Wan't to rebuild a 039

[stevieb]

I have just replaced my old 039 with a new 044 stilh saw. The 039 was starting to run poor. It's about 5 years old done a lot of heavy work as I only take out stumps. Can do all the maintance stuff ok but I would like to strip it down and re-build it. Do you think this is something I could do myself having never done this before and is there such a thing as a manual on the strip down?

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

There are Stihl service manuals. Your dealer would be able to order one for you, or you can find them on ebay as well. Bear in mind that the 029/290/310/039/390 are all the same saw, with different bores, so info on one would apply to the others. (Remember the 031 IS NOT the 310.) It's a fairly simple undertaking, provided you've got a basic mechanical ability and the tools to do it. Your only factor may be price. Look and see first how much a rebuild will cost you, and then compare that with a new saw. If it's just rings and seals you'll be OK, but if you start replacing pistons and jugs and components it addds up quickly.

Jeff

 

[stevieb]

Thanks for the advice Jeff. Not too worried about cost more the education. Now I have a downed saw I can take it apart with out worry and see if I can make it good again.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Well then by all means go for it! Saws are incredibly simple to work on.

 

[THALL10326]

I have just replaced my old 039 with a new 044 stilh saw. The 039 was starting to run poor. It's about 5 years old done a lot of heavy work as I only take out stumps. Can do all the maintance stuff ok but I would like to strip it down and re-build it. Do you think this is something I could do myself having never done this before and is there such a thing as a manual on the strip down?

You can do it, no question about it if you got some patience as you do it. Unlike your 044 the 039 is a completely different design and the 039 has more work to it than your 044 if your changing the piston/jug. Allow yourself some room to do the job because your going to be disassembling that saw quite aways to get to the guts of it.
You will need a few, very few, special tools for the job. A T-27 torx driver, a piston stop (000-893-5903) a ring compressor made just for that model (1127-893-2602). The rest will be basic tools you already have besides maybe a torque wrench. Need one of those to install the flywheel and clutch. You could do it without a torque wrench but its best to torque those two items to specs. Rest is pretty basic and if your using a manual you merely follow the steps. The best part about doing it yourself is when you fire it up and it runs like it should you know its because your own hands did the job right. Its not a one hour job for a first timer so don't be in any hurry. Should you run into a question there are guys on here that will surely help you out so go for it and have fun doing it, its a neat hobby and a rewarding one......

 

[tawilson]

And I for one would like to follow along if you can take some pics.

 

[Ax-man]

An 039 would be a good saw to work on for a novice. The engine is what Sthil calls a modular engine, it can be removed from the body of the saw as a whole engine, splits horizontal and comes apart very easily verses the pro style that split vertical. These engines are very easy to work on don't need a gasket between the two halves, just sealant, seals and bearing pull off the crank easily, make sure the arrow on the top of the piston is pointed at the exhaust port when you put it back together. Go for it, piece of cake.

Larry

 

[stevieb]

Thank's for all the encouragement. A lot of the term's you lot are on about I have no idea what they mean but that don't matter as I'm sure all will be revealed at the end of this project. Tom had a good idea on posting pic's etc... I think i will record a record on this thread for any one else that is interested in doing it. And I'm sure i will require the assistance along the way. Thanks guys watch this space!

 

[stevieb]

Another Bucker you having the same problems as me how to up load photos

 

[Another Bucker]

Yup... I've given up for now...

 

[stevieb]

Don't worry mate well figure it out!

 

[Another Bucker]

Here are the pictures of my brother's ms290 at complete dississembly. As stated above very similar to your saw. I guess I should have taken more.

 

[stevieb]

I take it these are the stripped down parts? Is that the piston that looks like its taken a beating?

 

[Another Bucker]

It was destroyed. Melted rings to the piston. If you look close you can see the exhaust port of the old cylinder is filled with the rest of the piston.

 

[stevieb]

What was the cost of the re-build? did you do this for economy or just beacuse you wanted to?

 

[West Texas]

Give me your email address and I'll share some things with you, as I've got one on the bench now.

My advice, if this is your first time, is to take pictures as you go, so you can see how to put it back together again. It requires a 'complete' disassembly to get the old piston/jug out of this monster.

Good news, is if you succeed with this ?????, the professional saw series will be a piece of cake. Trust me.

 

[Another Bucker]

What was the cost of the re-build? did you do this for economy or just beacuse you wanted to?

Both but I gambled with e-bay parts. $77 for the piston and cylinder kit factory Stihl. My dealer quoted me $200 + for the parts and recommended I just buy a new saw. I had also looked for the 039/ms390 piston and cylinder kit as an upgrade but I couldn't find them new. That was before I found this site. If money is an issue used parts may be an alternative. Check with the AS sponsors. [all currency US]

 

[stevieb]

I'm re-building my 039 as I want to gain an insight into how these saws work and not be afraid to get my hands dirty on them.

 

[stevieb]

So here goes day 1. I have no experience of chain saw maintanance and with the help of tips sent by Tom I have started the strip down. I'm taking pics along the way so if any one can tell me what to look for, would need replacing on re-build please could you tell me. Also glad to submit close ups of any part.

 

[West Texas]

Steve,

That dude looks like it really needs a super cleaning and a lot of work. Wow! When you get this back together again and running again, you will be a Stihl chainsaw pro. :greenchainsaw:

The pics are great, just about the right size in pixel for easy viewing.

I got a tip on removing the stud that's holding the bottom of the motor in the chasis. Instead of using an expensive removal tool, screw one of the cover nuts down on the bolt; then torque the other nut down on to it firmly, holding both bolts, -- now you can unscrew that stud bolt buy putting a wrench on the bottom nut and unscrewing it.

Keep up the good work and posting more pics. Tom