Stihl 044 air leak?

So I bought an 044 awhile ago that the seller couldn’t get to idle. When I got it home, while idling it would swing up and down, when I touched the throttle it would rev and when I let off it would die. No amount of adjusting the l or la screws helped. I took some carb cleaner and sprayed around the flywheel and clutch side while it was idling and it stalled after I sprayed the clutch side. Am I right in thinking the clutch side seal is leaking?

 

Very likely . But a pressure /vac test is the only way you’ll be sure that you’ve located the source .

 

i don’t know the saw but being Stihl I assume that’s an internal clutch isn’t it?

 

Yes it is. I was spraying with the clutch cover and b/c removed.

 

Can y’all recommend a good vacuum tester?

 

Nixon if you or another could elaborate on performing this check, that'd be great learning info.

 

I bet there are a hundred vids on Youtube showing how to press/vac check a chainsaw...dunno, never looked...but I'd still take that bet...

 

Mityvac

 

I use a mity vac . You block off the exhaust ,and intake and if it has a separate impulse line ,you block that as well . I use gorilla tape for the exhaust ,and intake instead of making block off plates .I generally hook the mity vac up through the spark plug hole . You the pressurize ,and pull vacuum to about 7-10 psi . Should hold for a few minutes . It’s a good idea to rotate the crank while checking .
As mentioned , probably a ton of youtube videos on the subject .

 

Thx guys.

 

What do y’all think about this guy?

 

Once you get the hang of where and how to seal the cylinder, it’s not nearly as difficult as it seems it might be. I’ve learned to use the hose of my compression tester to marry the plug hole, after pulling the schrader valve, as the pressure and vac delivery. Lots of YouTube on it.

And welcome aboard!

I’m a Donny fan

 

Looks good...

 

Do I need the full kit or can I pick up just the pump and cobble together my own vacuum rig M2theB ?

 

I bought the box.
It comes with tube and a lot of rubber plugs you can use for impulse lines or fuel lines, smaller jug inlets. No innertube though. You’ll want to have one for a mountain bike.

 

Thanks guys!

 

I'm a cobbler...

 

I am too but I’m not opposed to spending extra on the kit if the extra bits will come in handy.

 

They do if you do a lot of mechanic'n...

 

I dont have good luck with Gorilla tape. Older saws are easy enough to use inner tube and just slap on the muffler or intake to hold in place. Strato saws too many damm holes.

Nixon what's your Gorilla tape secret?