Baileys Topend Kits

[ktoom]

I want to purchase some topend kits for my Stihl 044's from Baileys.com. I was wondering if anybody has ever purchased them and how reliable they are? I just blew up my one 044 and now im worried about the other one. The compression is 150 PSI cold. I don't think thats too strong. I wanna fix the saw before it breaks. I am undecided if i should fix the saws and just get a MS361 for the midrange stuff and use the 044's for the big stuff. Or get a 372 XP from *****.com for $619.00 and it comes with 2 extra chains. I would kinda use it for everything..as long as weight is not an issue. The other option would be to sell the 2 044's and get a ms 441 cuz i got the money to buy the 372 XP or the ms361, but i don't have the money for a new ms 440 or ms 441. U guys have alot more knowledge about this stuff than me. AHHHHHHH i don't know what to do?????

 

[twoodward15]

I don't think you can go wrong ordering from them.

 

[cbfarmall]

The compression is 150 PSI cold. I don't think thats too strong.

Huh? Sounds pretty good to me.

Chris B.

 

[ktoom]

So its good then??? I wasn't sure about that. I was reading somewhere that if they had 180 Psi, that was good. Someone please educate me on chainsaw compression. Whats a good cold reading and whats a good hot ready?

 

[Lakeside53]

For most of it's mid-life, your saw will read around 150-155... use good gas, a decent mix oil, don't tune too aggressively and it will probaly run for years.

I sure wouldn't be rebuilding it right now.. maybe after it dips below 140, then just slap in some new rings, maybe a new piston.

 

[Tree Sling'r]

For when and if you do - the Bailey's kits are fine. Sure they may not be as good as a Stihl - but for what Stihl charges your are paying more for a name than you are for better quality.

 

[ciscoguy01]

Welcome

I want to purchase some topend kits for my Stihl 044's from Baileys.com. I was wondering if anybody has ever purchased them and how reliable they are? I just blew up my one 044 and now im worried about the other one. The compression is 150 PSI cold. I don't think thats too strong. I wanna fix the saw before it breaks. I am undecided if i should fix the saws and just get a MS361 for the midrange stuff and use the 044's for the big stuff. Or get a 372 XP from *****.com for $619.00 and it comes with 2 extra chains. I would kinda use it for everything..as long as weight is not an issue. The other option would be to sell the 2 044's and get a ms 441 cuz i got the money to buy the 372 XP or the ms361, but i don't have the money for a new ms 440 or ms 441. U guys have alot more knowledge about this stuff than me. AHHHHHHH i don't know what to do?????

Hey buddy, welcome to the site fellow NYer. I've got an 044 that I love, great saw, very reliable... Maybe you can find a used saw??? Look around on the trading post on here and see what you can find buddy... Check your PM...

 

[RiverRat2]

I want to purchase some topend kits for my Stihl 044's from Baileys.com. I was wondering if anybody has ever purchased them and how reliable they are? I just blew up my one 044 and now im worried about the other one. The compression is 150 PSI cold. I don't think thats too strong. I wanna fix the saw before it breaks. I am undecided if i should fix the saws and just get a MS361 for the midrange stuff and use the 044's for the big stuff. Or get a 372 XP from *****.com for $619.00 and it comes with 2 extra chains. I would kinda use it for everything..as long as weight is not an issue. The other option would be to sell the 2 044's and get a ms 441 cuz i got the money to buy the 372 XP or the ms361, but i don't have the money for a new ms 440 or ms 441. U guys have alot more knowledge about this stuff than me. AHHHHHHH i don't know what to do?????

Running one Bailey's BB kit on my 460 with exhaust/Muff mod sweet
have MS440 kit have not installed yet waiting on bearings and seals for bottom end but same quality as 460 kit should not be a problem,,,, Good stuff

 

[ktoom]

I just checked the compression on my last, surviving, 044. It had 120 PSI. I noticed the saw has been getting doggy. Im not gonna run it till i get a new topend for it. My other 044's cranks is whooped too. Im tryin to deciede....still if i should just fix the good 044 and get the MS 361 or buy one of the last remaining 372 xp's? Im just not to sure if the 361 is gonna have the power i want cuz its almost comparable to the 359 that i sold. Im just not sure if the saws are gonna feel identical in the power department? I like the weight of the MS 361 compared to the 372. The 372 seems like a better deal, but im gonna have to wait a week or so to get it delivered. I gotta get some wood this weekend, so i don't know what to do?

 

[BostonBull]

Do some research on here. If it were me I would sell what you have and get a new 441. Great saws. The 361 IMO will outcut a 359.

 

[ktoom]

Well, i went to one of the 5 Stihl dealers in my area. The MS-361 w/20" bar was going for $589.99. The MS-440 w/24" bar was going for $724.99. I asked the sales guy if there would be a break on the price if i just bought the power head. Suprisingly he said YES. The last stihl dealer, who i asked the same question to, said "i can't sell just the powerd head." So tomorrow im gonna go back and see what kinda price they will offer me? I have one of there of sales flyers from last year and they were selling the MS-440 w/16" bar for $630.00. I hope i can get a deal like that. If not, i will settle for w/e deal they give me on the MS-361. Wish me luck.... cuz i got some wood to cut this weekend with 2 small saws(029 and a husky 49.)

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Take off the exhaust and take a look at the piston. If that looks good, it runs good, and the compression is good, the saw is good.
The 361 is a smaller saw, if you sell your 44 to get a 361, you will be disappointed.

 

[ktoom]

I will check out the piston, but im just worried that it might blow with only 120 PSI of compression. Im getting a new top end for for x-mas and the MS-361 will have to get me through till then. I know there is a power diff., but i got some big logs to cut, that will give my 029 a hard time. It all depend if the price is right. If its not im gonna be there for a while cuttin with the 029 hahahah.