044 Starts & hangs up while in choke??

[CrystalRiver1]

My normally trusty 044 has of late been firing up while still in choke, running wide open & I have to adjust it to the running position.
Is this a "switch replacement" issue?

Thanks,
Reg

 

[trooney]

Sounds like it ...must have broke it...

 

[Wood Doctor]

Reg, one has to wonder why it started up and ran at WOT while in the choke position. Most Stihl chain saws may act like they want to run at choke, but they never continue to then run at WOT and usually stall out rich. In short, they let you know they are ready to run at fast idle but don't continue to run at choke.

 

[fearofpavement]

My guess is that either the switch control rod has slipped out of position and the switch is on top of the spring, or.... it has a big air leak somewhere, like a torn intake boot. More likely the latter.

 

[Beer Gut]

044. Time for carb kit

 

[Wood Doctor]

Not sure a carb kit is needed. I usually do that at last resort. How many operating hours would you say are on the saw? These Stihl 044's have a fabulous reputation and some will run 500 hours or more before they start having air leaks or carb problems.

I suggest that you do a good clean up around the carb area and be sure that the switch control rod is operating OK. Use a tooth brush dipped in mixed fuel or carb cleaner to spruce it up. Sometimes a good clean up solves lots of problems with controls.

 

[fearofpavement]

They quit making this model more than 15 years ago so anything made of rubber is going to be old and prone to fail. Look closely for holes in things that shouldn't have holes in them.

 

[jacob j.]

It could be too that the on/off switch wires are interfering with the throttle rod.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Good advice guys.
Once I move it too the normal running position it runs like a beast, never bogs, and idles rather sweet....

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

It sounds like a good time to do a full maintenance on it with new seals, lines, filters, and carb kit. While apart for that, the choke rod and lever problem can be addressed.

 

[trooney]

I have a few saws that dont like to be choked in hot weather. Maybe his choking problem is one of them that's not allowing the butterfly to close fully but is allowing it to start. Usually a master control problem you will bypass open throttle, but its nothing to pull out the master control and inspect. I would take off the air cleaner and plate and bolt down the carb and see what the butterfly looks like on full choke. That will tell you if its the rod or binding on something. If it were an airleak it would be present in all phases.

 

[Onan18]

It sounds like a good time to do a full maintenance on it with new seals, lines, filters, and carb kit. While apart for that, the choke rod and lever problem can be addressed.

I'm with Jim, these rubber components are maintenance items and should be replaced periodically as such. The city brought in a MS 650 last year, top end was fried on it. Low hour, honestly less than 10 tanks from new. Saw passed a pressure and vacuum test, ended up being the fuel line in the tank had gone soft and was collapsing when the saw was under a load, shame.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

I agree with the complete carb kit, crank seals, fuel lines and filter, intake boot and impulse line. Saws run along time if you don’t suck air. All the rubber is old and could let go at any time, if d blows up could be all the rubber stuff plus piston rings and maybe a cylinder depending on how bad it blows.

 

[MustangMike]

My favorite model, here is my advice:

1) Pull it down till you can view the operation of the control lever. Sometimes they just need some lube, sometimes dirt or wood chips restrict the movement. Be sure the choke is fully closing, etc.

2) I also initially thought it could be an air leak, but your subsequent comment kinda ruled that out.

I also had a problem with my 044 when it would not hold tune. Had to replace the springs under the Hi + Lo adjustment screws (cost about $1).

Also, change fuel filter, air filter and plug if they have not been changed in a while. It is good to make em fresh again. Always do the easy stuff first.

Happy New year and best of luck with it.