In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Stihl 044 Magnum has low compression...time to rebuild...

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by seriesiii109, Jan 6, 2015.

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  1. Unicorn1

    Unicorn1

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    Yes, we used it all day Sunday. How difficult is it to replace the rings or what would you recommend?
     
    Unicorn1, Jan 19, 2015
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  2. HittinSteel

    HittinSteel

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    Get a tester with a schrader valve
     
    HittinSteel, Jan 19, 2015
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  3. Unicorn1

    Unicorn1

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    It has one on the gauge.
     
    Unicorn1, Jan 19, 2015
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  4. HittinSteel

    HittinSteel

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    How many times did you pull it over? Shouldn't run with only 100
     
    HittinSteel, Jan 19, 2015
    #24 Top
  5. Jon1270

    Jon1270

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    Have you tried that gauge on another saw? What did it read?

    If you're confident of the compression gauge and can't see any damage through the exhaust port, pull the cylinder so you can inspect and see what's going on. I think I mentioned upthread that when I got my 044, the rings and piston were both worn out. A Meteor piston kit (including rings) is only about $45 shipped. It would be a good idea to pick up a new base gasket, too. Best practice is to torque the cylinder bolts to spec, but not everyone has the small torque wrench necessary for that. Then, you'll be faced with either finding a way to pressure/vac test the motor, or cross your fingers and hope.
     
    Jon1270, Jan 19, 2015
    #25 Top
  6. mdavlee

    mdavlee

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    100 lbs is low. Test another saw with it and see what you get. If all you do is put a new piston in I don't spend time to pressure/vac test.
     
    mdavlee, Jan 19, 2015
    #26 Top
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  7. StihlHead

    StihlHead

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    Caber rings. I have lad low compression tired saws come to life with a new set of rings. One may be broken or stuck. Also could be scoring on the exhaust side of the jug. Pull the cylinder and take a look.
     
    StihlHead, Jan 19, 2015
    #27 Top
  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Question is, how does it run? Does it feel down on power? If that's a good reading, and I'm pretty sure it's not, it's a miracle that it starts, let alone cuts wood.
     
    MasterMech, Jan 19, 2015
    #28 Top
  9. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    Older saws ran on 100 psi or under.

    I don't doubt the saw runs. I do doubt the power it has with that compression.

    I had an 026 that ran with about 90 psi. As soon as it touched wood, the chain stopped
    But if you wanted to pizz Rev it? It was a beast!
     
    DexterDay, Jan 19, 2015
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  10. cgraham1

    cgraham1

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    O26, you say? 90 psi, you say? Hahaha!!!
    image.jpg
     
    cgraham1, Jan 19, 2015
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  11. MarylandGuy

    MarylandGuy

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    I don't believe I would use that dealer again. You have a running saw with possible low compression and he wants to sell you a new one? It's a pro saw that is designed to be fixed. Besides, the Stihl MS441 is getting rave reviews. He not only wants to sell you a new saw, but he wants you to take old stock off his hands as well. Not a chance. Find a new dealer!
     
    MarylandGuy, Jan 19, 2015
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  12. Unicorn1

    Unicorn1

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    I have at least three compression gauges, we'll check it again and see if the readings change.
     
    Unicorn1, Jan 19, 2015
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  13. cgraham1

    cgraham1

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    Send it to me. I'll take good care of it. ;)
     
    cgraham1, Jan 19, 2015
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  14. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    I didnt say it was a good running 026 like yours pictured. But it did start.

    Heck, I had a MS 360 that would pizz rev and blew almost 165 psi. But because a plugged OEM flock filter is ran like crap in wood.

    Lots of varibles..
     
    DexterDay, Jan 19, 2015
    #34 Top
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  15. cgraham1

    cgraham1

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    Just teasin', Dex! :D
     
    cgraham1, Jan 20, 2015
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  16. millermodsaws

    millermodsaws

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    I'm with these boys. If it's running that low time for an over haul. For less than $100 you can have this saw running like new. If you go in I'd replace piston, rings and piston bearing. New base gasket, exhaust gasket,and replace your fuel lines and impulse line and a new air filter and you'll be suprised on how much power you have. Inspect the cylinder when you have it off. Meteor piston is my recomindation and they come with new caber rings.
     
    millermodsaws, Jan 20, 2015
    #36 Top
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  17. seriesiii109

    seriesiii109

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    Hello all. I thank you for your wealth of quality input and will go the route of retesting and going back with a Meteor 50mm piston kit and piston bearing so I can mitigate any other issues which pop up with this beastie. Once I get the parts in , I shall have the chief surgeon Unicorn 1 help me and we shall relay the results. I will look up my serial number in order to determine if I need a 10 or 12 mm bearing. Again thank you :ups:
     
    seriesiii109, Jan 25, 2015
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