Thanks huskihl,
I appreciate your knowledge and advice as well as any tips from others who have helped the OP and of course myself in learning our 044 saws.
I've had mine for a few years but have only recently encountered a relatively new issue. I had to seek help in what direction I should take to remedy the possible cause. When I posed the symptoms, one member suggested that I likely had a wet cylinder issue. He and I discussed how this happens, how to diagnose and stop it. The potential cause he suggested was faulty operation of the metering lever/needle valve and then he explained how he would go about fixing it if it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking by the needle as the saw sat for any length of time.
At this analysis, it was the beginning of my actually getting to know a lot more about 044's and my particular 044 specifically. He questioned me which carb my saw had. Walbro or Zama. I had to go out to my trailer so I could disassemble the saw and get the carb off. Zama C3M s5E.
Then, I decided it was best if I had a rebuild kit on hand before opening up the carb. So, the next thing I learned was JUST WHAT part numbers and kits would get me an OEM part. I do not want cheap Chinese junk. So, from my model, the Zama part number was supposed to be RB-36 or 615-839, but those are hard to find that are not knock offs. I dug deeper and found some threads online that showed the OEM Stihl rebuild kit number is 0000 007 1080. I managed to locate one at my local dealer but at their location 40 minutes away. Cost, $30.86.
Found another source for the same part @ $28 for 2 kits. Once they arrive, I will disassemble the carb and see what conditions I find in the needle valve area, do a thorough cleaning and rebuilding. Then retest the carb pop off pressure and needle sealing with compression tester before installing back on the saw. I will clean the whole saw and inspect and test all the fuel lines, filter etc and replace any bad parts. One issue I caused was breaking off the brittle tubing that attaches to the fuel tank vent, so I will make up a new one.
This brings me to the general areas of concern that I got to learning on my saw, vs parts breakdowns and what I hear other guys' saws have.
Over time, Stihl used Zama and Walbro carbs for the 044. They also had different style tank vents, and different style air filter parts. Of course there was the 10mm vs 12mm saws, and I am sure other iterations. Heated, Autochoke carbs?
That is about it for now, but I encourage anyone who has one 044 or more than one that are outfitted differently, to post what your saws include, and any details such as part numbers, kits to modify air boxes, maintain the oilers, electronics, starters, clutches etc.
My saw is so new to me that I haven't had enough time to learn the actual parts and how they come apart, go together and act as a unit yet.
Thanks and hope this helps others.
