Rare STIHL 044 C Chainsaw with Automatic Choke

The STIHL 044 C is a rare version of the classic 70cc STIHL 044 chainsaw that features an automatic choke system.

This model was produced in limited numbers in the early 1990s and is distinguishable by its “auto choke” starting mechanism.

The saw pictured here belongs to Wayne Sutton and is on display at his Chainsaw Museum in Amboy, Washington. In a 2025 Facebook thread he shared, “I have a NOS one that I got when they were first introduced. Not many were sold, and I think it was a single run.” 

STIHL 044 C specs

The 044 C shares most core specifications with the standard STIHL 044. The main mechanical difference is the starting/choke system.

The table below summarizes key specs and highlights the choke system difference:

The auto-choke system does not increase engine power or size – it is a convenience feature for starting. Notably, the 044 C variant retained the early 044 design elements (e.g. many had the older red master control lever and 10mm piston pin common to pre-1994 044s).

Later standard 044s switched to a 12mm wrist pin for the connecting rod; all 044 C examples are believed to be the early design (10mm) according to owners. The weight difference of the auto-choke parts is minimal, so handling and performance in cutting are the same as a standard 044.

Marketing material

Engineering Changes on Model 044 Chain Saws – Series 1128

New version with automatic choke

The world’s first chain saw with an automatic choke is available with immediate effect. It is a new version of the 044 with the sales designation “STIHL 044 C”. The “C” in the sales designation denotes the chain saw is specially equipped with an automatic choke in this case.

The operator sets the Master Control to the “I” position and starts the saw. The automatic choke decides whether a cold or warm start is necessary. The Master Control remains in that position until the saw is shut down again. The automatic choke selects the throttle and choke shutter positions required for an optimum mixture and ensures a faster start.

Professionals will notice the benefits after work breaks: there will be a considerable reduction in the number of pulls required to restart the saw during a normal workday.

Two further Master Control positions enable the throttle and choke shutter to be set manually. This means the machine can be started with the choke shutter closed if the tank has been run dry and then refueled – even though the engine is at operating temperature.

Automatic choke system

The hallmark of the 044 C is its fully automatic choke (Startautomatik). In a standard chainsaw, the operator manually sets the choke on cold starts (using the master control lever). In the 044 C, the choke is self-regulating.

Starting procedure

The operator simply moves the master control lever one click down from “Stop” (the normal run position) and pulls the starter cord – regardless of hot or cold start. The saw’s internal mechanism automatically applies and releases choke as needed. This system was intended to simplify starting and prevent flooding or operator error in choke use.

Mechanical layout

The auto-choke system on the 044 C is quite complex internally. It consists of a special carburetor (Zama C3M-S12B) with additional choke linkages, a vacuum-operated bellows actuator, and a small control valve assembly on the cylinder.

Key components

Impulse “Control Valve”: A valve assembly mounted on the cylinder base that routes engine vacuum pulses to the choke mechanism. (On the 044 C’s cylinder, the usual impulse port to the carburetor is not drilled in the standard manner. Instead, this control valve and an elbow fitting supply vacuum to operate the choke.) The control valve has O-rings and a support bracket to seal it to the cylinder.

Vacuum Bellows: A small rubber bellows (sometimes described as a “bulb”) that converts the vacuum pulses into mechanical motion. When the engine is cranked and fires, vacuum is drawn on this bellows, which then pulls open the choke flap automatically. (A forum description notes that “when you squeeze the [bellows] bulb, nothing happens, but when you let it expand the choke opens, due to vacuum created in the box at the base of the cylinder…” – illustrating how the vacuum in the sealed chamber causes the choke to release.) Essentially, on a cold start the choke stays closed for initial cranking, and as soon as the engine fires and creates sustained vacuum, the bellows retracts to open the choke plate gradually, allowing normal running.

Choke Linkage & “Magic Box”: A set of linkages, springs, and levers connect the bellows to the carburetor’s choke plate. The parts list refers to a “Schaltwelle” (switch shaft) and “Schaltschieber” (slide) which work together as the choke actuator. These, along with a special switch housing and contact springs, integrate the auto-choke with the Master Control lever positions. The user cannot manually lock the choke; the lowest lever position is not used on the 044 C. Instead, the choke plate’s position is governed by the “magic box” assembly attached to the cylinder. (In the 044 C, the lever’s choke position is effectively disabled – one owner noted that the saw should just be set to run, and the auto-choke takes over.)

