stihl 029 cylinder removal

[NCFord]

Ok, I just want to make sure I am going down the right path here. I need to replace the cylinder and piston on one of my 029 saws, and took the top part of the plastic and carb off and it seems that the cylinder is bolted on from the bottem? I just did my 044 and it came off from the top, in fact I think I can replace a piston and cylinder on that saw in about 30 mins. But this 029 seems to be a bit more work. It looks like everything has to be removed. I just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything. Thanks.

 

[Jon1270]

I haven't taken an 029 apart, but it does have a "clamshell" engine with screws coming up from the bottom. Because I haven't worked on one I don't know the most direct way to get access to those screws, i.e. whether you can get to them after removing the rear handle/gas tank assembly (like on a Husky 350) or if the engine must be removed from the chassis entirely.

 

[mountainlake]

One of the hardest to work on saws made, what were the engineers thinking. Steve

 

[NCFord]

I noticed. Which saws are built like this, just the 029?

 

[NCFord]

I just had to time to look at the saw more closely last night, it's not bad at all to take the cylinder off. There are 4 T-27 bolts on the bottom of the case that are exposed without taking anything apart. I just unbolted them, tapped the cylinder loose and had the cylinder and piston off in about 15 mins. There is no cylinder gasket, it just gets some sealant. Does anyone know what to use? Regular case sealant? The old stuff looks like grey silicone. Bailys have some Dirko sealant, but it's almost $30 for a small tube. I'm sure I can get something at NAPA that is equivalent.

 

[dougand3]

I use Permatex Motoseal - ~$8 at auto parts store for a big tube. Yamabond and Hondabond are also popular.

 

[dougand3]

I noticed. Which saws are built like this, just the 029?

The clamshell design is basically all homeowner saws - 1990s and later - Poulans, Homelites, Husqvarna, Stihl. I'd guess Echo, too, but never had one apart.

 

[NCFord]

I guess thats why I'm not that familiar, most of my stuff is old. I like old equipment much most that the new stuff. My push lawnmower is about 60 years old and running strong.