Okay - you asked for it...

Iset about trying to get the crank out of the case by splitting it open. Turns out it's not that easy. The bearings are press-fit into the case, and there are two very-clerverly concealed dowel pins that need to be tapped out. I kind of wondered why the guys on the chainsaw forums were making such a big deal about splitting the crankcase on these engines....

Anyway, Stihl makes a whole range of special pulling tools and jigs to extract the case halves from the bearings and crank - VERY expensive. I am off to pick up a gear puller or two, and then I'll machine some flanges that Ican attach to the case via the screw holes around the crank and pull them off. Sheesh!

Also pulled the carb and had a look. It's a Walbro WJ48 - 19.05mm venturi. Interesting scoop above the diaphragm. Should Iplug that off and tap it for a nipple or leave it alone?

Ilearn and learn and learn... Just not fast enough to keep me out of trouble.

KD