Stihl 084 - Is it worth rebuilding?

[BuzzKut]

Well now I've really done it, blew up my saw before I could even use it. I picked up this 084 a few weeks ago and have been cleaning it up and was just about to head to the dealer to order a few minor parts (like air filter, a few missing screws, and maybe carb kit). I decided to fire it up again to have a listen. Gave it a few good revs and it stalled and ceased. The piston and cylinder is scored up on exhaust port side, and it won't move. Not sure what happened (probably carb problems as it wasn't running real smooth at mid throttle). I have never rebuilt a chainsaw before. I wouldn't mind giving it a go but don't really have the time for it and don't have repair manual either.
Do you guys think it's worth rebuilding this saw or should I cut my losses and try to sell it or part it out? I bought it to try some very small scale milling, haven't had a chance to try any milling yet. I'd probably be better off with a 066 (seems like parts are easier to come by). Has any one had any experience parting out an 084 what could I expect to get for it?

Thanks for any help. Man I'm dissapointed right now really wanted to do some milling soon.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

get the cylinder off and post pics of the scoring. If it's not too bad, a little acid and a new ring might bring it back from the dead.

Ian

 

[Jacob J.]

As long as you didn't damage the plating in the cylinder, it should be worth rebuilding. I never fire up used saws until I made sure the fuel system is in good shape, the bearings and seals are tight, and there's loose parts rattling around inside.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

. I never fire up used saws until I made sure the fuel system is in good shape, the bearings and seals are tight, and there's loose parts rattling around inside.

If there's no loose parts rattling around, what do you add to get the right rattle? I've always kinda liked random ball bearings or small cotter key ends.


Ian

 

[Jacob J.]

If there's no loose parts rattling around, what do you add to get the right rattle?

lol...a slip of the tongue and/or fingers...but I guess if the piston and rings are a tiny bit loose, that's a good thing.

 

[mtngun]

Do you guys think it's worth rebuilding this saw or should I cut my losses and try to sell it or part it out?

If the cylinder can be saved, I'd put a new piston in it -- and give the whole saw a good freshening up -- and run it.

If you have to buy a new jug, then it's probably not worth it.

The guy in Greece recently started offering an Espian piston for the 084.

 

[Sprintcar]

Just got done rebuilding mine. 121cc saw with a 41 inch Stihl .404 bar. Not bad for $350.00 bucks.

 

[tr33thri11s]

#*@# I get to be the first to tell ya that it's way cheaper to just package it up and send it to me, rather than rebuild it. JK If the saw can be rebuilt I would do it. Once rebuilt that thing should last ya a good long while and even then ya can pass it along to put a smile on somebody elses face. At least ya didn't pack it in the pickup, drive several hours to cut some wood, and end up throwing a fit and hurting the saw or possibly yourself in a fit of rage. LOL......or at least that's how it would've went down with me. Good luck on the rebuild. There are alot of helpful guys around here that will point ya in the right direction.

 

[Saw Dr.]

Probably not worth rebuilding. If you need 120cc's of cutting power, I have a deal for you. I have a bunch of 30cc Mini-MAC's here. I'll send you 120cc's worth of Mini-MAC IN RUNNING CONDITION, and you can send me that burned up 084. If you add the 14" bars up, you'll have 56" of bar too.

:greenchainsaw::greenchainsaw::greenchainsaw::greenchainsaw:

 

[thomas72]

Cannot go wrong with the Saw Dr. offer.

 

[mtngun]

Just got done rebuilding mine.

Didn't happen unless you show pics.

I don't see the economics of a rebuild if the OP has to buy a new jug, but, that's just me.

 

[thomas72]

Just curious. How much is a new cylinder for the 084?

 

[leeha]

I did an 088 a few months ago and
the best price i found on a P+C from
Stihl was $325

If this 084 is a clean saw with no broken
parts i would fix it, But thats me. I always
like a challenge.


Lee

 

[little possum]

Sure its worth rebuilding. These fine fellows can walk you through step by step.

