Refresher course

[stihlgoin]

Ok guys, now I already know this is gonna sound stupid but a buddy who inherited a Stihl O44 asked me the same question and I had to take a few minutes to come up with a half way intelligent answer.

Buddy just inherited a O44, we got it started and it runs fine, aside from the chain obviously needing to be sharpened it seems to be in good working order. OKay here was his question.... other than the mandatory upkeep of the bar/chain, fuel, and bar & chain oil being added what other mechanical upkeep is needed to keep an old saw like this in tip top condition?

My immediate response was cleaning the sprocket area often as well as monitoring the bar/chain oil to ensure its properly keeping oil fed to the bar while running. We did discuss the plug however I was not sure about whether it COULD, SHOULD or MUST be changed before a new cutting season... anyone have any expertise in this area? Please pass along any knowledge for me so I can help him keep this in my own data bank (brain) as well as passing along to my buddy. Thanks

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Go to www.stihlusa.com and request an owner's manual. They'll send you one for free. All basic saw upkeep is in there. As far as the spark plug, well it depends on how much you use it and how your saw is tuned that'll deteming wether or not it needs replaced every year or so. Keep your air and fuel filters clean, and a carb rebuild every so often would be needed.

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

 

[Lakeside53]

Ok guys, now I already know this is gonna sound stupid but a buddy who inherited a Stihl O44 asked me the same question and I had to take a few minutes to come up with a half way intelligent answer.

Buddy just inherited a O44, we got it started and it runs fine, aside from the chain obviously needing to be sharpened it seems to be in good working order. OKay here was his question.... other than the mandatory upkeep of the bar/chain, fuel, and bar & chain oil being added what other mechanical upkeep is needed to keep an old saw like this in tip top condition?

My immediate response was cleaning the sprocket area often as well as monitoring the bar/chain oil to ensure its properly keeping oil fed to the bar while running. We did discuss the plug however I was not sure about whether it COULD, SHOULD or MUST be changed before a new cutting season... anyone have any expertise in this area? Please pass along any knowledge for me so I can help him keep this in my own data bank (brain) as well as passing along to my buddy. Thanks

Change the plug every 100 hours of use, which for homeowners is almost never. Change the fuel filter every year. Clean the airfilter every day or so, or as needed.

 

[DanManofStihl]

Since he just got the saw I would go ahead and change out the fuel Filter, spark plug and air filter just because it is cheap insurence against a siezure. Personally since I got the saw used I would probably clean the carb out and change all the gaskets and reset the high low and idle. That is me persoanlly it might not need that but a carb kit is only like $10.00.

 

[skwerl]

If the saw runs strong then absolutely nothing will be gained by changing the plug. A plug is either good or bad (and Mike Maas insists there is no such thnig as a bad blug). Put in a new plug when the old one doesn't fire any more.

 

[logbutcher]

"If the saw runs strong then absolutely nothing will be gained by changing the plug. A plug is either good or bad (and Mike Maas insists there is no such thnig as a bad blug). Put in a new plug when the old one doesn't fire any more."
WHAAAAT!!

 

[WRW]

Yeah, there are no bad plugs...just misunderstood plugs.

 

[JohnL]

I've still never found a bad spark plug. I have worn one out though.

 

[stihltech]

plug

I have seen plugs cause stumbles off idle and lower top end speed. It will fool you. Change it, cheap diagnosis tool.

 

[16gauge]

Locked plugs...not piston

I've still never found a bad spark plug. I have worn one out though.

Why are the plugs on most new saws so tight? I actually am afraid of breaking the AV sometimes on the first plug removal. I guess this does work to keep greasy dust out of the cylinder but wow...what a chore:bang: :bang:

 

[wagonwheeler]

Why are the plugs on most new saws so tight? I actually am afraid of breaking the AV sometimes on the first plug removal. I guess this does work to keep greasy dust out of the cylinder but wow...what a chore:bang: :bang:

Most stuff is too tight because nobody seems to use torque wrenches...EVER! :bang:

A real pet peeve of mine...

Impact gun, lowest setting, 50psi. Nurse the trigger and gently rattle it loose...or 90 psi and blip it off.

Chaser