NOS Stihl 044 Piston question

[Esq1997]

Good afternoon-

I acquired a NOS Stihl 044 piston for a build I have planned. Unfortunately it has surface corrosion and my tech won’t clean or install it. Is there a way to safely clean surface staining/corrosion or do I need to find a new piston? My guy won’t use aftermarket parts so a meteor piston won’t work. (I know, maybe I need a new tech.)

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[Dennisthemenace]

Your mechanic is right not to want to risk it, especially if the cylinder is good. You could always shine it up and put it together and then the risk is on you

 

[Esq1997]

Any thoughts on how to remove the corrosion? Would soaking it in wd40 or vinegar be helpful? I’m trying to find a new piston but would hate to waste this one if it’s salvageable.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Honestly that piston doesn’t look that bad. First remove the rings. Next scrub it down with a plastic bristle brush, dish soap and hot water. Could use an old tooth brush to get at the underside. Basically you wanna get the loose/crusty stuff off of it and out of the ring grooves. If your “tech” won’t use it after all that just assemble it yourself.

 

[pioneerguy600]

Paperweight.

 

[Esq1997]

Hahaha. I’ll have to find another piston.

 

[pioneerguy600]

Meteor makes a good piston for the 044 12mm pin saws but there is no scarcity of OEM pistons but will be double the cost.

 

[Esq1997]

That may be my next route. The guy who’s working on the saw works for a stihl dealer. He won’t use aftermarket parts. I’ll probably have to find someone else in Massachusetts to do the work.

 

[Automan]

What has happened is the piston got anodized(aluminum oxide)
Even cleaned, the Al2O3 will eat the bore.

cliff

 

[Esq1997]

Thanks for all of your help! Really appreciate it. Now will look for a clean nos 044 piston. I’m in the market if anyone has one.