Serial number help with an old 044

[Fulton1]

Newb here and I'm looking at picking up a used Stihl 044. Complete serial number is 11287411000 according to the owner and I'm trying to determine whether this is a 10mm or 12mm wrist pin saw. As I understand it the 1128 designates it as an 044. The remainder of the serial # would then be 7411000, which would put it prior to the x29583701 cutoff point and would make this an older variant with the 10mm wrist pin. Am I doing this right or am I missing something?

FWIW, label just reads "Stihl 044". No "Magnum".

 

[mdavlee]

Yeah it looks like a 10mm one to me.

 

[Roanoker494]

A couple of "key indicators" that a 044 has a 10mm wrist pin is the master control switch is red and the top of the cylinder is flat. On the 12mm pin models the master switch is black and the top of the cylinder has additional vertical fins. This is not always 100% reliable because the piston is the only part that is not interchangeable, meaning you can use a 12mm style cylinder with a 10mm piston.

 

[Fulton1]

Great info. Thanks.

 

[Mastermind]

On a 10mm saw the fins on top of the jug are on an angle. The 12mm fins are straight.

 

[splitpost]

On a 10mm saw the fins on top of the jug are on an angle. The 12mm fins are straight.

Early 12mm saws had angled fins as well:smile2:

 

[Mastermind]

Early 12mm saws had angled fins as well:smile2:

Really??? I've not seen that yet. Thanks for the info.

 

[splitpost]

your serial number is'nt right ,this is where it will be

 

[splitpost]

Really??? I've not seen that yet. Thanks for the info.

yep,no worrries:smile2:

 

[young]

starting from serial 1 29 382 283 is 12mm.

 

[pioneerguy600]

starting from serial 1 29 382 283 is 12mm.

May I ask, where did you get that number from?

 

[JDNicol]

Yes, 11287411000 is not a serial number. I wouldn't mind betting it is actually supposed to be 11287911000, in which case it is the moulded number found on the rear handle assembly (which all 044s with the same tank will have).

According to Stihl the 10mm crank was used up to X 29 583 701 (In IPL)

Whereas the 12mm crank was used from X 29 382 283 (In tech note)

:msp_confused: (yes they appear to be the "wrong way round")
(I wouldn't mind betting the serial numbers in between either don't exist or belong to a different model, so either number could probably be used to differentiate?)

I also have come across a couple apparently original 044s with serial numbers X 30... which had cylinders with angled top fins and 12mm cranks...

 

[Fulton1]

A couple of "key indicators" that a 044 has a 10mm wrist pin is the master control switch is red and the top of the cylinder is flat. On the 12mm pin models the master switch is black and the top of the cylinder has additional vertical fins. This is not always 100% reliable because the piston is the only part that is not interchangeable, meaning you can use a 12mm style cylinder with a 10mm piston.

Thanks again for this tip. The owner has not responded to my request for the "correct" serial number, but in his pics I see that it has a red control switch. Too bad because it looks like its in nice shape.

I guess the question for you guys is, assuming I'm just planning to leave the saw stock should I really be concerned about the 10mm pin?

 

[watsonr]

They say those are the ones that rip! No worries.

 

[kr5258]

No complaints with my 10mm 044. Spins up very quickly. Use it way more than my 460.

 

[young]

May I ask, where did you get that number from?

from Stihl.

 

[pioneerguy600]

from Stihl.

Thanks much, it is slightly different from the one Andy gave me so I will update my file.

 

[Stihl-Pioneer]

May I ask, where did you get that number from?

Here is the bulletin

 

[imagineero]

+1 on the 10mm being the better saw. I've owned 10 and 12mm versions of this saw and found the 10mm just that bit more eager. If I ever found another 10mm in good condition I'd pay nearly new price for it. Definitely my favourite saw ever.

Shaun

 

[RiverRat2]

May I ask, where did you get that number from?

It is also posted on tha baileys website on the Stihl P/C kits BB application

Thanks much, it is slightly different from the one Andy gave me so I will update my file.

Hey Guy,,,

Check your PMs!!!