Update repair complete Who knows Stihl messed up and cooked my 044

[Westside88]

No way to sugarcoat it, I messed up last weekend and grabbed to wrong gas and hurt my saw. When it died I could tell it had no-little compression when I tried to restart it. Anyway it's probably a 2005ish vintage 044. It was an awesome saw and I would like to save it if at all possible. Any advice on repairs such as go stock, big bore kit etc. Recommendations on saw shops to talk to? Anywhere from Grays Harbor to Pierce County would be ideal. Really kickin myself over this one

[HntnFsh]

I know of several guys that swear by the Chinese rebuild kits. Dirt cheap and excellent results!
1 of them was a saw mechanic for many years!

[Westside88]

I know of several guys that swear by the Chinese rebuild kits. Dirt cheap and excellent results!
1 of them was a saw mechanic for many years!

I've seen some big bore kits online that were intriguing. I'll be happy if I can save this one. I really only use it 6-10 times per year, but when I do it's nice having a good one

[medic6]

Lil red barn stihl is the kit my buddy uses.  He has done several friends/family and no complaints. Mine was 64 bucks online and never ran better on my 038 mag. Local shop wanted 700. New one was 900 and change.

[Westside88]

Anyone have experience with these kits?

[Remnar]

Madsens in Centralia. Ask for Mike. If he still works there,he has been there a long time and is very knowledgeable .

Had an 046 rebuilt there a couple years ago and it was $370.

[Westside88]

Thank you

[Tenkara]

Madsens in Centralia. Ask for Mike. If he still works there,he has been there a long time and is very knowledgeable .

Had an 046 rebuilt there a couple years ago and it was $370.

Unfortunately Mike isnt there now.

[Emptyhanded]

I had a friend that rebuilt a lot of saws. He helped me rebuild a few and said that the Chinese kits are plenty serviceable, but use good rings and oem cir-clips on the wrist pin. OEM or caber rings are what he recommended and used. He put a meteor top end on a 372xp for me and it has been great so far.


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[AROTTY]

If you end up wanting another one I have a 440 with good comp for a decent price.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Send it to RIP Saw.    Thank me later.

[BeerBugler]

Just go to Baileys online, everything you need, easy and inexpensive. Probably just need piston and rings but a whole new cylinder kit is fairly inexpensive. 044 is a great saw, bring it back to life and enjoy. HL Supply is another option if your looking  to save a few bucks.

[Westside88]

Send it to RIP Saw.    Thank me later.

I’m interested, where are they located?

[Barehunter]

as a professional user of chainsaws rebuilt saws would not last long, but if you only use it few times a year it should be ok. the 044 was one of the best saws ever made.

[hunter399]

as a professional user of chainsaws rebuilt saws would not last long, but if you only use it few times a year it should be ok. the 044 was one of the best saws ever made.

Ditto
Best saw ever made.

[Westside88]

as a professional user of chainsaws rebuilt saws would not last long, but if you only use it few times a year it should be ok. the 044 was one of the best saws ever made.

I appreciate your insight. I really only use a saw like this a few times a year. I’ve had it since the 90’s and it sickens me that  I did this. I probably don’t need a 044, but I still
Want one

[Happy Gilmore]

Probably not worth it. Whatever you think it s
Is.

[puyallupaul]

For your question J&I in Yelm. Not too far. Family owned dealer. Tree service I have used,uses them.

[Westside88]

Well it was debatable whether I’d be able to save it and if it was repairable what the price point was that made it worth it. I ended up dropping it off last night at Madsen’s saw shop in Centralia last night based on a recommendation from a family member. By 8 am this morning I received a call quoting $350 total to repair and by 10am the job was completed. They replaced the piston assembly, cylinder gasket, needle cage, fuel filter, spark plug,air filter and fuel hose. They were able to hone the cylinder (probably lucky it was idling at low rpm when it died)

I’m pretty happy to be able to save it for $350, I see used ones for sale in the $700-800 range and a comparable new saw is way more than that. I will be replacing my fuel jug with a much more distinctive/identifiable one so I don’t ever make that bonehead move again

[hunter399]

Well it was debatable whether I’d be able to save it and if it was repairable what the price point was that made it worth it. I ended up dropping it off last night at Madsen’s saw shop in Centralia last night based on a recommendation from a family member. By 8 am this morning I received a call quoting $350 total to repair and by 10am the job was completed. They replaced the piston assembly, cylinder gasket, needle cage, fuel filter, spark plug,air filter and fuel hose. They were able to hone the cylinder (probably lucky it was idling at low rpm when it died)

I’m pretty happy to be able to save it for $350, I see used ones for sale in the $700-800 range and a comparable new saw is way more than that. I will be replacing my fuel jug with a much more distinctive/identifiable one so I don’t ever make that bonehead move again

I think it will last long time.
I have a lot of faith in that saw,it's a keeper.👍🤙

[Kingofthemountain83]

That's great news!

[royalbull]

Madsens in Centralia. Ask for Mike. If he still works there,he has been there a long time and is very knowledgeable .

Had an 046 rebuilt there a couple years ago and it was $370.

Unfortunately Mike isnt there now.

I would still go to Madsens

[Westside88]

Madsens in Centralia. Ask for Mike. If he still works there,he has been there a long time and is very knowledgeable .

Had an 046 rebuilt there a couple years ago and it was $370.

Unfortunately Mike isnt there now.

I would still go to Madsens

I did end up going to Madsens. Very happy with their service $350 for a new piston etc.