Additional Filter: The auto-choke mechanism has a tiny felt or foam air filter (part #1128 120 1500 with foam insert) to keep debris out of the control valve and bellows system. This is in addition to the main air filter for engine intake. Keeping this little filter clean is important for proper choke function.

In practical terms, these components made the 044 C’s crankcase and carburetor assembly look quite “busy.” An experienced rebuilder who owned one described it as “a pretty ‘busy’ setup,” with extra passages and parts packed in around the carb and cylinder.

The cylinder has a special cutout and port to accommodate the choke control valve near the base (in addition to the normal impulse nipple). All of this was factory-engineered to automatically enrich the mixture during starting and then quickly disengage choke once the engine fires, without user intervention.

When tuned and functioning, the auto-choke does not affect cutting performance – it only alters starting behavior. Users report that an 044 C “starts easily hot or cold” with the system intact. Once running, it behaves like any other 044 in power and throttle response. The automatic choke disengages as soon as the engine can sustain idle, so there is no choke-induced rich running after startup.

Production history

The STIHL 044 was produced from 1988 until 2001, but the 044 C (auto-choke) variant only appeared for a short period in the early 1990s.

STIHL introduced the auto-choke feature around 1990–1991. A 1991 STIHL owners manual for the 044 explicitly covers the 044 C, indicating that by that year the model was on the market. In this manual, STIHL lists the 044 C alongside the standard 044 (and even shows a catalytic muffler in the cover photo, which suggests STIHL was experimenting with new features like catalysts and auto-choke around the same time).

It’s worth noting that in some documentation the “C” suffix could be mistaken for “catalyst” (German KAT) because STIHL was also pioneering catalytic converter mufflers in that era. However, in the case of the 044, the “C” specifically denotes the auto-choke system – referred to as a Comfort feature by STIHL collectors (later STIHL usage of “C” often meant comfort features).

The actual catalytic converter-equipped 044s did exist (particularly in Europe, sometimes called 044 KAT), but they were not labeled “C” on the model plate. In fact, one 044 manual from 1991 shows an 044 with a catalytic muffler on the cover, yet that manual covers both 044 and 044 C models separately. This implies STIHL had multiple experimental variants concurrently (e.g., 044 C auto-choke, and some 044 with catalytic mufflers), but they did not combine them into one model.

The 044 C was relatively short-lived. Enthusiast forums suggest it was discontinued by the mid-1990s, likely due to limited demand or the added complexity. By the time STIHL updated the 044 to the later design (12mm wrist pin and “Magnum” branding in some markets, circa 1994+), the auto-choke feature was being phased out. There was no auto-choke in the successor model (MS440) introduced in 2001 – the concept did not continue in STIHL’s professional saw lineup.

Production numbers were low enough that the 044 C is described as “pretty rare, not as rare as the Stihl 023L, but one of the rarer modern Stihl variations.” It seems to have been sold in both North America and Europe in small quantities. In the U.S., it’s quite uncommon – one expert noted that “Stihl almost never put [auto-choke] on saws” in the U.S. market (most 044 C units would have been special-order or limited release).

Collectors in forums have shared serial numbers of their 044 C units to estimate age: for example, a user’s “project 044 C” had serial #125454962, which corresponds roughly to early ’90s production. Another clue in the parts list is a technical revision in 1992 referencing the auto-choke parts, implying the feature was introduced around that time and no later than ’92. By 1994, STIHL’s tech updates for the 044 (like the change to 12mm piston pin) likely marked the end of the auto-choke variant (the parts list shows no auto-choke beyond certain serial ranges).

In summary, approximate years of 044 C production were around 1990/91. It did not remain in the lineup through the late ’90s, making surviving units relatively few.

Collector value

Because of its rarity and unique engineering, the 044 C has become a collectible chainsaw for STIHL enthusiasts. Experienced collectors on forums have highlighted that a fully intact, functional 044 C is a desirable find.

In a 2010 discussion, members urged the original poster to buy an 044 C he found for sale, exclaiming “it’s rare!!!! BUY IT!!!”. At that time the saw was purchased for $375, a good deal given its condition.

By 2014, a used 044 C in working order was being offered for sale around $500+ (the seller noted he was looking for offers or trades). Some forum users noted the saw had cosmetic issues but still remarked on its uniqueness.

Collectors anticipate that many 044 C saws will end up as display pieces. One comment in the sale thread: “a saw as rare as this 044C (with a fully functional auto-choke) may end up as part of a display/collection.” They discussed the idea of even replacing the crankcase halves to make it cosmetically “like new” for a collection – indicating someone might go to lengths to restore one for posterity.

