreciate it!

That nametag on the 044 made me laugh pretty good. Piston looks very rough, not sure if that cylinder can be saved, you would have to remove it and see how bad the bore is, hopefully it isn't scored deeply. I would use this saw for parts to be honest with you. It can be fixed but so can one that is in nicer condition. What does the 460 saw look like?

 

[cookies]

needs full tear down, all rubber replaced, carb built or replaced, you will easily have 550 in parts to build it right.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3838285991...wxQucskzAV7nlxU4pWZX2Iog==|tkp:Bk9SR8CVldj_Yw

 

[babaoriley]

That nametag on the 044 made me laugh pretty good. Piston looks very rough, not sure if that cylinder can be saved, you would have to remove it and see how bad the bore is, hopefully it isn't scored deeply. I would use this saw for parts to be honest with you. It can be fixed but so can one that is in nicer condition. What does the 460 saw look like?

The ms460 just something I’ve found so far, not sure if I go for that. I’m new so I prefer direct bolt on things. You don’t think new cylinder and piston would fix this saw? Yeah the name tag, previous owner did a good job didn’t he? Lol

 

[babaoriley]

needs full tear down, all rubber replaced, carb built or replaced, you will easily have 550 in parts to build it right.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/383828599100?itmmeta=01HZYR59AVPNNJG0V9QB7YX3RJ&hash=item595df7a13c:g:~8YAAOSwwCNe5A8S&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAAwD3NzXulnsl6p+7FxSB7XINHn09a1rGaEvscGjLXRF1n34i8ffCGE7iPKzU7yAuyZ6m+hXNI9mzujPSvS2Ku7vn3vrSoQSc640KMlY8r/d7t9rWQAukYjGQjkBIfIrzSki8U012Bc342BzMkKU6goN9KSMAZWrKLSWCAqutVc6vd6uJjwE0gEBy/cIkhhSWciCFRELcUmE3tzhvuOELMwQp5lgIvXakzk+WZIbMulowxQucskzAV7nlxU4pWZX2Iog==|tkp:Bk9SR8CVldj_Yw

Yeah I like that kit, been looking at it. That kit has 1128 A and mine is 1128 B, anything significant differences?

 

[cookies]

Yeah I like that kit, been looking at it. That kit has 1128 A and mine is 1128 B, anything significant differences?

That kit should fit, you only need to verify the wrist pin bearing size...should be a 12mm
A saw that old should be fully torn down, cases split and fully cleaned and rebuilt with new seals/bearings/gaskets/hoses. I know i'd be pizzed off it I put a 300 dollar cylinder kit on it only to have another ruined piston or erratic running saw. Yea It may be more work but once done it will be reliable for decades hard of use or a lifetime for a homeowner

 

[huskydave]

The ms460 just something I’ve found so far, not sure if I go for that. I’m new so I prefer direct bolt on things. You don’t think new cylinder and piston would fix this saw? Yeah the name tag, previous owner did a good job didn’t he? Lol

don't just slap a cylinder and a new piston on it, listen to what cookies said. Parts add up quick but with new parts or good used parts you know what you have and can depend on it. What is the serial number of this saw?

 

[babaoriley]

don't just slap a cylinder and a new piston on it, listen to what cookies said. Parts add up quick but with all new parts you know what you have and can depend on it. What is the serial number of this saw?

Thanks, the serial number is in the beginning. I took a picture of it.

 

[huskydave]

12mm crank started with serial number X 29 382 283.

 

[babaoriley]

That kit should fit, you only need to verify the wrist pin bearing size...should be a 12mm
A saw that old should be fully torn down, cases split and fully cleaned and rebuilt with new seals/bearings/gaskets/hoses. I know i'd be pizzed off it I put a 300 dollar cylinder kit on it only to have another ruined piston or erratic running saw. Yea It may be more work but once done it will be reliable for decades hard of use or a lifetime for a homeowner

Cookies, what’s the common problem for this saw to be like this? We know for sure it wasn’t the fuel.

 

[cookies]

Find the beg for manuals thread and request the service manual and parts list

 

[cookies]

incorrect air/fuel ratio resulting in a lean condition that over heats the piston to the point it over expands...leaking crank seals, under performing or ill adjusted carb, fuel hose collapse, intake boot cracked, leaking cylinder gasket...or simply a oil in fuel issue.
Fun fact, a few years ago I had a 066 come to me with what I assume was the original fuel filter on it, it was so clogged some of the oil in the fuel was being blocked from passing through...the filter was that weird stihl green and the fuel tank was loaded with oil...The saw was run the day before and I was told only fresh canned moto mix was used in it for years. he restriction tore the carb diaphragm and caused fuel hose collapse. It took a whole can of carb cleaner and a bottle brush to get the gas tank clean.

 

[babaoriley]

Got it off, the crankshaft showing some discoloration like overheated or something, can I reuse it? Also the cylinder is not so bad but I doubt I can reuse it. Any advice would help, thank you!

 

[huskydave]

That got way too hot, connecting rod tells the tale add a new crank to the list.

 

[lone wolf]

OP, can you post a pic of the intake side and exhaust side of the piston so we can figure out what possibly did this?

 

[lone wolf]

That got way too hot, connecting rod tells the tale add a new crank to the list.

Are you sure?

 

[huskydave]

Are you sure?

good chance.