A non-builder build thread - 044, 10mm

I haven't posted here on FHC much as of late. Not that I've been avoiding it, I just haven't had much to contribute to the threads, nor have I had anything exciting to share. So, I figured I would do my first "build thread". Don't get too excited, I don't modify saws . . . quite the contrary I tend to go out of my way to keep them as original as possible. Anyway...

Last year in April I got a pretty nice 044 with the 10mm wrist pin in trade. It was lightly scored, but 100% complete all the way down to a bar & chain. I got it from a guy I know who is a mechanic at a Stihl shop and they took it in on trade from the original purchaser. I believe the saw to be all original shy of a bar nut (one is not the flange type) and the pull handle (has elasto-start).

I love these saws, so I wanted to do it up right. The cylinder cleaned up perfectly, and the bearings were tight and silky smooth, so no need to split the case. I gathered up a laundry list of brand new OEM parts for it that included a piston kit, wrist pin needle cage, base gasket, oil seals, clutch drum needle cage, rim sprocket, impulse hose and fuel hose. After getting all the parts it sat in a tote on the shelf for the better part of a year being a low priority project. I planned to keep it, and flippers/repairs always take priority over anything for myself. This week I found myself sitting on several projects all waiting for parts to come in, so it was finally time to build this fella.

Here are some pics as I received it, no cleaning or anything - just after picking it up:

 

Here it was after I was fully prepared to begin the rebuild.

 

And here are some shots of the final product.

 

While I was assembling it I realized I didn't have a carb kit, which I had intended to get, but I finished it up anyway. After getting it put back together I pressure tested the fuel tank & line, and then vacuum tested the tank vent. Then I vacuum & pressure tested the engine. All systems go, so I fired it up. It would pop and start, but then quickly die. Just for the hell of it I pulled the carb and cleaned it, but the diaphragm looked rough. I put it back together and it would run, but not quite right. I put it back on the shelf and ordered the kit, so now I wait again...

 

That is a nice 044. Heck of a lot prettier than the mutt in my thread.

 

Oh, never fear . . . I have three in line for rebuilds and if we put them in a box with yours and shook it we would have no idea which one was yours or mine!

Honestly, I love the junkyard dogs more than any others. I have what I think might be the greatest frankensaw of all time that I'm gathering parts to finish. If I can get that joker back in cutting condition you'll see a mighty fine build thread with the most beat up and abused chainsaw you've ever seen someone actually put time and money into. My plan is to get it running well and keep it on hand with a 20" bar and carbide chain just to be used as a stumper and loaner.

 

Nice job !!
Can you get a picture of the exhaust opening ?

 

044's rock...just a great all around firewood saw

 

Sure, but it'll be next week before I'll be able to get back out in the shop. Just a photo, or would you like some dimensions too?

 

A photo would be just fine ........ but a few photos from different angles and distances would be pure perfection.

 

Roger that. When I went out to warm my truck up this morning I remembered I have another 10mm 044 angled fin cylinder sitting on the shelf (no disassembly required). I grabbed a few pics quickly (see below). I'll try to remember to get a few more this evening based in your request.

May I ask why you're interested? I've heard they changed the exhaust port at some point, so I'm guessing you're trying to figure the changes out? I won't be using this second cylinder for awhile yet - you want me to ship it to you so you can get a nice hands-on look at it?

 

AWESOME !!!
Muffler outlet pics ?

 

Looks good Beau. I have an angled fin jug sitting in my shop. And from all the reading I have done no good way to tell between 10 and 12mm. I suppose one could time the jug against a known 10mm.

 

No problem, but that'll have to go on the next week to-do list, sorry. To be clear, the side oulet on the can?

 

Yeah, kind of a bummer. Luckily for me I have the saw the pictured cylinder came off of, so I could verify with the serial number. Other than that I think you might be correct in that port timing would be the only way to tell.

 

Very nice! Great job! Why did you break down the saw so far for the rebuild? Cheers!

 

Perfect !!
Thank you !!

 

A full breakdown & cleaning not only gives a saw a nice fresh start (less grime = better heat dissipation = improved longevity & performance), but it also allows a completely thorough evaluation. I often find small issues I wouldn't have known about otherwise. It does add a lot of time to the project, but I love the end result!