Value-wise, a premium is usually expected over a standard 044. A nice standard 044 might fetch a few hundred dollars (often $400–600 depending on region and condition), whereas the 044 C can command a higher price if the auto-choke system is complete. Collectors value originality – an 044 C that still has all its auto-choke parts and they work is worth more than one that’s been converted to manual choke (at that point it’s essentially just a normal 044 with a “C” tag).

The 044 C is known and sought after by chainsaw collectors worldwide. In Europe, it’s sometimes referred to as “044 Comfort.” There have been listings on German sites for specific 044 C parts (suggesting collectors there keep an eye out for spares). The fact that STIHL incorporated the 044 C info in manuals means it wasn’t a one-off prototype but a bona fide variant – this appeals to STIHL aficionados who want one of each variant in their collection.

Overall, the market interest is high relative to the number of saws made. It’s not unusual for an 044 C in good shape to fetch a 20–30% higher price than an equivalent condition standard 044, due to the novelty. As time goes on (and as parts get harder to find), many owners choose not to actually work these saws hard, instead preserving them. Owning an 044 C is often more about the collecting experience and mechanical curiosity than practical use.

Replacement parts and serviceability

Because the 044 C is essentially an 044 with extra hardware, most standard engine and chassis parts (piston, cylinder, ignition, clutch, etc.) are identical to the regular 044 and are readily available. However, the auto-choke specific parts are now quite scarce.

OEM Availability

Many of the automatic choke components are NLA (No Longer Available) from STIHL. For instance, the rubber bellows (part #1128 120 4800) is listed as “vom Hersteller nicht mehr lieferbar” (no longer supplied by manufacturer). Specialized pieces like the Steuerventil (1128 120 5010) or the choke linkage parts were produced only for this model. Some small items (O-rings, springs, clips) can be substituted with generic parts (the small hoses and O-rings are common sizes), but critical parts like the bellows or the carburetor are unique.

Aftermarket Solutions

There is virtually no aftermarket reproduction specifically for the auto-choke parts, due to the rarity of the model. Owners must rely on used parts or NOS (New-Old-Stock) if available. Sometimes these surface on auction sites – for example, an OEM automatic choke filter with foam (1128 120 1500) has occasionally appeared as old stock. Niche German suppliers occasionally have odd bits (such as a Schaltwelle or choke switch shaft) listed as new parts. But generally, one should not expect to find a full set of auto-choke components easily.

Interchange/Conversion

Many 044 C saws in the field have been converted back to a standard choke over time. If an auto-choke part failed and could not be sourced, a practical fix is to install a conventional 044 cylinder (with normal impulse port) and a regular 044 carburetor, removing the auto-choke mechanism. This is exactly what some owners have done. STIHL even offered a conversion kit in some markets, since the IPL shows the standard choke parts as compatible.

Converting requires swapping the carb and removing the extra linkage, and possibly changing the top cover or air box cover to one without the auto-choke cutouts. The master control lever setup also needs to be standard.

Service Documentation

Official service manuals for the 044 (and the later MS440) largely omit the auto-choke, focusing on the standard configuration. The best reference is the 044 parts list (IPL), which includes an exploded diagram and listing of the auto-choke sub-assembly (often labeled section “J” or Startautomatikteile). That IPL can guide reassembly.

General Serviceability

Apart from the choke apparatus, the 044 C is as serviceable as any 044. It has the same magnesium crankcase and pro-grade construction. Common wear items (piston rings, crank seals, etc.) can be replaced with standard 044 parts.

If the auto-choke still functions, maintenance includes keeping the small choke filter clean and ensuring the bellows and control valve seals are sound (no cracks or leaks). Given the age (~30 years), rubber parts may dry out – a degraded bellows or O-ring could cause the choke to malfunction (e.g., leaking vacuum so the choke opens too early or not at all).

STIHL 044 C Chainsaw

Enthusiasts generally find the 044 C interesting and a cool piece of STIHL engineering history. It’s often described as “cool” and “different.” There is a sense of novelty when you start the saw without touching the choke and it fires right up.

On the flip side, some express that the benefit was marginal: a well-tuned standard 044 is already easy to start, and STIHL’s later Easy2Start spring systems (on homeowner saws) probably delivered more tangible user benefit than the auto-choke did.

In professional use, simplicity and reliability are paramount – so one can understand why the auto-choke didn’t catch on widely. Because of the rarity, many small-engine mechanics have never seen an 044 C in person.