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Stihl 029 super to 039 conversion

Wood Doctor

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I should comment that the 390 sounds just like the 290 that I already had on board. Clam shell engines do not sound like the Stihl pro line of saws. Regardless, sound does not cut wood. Sawyers, engines, and sharp chains cut wood.

Can't wait to see the finished product. Take your time and do a good job.
 

Terry Syd

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I see that I was involved with that thread on AS. Yes, the new piston rod did produce heaps of extra oil for the bar and chain I was running. A great mod that makes a mess (it doubles the oil flow), but I love it.

The 'Bearing' that appears on the newer pumps is not a bearing. It is a 'lid' over the cam surface that allows the cam system to run in it's own separate space filled with grease. It protects the cam surface from gunk thrown off by the chain.

The 'lid' moves out with the cam and then back in again, thus it does not change volume and will not push out the grease. If I had to do it over again, I would just order a new Chinese oil pump for a 390 - it would be cheaper than just the Stihl piston I replaced.
 

Dub11

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I have heard stay away from them but the cross performance they sell on hl supply looks good
 

Terry Syd

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There's been discussion that the 390 jugs from Cross may come with domed pistons in the future. In other words, a high compression piston to go with the kit.

Gentleman is getting a domed piston to have a look at and see if it can be copied.

I hate working on these saws, but if they did produce a high compression piston, I would have to tear down my saw and put in the piston.
 

Dub11

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I got a cross ms 390 p/c haven't used it yet but will wait to see if i can get some dome action. What aslo crossed my mind was getting a rod from a 044 that is 36 mm and replacing the stock 34mm rod.
 

fearofpavement

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Having done a bunch of these saws, I'll throw in a few comments. First, a muff mod is a very important thing to do. Especially if upsizing the engine. The muffler does not need any work on the baffle in my opinion, that's not a restriction point. I agree that drilling out the depressed area of the muffler does add a lot of noise but I make two 3/8" holes in it anyway but do most of the drilling outside the depression. As far as the engines, I have had very good success with the Farmertec kits (sold by Huztl, Machinesdoctor and others) I suggest to not use the aftermarket fuel lines on this model saw. The impulse lines and all the other rubber products are fine. In most cases the carb limiters will need to be trimmed to allow proper tuning. It is very important to pressure/vacuum test the engine assembly before reinstalling it into the chassis. They tend to leak and I've had to redo a few. Some leak through the bolt holes...
When disassembling, use ice cube trays or egg cartons to put parts in as you disassemble. (If you think that's an unnecessary step then you either don't know what you're getting into or you've done 10 of these saws.)
The 1127 series saw is a good seller so they are worthwhile to fix and flip. They aren't "easy" and are labor intensive so they're not feasible to get fixed by a shop. I've used these saws a lot to cut wood since I'm always testing one it seems.
 
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Bob95065

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I buy dead saws that customers leave at my friends shop. This series is very easy to flip. Usually I can save the cylinder and put a new piston and rings in and the saw is ready to work. Not the last one I rebuilt.

I was at my friend's shop when a pickup pulled up. The guy driving opened the shell and stopped the tailgate to show a couple of MS170s and a MS290. They all looked new. He told us he was cutting firewood with the 170 and it quit running. He picked up the other 170 and it did the same thing so he picked up the 290. It didn't take long before it quit too. That's when he realized he forgot to mix oil in the gas. I wound up with the 290 a week later.

That cylinder had more aluminum on it than any other I had fixed so far. The costing was worn through in several places. I put a Farmertech jug and slug on it and it runs great. I was corncerned about the quality of imported parts but reviews I read on AS put me at ease. I looked at the parts closely when I got them she they appeared to be well made. I find buy a bag of compression release plugs. I plugged the hole in the cylinder before I installed it.

I let the people I sell saws to know that some of the parts I used to rebuild it are not OEM. I haven't had one come back.

Bob
 

kkemp

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Does anyone know a time line on those domed pistons ? I'd like to get the parts here in a couple of weeks but I would wait if there gonna be available in a couple of months or so ..
 

Czed

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I don't believe anybody makes them but im sure you can find someone to weld one up.
 

Mark71gtx

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There will certainly be some R&D involved. If you want to get the saw together now, go ahead and do it. More will show up. They are plentiful...
 

kkemp

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I'll probably put it together . I have another 029 that needs a handle assembly . May be able to do a domed piston on that one.
 

Dub11

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Does anyone know a time line on those domed pistons ? I'd like to get the parts here in a couple of weeks but I would wait if there gonna be available in a couple of months or so ..

I asked the other day was told still waiting on first samples so who knows how long
 

kkemp

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I bought that 029 as a parts saw from my local stihl dealer. Took the handle from it to fix my dad's saw .:(. He may have another come in though . I've bought 2 running 028's as well for 40 bucks a piece. Love those saws .
 

Dub11

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Dam good deal my stealership want 60 bucks for piston rings and 11 for fuel line. Are asked them if they ever heard of the internet
 
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