calereeves
ArboristSite Operative
That is: if you're trying out the "screw in a little tiny screw" method of removing the seal, make sure that tiny little screw doesn't contact the plastic crank bearing keeper. Ugh! I'm not 100% positive that it wasn't already broken, as the screw never even really took the threads and started, it just poked a little hole. I used a screwdriver to pry that hole open enough to pop the seal up, and then found that black retainer was in several pieces.
Guess that trip to the stihl shop I was going to take tomorrow for a new seal will turn into an online order for seals and bearings. I've got another 044 carcass sitting to the side of the bench, I reckon I'll throw a jug on it tomorrow night and vacuum test it. If it checks out I'll put all the good parts on that carcass until the new bearings and seals get here for this one. I've got a guy that's been waiting for a couple of weeks for me to get this saw back together, and I'm hoping he doesn't get tired of waiting and go find another saw!!
Guess that trip to the stihl shop I was going to take tomorrow for a new seal will turn into an online order for seals and bearings. I've got another 044 carcass sitting to the side of the bench, I reckon I'll throw a jug on it tomorrow night and vacuum test it. If it checks out I'll put all the good parts on that carcass until the new bearings and seals get here for this one. I've got a guy that's been waiting for a couple of weeks for me to get this saw back together, and I'm hoping he doesn't get tired of waiting and go find another saw!!