Stihl ms440 rebuild

[Hammerem]

Hey guys. A bit of an odd request perhaps. I have a MS440 that has stopped and won't restart. I'm worried the engine might be toast. I have really good working knowledge of the other mechanicals of the saw but have no knowledge of repairing or rebuilding an engine. I would love to watch and learn. Is there anyone in NE Wisconsin that would be willing to help me rebuild it if I pay them for their time and knowledge? I might consider just some general directions if it's easy enough to do on my own. I'm not unhandy, I just don't have any experience with pistons, cylinders, intakes and rings to even know where to begin.

Thanks

 

[pioneerguy600]

First step I always recommend is for you to take the front cover off the muffler. This will allow you to see the exhaust skirt of the piston and evaluate its condition, vertical score lines on that side of the piston will tell us a whole lot about the condition of your engine. Removing just the four T27 torks screws is very easy and costs nothing but a bit of effort and time on your part, it will tell the members on here a lot about the engines past history as well. Post some close up clear pics and the process will get started.

 

[huskihl]

First step I always recommend is for you to take the front cover off the muffler. This will allow you to see the exhaust skirt of the piston and evaluate its condition, vertical score lines on that side of the piston will tell us a whole lot about the condition of your engine. Removing just the four T27 torks screws is very easy and costs nothing but a bit of effort and time on your part, it will tell the members on here a lot about the engines past history as well. Post some close up clear pics and the process will get started.

And if that all checks out, replacing rings is quite simple

 

[pioneerguy600]

And if that all checks out, replacing rings is quite simple

On threads like this one we just need to get the OP to make the simplest first step, a bit of investigating to see what is actually there to work with, could be badly scored or just worn rings.

 

[Hammerem]

Ok, thanks!
I took it in to the shop to have the dealer give me his opinion.
Just at first blush he thinks it’s got low compression, yet I tested it at 150 for me. So who knows.
Once I get it back I’ll grab some pictures.
Thanks!

 

[Mad Professor]

While you are waiting on the dealer, go to the "Beg for Manuals" thread and ask for an IPL and shop manual.