Stihl 044 question...help needed

[DarioMO]

I received the 044 today and initial inspection looks promissing...but it looked like it was operated without any air filter . Any thing I should do before testing it other that cleaning it and installing a new filter?

I am planning on vacuming everything but will washing the carb with fuel mix help?

I am a newbie at chainsaws and know nothing about maintenance (yet). I have the user's manual and parts list for it but not the service & maintenance manual.

Will appreciate all assistance I can get.

Thank you,

Dario

 

[thompson1600]

I assume you are planning on keeping the saw, if it's for your use then I would do the following.

I would for sure pull the muffler off and check the piston. Make sure it isn't all scored up and the rings are there. If the outside of the carb is all gunked up you could take it off and clean it with carb cleaner and compressed air. I would flush the gas tank with fresh gas, pour it out and then put new gas in. Put in a new fuel filter and spark plug. Put in fresh bar oil.

If you have more tools for small engines then I would pressure/vacuum check the crankcase, the carb and the fuel tank. Otherwise if you start it and it idles good and accelerates smoothly these things are usually good. Also if the piston on the exhaust side isn't all scored up it probably doesn't have an air leak, or a real bad one.

Adjust the carb to the standard setting, if you want and it doesn't run smoothly the way it is (and assuming it doesn't have limiters). The standard setting on that saw is to turn then down clockwise until they lightly seat, then turn them back counterclockwise 1 turn. This is for the top two adjuster screws the L and H. The lower screw adjusts your idle speed, if the chain is rotating at idle.

There's lots more but if you want the service manual check my website from my signature below.

Tom

 

[Lawn Masters]

An easy compression test, is to pick the saw up by the starter handle, if it falls rapidly, you need work done. if it falls very slowly, then it has good compression. I'd go, and clean as much dirt as I can off the saw, then see if anything looks broken/missing.

Also, take the starter cover off, and see if the flywheel side bearings on the crankshaft have any play at all, do the same on the clutch side too, ANY movement other than the rotation of the crankshaft, is unacceptable. if you have side to side motion on the bearings, then you will have to replace them.

 

[DarioMO]

Thanks

Thanks for the info. I do know a bit about adjusting carb settings but that's it. I'll try to follow your directions and see if I can do it by myself...else I will make a trip to the Stihl dealership.

I tried downloading the 044 Service manual but it is saying that it cannot be opened and it is corrupted. I got the parts list (though I already have it ).

Dario

 

[Lawn Masters]

If you encounter any problems, ask us, we can save you TONS of money, and get you going quickly.

 

[thompson1600]

I just downloaded the 044 manual and it worked fine. Check your version of Adobe Acrobat reader, and try again, if you'd like. If it doesn't work let me know. Just want to make sure because it does work for me.

Thanks

Tom

 

[trimmmed]

It downloaded for me, which is cool, cause even though I got the cd, my computer freaks when I try and access it

Dario, when you say operated with out a filter, what do you mean. Was there no filter on it or was the filter on, just with a lot of junk around it. Assuming the latter, I'd blow all the crap off that I could, clean the filter, then throw some fuel in and fire it up. Then if it runs good, you can give it a thorough cleaning. If it doesn't run good, this is the place for chainsaw diagnostics

If it didn't come with a air filter on it or you see crud inside the carb, then I'd pop the muffler and look inside.

 

[Lobo]

My computer froze up trying to download.

 

[thompson1600]

It's 44 MB in size, so it's a big file.

 

[DarioMO]

Tom, My acrobat reader is Version 7.0 which I just updated a week ago. As mentioned, I got the IPL fine but the Service manual is giving me the error. I'll try again next week.

Trimmmed, If it si okay...please send me the service manual . There is no filter on it and there are sawdusts around the entry to the carb. Hopefully all it needs is minor cleaning. The exterior looks very good and seems like most of the body is metal (aluminum?). Feels very solid but surprisingly not heavy at all. I am out of town and won't have time to really check it until Sunday night.

Oldsaw, thanks...I will try to keep you guys posted and will definitely ask for help when I need it. I surely will avoid going to the dealership if at all possible. Any good place to buy parts for 044...just in case ?

 

[DarioMO]

Tom,

I got the manual downloaded here at my in-laws computer. It is puzzling because my line at work is faster. His acrobat reader (ver 5.2) is older than mine (ver 7.0).

Probably it is caused by an initial download error. I tried saving it after seeing that it is done but seems like it wasn't really done on all pages but only for the current page I am viewing. The error is probably in the cache/memory because all my succeeding efforts got the error right away.

I will have something to get my evenings occupied next week .

Thanks a lot!

Dario

 

[trimmmed]

Dario, I have about 7 attempts to email it to you, no go. Even compressed, the file is too big, I did make a cd though, but looks like you got it.

 

[njforestfire]

Dario, eBay is a good place to find parts fairly inexpensive. If you can't find it on eBay, try your local Stihl dealer. I think that there is also some people on here that carry or could help you with finding/getting parts. Good luck and welcome to the site.

 

[DarioMO]

Trimmmed, I did get it finally. I got one of your emails but no attachment. I figured the size was too much because after compressing the file, it is almost still of the same size. Thanks for the effort thought...appreciate it.

The 55R went to work today...3 hours of blanking from a 30" dia semi-dry Arizona Ash. Got some promising crotch areas with rays on them and a few birdseye...should make wonderful bowls. My poor Camry was full in the trunk and got 3 more by the backseat. I weighed the biggest piece and it is 99 lbs

John, I will check eBay but I might not be able to wait for the filter to come if I have to wait for bidding to end. Want to see this chainsaw in action as soon as possible .

Thanks guys!

Dario

 

[DarioMO]

It works!!! Nore questions/help needed.

I managed to clean the 044, tested it (without a filter yet) and it works and sounded good too. Of course I didn't really make any test cuts but it sure felt very strong...a bit scary actually.

Now my question:

1. It is too difficult to pull the starter cord...it has this jerky motion too while pulling. I sometimes loose my grip on the pull cord while trying to start it.

Any suggestions to trouble shoot this?

2. While the Stihl bar (3/8" 25" long 84 links 3003-000-8830) and chain (3/8" 0.05) is still useable, they are in their last leg. Any recomendations on what to get (brand wise & where)? FYI, I've been hunting on eBay since last night. I want good value, it doesn't necessarily mean the best bar. FYI, I am an occasional user only.

Anyone who have an extra in new or like new condition please PM or email me.

While I would love Stihl it may be too expensive and I don't like the 0.05 gauge...seems too restricting. Or am I mistaken?

3. The old bar is Rollomatic ES with the replaceable end...how much are the tip for those? Is this a better alternative? The bar looks like it was filed on the sides and a replacement tip might not be flush with it...does it matter?

I forgot to bring my camera back from a trip so I can't post a pic .

If I have to buy a replacement, I'll probably get a similar size bar (24" or 25") to compliment my Husqvarna 55R with 18" bar.

Any help will be appreciated.

Dario