046 rear handle/gas tank

[treeclimber165]

OK, I have a small dilemma. I've started doing some routine maint. on my boss's saws, and discovered a problem with his favorite 046. The top handle was bent a while back, got run over. Where the top handle mounts underneath, the plastic frame (it's also the gas tank/rear handle) is cracked almost all the way through. At least one rubber mount is torn, also.
I need to start calling around for a dead 046 to scavenge the tank/rear handle assy. My question is: Will the 044 handle/tank match up? or are the 044 and 046 different? I think I would have an easier time finding a dead 044.

 

[stihltech]

044/046

Yes the tank and handle will switch, but you need all the parts from an 044 to do it. You will have to switch the air filter housing studs from the 046 to use the same intake setup. They are longer. I have done 3 this way for a logger that breaks them up monthly.