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.

 

[Chevboy0167]

Rock tumbler maybe clean that piston up????? Various media out there to try like ceramic and others.....

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Rock tumbler maybe clean that piston up????? Various media out there to try like ceramic and others.....

That piston can absolutely be used if cleaned properly. Soda blast, media (walnut shell) blast, etc. Or just scrub it down in the sink with dish soap. I purchased a NOS 038 mag top end years ago, piston looked similar to the one OP posted. Cleaned it in the kitchen sink with a stiff bristle brush and liquid dish soap. Bout a dozen tanks in I pulled the cylinder to inspect. Didn’t see anything wrong whatsoever. Saw still runs strong to this day. Sure it doesn’t look pretty through exhaust port but I’m not looking to flip the saw. Guess it depends on if your building a shelf queen or a machine your actually gonna use.

 

[Jethro 2t sniffer]

Scrub it up n see what ya got. Its not going to hurt the bore. It's hard as s##t compared to the piston

 

[Esq1997]

I scrubbed it with a toothbrush and no results. Probably need a stiffer bristle brush. I’ll try that and report back. Thanks again for all of your help!

 

[Jethro 2t sniffer]

Na will need scotch bright or even a gentle wire wheel on a dremel or something

 

[SteveSr]

I scrubbed it with a toothbrush and no results. Probably need a stiffer bristle brush. I’ll try that and report back. Thanks again for all of your help!

Try some FRESH green Scotchbrite. I think that it is the mildest scotchbrite with any abrasives. Be sure to was thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining abrasive before installing.

 

[Mad Professor]

You might try a vinegar solution on the crown with the toothbrush. If it don't work no damage done.

Aluminum oxide reacts with acetic acid to form a water soluble tri-acetate

 

[Esq1997]

Could I use the vinegar solution on the sides as well. There is discoloration there too.

 

[Mad Professor]

Could I use the vinegar solution on the sides as well. There is discoloration there too.

I would test it on the crown first.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

That piston can absolutely be used if cleaned properly. Soda blast, media (walnut shell) blast, etc. Or just scrub it down in the sink with dish soap. I purchased a NOS 038 mag top end years ago, piston looked similar to the one OP posted. Cleaned it in the kitchen sink with a stiff bristle brush and liquid dish soap. Bout a dozen tanks in I pulled the cylinder to inspect. Didn’t see anything wrong whatsoever. Saw still runs strong to this day. Sure it doesn’t look pretty through exhaust port but I’m not looking to flip the saw. Guess it depends on if your building a shelf queen or a machine your actually gonna use.

Id throw it in my brass tumbler with walnut shells and see how it comes out. Then, try it in the cyl and check with feeler gauge.

Zooming in, however, that looks pretty sketchy. I see one tiny section that looks corroded through along the ring groove.