Project Stihl 044 crank and P&C questions

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

KMB

Addicted to ArboristSite
Joined
Oct 13, 2005
Messages
2,897
Reaction score
402
Location
Missouri
I've started breaking down the saw and cleaning it a little. Building a list of parts needed that I'll post soon. I've also been checking ebay, and will check at my local dealer.

Here's a picture of my crank from the clutch side, focusing on the broken end where the E-clip goes. Will the clip stay on there when the saw is running, or will it vibrate around and come off? The clutch/sprocket cover was broke in the general area (as seen in pic). Will the broken end make the crank unbalanced (if there is such a thing)? I'm guessing it should be replaced, but I thought I'd get some answers and opinions from those of you who have more experience.

So...if the crank needs to be replaced, should I put in a new piston and rings? Here are some pictures of the piston. I thought the piston was okay until I saw it through the intake.

Through exhaust:
attachment.php


attachment.php


Through exhaust (cylinder wall):
attachment.php


Through intake:
attachment.php


attachment.php


So what say y'all? The compression felt good (picked up saw by starter cord, with slow descend). I picked up a compression tester, after I had the saw stripped down to where it's at now. Should I put it back together enough to do a compression test? I'm new at this rebuilding thing, so all advice is appreciated.

Also do y'all recommend rebuilding the oil pump? Or is that unnecessary?

Kevin

Edit: The picture of my crankshaft and of the saw were not showing (probably why I didn't get any reply's earlier), so I reposted them in post #9 in this thread.
 
Last edited:
Not sure why I can't a reply to this thread. I posted earlier, and maybe most of you were at work or whatever. I'm sure someone has an answer, suggestion to one of my questions - specifically regarding the crankshaft. Thought maybe Lakeside would help out, he's probably been busy with his storm cleanup. Anyone?

Kevin
 
ktoom said:
i don't see any pic's of the crankshaft? All i see is pick of the piston inside the cylinder.

The first picture is of the crankshaft sticking out from the crankcase on the clutch/sprocket side of the saw.

Kevin
 
Thats much better. I would replace everything. U can get a crank on ebay for half the price a dealer would charge you. My dealer told me $220 or something along those line for a new crank. U can get a top end kit from Baileys. I bet this thing will cost you $350 or more. What does everyone else think?
 
ktoom said:
Thats much better. I would replace everything. U can get a crank on ebay for half the price a dealer would charge you. My dealer told me $220 or something along those line for a new crank. U can get a top end kit from Baileys. I bet this thing will cost you $350 or more. What does everyone else think?

Thanks for the reply! I have been checking 3 ebay stores and have a long list of items I'm watching. I did some research here on AS regarding Bailey's top end kit, and I found mixed opinions. I might spend a little extra and go with a Stihl piston and rings - seen one for $70 shipped on ebay. A Stihl crankshaft is $125 shipped, again from an ebay store.

Kevin
 
KMB said:
A Stihl crankshaft is $125 shipped, again from an ebay store.

Brand new I hope. You might look at a used case/crank. You can find those as well, and could save you on bearings if they're good in the case you buy. Otherwise, add $80 or more for bearings on the new crank.
 
fishhuntcutwood said:
Brand new I hope. You might look at a used case/crank. You can find those as well, and could save you on bearings if they're good in the case you buy. Otherwise, add $80 or more for bearings on the new crank.

Yep, new. One is actually $125.50 and the other is $130.99 . Thanks for the tip on looking for a used crank (with case and bearings). Might find something at my local dealer. Not sure if I feel comfortable buying a used crank/case/bearing off of ebay. I'll have to add that to my list of parts that I'll be posting here soon.

Kevin
 
KMB - I'll get back to you on this thread later today... Don't pull the trigger on the crank yet...

Need to go make a gas run. And to add insult to injury, the big diesel at the community well just quit..

What is the serial numer of your 044?? What is the compression right now?
 
Lakeside53 said:
KMB - I'll get back to you on this thread later today... Don't pull the trigger on the crank yet...

Need to go make a gas run. And to add insult to injury, the big diesel at the community well just quit..

What is the serial numer of your 044?? What is the compression right now?

Sorry I didn't reply earlier. Was out getting a cord ready for delivery.

Thanks for finding this thread :) . I have a PM to send to you regarding this thread. My serial number is: 1 25 154 886. I haven't checked the compression yet.

Man, I hate to bother you with all that's going on with you regarding the aftermath from the storm. Take care of yourself.

Kevin
 
That serial number is the old 10mm piston pin/crank. You can't put a 12mm pin/crank in the old case as the crank counterweights have a larger throw. The Cylinder will be the older type with diagonal fins on tip - less HP... and performance. but still an "044".


I'd check the compression, piston skirt wear and bore condition. The after market BB kits are 12mm... so evaluation of what you have is important to decide how to go forwards (economically).

I might be able to find you a complete crankcase that is good to go for about what you intend to pay for a crank...

Email me rather than PM me - my box is cluttered and will be for a day or so.
 
Last edited:
Lakeside53 said:
That serial number is the old 10mm piston pin/crank. You can't put a 12mm pin/crank in the old case as the crank counterweights have a larger throw. The Cylinder will be the older type with diagonal fins on tip - less HP... and performance. but still an "044".


I'd check the compression, piston skirt wear and bore condition. The after market BB kits are 12mm... so evaluation of what you have is important to decide how to go forwards (economically).

I might be able to find you a complete crankcase that is good to go for about what you intend to pay for a crank...

Email me rather than PM me - my box is cluttered and will be for a day or so.

You da man! The "12mm/pin in the old case" info was one of the things I was going to ask you about - ya reading my mind :laugh: . If I go with another complete case/crank/bearings from a newer 044, I might look into the BB kit. I'll e-mail you.

Kevin
 

Latest posts

Back
Top