Tear it down after cleaning around the cylinder, to keep dirt/grime from entering the case, then get some pictures up for these saw gurus.

Then make your decision.

084 would make a good mill saw with all the torque.

 

[JJuday]

Didn't happen unless you show pics.

I don't see the economics of a rebuild if the OP has to buy a new jug, but, that's just me.

Compared to buying an MS 880 or even stepping down to the MS 660, rebuilding that things is bargain basement price wise. Even with a new jug, you can't get many 066's or 084's that cheap and expect to do much with them.

You already own the saw, buy good quality parts and don't look back. I used my 084 to block up some nice big rounds today and love running that monster, just hate packing it around. JJuday

 

[StihlyinEly]

084 would make a good mill saw with all the torque.

Milling was the first thing I thought of when I saw this thread. As a woodworker, I'd love to get into it, but that ain't gonna happen unless we can find a place with more room a bit farther south.

But I'd follow advice given earlier if it was my saw and take it apart and post pics so the experts can weigh in on what can or cannot be saved and used over. Plus, everybody on here gets a woody when you post pictures.

 

[BuzzKut]

Thanks for all your replies so far. I've had some time to cool off and decided I'm not going to take a sludge hammer to the thing:bang:. That wouldn't be very economical either.
I'll try to pull the jug and get some pictures to see if you guys think it can be saved. If not still might try to rebuild or maybe have it done professionally? Unless I find someone with an 066 or ms660 in similar condition for trade. Really don't wan't sink too much more into it though. Looks like I'll need a long torx to pull the 4 bolts. So question so far is do I get this tool at the dealer and then how will I be able to pull the cylinder off the piston without doing any more damage, because it ceased up?
Oh and yeah what would new piston and jug cost?

 

[little possum]

Might wanna pull the carb off. Then spray some penetrating oil in the cylinder if it isnt moving at all. Or ATF and diesel fuel.

Stick the carb somewhere safe from the elements. Like a plastic bag or whatever else.

Also I would pull the recoil cover off, because after the oil or solution sits for a while you should try to move the piston a little to see if it broke loose. I would rather try turning the flywheel by hand rather than pulling on the recoil.

Then while you hunt for the tool you need, let it set a little longer

If you go through that, the case will need to be flushed out with some premix before re-assembly

New piston and cyl is gonna cost ya over 300$ bones probably. The big CC saws cost a little more to fix.

 

[mtngun]

I'll try to pull the jug and get some pictures to see if you guys think it can be saved.

We enjoy pics. You probably won't know if it can be saved until you clean off the aluminum -- unless it is obvious that there are big gouges in the cylinder.

If not still might try to rebuild or maybe have it done professionally?

It'll cost ya. Top end alone $300 - $400 parts, not counting labor. Plus it's likely that other problems will be revealed that will cost more $$$ -- after all, it did seize up. Might need a complete rebuild, new seals, bearings, hoses. $ $ $

Looks like I'll need a long torx to pull the 4 bolts. So question so far is do I get this tool at the dealer

Perhaps. My T27 wrench came from Baileys.

how will I be able to pull the cylinder off the piston without doing any more damage, because it ceased up?

Once the jug is free, might have to use force on the piston thru the plug hole (careful not to damage the plug hole). Several ways to go about that. Ask again when you get that far.

Oh and yeah what would new piston and jug cost?

I'd use an Espian piston, around $40 on the 'bay. OEM is $140-ish, I believe. Not sure about jug cost but prolly $300 +.

Before you run it again, you'll have to figure out why it seized -- probably an air leak somewhere -- and fix that. $ $ $

It'll be a fun project saw for someone who has the tools and enjoys the work -- but considering you don't even have a long T27, you'll have to decide if the project is right for you. If not, put it for sale on the AS trading post, "as is, make offer."

 

[Sprintcar]

Didn't happen unless you show pics.

I don't see the economics of a rebuild if the OP has to buy a new jug, but, that's just me.

Saw as I picked it up.

Nice saw, rebuild included new piston and rings and that was about it. haven't put it in any wood yet, that will come later.