Opinions Please... 044 project

[andrethegiant70]

Hi, folks! I haven't dug into this saw yet (I probably won't for a bit, I rather like to ruminate on them for a while) but I thought I'd get your opinions. This is a nice looking 044 (decomp valve, full wrap bar) that has had major engine failure. It looks not only to have suffered piston breakage, but the bore is pretty scratched also. The saw pulls over smoothly with some compression, surprising since there is a piece of piston sitting in the crankcase somewhere.

I am considering popping a used but workable top end on it to see if seals and bearings are good. Any other suggestions?

 

[sILlogger]

check the bottom end out real good on it, put a top end on it and run the p*ss out of it

 

[RiverRat2]

before you tear it down,,,,,,

check the bottom end out real good on it, put a top end on it and run the p*ss out of it

Leak and vacuum test it to see what toasted it in the first place...if its seals while ya got it apart and if it needs bearings you're already there,,, if it passes the pressure/vac test probably a leaned out carb or fuel problem and thats easy enough to fix anyway after you diasgnose what the problem was....Then clean it with purple cleaner, tear it down and get to work,,,,, I saw a piston cyl kit for around 140 bucks on cheapstihl parts,,, mod the muffler and what SIlogger said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tzed250]

looks like a 460 to me...opcorn:

 

[andrethegiant70]

Doh! Really? It was presented as an 044 to me.. I had no reason to doubt it. What makes you think 046? Unfortunately, I find nothing at Mike Acres site on the 046. I'll start poking around to ID it.. all the better if its an 046, I guess...

 

[Lakeside53]

It's a 46.. plastic is different to a 44, and I can see the 046 right side crankcase flange near the muffler.

 

[Burvol]

check the bottom end out real good on it, put a top end on it and run the p*ss out of it

My thoughts exactly sILogger...Make her scream for mercy if the bottom half is tight.

 

[sILlogger]

h*ll strap a 046BB kit on it!!! that is if the stock cylinder is bad don't think u will be disappointed. i know i sure have ran the tar out of mine

 

[andrethegiant70]

Nice to find out that its an 046! My only real issue is that I now don't have a parts saw for it. It means I can't pop a top end on it to test it out. The bearings FEEL smooth,so I'll assume for the moment they are... the seals will have to be pressure tested, I suppose. Anyone care to speculate on my chances for a good bottom end?

I have never run either an 044 or an 046, but have read enough here to know that they are phenomenal saws.

 

[Lakeside53]

If the bearings feel smooth and the crank rod isn't too loose, the bottom end is likely o.k..

 

[andrethegiant70]

Thanks, Andy, I appreciate you chiming in. Are you thinking that if everything feels ok and there's no rod/crank movement, the seals are good too? Or are you just talking bearings? Obviously, once I dig in, things are what they are. What I really try to avoid, is having a saw that sits apart on a bench for two weeks while parts come. Because I don't take them apart everyday, I'm a lot more comfortable reassembling a saw right after I take it apart. Being ready for the likeliest case has always helped considerably.

 

[Lakeside53]

Your seals are probably fine. Either pressure test the saw when you have it assembled or just fire it up - you'll know pretty quick if there is a problem.

 

[RiverRat2]

+1 Nice find!!!!!!!!!

If the bearings feel smooth and the crank rod isn't too loose, the bottom end is likely o.k..

Andre

You can pick up a big bore kit for a bit over a Bill,,,,, from baileys,,,,,,, an OEM P/C kit is just under 3 bills,,,,, just the Stihl 046 piston Kit list for 120,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
there is nothing wrong with running a good used setup I'v built bunches of them but the cylinder needs to clean up fairly nice good intact bore plating,,,,, My favorite 066's and my latest 044/460 WHS bigbore Dean and I built on my PNW adventure thread,,,, all have used cylinders with fresh piston kits and you would be surprised @ how well they run,,,,, :rockn:

 

[andrethegiant70]

I'm liking the idea of the big bore kit, RR. Let's face it, why the heck not! I DO have an affinity for the lighter firewood saws (the junipers around here are like giant bushes and cutting them is like playing "Twister") but in every other way I'm a displacement junky.

Think a big bore 046 can mill? Unless I'm milling lumber, an 046 (big bore or not) would be way over the top. The project will be a blast, the ONLY question is whether I can put the saw to use or put it on the block! There's some logic in both approaches.

 

[sILlogger]

never milled, but im sure an 046BB could do some light duty milling.

 

[RiverRat2]

I'm liking the idea of the big bore kit, RR. Let's face it, why the heck not! I DO have an affinity for the lighter firewood saws (the junipers around here are like giant bushes and cutting them is like playing "Twister") but in every other way I'm a displacement junky.

Think a big bore 046 can mill? Unless I'm milling lumber, an 046 (big bore or not) would be way over the top. The project will be a blast, the ONLY question is whether I can put the saw to use or put it on the block! There's some logic in both approaches.

The only thing about the BB kits is their QC program is not the best,,, Im not knocking them but i have seen some cylinders with only 140 PSI brand new!! and then the next one will be @ 165?????? go figure!!!! and a typical OEM kit will consistently be 175-180 psi,,,,, just be advised

 

[andrethegiant70]

I have to ask.. you guys have mentioned running it hard if the bottom end is tight. I have always babied the ones that seem a little weak.... what is the rational for it? I figure it might either loosen things up or detonate the saw!

Thanks you for all your advice gents.. most helpful.

 

[Lakeside53]

If the bottom end is "weak", fix it... if not, run it any way you want. babying won't do much to help a bad bottom.

 

[andrethegiant70]

I'm with ya, I interpereted "tight" as bad tight (abnormally so), not good tight (as in smooth and holds pressure).

 

[GASoline71]

I have never "babied" a saw... Run the pizz out of them... it's what they're made to do...

...when taken care of properly.

Gary