044 compression?

[Happyjack]

Hi,

I picking up a used Stihl 044 and want to check the compression.

What should the compresion range be on a good running 044.

Thanks for the help.

 

[sedanman]

Not from a service manual mind you but good rule of thumb: Five good pulls of the rope with the throttle and choke open should yield about 125 psi compression. Best result if saw has been running in the last few hours to leave a little oil on the ring(s).

 

[Happyjack]

Thanks I appreciate that Sedanman.

I can't wait to get the 044, but I wanted to test it before I buy it.

 

[jokers]

Hi Sedanman and Happyjack, I`m not referring to a manual for that saw either, but I think 125 should be considered at the lower end of the scale. Most of the good running saws I`ve checked have been 150 or better. Food for thought. More food for thought, Bailey`s still has those $99 topend kits for the 044 if anyone needs one. Russ

 

[tundraotto]

good call russ - why the heck would anyone want another 044 though....lol - jk - good saws, and like Russ said can be had through Baileys for reasonable money if thats what it takes.

 

[stihltech]

044

Simple test. Pull it over a few times. It should have a definite "snap" when you pull it over. Pick it up by the starter handle. Rope should hold the saw up. If it pulls out in a short amount of time, compression is low.
I use this method to check every saw that comes in the shop. Hasn't steered me wrong yet.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Pulling the starter cord slow, the cord should stop for a second before going further. Rich.

 

[buckwheat]

I think 125 is on the lower range also... should be reading more like 140-150. Its possible that low compression could be resolved with a pair of rings, but I have to second the Bailey's top end kit suggestion - best investment I ever made. It took me about two hours to tear down and do the rebuild, and the saw has been running great since.

 

[Happyjack]

Thanks Guys! This site is great!!!! I've learned a lot. I also got the "bug" to get a bigger saw!

I should get the saw any day now. I bought the saw off ebay for $320 it's supposed to be an MS440, so it must be relatively new.

I allready bought a new exhaust gasket, so I can pop off the muffler and check the bore and now i know how to check the compression. I hope it's in good shape. I realize ebay is a gamble. I have my fingers crossed.

I bought an 026 new and love it! If this used MS440 turns out to be a POS., I'll get my money back and send in my 026 to Walker or Dennis.


Thanks for the help guys.

Happyjack

 

[sedanman]

I've looked in 3 service manuals and can't find a spec for a compression test. I'll defer to the masses and adjust my rule of thumb accordingly.

 

[stihltech]

cpmpression

Not one Stihl tech school has ever gave me a compression pressure spec. The "pick up by starter handle" method came from Stihl. No fail, easy, quick, final.

 

[John in MA]

Just one addition: A thoroughly abused saw can sometimes hang on the rope just from friction. My 026 is almost that bad. Give the cord a jerk and it just spins out. Of course, you'd know if that were the case.