Old Stihl 044???

[Brewz]

Hi Folks.

I have been keeping a look out for a cheap saw I can re-build for my brother.
I want something around the 6o to 70cc range and this has popped up on line

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hobart-cbd/garden-tools/stihl-o44-chainsaw/1104862675

Its an old 044 flat top metal badge and looks half decent.

Are these saws worth getting hold of or should they be avoided?

 

[Whiskers]

The Stihl 044's are a very desirable saw, it's well worth a look.

 

[Czed]

I like those saws but I never had to do much to them just fuel lines and such somebody that's been into them more will be along .if you were in the US I would say keep looking for a newer saw but that might be a great deal in your country.

 

[jk14]

The stihl 044 is imo one if the best saws ever made.... but I don't know much

 

[Brewz]

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to the older metal badge 044's?

One i can think of is the 10mm wrist pin but if its used for casual firewood cutting, is this a major problem?

If they have a weakness, I am sure it can be upgraded/fixed

 

[Whiskers]

It could either be a 10mm or 12mm wrist pin. If you search around there's a serial # cutoff date.

 

[laslabjohn]

129583701 is the cutoff date.

 

[Definitive Dave]

the OG 044 is golden YO

 

[cus_deluxe]

the OG 044 is golden YO

'nuff said

 

[leadfarmer]

They don't make em like that nomo . Very fine saw

 

[bryanr2]

I like those saws but I never had to do much to them just fuel lines and such somebody that's been into them more will be along .if you were in the US I would say keep looking for a newer saw but that might be a great deal in your country.

$550 is a good price in USA for one in similar shape. $550 is an outstanding price in AUS for that saw. From what members from AUS have said over the years about new saw prices..... Id snatch it in a hurry if it all checks out. Ive had a slew of Stihls and the only ones I have regretted cutting loose were the 044. It could easily be argued that they are the greatest saw across the board that Stihl has ever made.

 

[Brewz]

Thanks very much for the input folks

I have contacted the seller and he said he has someone dropping in to do a trade on something for it but if that falls through he will contact me.

Odds are I won't get it

 

[Czed]

Thanks for the info I've run a few of them and always wanted one but could never find one in decent shape the loggers around here beat them to death I just meant I usually find newer generation saws in better shape for around that price.

 

[Brewz]

Woo hoo!!!!

I pestered old mate into selling it to me for $500

I have a bad feeling my CAD will make it difficult to hand it over to my brother after I rebuild it, but he is paying for it I guess.

If it is a 10mm model, is this a problem?

 

[Adirondackstihl]

All 044/440's are flat tops BTW

 

[Brewz]

Ha, ya learn something new every day!

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Ha, ya learn something new every day!

You're thinking of the 066.....early models had a flat top and flat recoil housing

 

[redoakneck]

10 mm is good thing imho

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Grab it. $550 ain't to bad a price. I'd bring some tools to check the piston and cylinder and of course make sure it runs decent. 044, 046, 066 are the best saws stihl ever made. Those were the saws that weren't "eco" friendly.

 

[MustangMike]

The 10 mm 044s are my favorite, especially if it has a KS jug. A few do at home mods and it will run like you won't believe for an un ported saw.

In order: low restriction air filter (like an HD-2), dp muff cover, timing advance, and base gasket delete. (Make the tune a tad richer)

So some, or all of these at home mods, and it will likely be the best all around saw you have ever owned.

Congrats on your purchase, and good luck with it.