New top end but no start.

vonbargen17

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Joined
Dec 28, 2025
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6
STIHL 044 SLANT FIN

Cleaned the cylinder, installed a new piston, rings, and wrist pin. Got everything back together and cant get it to fire.

Installed a new fuel filter, new spark plug, and cleaned the carb. Im getting good spark, fuel to the cylinder (can see it on the spark plug). After cleaning the carb, upon first pull with choke it had that "pop" so I turned the choke off and pulled some more to no avail.

I have not heard another "pop" when on choke since and cant get it to even try to fire.

Did a compression test today and am getting 125psi but think that might be the tester considering my other 441 magnum and 038 magnum II both tested 125 psi as well.

This really has me stumped.

Any constructive help or input is appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Flooding? Old fuel (no vapors)? Flywheel key? Good spark with a tester (wide gap)? Inlet lever in carburetor too high (causes flooding)? Large pressure or vacuum leak? Pulse hose connected?
Some common things to look for.
Now walk away, get a beverage of choice and forget about it till another day. Things may be clearer then.
 
I’d go back to basics...verify carb settings, check for air leaks at the intake and crank seals and confirm timing alignment. A tiny leak or mis-seated gasket can stop a fresh top end from ever firing.
 
STIHL 044 SLANT FIN

Cleaned the cylinder, installed a new piston, rings, and wrist pin. Got everything back together and cant get it to fire.

Installed a new fuel filter, new spark plug, and cleaned the carb. Im getting good spark, fuel to the cylinder (can see it on the spark plug). After cleaning the carb, upon first pull with choke it had that "pop" so I turned the choke off and pulled some more to no avail.

I have not heard another "pop" when on choke since and cant get it to even try to fire.

Did a compression test today and am getting 125psi but think that might be the tester considering my other 441 magnum and 038 magnum II both tested 125 psi as well.

This really has me stumped.

Any constructive help or input is appreciated!
Did you get this sorted?
 
It's okay to say fuel on the spark plug but there can be enough and to much hence
it is possible it is flooding. Have you tried blowing the plug dry with a compressor
and see if you can get it to fire. Also put the compressor gun in the plug hole and give it
a dry out in there as well..
 
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