Yeah the MS440 was "terminal" according to the Stihl dealer, reckoned the crank had a roller bearing that had chipped off. Sold it on an auction site here for $330 with an honest description, guy who bought it is going to do a full rebuild because he can.
In any case with my limited knowledge I wouldn't attempt to split a case, plus a Stihl crank is $NZ700...wouldn't use a chink one, plus I still have to buy P/C..starts to add up.
Might buy an MS391 in the future as a 440 replacement, I have the 661, so something between the MS180 and MS661 would be good.
You guys ran any chink saws, do they run well on 40:1 synthetic, or do I HAVE to use a mineral at 25:1 to make it last a wee while? I'm tempted to just use the Stihl mix and see how long it lasts.
Got a huge gum to do soon, so there will be lots of middle sized wood..this tree in all honesty is the biggest I've seen in my 50 years..quite intimidated by it to be honest. Will be fun though, got an arborist mate who will do the climbing etc on it. Here in NZ gum is really sought after for firewood.