Stihl 044 slant fin cylinder viability

[Nazjaz]

I got this 044 for free. It seems like relatively low hours; my brother just left it stored in direct Arizona sunlight. The rings were galled on to piston on the exhaust side. I was considering a Hyway big bore kit or Meteor. Upon more research some recommended trying to salvage the original. I sanded off most of the transfer from the piston. However, there are some gouges ( barely catch a fingernail) above the exhaust port. My question is: is this worth trying to run or should I just get a new cylinder. The saw will mainly be used for ranch/ homestead work. This is my first chainsaw rebuild although I am mechanically able.

 

[r black]

i would hone it i use a ball hone with ... very hot soapy water with extra dawn dish soap in the cylinder in kitchen sink under water attached to a drill .... and use in forward and reverse ..at lower speeds ..... clean it up a bit and run it , used cylinders are about 80-100$ , and a lot better than aftermarket

 

[Ketchup]

Run it. You don’t need to fix the scratches just make sure all the aluminum is gone. It won’t have quite as much compression but should still be as good as Hyway or Meteor. Probably better. Get a new piston (Meteor is fine) and rings (Caber). Make sure you fix whatever caused the scoring before you fire it up.

Edit for above comment: many people destroy cylinders using a hone. I don’t recommend it. Sanding will do the job fine. Then a little scotchbrite buff. Takes longer than a hone, but you’re way less likely to take away the plating at the ports.

 

[r black]

opinion's will very , you will need common sense , checking the cylinder many times during the process ...there are other methods all lead to the same results , if you have some mechanical abilities , use the correct hone ..and mostly common sense , you will be fine ........i assure you

 

[Nazjaz]

Any recommendations on a piston, OEM, pop-up or?

 

[L34]

As above.
Be wary with hones near port edges.
Also don't fit a big bore kit,waste of time from what I have read but no expert on these.

 

[r black]

Any recommendations on a piston, OEM, pop-up or?

oem or meteor ..... I find the latter on e-bay , when my needs arise .... 10mm or 12mm piston pin watch that..looks like under $40

 

[Nazjaz]

oem or meteor ..... I find the latter on e-bay , when my needs arise .... 10mm or 12mm piston pin watch that..looks like under $40

View attachment 964730

Thank you for all your input, it confirms my leanings.

 

[L34]

+1 Meteor for 10mm saw.